The 2005 Toyota Corolla Is KBB’s Pick for the Best Used Compact Car Under $5,000
One of the easiest ways to save money when buying a vehicle is to choose a used car. And if you’re looking for the best used compact car under $5,000, Kelley Blue Book recommends the 2005 Toyota Corolla. Not only is the Corolla a dependable vehicle, but it also holds its value, even years down the road.
What are the 2005 Toyota Corolla’s engine specs and performance?
The 2005 Toyota Corolla CE, S, and LE all have the same 130-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. If fuel efficiency is at the top of your list, you’ll be glad to hear this small car delivers 26 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but the four-speed automatic shifts smoothly.
Need more power under the right foot? Opt for the XRS trim for a 1.8-liter four-cylinder producing 170 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, it’s the same engine Toyota put in the Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS, so you know it has some power.
Consumer Reports performed a road test with this model and stated the car remained predictable and secure when pushed to its cornering limits at the track, and it threaded the double-lane-change avoidance-maneuver course confidently. In addition, its braking performance was very good.
The 2005 model is a well-equipped compact car
The 2005 Toyota Corolla provides a spacious interior for a compact car, even for your taller passengers. The base-model CE has everything you’d expect: air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD stereo system, power steering, tilt steering column, an outside temperature gauge, and a trunk lamp. Thanks to the split 60/40 folding rear seatbacks, there’s also plenty of cargo space.
The LE trim gains more features, including remote keyless entry, power windows, and halogen headlamps. It also boasts upgraded exterior design features such as body-colored door handles and available aluminum wheels. With optional leather seating, you could imagine sitting inside a luxury compact vehicle.
Sportier XRS models come equipped with a sport-tuned suspension with revised steering, stylish 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, cruise control, and front and rear disc brakes.
What are the safety features of the 2005 Toyota Corolla?
If you need a compact car that will keep you and your passengers protected during daily commutes, the 2005 Toyota Corolla will do just that. Standard safety equipment across all models includes the following:
- Child door locks
- Child seat anchors
- Driver airbag
- Passenger airbag
- Rear side airbag
- Front side airbag
Is the 2005 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Yes, the 2005 Toyota Corolla is a reliable car, Kelley Blue Book reports. Plus, all models come equipped with a high-quality interior with comfortable seats. In addition, the trunk is large for its class, so you can easily pack up your things and go. The 2005 Corolla is also efficient and offers good performance and handling.
All in all, it’s an excellent compact sedan for the price. So if you’re considering purchasing a small used car, check out the 2005 Toyota Corolla.
