2004 vs 2005 Toyota Corolla

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2004

Nothing that 2005 lacks.

2005

  • Engine computer, 2005–2008

    What to check: Ask whether recall 10V384000 was done. A stall, hard start or rough running can point to the engine computer.

    Toyota recalled 2005–2008 front-drive Corollas with the 1ZZ-FE because cracks could form on the engine computer's circuit board, and the engine could run poorly or shut off.

    NHTSA

Both years

  • Intake manifold gasket All years One source so far

    What to check: Look for a check-engine light, and listen for a hiss of a vacuum leak at the intake.

    Two owners in the same BobIsTheOilGuy thread, an unofficial source, report a leaking intake manifold gasket.

    Owners' reports (unofficial)

Rare catches

2004

Nothing that 2005 lacks.

2005

Nothing that 2004 lacks.

Both years

  • Rare TRD supercharger Package

    A TRD kit, not a factory option A published reference

Recalls

2004

  • 03V366000 2004

    A lug nut hole may have been drilled too large, so the nut can loosen, and in the worst case the studs can break and the wheel come off. NHTSA

  • 08V162000 2003–2004

    The front door glass bolts may loosen and come off, letting the glass drop away from the window regulator. NHTSA

  • 13V029000 2003–2004

    The airbag circuits can short inside and overheat, which could set off the front airbags or seat belt pretensioners. NHTSA

  • 15V043000 2003–2004

    Electrical noise can make a part of the airbag computer fail, setting off the airbags or seat belt pretensioners while driving. NHTSA

2005

  • 10V384000 2005–2008

    The engine computer may have been made with flaws, and cracks can form on its circuit board. The engine may run poorly, fail to start or shut off. NHTSA

Both years

  • 15V286000 2003–2007

    The passenger front airbag inflator may rupture when the airbag deploys, throwing metal fragments. NHTSA

  • 15V285000 2003–2007

    The passenger front airbag inflator may build up too much pressure and rupture when the airbag deploys. NHTSA

  • 18V883000 2003–2005

    The passenger front airbag inflator may explode after its propellant degrades, throwing metal fragments. NHTSA

  • 19V627000 2003–2008

    In high heat the passenger front airbag may not unfold as designed, and may not inflate properly. NHTSA

  • 19V741000 2003–2013

    Inflators fitted under an earlier recall were of the same design, and can still explode after long exposure to heat and humidity. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2004, up to and including 2005.

  1. 2005Facelift with a new front bumper and grille and clear rear turn signal lenses. The XRS arrives, the LE gets Optitron gauges, and side curtain airbags, stability control and JBL audio become options. Edmunds, a published reference

What it came with

2004

Nothing that 2005 lacks.

2005

Engines
1.8L four-cylinder, XRS (2005–2006) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
6-speed manual (2005–2006) Edmunds, a published reference
Trims
XRS (2005–2006) A published reference
Packages
Side curtain airbags and stability control (2005–2008) Edmunds, JBL audio (2005–2008) Edmunds

Both years

Engines
1.8L four-cylinder Toyota, Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
5-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference, 4-speed automatic Edmunds
Drivetrains
Front-wheel drive A published reference
Body styles
Sedan A published reference
Trims
CE A published reference, LE Edmunds, a published reference, S Toyota, a published reference
Packages
TRD supercharger A published reference

Colors

2004

  • Lunar Mist Metallic 1C8, 2003–2004 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Moonshadow Metallic 1E6, 2003–2004 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Mineral Green Opal 6R6, 2003–2004 An owners' registry (unofficial)

2005

  • Silver Streak Mica 1E7, 2005–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Phantom Gray Pearl 1E3, 2005–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Cactus Mica 775, 2005–2007 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)

Both years

  • Super White 040, 2003–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Black Sand Pearl 209, 2003–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Desert Sand Mica 4Q2, 2004–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Impulse Red Pearl 3P1, 2003–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Indigo Ink Pearl 8P4, 2003–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2004

Nothing that 2005 lacks.

2005

Nothing that 2004 lacks.

Both years

  • Sought after: High-mileage durability All years One source so far

    In a BobIsTheOilGuy thread on high-mileage 2003–2008 Corollas, an unofficial source, five of seven owners praise their cars' durability, including one at 174,000 miles and a 2003 that reached about 290,000. Owners' reports (unofficial)