Toyota Corolla is among the best of the compact sedans: reliable and economical yet refined and comfortable. The 2005 Corolla line sees the addition of a sporty new XRS model, while the entire line gets some enhancements. All 2005 Corollas feature a restyled front fascia and redesigned tail lamps. A Corolla LE equipped with the optional leather interior almost feels like a miniature luxury car, a baby Lexus. For 2005, the Corolla LE gets a Lexus-like Optitron center cluster meters along with fabric-covered sun visors and center console lid. A new JBL audio system with eight speakers is available on the LE grade.
One of our few complaints about the Corolla line was that the S model offered more show than go. The new XRS model addresses this with a sports suspension and a 170-horsepower 1.8-liter engine. Toyota says the Corolla XRS offers exceptional throttle response throughout its broad power band and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. New safety options for all 2005 Corolla sedan models include side curtain airbags with seat-mounted side airbags and a vehicle stability control system (VSC); the latter designed to eliminate skidding.
This is in addition to optional anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, which improve steering control in an emergency stopping situation and enhance braking stability and effectiveness. Cloth or leather, the seats are comfortable and supportive. Big heating and air conditioning controls, simple, straightforward radio controls, well-designed cup holders, and plenty of cubbies for storing stuff make for a convenient interior. Getting in and out of this four-door sedan is easy and the back seat is surprisingly roomy and comfortable. The standard four-cylinder engine revs smoothly and delivers good acceleration performance. Corolla earns an EPA-estimated 32/40 mpg City/Highway when equipped with a manual transmission. Both the manual and the automatic transmissions offer smooth shifting, and the manual is very easy to operate. All models have a smooth, comfortable ride and responsive handling. The XRS is designed to kick it up a notch.
Model Lineup
Toyota Corolla comes in one body style, a four-door sedan (not counting the Matrix). The Corolla CE, S, and LE come with a 126-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The Corolla XRS gets a 164-horsepower engine. The 2006 Corolla line carries over with no significant changes. The Corolla CE is available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The CE comes standard with air conditioning (with an air filter), AM/FM/CD stereo system, power steering, tilt steering column, tachometer, intermittent wipers, digital clock, outside temperature gauge, trunk lamp, and a dome light with delay.
Corolla S, available with the manual or automatic, gets wider 195/65R15 tires and sporty styling cues: smoked headlight lens extenders, integrated fog lamps, and an aerodynamic body package with color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, rocker panel extensions, and rear mud guards. Inside, the S gets a unique cloth interior, a sporty tachometer, chrome accents, and a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The S is also upgraded with power door locks, power mirrors, a vertical seat-height adjustment, and mirror-mounted map lights. Power windows with keyless entry and cruise control are included in the optional Enhanced Power Package.
Corolla LE manual and automatic is upgraded with popular convenience features, including power windows, remote keyless entry, halogen headlamps, and variable intermittent wipers. The LE is distinguished with body-colored door handles; it lacks the sporty body cladding of the S and looks the better for it. Inside, the LE gets wood-like trim and upgraded cloth seating surfaces. An optional leather package is available for the LE that gives the car a luxurious look and feel and includes cruise control. Aluminum wheels are available, which improve the appearance of the LE and should improve its handling slightly.
Side-impact airbags and curtain airbags are optional on most models and we strongly recommend them for the additional protection they can provide to the heads and torsos of you and your passengers if someone rams the side of your car. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution is an optional and we recommend it; ABS helps the driver maintain steering control in an emergency braking situation, while EBD helps maintain full braking pressure even if the driver makes the common mistake of relaxing pedal pressure. Optional Vehicle Stability Control helps the driver maintain control in corners by compensating for skids. Cruise control and the sunroof are available as stand-alone options.
The Corolla XRS is powered by a 164-horsepower 1.8-liter mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The XRS features a sport-tuned suspension with revised steering and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Michelin performance tires (an upgrade from the standard 15-inch wheels on all other Corolla grades). Special interior and exterior trim distinguishes the XRS. Additional standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes with tire-pressure monitors, front and rear disc brakes, and cruise control.
