Toyota's Biggest Mistake? Why The Corolla T Sport Does Not Deserve To Be Forgotten

In today's video we are looking at one hot hatch from one of the world's biggest car makers - a recipe that should never have resulted in anything but success. However, that was not to be. We are talking about the 2ZZ powered 2005 Corolla T Sport.

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[Gravengaard]

I took my drivers license in the 4-door version of this. A local driving instructor was mad enough to have one of these, and me and my mate actually based our decision on what driving school we should use based on the car. That was a fun piece of kit... Will never ever forget the first time om a motorway ramp. Took it up to 4000-4500 RPM, just like my parents would do, but then the instructor said "Take your feet off the pedals". Then, using his set of pedals, he absolutely ringed it down the ramp. I was so amazed by the performance I nearly forgot that it was me who was actually holding the steering wheel.

[djdrastic]

There was a limited TRD version of these with a supercharger and was an absolute hoot. Toyota at that stage was going through their no fun allowed phase and did absolutely nothing to market the thing or get some press about it.

[Txmpy]

Having owned a T sport, i dont understand the hate and critisicm. Yes its not an EP3, however its a cheap entry into a fun hatchback that'll take a very generous amount of abuse, stick some coilovers on it, some decent alloys and tyres, better air filter and a decent exhaust, and it'll give the same amount of fun that an ep will (also owned an EP3). Great cars and i would definitely recommend looking into one if you want a cheap hot hatch that offers alot of enjoyment!

[rsco]

When you get the gear changes right with this engine it is so satisfying and rewarding to drive.

[ManilvaRS]

Another car with a MCM Chopped sticker on. Home of the the worlds greatest Off-Road 4X4 youtube channel!

[philgreen]

About 10 years ago I test drove a Compressor version located at a secondhand car sales place. It had a modified exhaust and sounded fantastic - a truly great drive. I didn't buy it because I really needed a diesel for commuting, but it'd one car I always think about to this day. I now have a GR Yaris and I still think the T-Sport Compressor would make a good car!

[BlueXonar]

Had two of these, and two Celica T-Sports as well.
Another reason why they didn't sell well was that the published 0 - 60 figure was over 8 seconds, whereas in reality it was closer to 6.5 seconds, I still don't know why they did that.
The VVTLi crossover is only an issue with the 1st to 2nd gear shift. In all other gears it really is rather easy to keep it in "lift", at least once you have driven one for a short while.
They really do need a cold air intake to really make the most of that induction noise though.

I think the 2ZZ is a much more fun engine than its Honda counterpart, the crossover is more aggressive, and it has a nicer induction tone.
They are also a much better package, way more kit as standard, and the interior is better screwed together. The EP3 usually doesn't even come with AC, whereas the Corolla comes with automatic climate control as standard, as well as auto wipers and other things.
Cheaper to buy and insure as well.

But the steering feedback on the Corolla leaves a lot to be desired when you are pushing the limits (i.e there is none), and the suspension could use a little tweak as well. The Celica is better in this regard because it has hydraulic power steering and is a little firmer.

That said, being Toyotas, I absolutely wrung the necks of all four of mine, and none of them missed a beat, not once. I just kept them serviced with good quality fluids and filters, and let them come up to temperature.

[jaschaschaub]

every one who knows this one knows its as good as a civic... this engine is so good

[BennyJ]

I have a friend who has one of these and done all the bells and whistles on it. He's just patiently waiting to supercharge it now! Absolutely mad car and really fun to be a passenger in.

[dougsinnamon]

My brother has a T sport Compressor had it 12 years daily driver for 8 of them Great sounding car Toyota reliability 👍

[bunkaaa]

You cant make this stuff up, Jay, I was literally about to email you as I just purchased a Face Lift Corolla T Sport for you to review, and here you are !!

[davisdesigns]

It's Called a RunX in South Africa and people really love these things

[jodk]

You're right. We were spoiled for choice back then, and the T-Sport didn't look all that interesting in that mix. ..but looking at it now, hearing that amazing engine rev, looking at prices, i'd rather fancy a T-Sport tbh. This was a welcomed eye opener. Thanks. ..but i do agree.. Power band needs to start earlier for the car to be truly usable irl.

[YTSsport]

I had one of these. Best car I've owned by far. I were able to give it as much stick as I wanted to and it never let me down. Just regular maintenance and it were running awesome. Had a couple of modifications but nothing drastic. Lift were so much fun and better than vTec in my opinion.

[numbereightyseven]

I hope you can track down a "Toyota Blade Master" to review. The 2007 Corolla shape, with the 3.5-litre 276bhp V6 plonked in it.
I have one, and it's awesome. 0-100 in about 6 seconds.

[KDaL]

God I cannot express how much I miss mine. It was madness as my second car I'd ever owned with only 9 months driving experience. Above 6k revs it was just mad to drive.

[flak]

I had a facelift as my daily for 5 years, did over 100k and it never let me down. I had Tein coilovers fitted which really improved the handling but the ride was awful! Great little car and I liked that people did not really know what it was. Thanks Jay for the content

[buzypea]

I owned a Compressor model for 4 years. Took it from 50, 000 to 100, 000 miles and the only issues I had were leaking Eibach shock absorbers (unique to the Compressor and a well known issue). Replaced them with adjustable coilovers. The exhaust also needed replacing, and again being unique to the Compressor, you can’t get a replacement so had a custom one made. I really enjoyed the car, it was a great all round package and felt extremely quick higher up the rev range. Replaced it with a Mk7 Fiesta ST and MASSIVELY regretted it. Should of kept the Compressor.

[colestacks]

These are kinda big in the Caribbean as tuner cars, most people 2zz swap them & there named the runx out here

[therandomlifeofcon]

Got a facelift tsport myself and I love it. Tbh I have modified it . Custom exhaust, blitz sus air intake, k brace, rear arb, compressor front strut and completely stripped it. Completely diffrent car. Climbs revs much better and handles well 👌