2013 Toyota Corolla
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.8L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 26 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,350 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 311 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $12,395–$15,062 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 → |
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.
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