The 2004 Toyota Corolla is an efficient, reliable, low-maintenance compact that’s fun to drive and priced to move. The only real issue: The driver seat is a tight fit, with many drivers choosing comparable Hondas and Hyundais over the Corollas a result.
Is the 2004 Toyota Corolla a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – Simply one of the best used compacts on the market today, and the low cost of ownership makes the deal even sweeter.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 –The interior is spacious enough for a compact and cargo space is decent, but if you find the driver seat awkward, none of that matters.
- Reliability 8/10 – A comparable Civic might outlast a Corolla, but not by much. Cheap to maintain and built to go the distance.
- Safety 7/10 – Even for 2004, the 2004 Corolla’s safety features are more “adequate” than “impressive,” but crash test scores are excellent.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – You’re averaging 32/40 miles to the gallon, city/highway, which is really good for a twenty year old compact.
- Value 9/10 – Typically listing in the low $4,000 range, there are cheaper cars out there, but they don’t deliver this level of value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Toyota Corolla?
Consumer Reports praised the roomy interior, the quiet-running engine, the quick acceleration, and the excellent fuel economy. The one issue they had with the car: Some drivers might not find the seating very comfortable.
Kelley Blue Book users give the car a 95% recommendation, with strong praise for the reliable powertrain. One driver even reports hitting 400,000 miles on the original transmission with no major issues. Premature rust has been reported, but incidents are rare.
Edmunds praised the “refined and roomy” interior, the gas mileage, the crash test ratings, and the car’s reputation for reliability. They agreed with Consumer Reports that some drivers may find the driver seat a bit awkward.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Toyota Corolla Have?
Airbags make up the bulk of the 2004 Corolla’s complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, comprising 251 of 497 total reports. The car has been recalled for airbag problems eight times, and many of these complaints have to do with vehicles not being covered in the recalls, or drivers waiting on replacement parts.
Vehicle speed control complaints take a distant second place, with just 61 reports on file. The main issue here: Sudden unintended acceleration. Drivers report the car speeding up for no reason, sometimes forcing them to apply the emergency brakes.
A recall was issued in 2008 for for shattered windows, owing to a faulty regulator bolt. Complaints on this issue have been few and far between since the recall was issued, but some drivers were still waiting on parts years after the fact.
In total, the 2004 Toyota Corolla has 14 recalls on file with the NHTSA, which isn’t bad for a twenty year old car, but some drivers may find it worrying that it took them so long to fix the airbag issues, with the last airbag recall being issued in 2019.
How Long Will the 2004 Toyota Corolla Last?
300,000 miles is a reasonable expectation if a Corolla is kept in pristine condition. But, you never know how well the previous owner kept the vehicle, so, when weighing the sticker price, you should plan to reach somewhere in the area of 250,000 miles with regular maintenance.
RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance bill in the area of $362, with the most expensive common repairs being new AC condensers starting at $592, and engine mount replacements at $566.
It has been one of the most reliable vehicles we have ever owned as a family car. It has not had any major problems. We have kept regular maintenance and it has only needed a new starter and alternator.
Overall very reliable. Some issues now but nothing out of the ordinary given its age and high miles.
My car is very reliable. The only consistent problem I have is the breaks are a little squeaky, but really that's the only problem I've had.
It has not had any major problems of note. It has not had any major problems of note. It has not had any major problems of note. It has not had any major problems of note.
It s reliable for me Just basic wear and tear. No major malfunctions. Handles well in weather conditions
It is extremely reliable. The only problem we have had is with some of the components like the lock on the driver's side broke.
Yes it’s a very reliable car. It doesn't have many problems at all. I wouldn't complain. I'm very happy with the car.
No none for me I've had a expired battery for years still running tip top shape, bought the car used from a mutual friend and I love it I feel I got a great deal.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is generous, if dated. The entry level model comes with a CD player and four speakers, but that’s about as fancy as it gets. In other words you’ll probably be listening to your phone more than the radio.
Safety technology is adequate for a twenty year old compact. You’ve got full airbags and child-proof door locks, but no anti-lock brakes or traction control, and you can forget about newer features like rearview cameras and parking assist.
Is the 2004 Toyota Corolla a Good Value?
A 2004 Toyota Corolla is a very good value, but there’s no point in trying to save money on a lower trim level. The CE typically lists at around $4,232, while the high-end LE typically lists around $4,322. So, on average, you’re not even saving a hundred bucks by skimping on power door locks and windows.
