The 2018 Toyota Corolla is an all-around great commuter car. Although it lacks sportiness and performance, it is safe, reliable, and overall a superb value. Here’s everything to know when considering a used 2018 Corolla.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
2018 Toyota Corolla Quick Overview
When looking at the 2018 Toyota Corolla, you’ll find an unsurprising number of positives. For decades, the Corolla has been known for dependability, quality, value, low cost of ownership, and safety. The 2018 Toyota Corolla embodies each of these qualities once again.
You won’t have to worry about shelling out tons of cash to keep it well maintained. Once again, Toyota’s build quality and tried-and-true production methods shine through in the 2018 Corolla.
Toyota Safety Sense is both a serious value and a lifesaving technology, and comes standard across all 2018 Corolla trims.
The sole safety feature lacking in the 2018 Corolla is blind-spot monitoring, but the other tech makes still for an infinitely safer drive.
Nearly every owner reports the Corolla as surprisingly spacious, especially in the rear. Additionally, whether you travel a little or a lot, you can expect to save a great deal at the pump.
2018 Corolla Missed the Mark in Some Areas
Of course, no car is without its flaws. The 2018 Corolla missed the mark in some key areas. For one, the engine is simply lackluster. Acceleration leaves much to be desired, due to the 132 hp-CVT combo. Handling is also sub-par and could stand drastic improvement.
The Corolla failed to offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in 2018. While this isn’t a necessity for some drivers, it’s a deal-breaker for many in today’s high-tech, hands-free market.
2018 Corolla’s Lackluster Charm
The cardinal sin for many is that it simply isn’t a fun car. The 2018 Corolla may leave you bored of your ride after only a few months.
Generally speaking, Toyota buyers tend to hold on to their vehicles a bit longer due to their reliability.
Still, if you’re the type to change vehicles every few years, you may find yourself tired of the 2018 Corolla sooner than expected.
Corolla Reliability Makes it a Hot Pre-owned Commodity
When it comes to the used market, the 2018 Corolla fares pretty well for sellers, as it holds its value quite well.
This may not bode well for prospective buyers, but the 2018 Corolla’s initial sale price was never high to start.
Budget between $19,000-$22,000 for a certified pre-owned 2018 Corolla or $13,000-$20,000 for a traditional used 2018 Corolla.
The 2018 Corolla does have three recalls, and two are rather serious. You can have those issues remedied easily at your local dealer, but that doesn’t excuse the inconvenience.
Why You Should Trust Us
In order to bring you a comprehensive buyer’s guide, Vehicle History worked closely with Tyler Linn to provide in-depth content backed by multiple reputable sources. We do our due diligence and fact-check every bit of information so that we can confidently pass along those details to you.
When you use Vehicle History, you can rest assured that you’re getting quality information that’s useful, truthful, and relevant. We do our best to answer the most frequently asked questions by in-market buyers and provide everything you need to make an informed decision.
Corolla’s Progress Over 12 Generations
Since hitting the market in 1966, over the years, the Toyota Corolla has grown to set the bar for the compact car segment. Throughout its history, the Corolla has added new features and grown, but the spirit always has remained the same.
Here are some highlights from throughout its history:
- First generation (1966-1970): Corolla exceeds one million units sold
- Second generation (1970-1974): Introduced four-door models
- Fifth generation (1983-1987): Corolla converts to FWD, liftback introduced
- Seventh generation (1991-1995): All-Trac 4WD models introduced
- Tenth generation (2006-2013): Introduction of VVT-i and CVT transmission
- Eleventh generation (2013-2019): Corolla vehicle is downsized
- Twelfth generation (2019-present): Corolla hatchback reintroduced in U.S. for 2019
Pros from Owners
I appreciate the ease of handling that the car has, as well as all of the safety features including the rear airbags, cruise control radar and lane monitoring. The touch screen console is user friendly and the car itself is nice.
Comfortable. Drives smoothly. Tons of space. Radio is easy to work. Holds 5 people and very easy to get in and out of. The back up camera is wonderful as you can see all around behind of the car. The engine is quiet.
I like that my vehicle is good on gas, smooth ride, and have some features that I love such a backup camera and Bluetooth. I like that my car ha la decent trunk space and the backseat is spacious as well.
The leather interior, easy to clean. The power seats, easy to adjust. Large inside. The overall quality, and feels like luxury. The music system, answer and dial calls, Large trunk, very spacious. And the compartments for storage.
