What Differences with the Drive by wire - 03/04 vs. 05+

[Jbenrod]

I am thinking about getting a 1st Gen and have never driven one and have a couple questions.

1. I have been reading the forums to learn what differences there are b/t the 1st Gen 03/04 and the updates in 05-08 (1.5 Gen). I know there were some slight changes to the grill and different dealer options but would like to here about what one would notice with the newer "drive by wire" models as compared to the drive by cable in the 03/04. I have driven an 08 Corolla and thought it took a lot of minor steering corrections when driving straight down the highway. I don't like it but maybe that is something you get used to? For those that have driven both models what do you notice different in the driving feel, do you have a preference and do you find the 1.5 gen. to track pretty good down the highway without constant minor steering corrections?

2. I don't see much comments about the head rest position so I guess it isn't much of a problem but I'm not a fan of the car makers moving the headrest to touch the back of your head when sitting in upright position. Has anyone found the need to try and bend the head rest to gain another inch or two and get a more comfortable driving position? (We had to turn around the head rest on the Corolla for my sister and it looks goofy)

[Rayven01]

I'm pretty sure only the throttle in the 1.5 gen is electronic. 2nd gens were the first electric power steering models as far as I know. There are posts on here from people asking about power steering fluid on 05+.

As for headrests.. I have yet to sit in a car with the headrest at a comfortable position to actually lean against (I am 6'3"). If I put my head back on the rest my eyes are looking at the top of the windshield, not the middle.

[thebarber]

The corolla will require more corrections on the highway because the tires are generally skinnier

[ColonelPanic]

I'm pretty sure only the throttle in the 1.5 gen is electronic. 2nd gens were the first electric power steering models as far as I know. There are posts on here from people asking about power steering fluid on 05+.

That is correct, 2003-2004 had cable throttle. 2005+ had drive by wire throttle, which the AWD was exempt that year IIRC.

All 2003-2008 models had hydraulic power steering. 2009-2010 had electronically assisted power steering.

[ehoff121]

2005+ had drive by wire throttle, which the AWD was exempt that year IIRC.

The Colonel is correct - 2005 AWD's have a cable throttle.

[Doug14]

I used to just turn the headrests around backwards. Now i have them normal, Like Rayven01 i'm tall. (just short of 6'6")