MSRP Range: $13,500 - $15,500
Invoice Range: $12,500 - $14,500
Price Quote
MSRP As Tested: $14,680
Versions: CE, S, LE
Vehicle Category: Sub-Compact Sedan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
Engine As Tested: 1.8-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, Inline 4-cylinder, 130-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft torque at 4,200 rpm
Transmission As Tested: 4-Speed Manual and optional 5-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 5-Speed Manual - 32/40, 4-Speed Automatic - 29/38
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger airbags, 4-wheel front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, daytime running lights, In-Trunk Emergency Trunk Release
Competition: Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Mazda Protege, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta
Kona City, HI - It's appropriate that this car is introduced halfway between Japan and the US as Corolla has tire marks on both continents. First arriving here in the midst of the gas crises of the 70s, it became the answer to the bloated barges from Detroit. But few would consider that it would eventually surpass the Model T and the VW Beetle as the single most produced car model of all time.
True, those others evolved with fewer fundamental changes over their life cycle, and stayed essentially the same size, but Corolla has grown to reflect the market changes. It is sold in all parts of the world, and when my mother moved to Guatemala in the mid-80s I sent her down there with a used 1979 Corolla wagon, slightly refreshed, but with 100,000 miles on it at the time. Four years old, it matched the model sold in that country back then and she never had problems with parts or service.
Mom's Corolla now has close to 300,000 miles on it, most of them on cobblestone streets, using questionable gasoline at times, but never breaking down. It has been stolen twice, needed tires and shocks often, and only had the cylinder head off for precautionary maintenance twice.
This is the legacy of Corolla. Not exciting, more of an appliance than a cult car, but solid and honest. In this ninth version, Toyota's goals were style, performance and a unique packaging for a younger buyer. Well, one out of three isn't bad. Its acceptance is guaranteed as it has been on sale in Japan for a year, and is the number 1 seller there, and this version will sell in Europe as well.
According to David Terai, Assistant Chief Engineer, "There have traditionally been differences in performance, ride quality and configuration that vary widely between markets. We analyzed the differences in 142 markets where Corolla is sold, and found those changes narrowing. The result is that this car for the first time is based on US tastes as this is the biggest market, while Euro and Asian Corollas will have minor chassis tuning and styling changes."
This results in a vehicle that is larger; in fact it is virtually the same size as the Camry was when it was introduced 20 years ago. This addresses the desires of current owners, and the Corolla is longer, taller and wider to allow the seats to be further apart with more room for consoles, cup holders, etc. And they deserve kudos for convenience features like the grab handle style exterior door handles that benefit all folks of all ages in all weather conditions.
Toyota wanted to make the styling more muscular and upscale yet convey a feeling of roominess, access and clean crispness. They are concerned that young people prefer other Japanese makes, European sports sedans and even some US models. There are a lot of youth features included in the basic design, and a whole host of options, but look for vehicles like the Matrix, Echo, and the new Scion brand to be the leaders with that demographic.
The Corolla CE is the base model, and comes with fabric seats and a gray dash but a tilt wheel, AM/FM CD, with folding seat backs, dust and pollen filter and a tach are standard. The popular LE has leather available with simulated wood standard on the uprated instrument cluster. For the young at heart, the Corolla S has an aero package, fog lamps, chrome exhaust tip, and alloy wheels. For most models and packages, air conditioning is optional.
As usual for Toyotas, the interior is quiet and competent, and there is more support in the seats, although the cushions are scoop shaped without the flat support of some other seats. The instruments are easily readable, a lesson that should be passed on to Matrix designers, and the radio is at top of the stack to minimize time eyes leave the business of driving.
No one will buy the Corolla when shopping for a sports car, but the engine is uprated and it is quicker than before, despite being larger and heavier. Now the steering mounts to a subframe for more precise response, and with a variable rate rack and pinion, steering is more linear. Attention has been paid to shock tuning and roll damping is firmer, and more comfortable for reduced body roll and less "floatiness".
All Corollas sold here will be built here in Cambridge, Ontario and the NUMI plant in Fremont, CA. For the first time, NUMI will also built right hand drive vehicles for export to Japan and other right drive markets.
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.
MORE DATA
Where Built: Canada and the USA
Seating: 5
Number of Rows: 2
Crash Test Ratings:
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: *****
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: *****
- NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: ****
- NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: ****
- NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: ****
- IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: rated Good
Length in Inches: 178.3
Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/unlimited miles corrosion, 5 years/60,000 mile powertrain.
Weight in Pounds: 2,502
Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Applicable
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 13.2
Destination Charge: $485
