2000 Toyota Corolla: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's mainstay subcompact gets a bit more power for 2000. Corolla continues in VE, CE, and top-line LE sedans with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual or optional automatic transmission. The addition of Toyota's VVT-i variable-valve timing adds 5 horsepower, to 125, this year. And a tilt steering wheel is a new standard feature on CE and LE models. Antilock brakes and front side airbags are optional. A Touring Package option for CE and LE includes white-face gauges and slightly wider wheels and tires.
Corolla's design and powertrain originate with Toyota but are shared with the Chevrolet Prizm. Both vehicles are built at a General Motors-Toyota plant in California.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized. Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege. If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.