Pros, it is super reliable on gas. Nice clean look and it is very inexpensive to fill the tank. The interior is very easy to clean and the trunk is super spacious. Cons could be it is more of a girly look.
I like the reliability of the car, gas mileage and it drives great, it has enough space for me and my family, also a lot of trunk space, I also like the touch screen stereo and the jbl speakers make my songs sound amazing.
The car is a great car, especially for teens and new drivers. It has great safety features that come from a very reliable brand. The gas mileage is great and more cost effective. The only con would be the steering wheel is a little big for my hands, but I adjusted in no time.
The vehicle rarely, if ever acts faulty in any way. The radio is also nice and high-quality, and the AC also seems to work quite well. The vehicle is also automatic, which serves to be more accessible to any driver.
Cons from Owners
Damage can be amplified, but that may be the way the cars are made nowadays. If the paint becomes chipped then it seems to chip faster and the exposed metal rusts, any body damage can be costly because a whole piece may need to be replaced.
The main thing that I dislike about my vehicle is the size of the engine. I wish that it had a larger motor like a v6. I also wish that the center console wasn't so high up and that the glove compartment were larger.
Some cons of my vehicle is that is it small, so it is a little cramped for my tall husband and my large dog. Also, the cab is not very quiet so I find myself having to turn the volume up very loud for music and phone calls when driving on the highway.
There are not any for me but others there may be. Such as the price, the large size may not be suitable for them, the music system may be more than they want, wish the electronic system screen wasn't that high and lower down to be less distracting.
There is not much that we do not like about our car. We feel that if does have a little bit of a girly look to it but that does not bother us too much. We have noticed that there has been two small recalls on our vehicle and that the paint seems to chip easily if you get any rocks.
It is compact sometimes there isn't enough room for 5 people in the back also sometimes the car waste more gas than it is supposed to, the design of the car can sometimes look a little weird too, I also don't like the cup holder in the back.
There are no cons. I like the safety features and Toyota is a very reliable brand, so you will get your moneys worth with this car. I have yet to experience any major issues with the car beside oil changes and other maintenance.
The seats in the back are quite short, making it uncomfortable to sit in for tall people like me. Because of this, I have to sit in the passenger seat every time I get in. The trunk could also be a bit larger, but it is not super important.
2018 Toyota Corolla Trim Levels
The 2018 Corolla was made available in seven distinct trims: L, LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE, SE 6MT, and XSE.
Each trim can be separated into either a sport or luxury-centric category, and suits a specific buyer.
You may be familiar with the 2018 Corolla iM, but despite sharing a nameplate, the two vehicles really only share an engine, interior pieces, and safety features.
Otherwise, they are quite different vehicles, as the iM was originally a Scion. It was later brought in and attached to the Corolla name after Toyota axed the Scion brand. So, we’ll be sticking with the Corolla sedan only.
Whether you’re looking for a zero-frills base model just to get to work, or a vehicle loaded with creature comforts that won’t break the bank, the Toyota Corolla delivers.
2018 Toyota Corolla L
The Toyota Corolla L is the base model. This is your simple commuter car, great for new drivers or those who simply don’t care for/need extra features. If all you need is an A-to-B car that’ll be cheap to own, this is your pick.
Exterior Features: Bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and 15-inch steel wheels.
Interior Features: Entune multimedia bundle, Siri Eyes Free, backup camera, telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, multi-information display, Bluetooth, voice-command, USB 2.0 port, cruise control, lane departure alert, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and 60/40 split-fold rear seat.
2018 Toyota Corolla LE
Corolla LE is the next step up from the L trim. With LE, you get a few additional creature comforts, such as larger wheels, a better audio system, power adjustable seats, and automatic climate controls. If you want your daily drive to be slightly cozier, this is your car. It adds to features offered on the Corolla L.
Exterior Features: Color-keyed, heated power outside mirrors, and 16-inch steel wheels.
Interior Features: Automatic climate control, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40 split-fold rear seat with cup holders, chrome interior door handles, and color-keyed door panel piping.
LE Premium Package: Entune Audio Plus with connected navigation, 16-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade.
2018 Toyota Corolla LE Eco
Corolla LE Eco is the go-to Corolla for those looking to save at the pump. With the LE Eco, you get 30 city, 40 highway, and 34 combined mpg. This is essentially an LE with smaller wheels, a spoiler, and a re-tuned 2ZR-FE engine with a focus on fuel economy. This trim level adds to features offered on the Corolla LE.
