All-time best-selling Corolla still a winner

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Updated: September 27, 2011 11:35AM

With more than 30 million units sold worldwide since 1966, the Toyota Corolla is the all-time best-selling passenger car. Chances are pretty good that you or someone you know currently owns a Corolla or has previously owned one.

Corolla’s popularity can be attributed to its ability to provide consumers with a well-built, economical car that provides value and better-than-average resale.

Many cars came and went while Corolla blossomed into the car it is today. But for 2011, the Corolla faces some of its fiercest competition to date.

For 2011 Toyota has tweaked Corolla’s exterior styling up front and in the rear to give it a bolder profile. The interior has been freshened, too.

Toyota also has simplified the Corolla line for 2011 by dropping the sporty XRS trim level and the luxurious XLE trim level. Now Corolla is offered in just three trim levels: base ($15,600), LE ($17,300) and S ($17,470).

The base model includes 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning (with pollen filter), four-speaker audio system with CD player, power mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and 60/40 split folding rear seats.

The popular LE grade adds variable intermittent wipers, power heated outside mirrors, six-speaker audio, cruise control, remote keyless entry and power windows and locks.

The sporty Corolla S adds newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels, unique headlamp housings, front and rear body color spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, chrome exhaust outlet and sport instrumentation.

All models are equipped with the 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine rated at 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. The engine features variable valve timing for intake and exhaust valves, which helps optimize performance and fuel economy.

The 1.8-liter engine is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic in the base and S trim. The LE comes standard with the automatic.

Fuel economy is good. With the manual, the Corolla is rated at 28/35 mpg city/highway. With the automatic, Corolla delivers 26/34 mpg city/highway.

I appreciated my Corolla LE’s lack of thirst for fuel during my weeklong test. The fuel gauge didn’t move much as I accumulated more and more miles.

While the fuel-efficient engine won’t throw you back in the seat with quick jabs on the pedal, it’s sufficient for the task at hand, even with four adults aboard.

I never felt afraid pulling out into traffic or merging onto the highway. The engine is smooth and quiet, too. The four-speed automatic transmission in my Corolla LE tester delivered smooth, effortless shifts.

The cabin is well insulated and remains relatively quiet while motoring along. But I was disappointed to note that my tester felt a bit jittery and unstable while driving along Interstate 57 with moderate crosswinds.

The suspension is tuned a bit too soft to my liking. Plus, I didn’t care for the electric steering rack’s numb, disconnected feeling. Around town, though, the Corolla performs well.

The cabin is comfortable and spacious. I was impressed with the amount of head and legroom both up front and in the rear.

I wasn’t as impressed, though, with the materials used. There’s an abundance of dull-looking plastic inside. But Corolla does offer a long list of standard safety features, including six airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and active front headrests.

Check out Toyota Corolla at Thomas Toyota.

Also standard in every Corolla is vehicle stability control, traction control, an antilock braking system), electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.

Brake assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking; if the driver does not step firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power.

While the Corolla remains a safe bet in this segment, some of its competitors are more exciting to look at and drive.