Interior
Classic Toyota’s style: everything is simple and convenient. I’d even say, too simple. Driver’s place is comfortable. There is enough room even for tall adult (I’m 6′2″ and had no problem to fit in). The pedals, the shifter and lights/wipers controls are exactly in place where you needed them most. The interior is not noisy. Dashboard panels fit perfectly. The trunk is normal size (it’s a small car though) and folding rear seats down can increase its volume. You will enjoy more the interior design in models from 2003; it’s more spacious and stylish. Especially the instrument panel illumination.
The engine
The 4A-FE DOHC engine (upper picture 100 h.p 1.6L, 16 valves, 1993 - 1997 Corolla) is very simple, reliable, durable and economical. This engine will never give you a problem if you maintain it well. From 1998 Corolla comes with newer engine: 1.8L 16 valve model 1ZZ-FE. It has lightweight aluminum block and aluminum head. Tuned intake manifold allows the engine to perform more evenly. No more timing belt - using the chain instead allows reducing maintenance cost. Models after 2001 come with variable timing for better efficiency. This engine also appears to be very reliable. It has impressive power (120 h.p) and really low fuel consumption. The engine runs very smooth at any speed range; I’d only mention that it’s a little noisier than previous model.
Weaknesses
Only minor problems: the 1998 - 2002 models may have problem with leaky water pump or noisy serpentine belt idler. Luckily it’s not very expensive to fix. Also, in my opinion, the interior is made too simple.
Driving Impressions
The Toyota Corolla is smooth, convenient, and easy to drive. For many owners, this car quickly fades into the background, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives. It’s hard to find faults with this car. The standard 130-horsepower four-cylinder engine is quiet, smooth and refined. It delivers brisk acceleration performance with a broad power band for nice, linear acceleration. There is no difference in engine, transmission or suspension between the CE, S, and LE trim levels.
The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is nicely matched with the engine. It includes a shift logic system that helps hold a gear longer than it might otherwise if it senses the car is going up an incline or the driver wants plenty of power while passing. For those who enjoy doing their own shifting, the five-speed manual allows for more performance as the engine’s power can be better utilized. It shifts easily via a relatively tall shifter. Both the gearbox and clutch are smooth and easy to operate. The manual transmission earns an EPA-estimated 32/40 mpg City/Highway, while the automatic gets 30/38 mpg.
The power steering is just right, providing a nice feel without being too stiff or sloppy. The suspension has been tuned to give a smooth ride, which is helped by a relatively long wheelbase. Body roll (lean) is minimal and the car feels secure and stable at all speeds. The suspension is soft and does a good job of soaking up bumps and road vibration, giving the Corolla a nice, smooth ride that we really liked. The Corolla handles well, though those who enjoy the crisp handling of a sports sedan may want to opt for the XRS, which has a stiffer suspension.
The new XRS is powered by a newly tuned version of the 2ZZ dual overhead cam engine and six-speed manual transmission found in both the Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder produces 170 horsepower at 7600 rpm and 127 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. It’s tuned for more mid-range torque and features Toyota’s VVTL-i variable valve timing and lift system for a burst of power from 6000 to 7600 rpm. EPA fuel economy is rated 25/32 City/Highway. The XRS features a sport-tuned suspension with higher-rate coil springs and shocks and a lower ride height (a half-inch lower). A sport strut tower brace is mounted between the shock towers. Larger 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels come with Michelin performance tires. The revised steering system features a more rigid steering column, designed to improve response. A power steering rack specially developed for the XRS allows for better steering feedback.
Walk around
The Corolla looks like a small Camry. Its ovoid headlights are similar and its rakish yet curved shape is in keeping with the Camry and Lexus ES 330. Thick A-pillars at the front and thick C-pillars at the rear give the Corolla a solid look while hefty bumpers add to its substantial appearance.
Corolla comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, but looks like it could do with larger wheels and tires that would fill out the wheel wells more effectively. Aluminum 15-inch wheels are an option for LE models. At the rear, the Corolla has a high trunk line in keeping with the car’s high belt line. The taillights match the shape of the headlights nicely. Part of the taillight module is actually mounted in the trunk lid. This is fine except that the design causes the trunk lid to be narrower than it might be.
