2013 Toyota Corolla S

We'd say the ever-popular Toyota Corolla is a leader in quality, comfort, style and driving - if this were 2003. But it's 2013, and Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder says the past decade hasn't been kind, as competitors have surpassed the stalwart compact sedan in everything from interior materials and controls to cabin space and cargo volume. Moreover, despite reliable ride comfort, a returning four-speed automatic transmission in a crowd of better-accelerating five and six-speeds makes it seem like the 2013 Corolla is content riding on its rep. Let's hope the newly announced redesign feels otherwise.

[@SavageListener]

This is one of those cars you complain about for lack of technology but in 20 years when these are still running with 300,000 miles you wish you had. Simplicity is actually innovative.

[@edgonzalez4254]

Very true well said

[@rikkihodgins3613]

Im thinking of buying one of these is the acceleration really that bad

[@SavageListener]

@@rikkihodgins3613 the ‘S’ model is adequately quick enough in real world driving with 0-60 of about 8 seconds. The standard base model maybe 9 to 10 seconds.

[@dwalker691]

where did they find this guy from? and I thought his review is supposed to be unbiased.

[@azaz911c]

I bought one of these Corollas used, after looking at the competitors. I agree that some competitors are stronger in aspects of interior material quality, and handling, and they cost less too on the used market. However, if you can look past those aspects, the Corolla is an inherently well designed, well constructed, and comfortable car for everyday driving needs that reflects Toyota's engineering experience. Driving on the highway at 100 km/h (60 mph), the engine runs serenely. Even with the automatic having only 4 speeds, I average 32.6 mpg (US) in 100% city driving. The car is approaching 8 years old, and drives like new. This is why people buy Toyotas.

[@talibdejon]

Agree 👍

[@gustoe21]

I'm pretty sure Honda payed this fool to review this. I picked a 2013 Corolla S over other cars. Not the fastest car in the planet by any chance, but it gets the job done as a daily. Reliable, easy to own, and good gas mileage. I'm still happy choosing this car rather than others.

[@rayemanuel7460]

Purchased my 2012 Toyota Corolla LE used 2 years ago and couldn't be happier. It hasn't given me a single problem and does what I need it to, which is to get me to work every day and run errands. Sure there are more exciting cars that have more advanced technologies and perform better, however, I will take tried and true bullet proof reliability over those cars. Turbo chargers and direct injection are exciting, until you have to deal with carbon deposits on valves and reduced longevity of engine components due to heat buildup. Toyota Corollas are like cockroaches: they will outlive pretty much anything on the road today and find a way to survive no matter how much you try to kill them.

[@bobbybiggs2571]

Yes! Turbos and D.I. cause more issues at 50k miles than any Corolla will have at 200k miles

[@LadeOnlineSteadylux]

This car actually looks better to me than all the ones he compared them to. Idk about the interior because he did not show the interior of the other cars, but from the outside looks model and all, i'll take this one over the other models which i did today.

[@gmabcaa]

I bought it for reliability. My husband was a mechanic and could keep a cheap piece of junk Chevy, Ford and whatever running. He always said Toyota's were the best. Now he is gone so I bought my first and probably last new car, Toyota Corolla. I need reliability not high tech stuff to go out on me. By the way, I only paid $18,600 for it.

[@KathyTartt]

You deserve it more than anyone in the world. I wish I was able to walk .I would work and make the payments for you. I love you mommy...

[@JorgeSanchez-hk8hf]

Great choise!!!!!!. Sherley. You did good.

[@randyrrs7028]

@Chris Christian couldn't agree more

[@firedude1Productions]

Sorry for your loss and he is totally right. Hopefully you still have that Corolla and it’s still serving you well!

[@raysantana7682]

This guy works for Honda dealer his crazy my 2013 Toyota Corolla is the best car I don't need all that stuff his talking about that Honda Civic have. I pay $11.500 for my 2013 with 28.000miles and is brand new. go some place else with your story boy.

