Rented this car from Enterprise because I had to have the HAH flatbeded to the dealer for what turned out to be a very minor problem and also wanted them to do the AC repairs for which Honda had extended the warranty. The AC had lost enough gas that it didn't work at all. I didn't know how long they'd have it. The 'rolla had about 45K on it.
Anyway, the Corolla had a painfully plain interior in the all black look that we used to make fun of with GM cars. The only padding was on the seats, although the driver's seat was comfortable. The molded plastic didn't look junky and would probably hold up well over time. The dashboard did jut out way too far on both the passenger and driver side, making the interior a little claustrophobic, but I'm sure that Toyota had a reason for this, like front collision crashworthiness. Overall, not an objectionable interior.
Driving was quite okay. I did not test maximum acceleration nor cornering grip. Both seemed okay and the CVT was pretty unobtrusive in operation as was the EPS. The AC worked well on a humid 90F day. I drove through a brief deluge and the car felt perfectly secure even as I could barely see through the intense rain. This is not what one would call a quiet car, but not too bad. The car had a very solid feel and there were no squeaks or rattles.
The car seemed fairly noisey compared to what I'm used to these days. Ride was firm and well controlled.
Fuel economy was exceptional. I only put about sixty miles on the car, but I added only 1.2 gallons before returning it and the gauge was actually a little above what it had been when I picked it up.
Overall, this would make a good low cost ride for someone looking for an economical cheap long-distance commuter or for anyone wanting or needing an inexpensive car. The car should last for a long time since Toyota doesn't make junk, and I say that as a long-time Honda buyer.
Finally, at around 3K lbs, this thing was not like a new eighties Corolla or Civic, but then nothing else is either these days.
Anyway, the Corolla had a painfully plain interior in the all black look that we used to make fun of with GM cars. The only padding was on the seats, although the driver's seat was comfortable. The molded plastic didn't look junky and would probably hold up well over time. The dashboard did jut out way too far on both the passenger and driver side, making the interior a little claustrophobic, but I'm sure that Toyota had a reason for this, like front collision crashworthiness. Overall, not an objectionable interior.
Driving was quite okay. I did not test maximum acceleration nor cornering grip. Both seemed okay and the CVT was pretty unobtrusive in operation as was the EPS. The AC worked well on a humid 90F day. I drove through a brief deluge and the car felt perfectly secure even as I could barely see through the intense rain. This is not what one would call a quiet car, but not too bad. The car had a very solid feel and there were no squeaks or rattles.
The car seemed fairly noisey compared to what I'm used to these days. Ride was firm and well controlled.
Fuel economy was exceptional. I only put about sixty miles on the car, but I added only 1.2 gallons before returning it and the gauge was actually a little above what it had been when I picked it up.
Overall, this would make a good low cost ride for someone looking for an economical cheap long-distance commuter or for anyone wanting or needing an inexpensive car. The car should last for a long time since Toyota doesn't make junk, and I say that as a long-time Honda buyer.
Finally, at around 3K lbs, this thing was not like a new eighties Corolla or Civic, but then nothing else is either these days.
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