Old Top Gear Toyota Corolla

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Old Top Gear from 1997
Jeremy Clarkson roadtests the Toyota Corolla to see if it deserves the title of the most satisfying car to own in the U.K
This clip was extracted from the episode that was first broadcast on the 24th April 1997

[@mk3a]

Toyota in 1997: Wanna see me beat a Golf GTI Toyota in 2019: Wanna see me do it again

[@skippyhd3180]

Fuck the golf

[@diegomendez9372]

Toyota in 2021: Wana see me do it again again?

[@mk3a]

@@diegomendez9372 Toyota in 2022: and again

[@User-cb4jm]

Please give me a regular Corolla that can beat a GTI, just like in this video. I hate that it’s either a gutless snoozefest or over the top track focused GR model and no in between.

[@mk3a]

@@User-cb4jm OK, GR Sport Hybrid Corolla

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

Multi millionaire Jeremy Clarkson doesn't understand why working class people buy the Corolla.

[@juandef4115]

Keep a car simple and it stays reliable

[@FAT8893]

Not necessarily. There are complex-engineered cars, and yet still remains reliable.

[@whoopigoldberg9956]

@@FAT8893 lol yea right

[@FAT8893]

@@whoopigoldberg9956 Oh yes, I can definitely attest that since my friend have a Porsche 996 Carrera.

[@whoopigoldberg9956]

@@FAT8893 Ah yes, nothing so simple as a plastic riddled, overpriced, boxed, and overweight sport car that shouts reliability.

[@FAT8893]

@@whoopigoldberg9956 Overpriced? Lol, my friend got his Porsche cheaper than a brand new Corolla.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Toyota Corolla + Honda Civic forever 😔🙏🔥

[@fcke8820]

I fully expected a piano to land on it at 4:30

[@greathey1234]

Fraser Apps or an explosion

[@fartman10284]

It's not a Morris Marina, as it was a running gag on modern Top Gear with Jezza, Hamster & Slow

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

I bet Jeremy wanted to do that too.

[@tng2057]

My 24 year old one is still running very strong. No rattles, no squeals, just driving satisfaction. Major components still original. It is a legend.

[@Samthing752]

Coworker had one he bought for 1000€, drove to work and back six years with two oil changes and sold for 800€.

[@TheNorseman]

Is it still running?

[@tng2057]

@@TheNorseman Still using nearly everyday. Some minor parts replacements over the years but all are straight forward. Plenty of after market parts available as it share parts with Mark8 Corolla.

[@TheNorseman]

@@tng2057 Nice! Mine has 310500 km and still original clutch and exhaust! I had to replace a driveshaft, but found a cheap SKF quality part. Except from that only 2 wheel bearings, and brake discs, brake pads and rear brake parts that are normal maintainence to change. It is a really good winter car, in snow and ice too. A true world car.

[@tng2057]

@@TheNorseman Brother! Mine 350k km, changed clutch plates twice, changed cylinder head gaskets twice. Engine and drive shaft and starter motors and electronics no issue, only one air conditioning refrigeration pipe replacement (ac still working well). Cooling and starting zero problem. Radiator, alternator, exhaust, refrigeration compressor, brake drums, electronics and disc all original. 10000s taxi drivers at Kabul / Mogadishu/ Sanaa/ Cebu can’t be wrong?

[@JossRickard]

This is the quintessential attitude of the motoring journalist who can't understand that lift off oversteer isn't as important to the owner of a daily car who needs reliability and ease of ownership on a budget.

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

Exactly!

[@Infernal_Elf]

I got a 1993 Two door edition of this corolla with Gsi-16 original styling package side skirts and spoiler 1.6L 110hp And its a Blast Compared to Cars made after 2000s And it aint using oil or water Toyota is fantastic. and u can do tight corners on Rural roads at speeds up too 70-80kmh. And i also think the Looks have aged very well.

[@utubeleplague]

i still think that corolla looks fine.

[@luiszidane2966]

It does!

[@FAT8893]

No, it still doesn't. It looks boring.

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

That's the problem. It looks fine. There's nothing wrong with it. It's like an ikea furniture piece.

[@lambirging]

yup , and we still have it my family

[@leifgunnartoth8070]

Not the most exciting body shapes, but it still looks MUCH better than the Golf 🤣

[@ARB6769]

Too bad it wasn't the older corolla the 6th variant of the breed that still uses a rear wheel drive and uses a 1.6L 4 cylinder engine

[@illusion86ln]

yes

[@saby8765]

Jeremy's good luck he never raced Bunta Fujiwara

[@taqveem]

We used to own one, 7 years we had it, only things were changed were oil and tyres. It still had all original parts. It was a proper indistructable car.

[@Catalina._]

That corolla is probably a lot more fun to drive than today's boring SUVs

[@sta5011]

I like how young Jeremy was in this....

[@svenbenglen7599]

Everything in this is 100% accurate, i love this thing but driving one of these and one of these alone is soul crushing

[@Bleedforme-zq2uf]

Not as soul crushing as waiting for the breakdown truck yet again.

[@ivogievski]

The Liftback Corolla of this generation was the best looking car in its class and I still consider it great looking. Also, the hatchback is better looking than Golf III in my opinion.

[@mk3a]

Toyota revived the hatchback recently. And there will be a GR Corolla alongside the GR Yaris

[@KatoBDK]

bought a e10 liftback couple of years ago. been serviced and since garaged. starts up everytime i come home from uni, sometimes months inbetween

[@ivogievski]

@@KatoBDK still have it in my driveway, next to a 2021 Corolla Hatchback. Amazing car and super reliable!

[@IoEstasCedonta]

"If you want a car that gets you around with an absolute minimum of fuss, you cannot do better than this." Only from Jeremy Clarkson would this be a negative review.

[@MGR99]

"If you want a car that gets you around with the absolute minimum of fuss. If you see that car as a necessary and expensive evil, then you cannot do better than this." Is the actual quote, why are you Toyota fan boys like this? Is the car really just transport for you and nothing more?

[@User-cb4jm]

@@MGR99 It is for MOST people, that’s why it sells so well. Toyota buyers aren’t fanboys of anything, it’s just that most people want a car that doesn’t have random electrical faults like Euros and can’t tell the difference in so called driving dynamics of a Golf v Corolla just driving around to the shops. Not everyone uses a public highway as a race track.

[@adia3661]

“Japo-box” thanks jezza

[@mayclarque4123]

my sister had a used one of these that was twenty years old, same body style it was the most reliable car my family had despite being 20 years older than the newest car we had, and it was full of character (although was the base model with power nothing) the three speed automatic offered for the lowest trim level in the U.S. was so horribly slow that it made it fun to drive

[@ITAutos]

Back when Toyota was a best car.

[@bdmr_isf]

Denver Alfito Anggada still is.

[@smartz1973]

Stil is as rite

[@deathstroke7316]

Just google most sold car in the 200yr old history of automobiles, and you will know why

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

@@deathstroke7316 Lol, and this mandatory ad populum. If McDonald's deliver the most meals a year, are they the world's best restaurant? If you live in Russia and Lada is the only car selling, is that the world's best car? If you have ten people standing on a bridge, will you jump off if more than five others do? I don't know if it has changed, but iirc; the Corolla wasn't the best selling car in the world. The truth was that more cars sold had been labelled "Corolla" than any other car.

[@mk3a]

They’re working on being fun again. They did that with the Corolla Hatch recently

[@momololo3223]

2:29 EUROBEAT INTENSIFIES

[@shadowthesi]

GAS GAS GAS! I’M GONNA STEP ON THE GAS!!!

[@stuhamilton8250]

My 1997 1.6 through MOT again with a £10 outer boot. Another 13 months of miles of smiles

[@Iunio92]

Just bought one of these for $1500 aud, pretty excited

[@120alaska]

Get the 1.8l 5 speed Corolla or Geo (same car). Fun to race around with! Cheap, stupid strong and damn near indestructable!

[@jrayb0240]

I would love a more modern review of the corolla

[@paulseary7041]

Great review!

[@Harry92evers]

Jeremy is 36 in this video and he looks like a man in his 50s.

[@someguy6141]

So what he's saying in this bit is that the Corolla was a fast, practical, economical, safe and VERY reliable car. And that he doesn't like it because it does not "stir your soul" when you drive it. Sounds legit...

[@adamzapple67]

I've just bought a 2005 Corolla automatic. I couldn't believe how good it drives. It feels tight and as solid as the side of a mountain. Ok it may not be exciting but I'm an average Joe. I need reliability. Things like lift off oversteer and sub 7 second 0-60 times are meaningless to me.

[@soundseeker63]

One of many examples of where JC hates on an objectively good car because it isn't "exciting" or "interesting" enough. But he wasn't wrong about the reliability. Even today (2024) you STILL see some of this shape Corollas pottering around on UK roads, more than 25 years after they stopped making them. Now THAT is good build quality! Also, it may have been plain to look at, but I think that has helped it age gracefully. Less really is more sometimes.

