2005 Toyota Corolla

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Summary

Toyota Corolla is among the best of the compact sedans: reliable and economical yet refined and comfortable. The 2005 Corolla line sees the addition of a sporty new XRS model, while the entire line gets some enhancements. All 2005 Corollas feature a restyled front fascia and redesigned tail lamps.

Full Review 2005

Few cars have a heritage as long as Toyota's popular compact sedan, which dates back to 1966. The 2003 redesign of this front-wheel-drive sedan was modest but meaningful. Engine output increased by 5 horsepower, and a new, low-restriction catalytic converter went into the exhaust system. A higher hip point was supposed to ease entry.

A high-performance XRS edition fitted with a 170-hp four-cylinder rather than the usual 130-hp engine has joined the 2005 lineup. Three other versions remain available: the value-priced CE, upscale LE and sporty S. Vehicle Stability Control is now optional on LE and S models equipped with the automatic transmission.

The Corolla has been around since 1968, having begun life as a dowdy but exceptionally reliable two-door, rear-wheel-drive subcompact. It became a front-wheel-drive sedan in 1984, a year in which it also began selling as a five-door hatchback. By 1988, Toyota had sold 10 million Corolla models, including wagon versions, in the United States. That number grew to 20 million in 1997, four years after the Corolla emerged from its subcompact status to become a larger compact sedan.

Quality at a Reasonable Cost

Through all of its model changes, the Corolla remained true to the notion of impeccable automotive quality delivered at reasonable cost. Its generally excellent fuel economy, usually in the area of 30 miles per gallon, enhanced that reputation.

But the Corolla never has been an exciting car, never something that enthusiasts rushed to show off. Instead, it always has been a good friend - trustworthy, predictable, there when needed.

It is because of those more meaningful virtues that I can forgive the stylistic silliness that characterizes the latest Corolla offering, the XRS, and still find much to love.

Strip away the XRS model's adolescent and functionally meaningless rear air spoiler; knock off all of those plastic "ground-effects" pieces, and you get what you've always gotten in a Corolla - good, basic, safe, affordable personal transportation.

Over 36 years, that formula helped the Corolla become the world's best-selling car. But Toyota's marketing people - these ideas always seem to come from marketing people - believe the Corolla's image needs an update.

Updating in the Car Industry

In the car industry, "updating" often means "repositioning" a product to attract younger buyers. But after spending a week driving the XRS, I can't figure out where those marketing people get their ideas of "youth." Teenagers who looked at the XRS dumped on the spoiler. Their question, in summary: What's the point?

Grief! Some of those teens even called the plastic lower-body cladding "old school." You've got to pay attention to that kind of criticism from people who haven't yet finished high school.

But young and old alike gave top marks to the XRS model's interior. It is simple, ergonomically intelligent. Everybody loved the Lexus-like gauges in the instrument panel.

Most people, teenagers and their middle-aged parents, praised the back-hugging, side-supporting comfort of the front seats of the XRS. No one seemed to want to sit in the rear. I volunteered. But I'm a short dude at barely five feet six inches. For what it's worth, I felt okay back there.

Of course, Toyota did some more substantial things to help distinguish the XRS from its lesser Corolla brethren - the base CE, the popularly equipped (the way most people buy the car) LE, and the slightly sporty S model. Primary differences include engine power, suspensions and transmissions.

Trims and Styling 2005

The CE, LE and S all come with Toyota's 1.8-liter, 130-horsepower, inline four-cylinder engine, which can be accompanied by a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The XRS gets a 170-horsepower version of that engine, which is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. No automatic transmission is available for the XRS.

Conclusions 2005

But the XRS offers an upgraded suspension for tighter, more responsive handling; and it has larger wheels - 16-inch diameter versus 15 inches for the CE, LE and S. Toyota Corolla is the car to consider if you're looking for a sophisticated and utterly reliable sub-compact sedan that blends in so well it's almost non-existent. It's not too much of a stretch to say the Corolla is a baby Lexus, it certainly has the same DNA. The Corolla boasts a high-quality, ergonomically excellent interior with comfortable, supportive seats. The interior is particularly well suited for shorter drivers. The rear seats are roomy and relatively comfortable and the trunk is big for this class. Visit Edmunds.com for more information on the 2005 Corolla. The Corolla rides and handles well with a relatively soft suspension. It isn't a sports sedan, but the engine is smooth and sophisticated and delivers good acceleration performance. In short, the Corolla is arguably the best compact sedan for non-enthusiasts. Enthusiasts should take a look at the new Corolla XRS, which promises significantly improved acceleration performance and sportier handling.