Need any more ammunition to sway your partner to your side of the car purchasing dilemma? Just say that the Corolla has previously won five CAA Pyramid used car performance awards. The new model only improves the odds of a sixth. What's more, you can feel good about supporting our own CAW workers, as Canadian destined Corollas are produced in Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario plant, alongside the Matrix with which it shares its platform. Last but not least, its price has decreased. What? OK, there's a hitch. The Corolla LE is more attainable for buyers who like to shift for themselves. Last year's automatic only LE sold for $20,365, $500 more than the $19,865 manual transmission equipped 2003 model - the automatic adds $1,000 to the list price. In actuality, the price for a similarly equipped 2003 has gone up $500 to $20,865.

It's easy to see that a lot of improvements are included with that extra $500. For those who want better-than-average driving dynamics and Lexus-like luxury combined with legendary reliability, the 2003 Toyota Corolla is just about perfect.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $19,865 - $22,755
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: Front engine, FWD
• Engine: 130 hp, 125 lb-ft, 1.8-L, DOHC, 16-valve I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Cargo Cap: 390 L (13.6 cu ft)
• Curb Weight: 1,175 kg (2,590 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 7.1 / 5.3 L/100km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 km comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Cavalier, Chrysler Neon, Daewoo Nubira, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda Protegé, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac Sunfire, Saturn SL, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Esteem, VW Golf/Jetta
• Web Site: www.toyota.ca