2013 Toyota Corolla — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2013 Toyota Corolla

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $12,395–$15,062
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2013 Toyota Corolla

Engine1.8L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG26 / 33 MPG
Combined MPG29 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,350
CO₂ Emissions311 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$12,395–$15,062

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2013 Toyota Corolla

The 2013 Toyota Corolla is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Performance at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.8/10. The Corolla nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 5.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.1/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $12,395–$15,062, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Corolla sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.0/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2013 Toyota Corolla will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology and performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2013 Toyota Corolla ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $12,395 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 55%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which Corolla Year Should You Buy?

Across the Corolla model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.2/10$22,711 Read review →
2025 8.2/10$22,711 Read review →
2024 8.2/10$22,050 Read review →
2023 8.1/10$21,388 Read review →
2022 8.1/10$20,727 Read review →
2021 8.0/10$20,065 Read review →
2020 8.0/10$19,404 Read review →
2019 8.0/10$18,742 Read review →
2018 7.9/10$18,081 Read review →
2017 7.9/10$17,419 Read review →
2016 7.9/10$16,758 Read review →
2015 7.8/10$16,096 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2013 Toyota Corolla

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ Where it falls short

  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Toyota Corolla (5 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module
09/01/2019 · 19V005000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama,…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module
17/10/2019 · 19V741000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module
09/01/2018 · 18V024000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI,…
Air bags / Frontal / Sensor/control module-inactive
16/01/2013 · 13V014000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and…
Air bags / air bag/restraint control module
17/01/2020 · 20V024000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction,…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Similar Sedan to Consider

Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

2016 Toyota Corolla
2016 Toyota Corolla
7.9/10
View →
2016 Toyota Corolla Base
2016 Toyota Corolla Base
7.9/10
View →
2015 Toyota Corolla
2015 Toyota Corolla
7.8/10
View →
2015 Toyota Corolla Base
2015 Toyota Corolla Base
7.8/10
View →

More Toyota Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.