[@rikkihodgins3613]

Is it really as slow as all the reviews say I'm going to buy one of these

[@mdd47]

How many of them Elantras are still running like a top 8 years later though? My 2013 Corolla has never needed one single repair. Advances transmissions are great until they break. Soft touch dashboards are great until they start disintegrating after a decade. Push button ac controls might feel silky smooth but you have to take your eye off the road to hit that tiny button with your finger instead of grabbing a big ol chunky knob and turning. And good luck adjusting your power seat when all those gizmos break.

[@OneNotNumb]

People buy it for reliability not tech crap.

[@NF0J]

EPA rating doesn't mean squat. I just drove a 2012 Corolla from Minnesota to southern Florida and back. Average MPG for the trip was 38.8. In addition, the ride was far more comfortable than expected. I'll take this over pretty gauges and faux materials any day.

[@MooMoo69556]

I’ve had this car since 2014, replaced the transmission fluid, brake fluids, oil changes, cabin and air filters, spark plugs etc and it’s still running great

[@JorgeSanchez-hk8hf]

All other brands may have some extra bells and whitsles. But no other brands can compare to the quality and longebity of toyota. Not to mention resale value.

[@MegaAngrygerman]

And part of that strong resale value is keeping things the same for a longer time. Frequent changes drives resale value for older models way down. If Toyota frequently changed things, resale goes down, and the reviewers bitch and complain. I personally like the Corolla, very simple, reminds me of my old faithful 1985 VW Passat. Both cars don't have much, but what they do have is well put together and feels like it will last.

[@icantw8]

Resale value on the 2013 corolla is below average. I can ATTEST to that because I actually traded in my corolla and ended up taking a huge percentage of the original MSRP down after trading it in.

[@JorgeSanchez-hk8hf]

Ofcourse dealers allways pay auction price for their traids. Resale value its great for private owners. Only.

[@MegaAngrygerman]

icantw8 Dealers love to screw trade ins. If you trade in to a dealer you can expect to get much less than the fair value. Dealers then clean the car up and fix any issues, before selling it at around fair market value. They make up to $1500 per car doing this. My friend traded in his 2003 Subaru Outback VDC wagon (30k new), and got $4000. A few weeks later, he saw the same car in a used car inventory selling for $10k. Granted his car did have a few mechanical issues, but even if an engine swap was done ($3k is generous), the dealership could still make $3000 in profit. And the car sold within two months.

[@JorgeSanchez-hk8hf]

On my personal experience i believe its true. I had a 1986 with 200k miles and worked very well. Poor countrys strive for old toyotas because they dont have to spent alot of money fixing it. Often.

[@jessicafehlberg4302]

Don't no why most people hate on the looks of the corolla s, I like the style of the car. If u are buying a car for reliability and resale value then buy the corolla if not buy something else because this car is not fun to drive and has no power. I think all of the newer styled cars are starting to look the same even the 2014 corolla. That's why I bought a 2013 before redesign plus got a good deal on one.

[@amritbirgill9659]

I remember when cars were for getting from one place to another :/

[@TheBorderJumper17]

Let other people purchase their Gadget Cars, they'll be asking for a tow in a few years

[@captainamerica7800]

Good times. A car is a car to me. Toyotas are reliable and last for so long. Never worry about it breaking down on the road nothin.

[@tieoneon1614]

11 years later and this car still sells used for +$10k while the innovation u glazed on other manufacturers has made them discontinued LOL. Reliability from simplicity is the innovation most of us are looking for after this past decade

[@Joshtheweatherman]

The last Corolla that had a good body style (imo), and still uses the 4-speed transmission, unlike the newer ones with the CVT. Glad I bought mine brand-new in 2013. It's the "S" version, but it didn't come with the fancy wheels, seats, spoiler, speedometer, none of that. Basic and simple as you can get (which I like)! Funny thing was, even though the car is the "S" model, it was still the cheapest one on the lot!

[@troysmith159]

I like the mechanical dials, they feel like they are actually connected to something.

[@furious94ls]

This car is made for 18-25 year old girls that need a safe reliable car. There is no need for a review.