Exterior Features: Rear spoiler and 15-inch steel wheels.
LE Eco Premium Package: Entune Audio Plus with navigation, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade, chrome lower window trim, and CVT ECO Mode.
2018 Toyota Corolla XLE
Corolla XLE is the top luxury-centric trim. The XLE features all the bells and whistles the Corolla has to offer as standard equipment with only the XSE slated above it. If you like the idea of a daily commuter with all the latest industry-standard tech, grab an XLE. This trim level adds to features offered on the Corolla LE.
Exterior Features: Multi-LED headlights with LED accent lights, LED daytime running lights, power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade, 16-inch alloy wheels, and roof-mounted antenna.
Interior Features: Entune multimedia bundle, GPS, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, tilt steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, 4.2-inch color display, smart key, and push-button start.
2018 Toyota Corolla SE
Corolla SE (pictured above) is for those with a sportier look and feel in mind for their daily drive. The SE offers the same equipment as the LE while adding a spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust, paddle shifters, and more.
Grab the SE if you want a daily driver that’s slightly more enjoyable to drive. This trim level adds to features offered on the Corolla LE.
Exterior Features: LED accent lights and daytime running lights, LED backup lights, heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, and chrome-tipped exhaust.
Interior Features: Six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, normal and Sport driving modes, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio controls, Bluetooth, voice command, and a 4.2-inch color multi-information display.
SE Premium Package: Entune Audio Plus with navigation, push-button start with remote keyless entry/locking, and power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade.
2018 Toyota Corolla SE 6MT
Corolla SE 6MT is for the automotive purist with reliability and cost of ownership in mind. SE 6MT adds to the SE trim a moonroof, Entune Audio Plus, push-button start, and most importantly, a six-speed manual transmission.
If you still believe in the old ways, the SE 6MT is for you. This trim level adds to features offered on the SE.
Exterior Features: Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade and roof-mounted antenna.
Interior Features: Entune Audio Plus with navigation, Entune multimedia bundle, GPS, Siri Eyes Free, SiriusXM satellite radio, 4.2-inch color multi-information display, Smart Key system on front doors and trunk, and push-button start with remote keyless entry and locking.
2018 Toyota Corolla XSE
Corolla XSE (pictured above) is the top-of-the-line trim for prospective Corolla buyers. The XSE features every optional equipment feature for the SE as standard equipment, while offering Entune premium audio with integrated navigation and App Suite as an option.
Grab the XSE if you want everything Corolla has to offer. It may be the top trim level, but you’re still getting a great value. This trim level adds to features offered on the SE.
Exterior Features: Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade and roof-mounted antenna.
Interior Features: Entune Audio Plus with navigation, Entune multimedia bundle, GPS, Siri Eyes Free, SiriusXM, 4.2-inch color multi-information display, Smart Key system, and push-button start.
Options: Entune premium audio with integrated navigation and App Suite.
2018 Corolla Price Ranges
As with any used car, price ranges for used models vary by trim, condition, mileage, history, and more. For our numbers, we’ll be looking at the close-to-average-50,000-mile examples in Very Good condition with standard equipment according to Kelley Blue Book.
2018 Toyota Corolla L
- Dealer Fair Purchase Price: $16,804
- Private Party Value: $15,888
2018 Toyota Corolla LE
- Dealer Fair Purchase Price: $17,524
- Private Party Value: $16,539
2018 Toyota Corolla LE Eco
- Dealer Fair Purchase Price: $16,656
- Private Party Value: $15,493
2018 Toyota Corolla XLE
- Dealer Fair Purchase Price: $17,520
- Private Party Value: $16,590
2018 Toyota Corolla SE
- Dealer Fair Purchase Price: $18,270
- Private Party Value: $17,305
2018 Toyota Corolla SE 6MT
- Dealer Fair Purchase Price: $18,028
- Private Party Value: $17,091
2018 Toyota Corolla XSE
- Dealer Fair Purchase Price: $19,014
- Private Party Value: $17,987
Overall, a 2018 Corolla in fairly great shape can be bought for less than the average American’s annual salary.
Considering it likely will continue to run from the time your children are born until they graduate, it’s not a bad investment for a depreciating asset.
