Function over form

When it's time to buy a new car, you'll probably start shopping with one of two things in mind. Either you're looking for reliable transportation, to go from point A to point B without being able to write a drama film about, or you're looking for something exciting to drive.

Actually, this used to be the way to shop for a car. Today, with the competition getting as fierce as ever, and as all vehicles are getting more and more reliable, we can now have both at the same time. There are still some exceptions, though, and the current Corolla is one of them.

20 years of building Corollas in Canada.

Ordinary styling
It's not ugly, but this Corolla won't win any beauty contests. Come to think of it, no Corolla in history ever really had a chance of even qualifying for such a competition. Like I said, Toyota's small sedan never offends anybody, but it blends in the scenery like a polar bear in the Arctic Circle.

The 20th Anniversary package adds 15-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof and a fender-mounted badge that reads: "Limited Edition". To me, an exclusive version of a Toyota Corolla is as oxymoronic as saying that Paris Hilton is camera-shy. If you're wondering what Toyota is celebrating for with this anniversary edition, it's been 20 years since the company started building Corollas in Cambridge, Ontario.

Fuel economy, not power
There's a horsepower war in just about every vehicle segment, including the compact sedan category. Yes, the Corolla's redesign is just around the corner, but right now, it's underpowered compared with all of its rivals except the VW City Jetta. On paper, the 126-horsepower output of the 1.8-liter engine seems low, as the power ratings of the other compacts range from 138 to 170 horsepower.

However, we used to get around fine with 85-hp cars 20 years ago, so 126 ponies is more than enough for city and highway driving, and to keep up with the rest of the traffic today. The most important factor about this powertrain is fuel economy, which is one of the most efficient of the compact crowd: 7.8/5.6 L/100 km with the optional 4-speed automatic, which my car has. My average is 8.3 L/100 km.

The 1.8L engine is one of the most fuel efficient in its class.

As for the automatic, 4 gears are sufficient but 5 would be better, of course. In normal driving, though, the average Corolla owner shouldn't complain. Alas, the all-new 2009 model will carry on with the 4-speed unit.

The chassis dynamics of the Corolla are, well, competent but with no sign of apparent sportiness. The car behaves well, but if you're hustling, you'll easily get those 15-inch touring tires squealing like a pig that's getting its tail pulled on. The tradeoff is a cushy and comfortable ride, and that's what a lot of people are looking for (and finding) in this Toyota.

Nothing flashy but very intuitive.

No-nonsense cockpit
The interior of the Corolla is welcoming, but its styling isn't adventurous at all. The instrument panel, switchgear and radio are straightforward, with big buttons and clear numerals. The only problem concerns the smallness of the radio's volume and tuning knobs, but that's about it.

The cushy seats are covered in a pleasing fabric, and there is ample space for everyone, even in back. Toyota got the basic recipe right for this car; big, upright doors allow for easy entry and exit, large windows make for great outward visibility and the trunk is decently-sized.

The 20th anniversary package includes air conditioning, power windows and power door locks with remote keyless entry. Those who feel safer in a car that has plenty of airbags will be disappointed that only the most-expensive Corolla LE has side curtains.

Competition
The base Toyota Corolla CE costs $15,785 and my test car is equipped with the automatic transmission ($1,000) and the aforementioned 20th Anniversary package ($3,115), for a total of $19,900.

The Corolla has long been one the favorites in its segment.

In comparison, here's the long list of other compact rivals, all equipped with automatic transmissions:

Chevrolet Cobalt LT 1SA with alloy wheels and sunroof, $21,190
Dodge Caliber SXT with alloy wheels and sunroof, $20,570
Ford Focus SE (without alloys or sunroof), $18,549
Honda Civic DX-G (without sunroof), $20,680
Hyundai Elantra GL (without sunroof), $19,295
Kia Spectra LX Convenience (without sunroof), $19,395
Mazda 3 GS with Sport package, $22,190
Mitsubishi Lancer ES (without sunroof), $20,798
Nissan Sentra 2.0 S with Luxury package, $22,723
Pontiac G5 SE 1SA with alloy wheels and sunroof, $21,585
Saturn Astra XE 1SB 5-door with sunroof, $22,610
Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4-door (without alloys or sunroof), $21,795
Suzuki SX4 Sport (without sunroof), $20,095
Volkswagen City Jetta with Comfort package, air conditioning and sunroof, $21,825

The engine output hasn't increased in the last few years, but neither did the price. For what it offers, the 20th Anniversary package is well worth the extra dough; for only $150 more compared to the Enhanced Convenience package, you get the sunroof and alloy wheels.

If you are looking for a good reliable car, you surely cannot miss with the Corolla.

Conclusion
The Corolla is outdated, and its replacement will come along in a few months. Right now, though, you'll still get a good deal and a rock-solid car, although my test vehicle did suffer from an electronic throttle glitch and had to go back home prematurely.

The current-generation Corolla gets the job done without generating much adrenaline in its owners' veins. The price is right, and going from point A to point B can't be simpler. But if you think rice cakes taste like cardboard, you might want to check out some other compact sedans, because you might get bored behind the wheel of the Corolla.


Competitive price
Solid reliability and built in Canada
Low fuel consumption


Boring character
Not as powerful as the competition
Low on safety features



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