Used Toyota Corolla Verso 2001 - 2007 review
Hugely likeable family car
MPV
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What's the used Toyota Corolla Verso like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Toyota Corolla Verso like?
Overall, this is a thoroughly sensible car. Its tall roof and ample width give front-seat occupants plenty of space, and the dashboard layout is simple. Visibility is good, too, but the lack of steering wheel reach adjustment is a disappointment.
What's perhaps a surprise is that the Verso seats just five, whereas some rivals take seven. However, that leaves plenty of luggage space behind, and the rear chairs fold, tumble and slide to make the best use of space.
Overview
Hugely likeable family car
Pros
- Practical cabin, excellent engines and dynamics
- plus solid build quality
Cons
- Can accommodate only five
Cargo space ranges from 417 to 973 litres depending on how you arrange the seats, and there are 22 different extra storage areas around the vehicle in case that's still not enough.
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The Verso was launched as part of the new Corolla range in January 2002, and its chassis was modified to take account of the more upright bodystyle. It works, too; the ride is well controlled to prevent passengers getting queasy, although it still lacks the balance of the hatchback.
Wind and road noise are kept under control by the well insulated cabin, and while the diesel engine is always audible, the petrol units are quiet and refined. The 1.6 is particularly impressive.
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Tips & Advice
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Toyota Corolla Verso?
The Verso was the first compact MPV Toyota had created based on its popular Corolla small family car. For that reason it sold well and is still desirable now as a used buy. The company's formidable reputation for building reliable cars means it has held its value, too. In other words, don't expect to bag a bargain.
On the other hand, running costs aren't too bad, and fuel economy is impressive across the range, with the 1.8 offering the lowest figure at 37.1mpg (34.4 with the auto box). The 1.6 will give 38.7mpg, but the diesel is the best performer at 43.5mpg.
Insurance ratings are low for a family car of this size, starting at group 5 for the 1.6. The 1.8 is in group 7, while the diesel is group 5 or 6 depending on trim level.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota Corolla Verso should I buy?
The car was on sale for nearly two and a half years, and the model range didn't change in that time. There were two petrol engines - a 110bhp 1.6-litre and a 133bhp 1.8-litre - plus a 2.0-litre diesel developing 89bhp. Each came with a five-speed manual gearbox, although a four-speed auto was available with the 1.8.
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Our pick of the bunch is the entry level petrol. It's smooth, refined, quiet and doesn't suffer from a lack of power.
Trim levels are T2, T3 and T-Spirit. Standard kit on all models includes twin front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, remote central locking, electric front windows and a CD player. T3 adds alloys and air-con - which makes it our favourite trim - while T Spirit has a leather steering wheel and heated mirrors.
Tips & Advice
Which smartphone integration should I have?
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How reliable is the Toyota Corolla Verso ?
Toyota Corolla Verso
Read reliability
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
Follow Stuart Milne on
Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.