2005 Toyota Corolla: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's popular small sedan gains optional curtain side airbags, a sporty model, and mild styling changes for 2005. Corolla lends its platform to the company's Matrix wagon and the similar Pontiac Vibe. Corolla offers base CE, sporty S, luxury LE, and new performance-oriented XRS models. All use a 1.8-liter 4-cyl engine. In the CE, S, and LE, it produces 130 hp and comes with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. In the XRS, it makes 170 hp and comes only with 6-speed manual. XRS also gets unique interior and exterior trim, sport suspension, and 16-inch wheels vs. 15s on other models. ABS is standard on XRS, optional on other Corollas, and comes with a tire-pressure monitor. Head-protecting curtain side airbags and front side airbags are optional on all models. An antiskid system is optional on S and LE. Leather upholstery is optional on the LE. All Corollas get revised front and rear styling for 2005, and LEs get new gauges.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.