[@cooltu2000]

american card have bad engin it will break down after u finish down payment

[@JorgeSanchez-hk8hf]

True!!

[@oraciojacobo6501]

Bro wtf is this man sayin. Mans prolly drives some heat up Ford Focus🥱.

[@upallnightdj1256]

Toyota Corolla as are the best nobody needs a piece of junk Chevy GM motors are shit

[@noahmeme2]

I like it because it's outdated. I hate new designs.

[@autonathan]

Toyota doesn't like to mess with their reliability. The Corolla has a relatively basic engine. There is no direct injection or a turbocharger. The Corolla is reliable because there is nothing to go wrong on it.

[@zachg9065]

Thinking about getting one as a no frills used commuter car and this is what it is. No one can match the reliability and low maintenance and repair costs of Totyota

[@knack0125]

So....putting a "with the times" infotainment system into a car that as a whole is "behind the times" magically makes it with the times? I drive a 97 Corolla and it has a 3 speed auto and 2013 only has 4? Don't get me wrong yes it was a bit negative but same time, you need to shop, not just go with what you "know".

[@raykrislianggi]

When the hell will Toyota make attractive cars... The interior looks like it's designed in 2001.

[@biglittle92]

Wow the civic has more room? My dad purchased a fresh one last year and by comparison i can honestly say that you sir are "trippin" lol hard to take you seriously with your dishonesty

[@Windgrace]

I owned a 2010 Corolla. Ride was comfortable (read: crazy body roll) and quiet on the highway and I got a consistent 30-32 mpg average. The car was a RATTLEBOX. Rattles everywhere. We've had much better luck with the 06 Civic in our family that averages 34 and with 120k on it has no rattles and handles much better.

[@DeadofWinter321]

I'd still buy this car. Very, very dependable!

[@noahmeme2]

I almost bought this but it was a eBay motors Facebook marketplace scam for $1,000. I didn't fall for it.

[@RicardoHernandez-yc3gd]

I bought my car today and its ok

[@crackaddict444]

Not to mention a 7-speed CVT, which is supposed to address many of the complaints about the droning, rubber band effect from CVTs.

[@Naganch]

Still driving a 2009 S with 160K miles. Wonderfully straightforward car.

[@Parth29252]

2014 toyota corolla is on its way and it is way better than this crap In my opinion. Ps I would not buy a toyota no matter what.

[@AI-qy2mz]

wow compared to the 2016 corolla the 2016 is luxury

[@wilpujols9923]

Toyota forever

[@Jferrari427]

I just had this as my rental car. Have to agree, this car doesn't feel modern.

[@cassiocm]

Just curious, which one you ended up getting, let me guess, Mazda3?

[@radioactivemovies6471]

my S is a 2013 and is alot nicer on then inside than that you bought a very toned down one and my S is the same price normaly and didnt pay any extra for the nicer things

[@Eikomusic_411]

Does it have space in the back seat

[@zeesmobilemart5954]

For 1k you can add all the bells and whistles yourself so that's not even an issue. Go with Toyota or go home!!

[@brandonfriesen5389]

I agree with what he's saying except the transmission. So you would choose a 2003 inspired 4-speed auto instead of Volkswagens superb DSG 6 speed? Yes the Focus has a terrible Dual clutch but still...

[@icantw8]

It's only "best-selling" because Toyota likes to dump their whole lineup to Hertz rent a car. If you look at the actual number of Corollas sold to retail customers, that number will be similar to its competitors.

[@LaoK8710]

even more funny and how people so dumb, when I mentioned the same thing at other video, some "corolla" or "Toyota" lovers start to shit on me. I did not say Toyota or Corolla is a bad car at all, it has its reason to be the best selling car, because of the name. But, really, much much much more better options than the outgoing Corolla! and most of the people just scared to get other better options ! and yes, the newer model still can not get on the stage compares with others!

[@rizuan8547]

reliability, cheap, and comfort. not suitable for someone looking for technology, performance and design.

