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2006 Toyota Corolla Road Test
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2006 Toyota Corolla Review:
1.
2.
Toyota Corolla Road Test
3.
4.
Our road test for the 2006 Toyota Corolla includes a full evaluation of the
2006 Toyota Corolla from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2006 Toyota Corolla, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2006 Toyota Corolla help you decide if a 2006 Toyota Corolla is right for
you.
2006 Toyota Corolla Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat room |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test automatic-transmission LE did 9.7 sec 0-60 mph, about par for the class. Manual-transmission models not that much quicker. Passing on two-lane roads requires caution, planning. XRS has more power for passing and merging, but feels lethargic on takeoff.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.4 |
Test automatic-transmission LE did 9.7 sec 0-60 mph, about par for the class. Manual-transmission models not that much quicker. Passing on two-lane roads requires caution, planning. XRS has more power for passing and merging, but feels lethargic on takeoff.
Fuel Economy
Test LEs with automatic transmission averaged 28.5 mpg in city/highway driving. A manual-transmission S logged an impressive 34.1 mpg with mainly highway miles. XRS averaged 30.3 mpg. Toyota recommends premium-grade fuel for XRS, regular otherwise.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Test LEs with automatic transmission averaged 28.5 mpg in city/highway driving. A manual-transmission S logged an impressive 34.1 mpg with mainly highway miles. XRS averaged 30.3 mpg. Toyota recommends premium-grade fuel for XRS, regular otherwise.
Ride Quality
Solid structure helps suspension absorb most rough pavement with aplomb. Body motions nicely quelled over bumps and dips, though XRS a bit choppier on its firmer suspension, lower-profile tires.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.9 |
Solid structure helps suspension absorb most rough pavement with aplomb. Body motions nicely quelled over bumps and dips, though XRS a bit choppier on its firmer suspension, lower-profile tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Accurate, nicely weighted steering abets good straightline stability. Cornering ability modest due to comfort-biased suspension and, say some of our testers, marked body lean. All models have adequate routine braking power and good pedal modulation, but ABS is a must.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.6 |
Accurate, nicely weighted steering abets good straightline stability. Cornering ability modest due to comfort-biased suspension and, say some of our testers, marked body lean. All models have adequate routine braking power and good pedal modulation, but ABS is a must.
Quietness
Disappointingly noisy. Engines raucous in hard acceleration, none too quiet in gentle cruising. Wind, road noise also marked above 60 mph.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.2 |
Disappointingly noisy. Engines raucous in hard acceleration, none too quiet in gentle cruising. Wind, road noise also marked above 60 mph.
Controls
Easy-read gauges, logical and mostly handy controls, though some testers say radio is a stretch. Interior materials are in line with prices, but not on par with class-leading Volkswagen. Some test Corollas suffered minor interior rattles and buzzes.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Easy-read gauges, logical and mostly handy controls, though some testers say radio is a stretch. Interior materials are in line with prices, but not on par with class-leading Volkswagen. Some test Corollas suffered minor interior rattles and buzzes.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Seats nothing special, but comfortable enough. Ample head room, but leg space snug for those over 6 ft. Excellent driving position enhanced by standard tilt steering wheel. Some testers find outward visibility compromised by headrests.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Seats nothing special, but comfortable enough. Ample head room, but leg space snug for those over 6 ft. Excellent driving position enhanced by standard tilt steering wheel. Some testers find outward visibility compromised by headrests.
Room/Comfort (rear)
No penalty box, but adults are cramped if front seats are more than halfway back. Bench seat supportive, nicely contoured. Doors open wide for easy entry/exit.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
No penalty box, but adults are cramped if front seats are more than halfway back. Bench seat supportive, nicely contoured. Doors open wide for easy entry/exit.
Cargo Room
Trunk room typical for a compact sedan. All but XRS model have rear seatbacks that fold nearly flat for extra space. Interior storage space above class average in front, but there's nothing special in back.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.7 |
Trunk room typical for a compact sedan. All but XRS model have rear seatbacks that fold nearly flat for extra space. Interior storage space above class average in front, but there's nothing special in back.
Value within Class
It's not as refined as it could be, but fine value for the money and Toyota reliability earn Recommended status for Corolla. Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3 sedans have more spice, but no more utility, though they also offer wagons and/or hatchbacks.
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6.2 |
It's not as refined as it could be, but fine value for the money and Toyota reliability earn Recommended status for Corolla. Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3 sedans have more spice, but no more utility, though they also offer wagons and/or hatchbacks.
Total Score
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | XRS | Class Average |
| 51 | 50 | 50 | 48 | 52 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 64 |
Also in the 2006 Toyota Corolla Review:
1.
2.
Toyota Corolla Road Test
3.
4.
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