2018 Corolla Pre-owned Options
Toyota manages to put together one of the best Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs in the nation, but that’s a rather small task for the brand that hangs its hat on being the most reliable around.
Every Toyota CPO comes with a CarFax report, 160-point inspection, 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, seven-year/100,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance, and more.
Expect to spend between $19,000-$22,000 for your average CPO 2018 Corolla. Traditional used options range from $13,000-$20,000, depending on mileage and condition.
If you’re looking to purchase outside of Toyota’s CPO, be sure to use our free VIN history tool for crucial information about your potential new ride.
According to Kelley Blue Book, fair price for a 2018 Corolla XLE w/45,000 miles in Very Good condition is $15,750 for a trade-in, and $17,000 for a private sale. Trade-in value for a Corolla L in the same condition is $14,900, and $16,200 in a private sale.
Toyotas generally hold their value exceptionally well, and that doesn’t change for the 2018 Corolla, despite its availability and popularity. While the current used market is in flux due to a shortage of new vehicles being produced, 2018 Corollas still are maintaining their value well comparative to the competition.
You might spend a bit more on a used 2018 Toyota Corolla than one of its competitors, but if reliability and durability are what you value, you’ll be getting a great return on investment.
2018 Corolla Engine/Powertrain Options
Unlike many other cars on the market, Toyota keeps engine options for the 2018 Corolla extremely simple: One engine is all you get. If you elect to grab the LE Eco, the powerplant offers just barely more horsepower, but less torque, resulting in substantially better miles per gallon.
Corolla utilizes the 2ZR-FE 1.8L gasoline engine to get things moving. This engine was introduced in 2007, but has roots going back to 1998, when the 1ZZ-FE debuted. The 2ZR-FE is the updated successor to the tried-and-true 1ZZ.
The 2ZR features dual-VVT-i as well as coil-on-plug spark. Power is made inside an all-aluminum block with steel connecting rods cooled by oil squirters. The cylinder valve count sits at 16 in the cylinder head, which is mated to the block with a triple-layer, metal-type head gasket.
The 2ZR has proven to be just as reliable as its predecessor while making even better gas mileage, but fails to up the power levels to a unanimously acceptable level. The 2ZR, while great for gas savings and reliability, is famously underpowered. Despite performance not being the goal, the 2ZR could stand to add a bit more oomph.
L, LE, XLE, SE, SE 6MT, XSE:
- 132 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- 128 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
LE Eco:
- 140 hp @ 6,100 rpm
- 126 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
2018 Corolla Fuel Economy
For the 2018 Corolla, fuel economy is quite simple. With only a single engine option, your choices for fuel economy are limited to great or greater. The base model L, along with most other trims, claims 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, respectively.
If you want to crank up the fuel savings, the LE Eco is your only option. The LE Eco boasts 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Of course, that’s according to the brochure.
In reality, most 2018 Corolla owners report getting even better mileage across all trims. Albeit only a mile or two better, for conservative drivers. Regardless, the 2018 Corolla offers superb mileage for a non-electric vehicle.
Unfortunately, Corolla fails to offer a hybrid option for the 2018 model year or any other eleventh-generation Corolla, for that matter. It stands to reason that a hybrid Corolla would have made for even better gas savings.
According to Fuelly, close to half of owners have reported an average mpg greater than the EPA-specified 32 mpg combined city/highway rating. That means the 2018 Corolla hovers around three gallons used per 100 miles, which is impressive for an internal combustion engine.
If gas mileage and simplicity are what you seek, the Corolla is a clear winner, as you’ll be saving quite a bit at the pump over the duration of the vehicle’s lifespan.
2018 Corolla Performance
It’s no secret: The 2018 Corolla’s performance is bad, even in the supposedly sporty SE, XSE, and SE 6MT trims. Much to everyone’s dismay, these trims are more about the feel and appearance of sportiness rather than actual performance.
At best, Corolla earns a sluggish 9.9 second 0-60 time. While not bred specifically for quickness, Corolla could use a bit more help getting out of its own way. This is reasonable cause for a bit of driver anxiety in certain driving situations, such as interstate on-ramps.
In the quarter-mile, Corolla doesn’t fare much better, posting a time of 17.5 seconds. While real life is not a drag strip, getting outpaced by nearly every modern competitor is less than confidence inspiring.
