The Corolla is available in base, LE and S trim levels. Competitors include the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Honda Civic.
New for 2011 Toyota restyled the Corolla modestly for 2011, adding revised headlights and taillights, new bumpers and a chrome strip across the trunk. To improve aerodynamics, the A- and C-pillars have been stretched forward and backward, respectively. Last year’s XLE and 2.4-liter XRS trims have been eliminated, and several higher-end options are no longer available. That means all Corollas now have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder.
Exterior With a new horizontally split grille and broad front air dam, the Corolla looks a bit like the prior-generation Mazda6. In back, a chrome strip joins the taillights. Toyota says the side mirrors are now larger for better visibility. The Corolla LE and S have body-colored mirrors; the S adds ground effects, fog lights, a rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels. Exterior features include:
Available 15- or 16-inch wheels
Power mirrors
Daytime running lights
Optional moonroof
Rear spoiler on S
Interior The Corolla has room for five people with its front bucket seats and a three-place rear bench. New for 2011, the Corolla S gets a flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated audio controls. Some of last year’s upscale options — a navigation system, heated leather seats and automatic climate control — are no longer available, however. Interior features include:
Standard air conditioning
Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Standard CD stereo with auxiliary jack
Optional six-speaker stereo with USB/iPod integration and Bluetooth streaming audio
Available power windows and locks and keyless entry
Corolla S has unique steering wheel and gauges, sport seats and faux-metal accents
Under the Hood The Corolla’s base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission in base and S grades. The Corolla LE comes only with the automatic. Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard across the board. Toyota discontinued last year’s 2.4-liter Corolla XRS, which offered all-disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and a five-speed automatic. Mechanical features include:
132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 128 pounds-feet of torque
Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
Safety All Corollas come with an electronic stability system and traction control standard. Safety features include:
