2008 Toyota Corolla Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Toyota Corolla carries over unchanged, pending a redesign due in calendar 2008 as a 2009 model. Corolla offers base CE, sport-themed S, and luxury LE models. All have a 126-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual or automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Note that side airbags can't be ordered with the optional sunroof. Power windows and remote entry are standard on the LE and optional on other Corollas.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.

News

The redesigned Corolla expected for 2008 will now be an '09 model. Toyota says the postponement reflects an overtaxed engineering staff, but the real reason, we hear, is that the original design looked dull once the latest Honda Civic appeared, and is being sexed up. However it looks, the next Corolla should be somewhat larger, roomier and heavier than today's version, which implies a larger 4-cyl engine with more power to cope. A gas-electric version is said to be in the mix, though it probably won't arrive before model-year 2010. The first hybrid Corolla is expected to use a new, more-compact powertrain that Toyota says will cost half as much to make as earlier systems. That should narrow the price gap with regular versions.

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2008 Toyota Corolla Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Rear-seat room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
4	4	4	4.9

An automatic-transmission LE did 9.7 sec 0-60 mph in our test. That's slightly below the class average. Manual-transmission models are not that much quicker. Passing on two-lane roads requires planning.

Fuel Economy

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
8	8	7	6.5

In Consumer Guide testing, LEs with automatic transmission averaged 27.1-28.5 mpg in city/highway driving. A manual-transmission S averaged a frugal 34.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Corolla uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5

Despite an aged design, Corolla still has a solid structure that helps the suspension absorb most rough pavement with aplomb. Body motions are nicely quelled over bumps and dips.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5.9

Cornering ability is modest due to comfort-biased suspension tuning and marked body lean, even in the S model. All have adequate routine braking control and good pedal modulation, but ABS is a must. Toyota should make it standard.

Quietness

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
4	4	4	4.4

Disappointingly noisy. The engines are raucous in hard acceleration and none too quiet in gentle cruising. Wind and road noise are also marked above 60 mph.

Controls

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
6	6	6	5.7

Easy-read gauges, logical and mostly handy controls, though some testers say the radio is a stretch.

Details

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5.2

Interior materials are appropriate for the price. Some test Corollas suffered minor interior rattles and buzzes.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5.7

The seats are nothing special, but comfortable enough. There's ample headroom, but leg space is snug for six-footers. Some testers find the driving position uncomfortable. Outward visibility compromised by tall headrests.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
3	3	3	4.1

Adults are cramped if the front seats are set far back. The bench seat is supportive and nicely contoured. Doors open wide for easy entry/exit.

Cargo Room

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
3	3	3	5

Trunk room is typical for a compact sedan. All have rear seatbacks that fold nearly flat for extra space. Interior storage space is above the class average.

Value within Class

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
6	5	6	6

Corolla offers reasonable value for the money. The redesigned model can't come soon enough, though, as this compact feels old compared to the Honda Civic or Nissan Versa.

Total Score

CE, manual	S, manual	LE, automatic	Class Average
54	53	53	58.4

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		71

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2008 Toyota Corolla Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/02/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

CE 4-door sedan, manual	$14,405	$13,324	$660

CE 4-door sedan, automatic	$15,205	$14,064	$660

S 4-door sedan, manual	$15,450	$13,981	$660

S 4-door sedan, automatic	$16,250	$14,705	$660

LE 4-door sedan, manual	$15,615	$14,131	$660

LE 4-door sedan, automatic	$16,415	$14,855	$660

Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, daytime running lights, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 185/65R15 tires, wheel covers.

S adds to CE:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, 195/65R15 tires.

LE adds to S:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power windows, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
CE manual	$545	$436
CE automatic	$575	$460
Cruise control, power door locks.

Upgrade Pkg.
CE manual	$470	$423
CE automatic	$500	$450
Power windows and door locks.

Enhanced Power Pkg.
S	$500	$450
Cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry.

Sport Plus Pkg.
S	$825	$660
Rear spoiler, alloy wheels.

Extra Value Pkg. 1
S	$900	$810
Cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry, rear spoiler, alloy wheels.

Audio Value Pkg.
LE	$200	$180
Cruise control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

JBL Value Pkg.
LE	$590	$531
Cruise control, JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Moon Roof/Side Airbags Pkg.
S, LE	$1,400	$1,159
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, power sunroof.

All Weather Guard Pkg.
CE, LE, S	$70	$59
Heavy-duty heater, rear-seat heat ducts.

Safety
Front side airbags
CE, LE, S	$655	$563
Includes curtain side airbags. NA w/power sunroof.

Antilock brakes
CE, LE, S	$300	$258


Antiskid system
S, LE	$650	$559
Includes traction control. Requires automatic transmission, antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
S, LE	$750	$600


Cruise control
CE	$250	$200


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
S	$200	$150


JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
S	$590	$443


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels
LE	$390	$312


16-inch alloy wheels
S	$510	$408
Includes 195/55R16 tires.

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2008 Toyota Corolla Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Toyota Corolla 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	102.4

Overall Length, in.	178.3

Overall Width, in.	66.9

Overall Height, in.	58.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	2530

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	13.2

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	1.8 /110

Horsepower @ rpm.	126 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	122 @ 4200

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	28/37

4-speed automatic	26/35

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Toyota Corolla 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	None/--	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

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Also in the 2008 Toyota Corolla Review:

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla Road Test

Toyota Corolla Prices & Equipment

Toyota Corolla Specs & Safety

Toyota Corolla Photos