2006 Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corporation has been selling the Corolla for a long time, and they are always among the best rated compact cars. This legacy cannot be overlooked, as the Corolla seems to always win Consumer Reports' desired "best buy" rating. They are always score high on J.D. Powers' Review for customer satisfaction/initial quality, and are a favorite of consumers everywhere. In fact, I can attest to this, as I have firsthand experience with an older version of Corolla.

My Dad has owned his Corolla since 1993, and he just cannot seem to find a way to get rid of it. The car now has over 175,000 miles, and it performs almost as well as the day he bought it.(Fuel efficiency has been dropping for the last year) The only maintenance completed on it was to replace a radiator at 120,000 miles, and to replace the alternator.(137,000 miles) Of course, it has had its routine tuneups at manufacturers suggested times, and tire/brake pad/battery replacements. It still drives well, and even went on a recent road trip up the East Coast.

The 2006 version is a lot better than the 1993, and will be a reliable product for any car buyer. Although Toyota's warranty is less than some of its competitors,(3 years/36,000 miles)it is almost a non factor due to Toyota's reputation for quality. Antoher issue to consider is resale value, as Toyota's consistently hold their value better than most other manufacturers. It is not uncommon to see a two year old Corolla with 30,000 miles for sale, and it has lost only a couple thousand dollars in the sale price. Cars are not investments, but are simply a necessity. However, it is smart to look at the resale value if you are considering a change in a few years.(ie. if you're family is going to grow at an alarming rate, then this is important)

The 2006 Corolla is a nice looking car, and I have been driving the LE version as a demo this week. The Corolla comes in the following editions: CE ($14,600), S($15,250), LE($16,400), and the XRS($18,200). The different Corollas depend on what you want, and how much money you want to spend. The CE, S, and LE incorporate the same engine, but have different options. The main reason for the higher price tag for the XRS is the 164 horsepower engine, with fancy alloys and a front/rear disc braking system. I have not driven the XRS, but I have heard that it is a lot of fun, and it should appeal to younger drivers who want excitement.

I am a bit older, and think of Corollas a practical car. The 1.8 liter 126 horsepower engine in the LE seems like its the right fit for this type of car, even though it is a bit on the slow side.(Earlier editions of Corollas seemed to have a little more juice) It does provide enough power for most driving conditions, and it is very quiet whether idling or at high speeds. Shifting is flawless in the manual or with the four speed automatic, and the engine responds perfectly with each gear change. I just wish that Toyota would add a little more power next year, as it did concern me a little bit on tight merging situations.

Visibility in this car is above average, and there are no blind spots. I really like how you can look out front from the drivers seat, and look down to see the road.(Some may not like this, but I do)There are no obstructions, and the way the dash is laid out, allows for a lot of front window space. The front seats are quite comfortable, but they do give a cramped feeling to tall people. I had to move the seat all the way back,(6'2)and even then had to tilt the steering wheel up to the highest setting. Even then, my feet seemed to be right up on the pedals. The back seats offer more legroom than one would expect, but my back has hurt after spending a lot of time there. For some reason the back seats slope in a awkward position, which leads to some uncomfortable rides.

The interior has a expensive look to it, and I love the wood grain additions. Although it will not be confused with the interior of a Mercedes or Lexus, it looks inviting for a car of this class. The silence in its ride quality is something that Toyota should receive credit for, as it is a joy to drive with this kind of tranquility. Road noise is kept to a minimum, and I have been in much more expensive cars that could not do what the Corolla has. The gauges are easy to read, and the outside temperature gauge is a nice touch. The heating/AC controls work well, and bring the car to the proper temperature in a few minutes. The six speaker AM/FM CD stereo has wonderful sound quality, and can produce the necessary bass/treble for any style of music. Illumination is above average, and the power windows/mirrors/locks work fine.

What I really like about the Corolla is its handling, and the level of security while driving it. The steering is a lot of fun, as the Corolla will take tight turns at high speeds without any complaints. It is easy to maneuver in all conditions, and a joy on the highway with its gentle road manners. It does not bounce around like some other small cars I've driven, and its simple to parallel park in. The steering is perfectly adjusted, and even individuals with low muscle tone will be able to handle this car. Braking is outstanding, and the front disc/rear drum system works without any issues.

The Corolla is a great car for a small family, or for a commuter driving many miles every year. Four average sized adults should be okay, but if you are tall I would compare other vehicles just to find the right fit. (Competitors to the Corolla include the Mazda 3, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cobalt, and Honda Civic.)There are a few minor issues with the back seat comfort/front seat room, but this is still an excellent value for the money. The level of service you can expect from the Corolla is almost unlimited, as long as you make sure it is properly maintained. It will provide you with years of reliability, and above average gas mileage to boot.(30mpg city/38 mpg highway) Corolla has been around for a long time, and if you buy one, then you will have a hard time getting rid of it when its old.