[@alexei0942]

My Dad had a limousine from this corolla and we had it for a very long time with no mechanical problems just oil and brake etc ! I think it looks good the limo version! The front reminds me the 22b subaru:p

[@wocko1]

The Corolla isn't the most exciting car, but it's perfect for those who only want to go from point A to point B with the least amount of trouble. You can't kill these cars.

[@whishiwhooshi5783]

Clarkson should know that 95% of the world just uses a car to get from point a to point b.

[@FAT8893]

That's rather depressing, isn't it?

[@whishiwhooshi5783]

@@FAT8893 Not really. That's why cars were even invented.

[@MGR99]

@@whishiwhooshi5783 Then why did sports cars come rather quickly after the invention of the car?

[@whishiwhooshi5783]

@@MGR99 Because when cars were first created in the late 1800, it was primarily only something that people who were rich could afford. Nowadays, not so much. Also, what's your point? It's 2022, not 1890

[@MGR99]

@@whishiwhooshi5783 The point is, cars have been seen as much more than just transportation from pretty much the beginning, a statement that holds true when you look at how many types of motorsport and even types of cars have existed. But even then, many, many people fail to see the car as more than just transport, which is a bit sad, cause of how much joy and pleasure a good car can bring. It's a treat to all senses, a beautiful design is something you can always look at and appreciate when you get out or even from the drivers seat. Then the noise of the engine and exhaust can be very musical, something that just makes these tones that can't be replicated with anything else. The feedback you get from the steering wheel and what you can feel from your seat, the car communicating the road and what it's doing to you. Even the smells add to the experience. But, you will fail to experience these things, if you look at the car as nothing but an appliance, and buy one that matches that criteria. And it's not like you have to get something expensive to experience these things, just getting a simple old car will give you a good taste of this.

[@summushieremiasclarkson4700]

I have always defended Toyota's rather systematic approach to design and engineering, but I realise now, with the interesting design of the new Corolla hatchback, that Clarkson was right here. There is no reason, and we know this now, that this car couldn't have been all of these things but also look good, after all, changing the body alone does not affect reliability so long as it is done well, and Toyota always finds a way to do it properly.

[@terotiutiu]

The best Car in The world.

[@davidthompson6834]

It’s a thing that’s you A to B simple as that

[@YamiKisara]

I agree that this version looks rather boring, but the pop-up headlights make it look a LOT nicer. The interior isn't spectacular either, but then again I don't really remember a car from back then that did have a spectacular dashboard or seats.

[@sammy4538]

When Clarkson lists why he hates this Corolla... it almost equals the list why I like these lovely old bulletproof workhorses :) Really raises no feelings at all, owning and driving one, is why also will not have a single day when would hate it... unlike other cars. All other car maker has caused bigger smiles but also lot more bad language... Over a decade now, have used 90's Ttoyota's only, and will continue doing so :)

[@ArjanTV]

When i was a kid i dreamed about this Car lol.. Now i bought one and is like brand new the guy had it in his garage for 20 years he only use it few times

[@FEGTTTSDH]

The corolla is the perfect job car... it doesn`t have any fun factor, but is ok...

[@aqibfreed4672]

I think his question at the end was finally answered by the audi rs6 estate. :)

[@peterdisgusting]

I still have mine

[@popindosin228]

Where can I watch more old top gear episodes from 90's? (except KZbin)

[@simonh870]

I recognise those roads. The road between chipping Norton and Charlbury, and Spelsbury village at 1:37

[@nzwotb2525]

I personally like the look of this gen corolla I have 5 of them 4 hatchbacks and 1 wagon

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

There is indeed a little Impreza over them :)

[@FAT8893]

6:55-7:55 He got a point on that question. But I reckon the first gen Ford Focus is a plausible answer to it.

[@RandleMcMurphey]

1990's Toyotas......most reliable cars ever made.

[@selebogokhune9384]

The answer is now No, its possible! The Corolla GR is everything.

[@elnyoutube123]

This is all true of any of the "mainstream" Toyotas. The Corolla, Camry, Avalon, stuff like that all has the same similar bland feel. Every once in a while Toyota comes out with something cool and funky though, like the Sera, MR2, Celica, and I'm not saying that because they're "sporty" cars. They just have cool design elements to them in both the exterior and interior, plus they drive a lot better than the Camrys and Corollas and stuff

[@driftingzone6146]

Call takumi he will teach you why it's satisfiying

[@kuilios]

It's the wrong corolla and it's fwd

[@aidenpowell6093]

Some aftermarket suspension and a sports exhaust make them fun. Got nearly 300 000 kms on mine, thrash it everday. The drivers window doesnt wind,thats all ive had go wrong with it. clutch wore out,did it in the drive for 150 bucks.