The doors have reasonably wide openings, which makes getting in and out easy. That’s a benefit of the long wheelbase (102.4 inches), which also means that the rear wheel wells do not protrude into the rear door as much as they do on some compact cars. The Corolla’s looks and handling are enhanced by its relatively long wheelbase and relatively short overhangs front and rear. The Corolla S is distinguished by its sporty front spoiler, body-colored side rocker panels and rear skirt, along with its fog lamps and smoked headlamp masking. The XRS gets 16-inch wheels that visually fill the wheel wells better. Distinguishing the XRS is a rear color-keyed spoiler, a color-keyed bezel surrounding the grille, and unique badges.
Technical Specification
| Transmission Type | 5 Speed Manual | 4 Speed Automatic | |||
| H1 | H2 | H5 | H3 | H4 | |
| DIMENSIONS | 1.8 J | 1.8 E | 1.8 G | ||
| Overall Length x Width x Height | 4530 mm x 1705 mm x 1490 mm | ||||
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm | ||||
| Tread front/rear | 1480/1460 mm | ||||
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | ||||
| Min. Turning Radius | 5.1 m | ||||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 ltrs | ||||
| Boot Space | 0.43 m3 (430 ltrs) | ||||
| WEIGHTS: | |||||
| Kerb Weight/Gross Vehicle Weight | 1160/1600 kg | 1185/1600 kg | |||
| ENGINE: | |||||
| Type | Gasoline, 4 cylinder inline | ||||
| Valve Train | 16 Valve, DOHC, VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent) | ||||
| Displacement | 1794 cm2 (cc) | ||||
| Bore & Stroke | 79.0 x 91.5 mm | ||||
| Compression Ratio | 10.0 : 1 | ||||
| Fuel Supply System | EFI | ||||
| Max. Output | 92 kW @ 6000 rpm/125 PS @ 6000 rpm | ||||
| Max.Torque | 158 Nm @ 4200 rpm/16.1kg-m @ 4200 rpm | ||||
| CHASSIS: | |||||
| Suspension front/rear | MacPherson Strut Type with Stabiliser/ETA Beam type with stabiliser | ||||
| Brakes front/rear | Ventilated disc/Solid disc with ABS & EBD | ||||
| Tyres | Radial 195/60 R15 Tubeless Radials | ||||
| Clutch Type | Dry single plate | Hydraulic | |||
| SAFETY | H1 | H2 | H5 | H3 | H4 |
| SRS Air Bags (Driver + Passenger) | a | a | a | a | a |
| Front Fog Lamps | r | a | a | a | a |
| ABS | a | a | a | a | a |
| Keyless entry with alarm system | a | a | a | a | a |
| EXTERIOR | |||||
| Power Retractable Outside Rear View Mirror | Electrically Adjustable | a | a | a | a |
| Chrome Scuff Plate with Corolla Logo | r | a | a | a | a |
| Automatic HeadLamp | r | r | a | r | a |
| 10 Spoke Alloy Wheel | a | a | a | a | a |
| Courtesy Lamp | a | a | a | a | a |
| Printed Antenna | a | a | a | a | a |
| INTERIOR | |||||
| Air Conditioner with Heater | Manual | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Woodgrain finish on Center Cluster & Armrest | r | a | a | a | a |
| Audio AM/ FM Radio, Cassette Player | a | a | a | a | a |
| In-Dash 6 CD Player with MP3 | r | a | a | a | a |
| Lumber Support | r | a | a | a | a |
| 4 - Spoke Steering Wheel with wood finish & Audio Switch | r | r | a | r | a |
| Single CD Player with MP3 | a | r | r | r | r |
| Speakers | 4 Nos | 6 Nos | 6 Nos | 6 Nos | 6 Nos |
| Seat Material | Fabric | Fabric-High | Leather* | Fabric-High | Leather* |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | r | a | a | a | a |
| 60:40 Split Foldable Rear Seat | r | a | a | a | a |
| Power Steering | a | a | a | a | a |
| Power Window | a | a | a | a | a |
| Driver Side One touch Up/Down with Jam Protection | a | a | a | a | a |
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