[@MEAMERIE]

can you not read? I have said multiple times that I HAVE drove this car multiple time and in real world situations not a test drive. My girlfriend had one for a rental for like 2 weeks, she even agreed it had no get up and go at all. her mazda 3 was much better than this corrolla

[@MarcG7424]

Point A to Point B no many how many times you ask a Corolla to do no other compact car does it better

[@cassiocm]

I have a 2012 Prius with Entunes and it is a joke. The NAVI guides you to the traffic jam not away from it. The bluetooth must have an annoyance sensor, when you most want to connect (such as when travelling) that's when it just refuses to find your phone. I pretty much gave up on this unfinished system.

[@cassiocm]

I know, I know, but you have to admit is a much better car. You can always get a aftermarket Navi later. What I am trying to say, is that Toyota is tricking people with incentives and gifts to get people to sign on the dotted line. That is the only way they can sell this car. Heavy discounts.

[@MEAMERIE]

This car makes me mad... It just drives so badly. You step on the gas.... Just noise and it looks bland/ cheap. They should be giving these away. It only sells on the name -_-

[@lowincash]

Do I need to spell it out for you? Okay...2013 mazda3 skyactiv, 6sp auto 155hp/148tq. 2013 hyundai elantra, 6sp auto 148hp/131tq. 2013 kia forte base, CVT 156hp/144tq. All these cars look better while having more soft touch and better quality interior than the corolla. I don't like CVT so I give corolla 1 up for that. Yes, I'm not a big fan of the corolla, don't get all butt hurt man. If calling others "idiot" the only way to make you feel better, more power to ya!

[@lowincash]

Honestly I think people buy the corolla only because it's a Toyota and for its reliability. Sure you can probably drive this car for 10 plus years or more without any major problems, but that'll be 10 loooong dull and boring years I'll tell you that much. Now that other automakers like hyundai and kia providing better cars with better performance, driving an economy car doesn't have to be boring. Plus look at the mazda3, 30+ mpg while being fun to drive and has more power. Oh well.

[@cassiocm]

I almost shouted when a friend of mine bought a brand new one about 6 months ago. I told them to cross shop and they fell by the dealer tricks. They paid more than 23K and the dealer offered a special deal with Navi and floor mats. I told them they could have gotten a base Optima or close to the new Accord for this price....... tsk tsk Shame on Toyota, resting on its laurels and insulting its customer base.

[@b4today]

This guy is clearly biased.. I have the same car and I have combined 38 mpg on average..

[@cajunrider7101]

Haha there are no better cars in this class and soft touch stuff will crack after time or did we forget the past.

[@LVang152]

Come on, people been drive this car for year and this just got review. I mean 2014 model going to be here in fall. People still dump and think this car is reliable due to brand name.

[@J_A_W_A_D__]

I have 2005 Corolla bought it used driving it now 9 years now want to to buy another

[@livinthedublife]

I own a 2009 Corolla S with 90k on it and its a piece of crap.......I was the first in my family to buy a Toyota and the last.

[@blaknoizee]

Beating the Corolla up haha. The reason I'd ever purchase one is due to the fact its bulletproof. 4 gears, low power, mechanical features have tended to last forever. As we all see from the millions of 1989 Corolla's still running as if they were brand new.

[@Boujai12]

toyota seems to focus on making the car last a very long time. they seem to, even if people don't like it, choose a path for longevity, and say less "techy". Example, why upgrade the motor, when the 1.8 is a proven engine. In it's class it will be the most trouble free. It's just how they do things, I believe anyway, But dont ask me, ask the millions of people who own one...

[@RegularGuy76]

I have had 3 corollas, the worst thing is knowing that car has these issues I would still prefer it over the others in its class, that's the power this brand has! Good or bad!

[@bmwmsport11]

the corolla is the oldest car, but by far the most reliable. cruze=engine problems focus=transmission problems

[@tachikoma747]

I'm currently renting one of these from Enterprise and I can say that, like most of the current Toyota lineup, it's an extremely boring car.

