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The Toyota Corolla is smooth, convenient, and easy to drive. It's hard to find any faults here. For many owners, this car quickly fades into the background, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives. And that's the way they want it.
The standard 126-horsepower four-cylinder engine is quiet, smooth, and refined. It delivers brisk acceleration performance with a broad power band for nice, linear acceleration. There is no difference in engine, transmission or suspension between the CE, S, and LE trim levels.
The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is nicely matched with the engine. It includes a shift logic system that helps hold a gear longer than it might otherwise if it senses the car is going up an incline or the driver wants plenty of power while passing.
For those who enjoy doing their own shifting, the five-speed manual allows for more performance as the engine's power can be better utilized. It shifts easily via a relatively tall shifter. Both the gearbox and clutch are smooth and easy to operate. The manual transmission earns an EPA-estimated 32/41 mpg City/Highway, while the automatic gets 30/38 mpg. One thing we hated: A beeper goes off in the cabin every time we shifted into reverse. We feel we could live without this feature.
The power steering is just right, providing a nice feel without being too stiff or sloppy. The suspension has been tuned to give a smooth ride, which is helped by a relatively long wheelbase. Body roll, or lean, is minimal and the car feels secure and stable at all speeds. The suspension is soft and does a good job of soaking up bumps and road vibration, giving the Corolla a nice, smooth ride that we really liked. The Corolla handles well, though those who enjoy the crisp handling of a sports sedan may want to opt for the XRS, which has a slightly stiffer suspension.
The Toyota Corolla XRS is powered by a newly tuned version of the 2ZZ dual overhead cam engine and six-speed manual transmission found in both the Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder produces 164 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 127 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It's tuned for more mid-range torque and features Toyota's VVTL-i variable valve timing and lift system for a burst of power from 6,000 to 7,600 rpm. EPA fuel economy is rated 26/34 City/Highway. The XRS features a sport-tuned suspension with higher-rate coil springs and shocks and a lower ride height (a half-inch lower). A sport strut tower brace is mounted between the shock towers. Larger 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels come with Michelin performance tires. The revised steering system features a more rigid steering column, designed to improve response. A power steering rack specially developed for the XRS allows for better steering feedback.
The XRS is not a high-performance sport compact car, however. It doesn't offer the response of hot compacts such as a Chevrolet Cobalt SS we'd driven immediately before, though the XRS is decidedly less expensive. And the suspension is by no means stiff. In fact, it's quite compliant. Overall, the Toyota Corolla XRS is a terrific compact four-door sedan that's just a little sportier than the rest of the line.
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