Overall Rating |  |
Corolla is a semi-detached suburban kind of car: safe, dependable, but conservative. Quality, equipment and a comfortable cabin recommend it to more mature motorists who like an easy life.
For
- Well built, very reliable and easy to own
- Good choice of body styles and equipment
- Roomy and refined for its size
Against
- Pipe and slippers image
- Styling is idiosyncratic/ungainly (delete as appropriate)
- Less enjoyable to drive than Focus, Civic or 306
Road Test
Corolla has been through many generations. It's the product of an evolutionary process; almost as if Toyota's designers have selected the strongest genes to ensure the continuing strength of the breed.
Weakness and vice have been bred out of the Corolla, although Toyota's cautious approach means that it will never exhibit inspiration or incite envy. It works superbly as a consumer durable: affordable, ultimately reliable, reassuringly safe, roomier and more comfortable than many rivals, and easy to drive.
It's not a car for the keen driver - its reflexes are assured and obedient but simply not sharp enough to be fun. Even so, the 85bhp 1.3 feels quite lively and the 1.6 is crisply eager. The 2.0D is less satisfying and not popular.
Apart from its reliability, the best thing about Corolla is its light, well-equipped, nicely trimmed cabin. Noise levels are low, ride is supple and seats are comfortable.
Need To Know
NCAP: 3
Best Models: 1.6 GLS and CD; 5-door Liftbacks
Worst Models: Basic 1.3 3-door; saloons
Replacement: by 2000-02 generation Corolla in Jan 2000
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling Comfort  Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav  |
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