[@shehzaadcaunhye5299]

Top Gear even made video on corolla two times

[@firemyster4707]

I want to see AE86 Trueno

[@eoghanobrien6980]

Oddly enough, about a year after this was made, the Ford Focus came along and as we know, that ripped up the rulebook, the first 'regular' car that was practical, cheap to run, safe and reliable, and best of all, great to drive so long as you avoided the 1.4 petrol.

[@Bleedforme-zq2uf]

Mr Clarkson is missing out one important aspect. I've driven many of the performance cars he dotes over and they all cause me to drive like an absolute twat. My Corolla makes me a better driver. I'm calm, relaxed and sensible. That might not sound very sexy but it's a great place to be.

[@chicoskimoni9338]

Right... British cars have so much soul because they die a lot. Design wise, how is a cart shaped mini better than a corolla?

[@Sython6]

Hmm, I think a better word for British cars is character.

[@pinut187]

You clearly don’t understand anything about design.

[@driftingali4144]

Ho see it this in 2017 big like

[@ad_zx6271]

Hello from 2022

[@rafaelramosmelim735]

The corolla is a good car but it is so boring that it makes a vectra seem interesting. 😂 I had a corolla but traded it for a vectra because I needed a bigger car . The vectra actually surprised me for being as reliable as the corolla . I traded my corolla with 540.000 km but my vectra now has 987.000km original 1.7 isuzu turbo diesel engine. So yeah they are tanks.

[@XZenon]

3:38 *Nani...?!*

[@InitiateDee]

*Dorifto?*

[@troublebreathing8648]

13000?

[@federalcasemaker]

"is yes" And then Toyota makes a better looking Corolla

[@yansuki4240]

that monthy python reference.

[@greathey1234]

Yansuki What the Romans ever did for us

[@patsaklaras]

i pity those who didn't get it..

[@lucylocket4740]

Which song is the one on 0:37?

[@kman33ful]

echobelly dark therapy

[@twin_2339]

*eurobeat*

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

Top Gear has never been fond of Toyotas.

[@ChrisBlagdonIsABoss]

the 1.8 corolla is a bit more fun than the 1.6

[@ChrisBlagdonIsABoss]

@4:3 Gaming the 2zz was good though, even the 1zz-fe is a pretty peppy engine

[@brandonworsfold8669]

Perfect example of looks don't matter. Besides what's he even on about 😂

[@luiszidane2966]

corolla is a corolla !!!!!!!!!!

[@tenebrisxi3378]

Half the comments were also looking for the hachi roku eight six

[@masteryoda498]

Jeremy Clarkson and the rest of the clowns at Top Gear wouldn’t know what a good car was, even if they got hit by one doing 300km/h. The Toyota Corolla is a superb car that does the job is designed to do, perfectly.

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

Clarkson is just a car wrecker.

[@newtdexistion6183]

3:38 a power slide??? 3:41 On a FWD car???

[@Hayden734]

E brake

[@AleX-un7bw]

please, song on 0:52

[@TMEG.]

AleX 954 echobelly - Dark Therapy

[@travisdaki]

@@TMEG. Thanks! ♪

[@TMEG.]

@@travisdaki You're welcome! :) if you're a fan of music, you should check us out! :)

[@travisdaki]

@@TMEG. I did, thanks a bunch! Great tune. And the original video is fab, too!

[@AdnanMustofa]

It does feel soo good when we find the same people with the same vibee, I was hopin to find someome who asked for that song. Looveee you!

[@mikethesparky4000]

Toyota will all way be reliable cars

[@winiepoo6797]

2e power

[@ahmoodaa]

Ok.. lettuce is very tasty

[@kryptobling3719]

Toyota 🎉 5X Lemans winner

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

I'm confused. It was not fun to drive, and not good to look at, so as conclusion it was fun to drive and good to look at?

[@CTback]

No, his conclusion was that it was impossible to make a reliable car that's fun to drive. The Ford Focus disproved this.

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

At the end TG again showed Corolla as the answer to the question, which car is both reliable and fun to drive!!!

[@NDRonin1401]

Damn, old TG was full of lies and errors

[@Shehzaadable]

Boring? This car was built to get gadgets on ! lips, steering, mufflers bucket seats etc etc...