Toyota Corolla is a very reliable car. Having a 4WD option will allow you to get wherever you want. I was able to get to such places where 4WD SUVs was not able to get. However, for 4 wheel drive car 1.6l engine is not enough, because of that the car is slow and not fuel efficient.
Anyways, I never had any serious problems with engine or transmission or body. My car was 10 years old with 130000 km when I bought it and it had no rust at all!. It is a very good car.