In their track tests, Motor Trend noted just how underwhelming the 2018 Corolla XSE can be. “There’s simply nothing about the Corolla XSE that encourages enthusiastic driving,” they said.
Braking only fared slightly better. Corolla was able to stop from 60 mph in 131 feet. This is right at average even for today’s compact car segment, according to Consumer Reports.
At the end of the day, the 2018 Toyota Corolla was outperformed by most other competitors in nearly every performance metric. The benefits of owning a 2018 Corolla clearly lie in other areas.
2018 Corolla Cargo Space & Dimensions
Many owners regard the 2018 Corolla as surprisingly spacious. Even for adults of six-foot height, Corolla allows enough room for things to remain comfortable, no matter your seating situation.
Despite being a part of the first Corolla generation to ever downsize in overall dimensions, the 2018 Corolla features a respectable 13 cubic feet of trunk space, plenty of legroom, and adequate headroom.
Combine that with the split-fold 60/40 rear seats, and the Corolla allows for a decent amount of storage for cross-country college move-in trips.
Overall dimensions for the Corolla come in with the length at 183 inches, width at 70 inches, and height at 57 inches. The 2018 Corolla also weighs between 2,840 and 2,885 pounds, depending on your selected trim.
Corolla is no star in this department, but it certainly holds its own against the rest of the compact vehicle segment. If you elect to purchase a 2018 Corolla, you’ll likely have all the space you need for everyday storage without having to consider a hatchback.
2018 Corolla Safety Ratings
Safety ratings are where the 2018 Corolla shines. Whether purchasing for yourself or a loved one, you can count on the 2018 Corolla to do its job in protecting its occupants.
The 2018 Corolla comes with a host of safety features standard on all trim levels. Features include: Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection.
On top of these high-tech safety features, Corolla utilizes Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seats, eight total airbags, and a standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Corolla a five-star rating, its highest available. It earned four stars in overall frontal crash and rollover ratings, as well as a five-star rating in overall side crash testing.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2018 Corolla as a Top Safety Pick for 2018. In IIHS tests, the 2018 Corolla met or exceeded an acceptable rating in every category. The IIHS ratings are as follows:
Rating Overview:
- Small overlap front, driver-side: Good
- Moderate overlap front: Good
- Side: Good
- Roof strength: Good
- Head restraints and seats: Good
Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:
- Headlights: Alright
- Front crash prevention: Vehicle-to-vehicle
- Standard system: Superior
These ratings are proof positive that Toyota took special care to ensure its customers would remain safe in the event of an accident.
2018 Corolla Technology Features
The 2018 Corolla boasts a number of tech features not typically seen in the economy compact vehicle segment. Toyota’s Safety Sense makes standard a variety of high-tech safety features designed to keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible with every trip.
The 2018 Corolla also comes with an integrated backup camera, steering wheel controls, voice-activated commands, and hands-free phone connectivity technology.
The 2018 Corolla makes entertainment a breeze with its Entune audio suite with connected navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker system, and Sirius XM radio.
Unfortunately, the 2018 Corolla lacks both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Corolla’s hands-free connectivity may be good, but it’s not nearly as good as either cell manufacturer’s auto suite.
Keeping your air temperature comfortable is easier than ever with automatic climate controls. Simply set your desired temperature, just like you would with your thermostat at home, and watch as the Corolla adjusts climate settings to reach the desired temperature.
Finally, you can rest easy knowing you’ll never be able to lock your keys in the car with Toyota’s Smart Key system. Proximity sensors allow you to unlock your vehicle simply by walking into range with your keys. Locking is just as easy, with the touch of a finger on the door handle.
When going for a drive, the engine is started with the simple push of a button. With the 2018 Corolla’s Smart Key system, you’ll never have to take your keys out of your pocket to use your vehicle.
2018 Corolla Exterior Colors
For 2018, Toyota kept things simple yet fun with exterior color options. No new colors were offered, but each of the nine available paint schemes should age well.
None of these colors would stand out in a crowd, but at the same time, no color looks bad on the car.
Toyota did what it typically does and played it safe. No rocking the boat here, but you do get several fun, if not bold, choices in the paint department.
2018 Corolla Interior Colors
Moving on to the interior, several color options are available for Corolla. Inside the Corolla L you’ll find one option only: standard fabric in Steel Gray. It’s a great look, but you won’t be gaining any premium comfort, looks, or feel.