[@jessicafehlberg4302]

I would have bought the honda but I don't like the looks.As far as reliability they are about the same. I've done my research

[@TeddyBrown]

I like that this was uploaded the week after Toyota announced the 11th generation Corolla which probably addresses many of the issues.

[@davidhalifax]

The Corolla isn't really 'below' average back in 2009, it's just the competition has gone larger in size with their redesigns.

[@LaoK8710]

and + 18-25 year old girls stopped looking at the corolla long time ago?! from my experience lolz

[@chiragmistry2004]

why is he reviewing this since 2014 car was announced...may be he is trying to meet his target

[@xTheShady1x]

CVT and a bit longer wheelbase supposed to be coming for 2014. 4 speed auto,oh my.

[@1peacelovehappiness1]

That's a 2012 isn't it?? The 2013 has silver trim on the front and on the sides.

[@FoodyTunes]

I have no problem with the simple dials but agree with everything else

[@codypowell6088]

No, only the base L has a 4 speed. The LE, LE ECO, and S have a CVT.

[@strikerm70]

They sell because they are extremely reliable, like hondas.

[@DemonsSoulsSuperPro]

One of the most boring cars ever made in the history of man

[@icantw8]

the 2013 Corolla S and L doesn't have updated grille like the LE or SLE....

[@cassiocm]

My point exactly. I agree 100%. Don't even go that far. Put another 2K and you can get a bunch of new models. I keep saying this and no one listen: Three carmakers are insulting all of us everyday: VW, Mitsubishi and Toyota. These three are using smoking mirrors overtime!

[@randyrrs7028]

Volkswagen jettas are the worst piece of shit of cars ive ever owned

[@LouAntonioGiordano]

23k for that piece of crap? 4k more i get civic Si

[@lowincash]

My bad, the Kia forte has 6sp auto, 148hp/131tq or optional 173hp/154tq engine (from kia site). There, happy now? That just put the corolla back to the bottom. And yes, I said they have a bit more soft touch materials such as the dashboard like in the mazda3. Either way, for the price, mazda kia and hyundai (just to name a few) gives you more bang for the buck than the corolla. If you own a corolla, good for you, enjoy it and stop being so butt hurt about other people's opinions on the car lol

[@mariaguadalupegarcia5595]

Toyota Corolla old men Corolla 20

[@SoloSc2]

the collora had the same transmission as my 95 Geo..... that was my first car.

[@aconfusedazn]

2013 Corolla review when the 2014 was just unveiled?

[@wipandco]

What about the price as compared to the others in its class? Is it also below average?

[@ruzzelladrian907]

They need to update this thing like the Avalon

[@jamesdavies6120]

So this is the one people buy by mistake?

[@jessicafehlberg4302]

I got a good deal on the 13 to. And I like the simple layout

[@jessicafehlberg4302]

To me the new one looks just like the civic. To each his own

[@crackaddict444]

The timing is surely not a coincidence.

[@crackaddict444]

So do the Cruze, Focus, and Civic.

[@chrisak49]

$23,000 Corolla?!?! Oh my!!!

[@Kanesgarage]

Still has drum brakes in the back!

[@DemonsSoulsSuperPro]

Rental car

[@bengalsix]

$23,000 for this!?

[@weedmastersr]

amen to that !

[@TMM6900]

again this car suck!

[@Bmackins94]

illinois license plate

[@craijona]

Total garbage

[@raykrislianggi]

Toyota, can you please for once make a less boring looking car??

[@MEAMERIE]

what?? i could care less about their incentives and 2 yrs free maintenance. They arent going to trick me with their gimmicks, I still wouldnt buy one. I guess thats why they have so many incentives on it...they know its bad and aging. Id rather go get something used that looks better and drives better.

[@LaoK8710]

Cars.com! why wasting your time to review it? U guys have many topic and cars to do, why? why wasting your money and time to review this "thing that runs and break"?

[@poke1647]

Why car.com wasting their time to review this car? We all know it's in the end of its cycle. And it's a piece of junk!

[@z28kindaguy]

I tell people all the time: DON'T BUY THIS CAR! Doesn't compare to the others.