For the miles you’re going to get out of the 2004 Corolla, the price is hard to beat. The prices quoted above are for vehicles with fewer than 160,000 miles on the odometer. If you’re getting 250,000 miles out of the car, as a conservative estimate, there are much newer cars that can’t promise that longevity.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Toyota Corolla?
The 2004 Toyota Corolla trim list is short and sweet with just three models from the base CE to the high-end LE.
With the entry level CE you’re getting:
- CD player with 4 speakers
- Fabric interior trim
- Two 12v auxiliary power outlets
- Power exterior mirrors
- Manual air conditioning
The mid-range S adds:
- Fog lights
- Leather steering wheel
- Power door locks
With the top-of-the-line LE you’re adding:
- Remote keyless entry
- Woodgrain style interior trim
- Power windows
What Engines Come In the 2004 Toyota Corolla?
- The 2004 Corolla comes packed with a 1.8L inline-four delivering 130 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is configured in front wheel drive and paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission, averaging 32/40 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2004 Toyota Corolla Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Toyota Corolla?
While the front seat is reportedly a bit awkward for taller drivers or those who demand a little more room at the hip or shoulder, there are otherwise few complaints for the seating, interior space, or smooth ride. The suspension has held up well over the years with only a few reports of premature rust in the struts.
You never want to buy a used car without test-driving it first, but this is doubly true for the Corolla, as you simply might not fit in the front seat. If it’s a bit tight, the 2004 Civic makes a fine alternative.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Toyota Corolla Have?
You can store 13.6 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk of a 2004 Corolla, or three large suitcases. You can fold down the seats if you need to pack a bicycle or some 2x4s into the trunk. It can handle any grocery trip or airport run, but bear in mind that the Corolla is a compact car, and it’s not really built for heavy-duty hauling.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2004 was the second model year of the Corolla’s 9th Generation (E120), which carried the nameplate from 2003 to 2007 in the North American market.
2003: Toyota gave the Corolla a much-needed overhaul for 2003 with more luxurious features and materials for the interior, and a more powerful 1.8L i4 engine under the hood.
2004: 2003 and 2004 model Corollas are basically the same car in the US, but the Japanese version got a front-end redesign.
2005: The sport-tuned XRS trim was added to the lineup, and optional side curtain airbags made their debut.
2006: A 2006 Corolla is basically the same car as the 2005 Corolla. No major changes.
2007: Toyota dropped the XRS trim in 2007.
How Does the 2004 Toyota Corolla Compare to the Competition?
The Honda Civic is frequently cited as the most reliable compact on the market and the best value overall. But, comparing specs, longevity, and pricing, the car is just about tied with the Corolla. The biggest difference between the two for 2004 may be that the Civic offers a wider range of engine and interior options, including a 2.0L VTEC and leather seats.
Hyundai can always be counted on for a budget-friendly alternative to industry-leading compacts, with the 2004 Elantra selling for about a thousand dollars less than the Corolla. Elantras can’t promise the same longevity as a Civic or a Corolla, but they do tend to pass 200,000 miles with no major mechanical issues.
The Elantra may be the most affordable vehicle on the list, the Civic’s wide range of options will attract more gearheads, but the Corolla may be the best value of the three. Just so long as you can fit comfortably in the driver seat.
Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Toyota Corolla?
Yes it is. It has been an amazing car that has been very dependable and our everyday drive. The gas mileage has been really good and even as the vehicle had gotten older that has not changed.
Yes, it has 270,000 miles and is still running strong. The body has no rust at all even though I live in the northeast.
Yes very good. It's a sturdy and reliable car, and gets me where I need to go safely. The gas mileage I get out of it is good.
It is very great! I purchased this vehicle as a used vehicle in 2012, so it was already 8 years old. It had 112,000 miles on it at the time and after seven years, it has 224,000 miles on it and runs very well.
Yes not only a good vehicle but sturdy and good on gas easy to drive and comfortable handles well in weather conditions
Yes, probably one of the best. I have never had a problem with it, and it is extremely reliable. We get really good gas mileage, so it had become our best car to drive around town.
Yes it’s a very good car for anyone to have. Toyota is also a good car brand. Very reliable and good on gas.
Awesome is more like the word, had this car for years no issues great on gas altogether cheap and not to shabby in appearance either