Corolla LE and LE Eco receive premium fabric seats in Ash, Black, or Almond, each of which looks fantastic with Corolla’s beautifully designed, albeit simple, interior.
Corolla SE receives upgraded SofTex seats, a synthetic leather designed to be lighter, easier to clean, and more durable than leather. Color options are Black, Orange Zest, and Vivid Blue. While the interior itself looks and feels great, the color-coded trim around the edges might be a bit much.
Regrettably, Corolla XLE and XSE receive only one option each for their interiors. The XLE comes with Black SofTex trimmed in white, while XSE houses Black SofTex trimmed in blue.
2018 Corolla: Current vs. Retro Reviews
When the 2018 Corolla debuted, it came with no surprises. Generally speaking, most critics knew what to expect, and had similar things to say about Toyota’s latest entry into the Corolla line.
YouTuber Dave Erickson of the Everyman Driver channel got his hands on an SE 6MT Corolla in 2018. As with many others, Erickson was impressed by Corolla’s standard safety features. “It’s definitely worth a look and absolutely a test drive,” he said back then.
Motor1 wasn’t as kind to the Corolla, but still had some high praise for Toyota’s bread-and-butter staple in 2018. “Consumers who prioritize driving engagement, modern multimedia technology, and a quiet cabin will find little to love about the 2018 Corolla,” said Motor1‘s Greg Fink.
As for positives, Motor1 noted how the pricing is a win for the 2018 Corolla, given the standard safety features.
How does the 2018 Corolla hold up with critics over three years after making its debut on the market? Modern reviews for the 2018 Corolla are sparse, but a few owners have offered up their thoughts on what it’s like to own a 2018 Toyota Corolla.
One reviewer from the Random Automotive YouTube channel gave his thoughts on nearly three years of ownership. The owner commented that overall he felt it was a well-built vehicle, but that it could be better.
One area he felt the Corolla was lacking was its performance on ice, lack of remote start, and road noise. “The wind noise in this car, and the road noise, is not great,” shared the Random Automotive host. “I’ve had older vehicles with better noise than this.”
Upsides in his mind were the close to 40 miles per gallon that he logs, zero mechanical issues in 35,000 miles, and the Smart Key access features. “It’s been a very reliable car, and I plan to keep it for quite a while longer.”
Vehicle History Real Owner Reviews
In Vehicle History‘s vast offering of real owner reviews, many satisfied–and a few indifferent–2018 Corolla owners shared invaluable feedback. Steven D. gave his 2018 Toyota Corolla a five-star rating on our owner review page. “This is a very reliable car,” he said.
“I have had it for a few years with no problems,” he adds. “The gas mileage is a big plus. It is cheap to fill up and will bring you a long way. I have had no issues and plan on having it for a long time. This is a great reliable car at a great price…”
Zoe P. was less than pleased with her purchase, giving it two stars out of a possible five-star rating. “The performance is fine, reliability is fine, comfort is fine, but very few good features,” wrote Zoe. “The GPS system is not good and the Bluetooth option for connecting phones is sub-par. The best part of the car are the seat warmers.”
Another happy review comes from Toyota mechanic Jesse M., who rates his 2018 Corolla at four out of five stars. “As a technician for Toyota, I can honestly say these are one of the most reliable vehicles. That’s why I purchased one myself.
“Maintenance is cheap and it’s really great on gas,” he adds. “These new Corollas come with a lot of features [and] performance is decent … These cars are perfect for young drivers, especially with all these safety features that come standard. Interior is also a lot better compared to older models.”
2018 Corolla Maintenance & Reliability
According to the NHTSA, the 2018 Corolla has received 87 complaints, most of which stem from airbag issues. There is an outstanding recall on the airbags, so this shouldn’t be cause for concern if the vehicle has had its service.
Corollas are famed for their reliability and ease of maintenance, and the 2018 Corolla is no different. Simple oil and filter changes done on time should get you well over 200,000 miles.
Repair Pal puts the average yearly repair cost of a 2018 Corolla at $362. This is well below the repair cost of the average compact car at $526 per year.
Repair Pal also states that the odds of your Corolla needing major work are a minuscule 7%, as compared to the compact car average of 11%.
The 2018 Corolla earned a rating of 89/100 in J.D. Power’s Quality and Reliability rating, which is well above the pack.
