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The Corolla is an old
design now, but it has held up well, in sales as well as in its
competitiveness. It is comfortable and quiet, roomy, relatively quick, and
fuel-efficient, and less expensive than some similar competitors like the
Honda Civic. Tall drivers may find an uncomfortable driving position, and
the Corolla is not sporty in the slightest, but it’s roomy, fuel-efficient,
safe, quiet, comfortable, and reasonably priced, a generally competent
economy car.
Corolla has a soft,
absorbent ride that is very comfortable at low speeds but a bit jittery on
the highway. The softness allows for excessive body roll even in routine
driving, and the steering, while adequately quick to respond, is too light
and doesn’t provide feedback. The car is surprisingly quick, but the car
becomes noisy fast under acceleration. It is very quiet under other
circumstances however, and fuel economy is exceptional, especially
impressive when the engine’s responsiveness is considered.
Inside, the Corolla’s
front seats are high and comfortable, but could use a longer cushion and
additional lateral support. The roomy rear is very well-shaped and mounted
high enough for excellent thigh support, but could use a bit more leg space.
The interior is of high quality, with attractive (though often hard)
plastics that fit together well, though its taste may be called into
question by excessive use of unconvincing false wood trim on the LE version
reviewed here. The gauges are large and very clear, and the instruments are
well-placed. Shorter drivers will sit very comfortably, though many tall
drivers will either need to reach too far for the steering wheel or lose
their leg space, and find themselves wishing for a telescoping steering
wheel option. All drivers have excellent visibility, however comfortably
they sit. Entry/exit is easy to both the front and rear. The trunk is roomy
and well-shaped.
The Corolla reviewed here
came in at $16,201, equipped with all the expected features in this group
except traction control but few extras. A comparable Civic, possibly the car
most-often cross-shopped with the Corolla, is some $1,500 more.
Overall,
the Corolla is a well-rounded vehicle for those who are unconcerned with
sportiness, and it’s not too expensive. If you fit comfortably in the
driver’s seat, it’s a good choice.
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