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Toyota Corolla (11th Gen)

14-19 · Toyota Corolla

91out of 100

The E170 is the Corolla that finally got everything right, top IIHS scores, a genuinely refined cabin, and near-zero unscheduled repair visits.

Score breakdown

95/ 100Reliability×2.588/ 100True Annual Cost×3.095/ 100Safety×2.082/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

Toyota's most refined Corolla to date. The 2ZR-FAE produces 140hp with Valvematic variable lift. Reliability scores are the highest of any Corolla generation. The interior took a real step up. ESC and 6 airbags are standard across all trims.

Why it's on this list

The highest-scoring Corolla on this site. At the $10k–$15k price range it represents the best cost-to-reliability ratio available. Independent shops know the platform cold.

The honest trade-offs

CVT option exists but the 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual are the drivetrains to buy. Cargo space is unchanged from E140 at 13.0 cu ft, tight for a family. Some early 2014 models had a Takata airbag recall, verify completion.

What to buy and what to avoid

17-19 LE or SE with the 6-speed automatic. Verify Takata airbag recall is closed on earlier years. S trim adds sport tuning with minimal cost penalty. Manual is excellent for the price.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,287 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$362 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$160 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,860 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,420 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,309 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$1,869 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
31[5]
MPG city / hwy
28 / 37[5]
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl (2ZR-FAE)
Horsepower
140 hp
Torque
126 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
13 cu ft
Stock tires
195/65R15
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

Also available in hatchback. The score reflects the primary body style listed above.

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
14%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$362 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.2[1]
Severe issue probability
7%[1]
250k-mile survival
70%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$20 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Toyota Corolla?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

View options

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