2018 Corolla Known Issues
The 2018 Corolla has had three recalls to date, two of which are major. The most crucial is the possibility of airbag failure. The second most concerning recall would be that of fuel pump failure leading to engine stalls. The least significant recall would be improper labeling for the 2018 Corolla’s load-carrying capacity.
Recall data from U.S.News:
Airbag Recall – Date: 01/16/2020During certain crashes, the airbag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Fuel Pump Recall – Date: 01/12/2020The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Label Recall – Date: 06/27/2019The load-carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”
Recalls are handled easily by your local Toyota dealer. Be sure to find out beforehand whether or not your prospective purchase has had its recall maintenance performed.
Apart from the above recalls, there are currently no commonly observed issues with the 2018 Toyota Corolla to date. Most owners report driving greater than 50,000 miles without a major mechanical issue. This may change as time goes on and weaknesses bubble up to the surface, but for now, prospective owners can rest assured they are getting a reliable vehicle in the 2018 Corolla.
2018 Corolla Competitors
To no one’s surprise, the 2018 Corolla’s competitors were familiar ones. The 2018 Honda Civic, VW Golf, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda3 all vied for the top spot in the compact car segment.
2018 Honda Civic
Perhaps Corolla’s most formidable opponent year-to-year is the Honda Civic. The 2018 Civic was notably more entertaining to drive and had far more power under the hood.
The 2018 Civic earned a three-out-of-five reliability rating, which is lower than the Corolla, but the 2018 Civic does better at the pump than the Corolla, earning up to 32 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.
While the 2018 Civic has fewer standard safety features, it does fare better in collision ratings. In a head-to-head, Civic puts up a great fight, and is arguably a better overall car.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Volkswagen Golf
If you’re hoping for a sportier look and a more entertaining ride, the 2018 Volkswagen Golf might just fit the bill. The 2018 Golf offers the kind of performance you’d expect from a modern compact car, with 170 turbocharged horses and go-kart-like handling.
Gas mileage is significantly worse, at 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for the FWD Golf. If gas mileage is of no concern, Volkswagen features a 292 hp AWD Golf R trim boasting 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The Golf also features an electric trim, the e-Golf, something the Corolla failed to do until its most recent generation.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Ford Focus
Do you need a daily driver that doubles as a weekend warrior? The 2018 Ford Focus might be the best fit for you. The Focus stretches from standard economy car up to tire-burning track toy.
In the Focus RS, you get a whopping 350 highway, all-wheel drive, and Recaro seats, all in an aggressively designed hatchback package.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Hyundai Elantra
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is one of the more similar cars to the 2018 Corolla. It does boast a lower price tag, but with the lower cost comes a lack of the same standard safety features offered in the 2018 Corolla.
Gas mileage in the 2018 Elantra is also not quite as good as the Corolla’s, but not by a significant amount.
The Elantra is another excellent choice for a bargain A-to-B vehicle that also features great styling, plenty of room, multiple engine options, and a hatchback.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Mazda3
Another top competitor for the 2018 Corolla also hails from the Land of the Rising Sun. The Mazda3 is a sporty sedan geared for excitement. And with horsepower ratings ranging from 155 to 184, you’ll be looking at a power bump.
The Mazda3 can be purchased in either a sedan or hatchback. The 2018 model offers 28 mpg city and 38 highway, a bit lower than the Corolla.
The 2018 Mazda3 feels a bit more upscale than the 2018 Corolla, but J.D. Power rated it 10 points lower in their quality and reliability rating, and nine points fewer in their overall ratings.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Conclusion: Is the 2018 Toyota Corolla a Good Buy?
The 2018 Toyota Corolla is just as one of our reviewers described: vanilla. It’s boring and uninspiring. Still, it’s dependable, and almost everyone can appreciate it. Toyota played it safe in 2018 and kept the Corolla a no-frills, A-to-B car. In that regard, it’s literally perfect.
It’s lacking in several areas, such as performance, enjoyability, and phone tech. However, at the end of the day, you don’t buy a Corolla for those reasons. The 2018 Corolla fits the standard commuter bill perfectly.
You don’t buy a Corolla for spirited driving. You buy a Corolla to get yourself to work and back without forking over thousands of unnecessary dollars in fuel cost, maintenance, and repairs.
So, if you’re in the market for a bare-bones, A-to-B daily driver, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better car than the 2018 Toyota Corolla.
Photos: Toyota; Honda; Volkswagen; Ford; Hyundai; Mazda
