Used 2008 Toyota Corolla

Looking for an inexpensive car that offers a lot for the money? Consider the 2008 Toyota Corolla Sedan. While it may be a bit more expensive than some competitors, the Corolla has an exemplary history (38 years to be exact) of quality, longevity and reliability, not to mention a minimal appetite for fuel. Still, some shoppers will inevitably turn to the less-expensive and better-equipped models from Hyundai, Kia and Suzuki. But, buyer beware; for as these cars appear to offer more features and better styling for less money up front, when it comes trade-in time the Corolla owner will be laughing all the way to the bank.

No matter which trim level you choose, you’ll get the same peppy 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission. Rated at 126 horsepower, the Corolla’s engine uses a number of high-tech features to help it move quickly while sipping fuel at a miserly pace. Even with the optional four-speed automatic, the Corolla feels relatively quick on level surfaces, though it does struggle a bit in high elevations or with a carload of people onboard. On the road, you’ll find the 2008 Toyota Corolla a joy to drive. Its stable suspension returns a smooth ride, yet it’s able to negotiate quick maneuvers without any loss of composure. Keep in mind the Corolla is not a sports car, but driven within reason the Corolla will always go where you point it and stop when you tell it to stop.

The 2008 Toyota Corolla touts a beautifully-detailed cabin with firm, supportive seats, grade-A quality plastics and a rear seat that can actually accommodate two adults in relative comfort. As with most cars in this class, the radio and heating controls are placed in the center section for ease of operation, though with the Corolla you may find that operating the radio requires a bit of a reach. There are bins and storage compartments galore, including four separate cup holders.

The Corolla features a tall body that raises the bumper height a few inches, a feature that comes in handy when tapping bumpers with today’s monster SUVs. The styling is subtle but pleasant. The sporty S model looks the best of the three trims, but offers no additional horsepower or performance enhancements.

Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
The auto-dimming rearview mirror, optional on the LE grade, includes a built-in compass.

Optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
Perhaps the most important safety feature since the invention of the airbag, VSC can help avoid accidents by keeping the car traveling in its intended direction.

The Corolla CE features a 1.8-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, rear defroster, digital clock, automatic headlamp control, power mirrors, AM/FM stereo with CD, tilt wheel, tachometer and full wheel covers. The S trim adds ground effects, fog lights, six-speaker stereo, red illuminated instruments and chrome accents. The LE adds wood trim, power windows, Optitron instrumentation and remote keyless entry.

Options vary by trim and include power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, four-speed automatic transmission, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, power moonroof, auto-dimming inside mirror, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), audio upgrades, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and cruise control. There are also a number of dealer and port-installed options that vary in price depending on region.

The Corolla’s 1.8-liter engine remains one of the best in the industry. Though it’s no hot rod, there is enough pep under the hood to move the Corolla briskly and the engine’s miserly fuel consumption is among the best in this class.

1.8-liter in-line 4
126 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
122 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/37 (manual), 26/35 (automatic)

Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.

We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.

Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.

Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)

We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.