Toyota Corolla # 4 Used Car for December 2008 on the “Doenges Top Ten”

Looking for a pre-owned car that’s both sharp and efficient? If you are, you need look no further. The Toyota Corolla is one of those cars that appeals to that practical driver who wants to look good driving a car without spending a fortune in gas. And I’m not the only on who thinks so.

After being introduced in Japan in 1966, the Toyota Corolla took off on a single minded mission to reach the pinnacle of popularity. The world was apparently craving the Corolla’s mix of style and economy and, sure enough, by 1997 the Corolla had become “the best selling model in the world”. Since then, the Corolla has never looked back. It has gone on to sell over thirty million worldwide by 2007.

Of course, success like that doesn’t come by chance. Since its debut experts have referenced the Corolla as one of the most reliable and affordable cars on the road. That’s a combination that you don’t see too often. The mix of fuel economy, maintenance value, affordability and the fact that, like most Toyotas, the Corolla holds its resale value extremely well, makes for a car that you can truly trust to not end up costing you in all those little unexpected ways.

Inside the Corolla you will find classic Toyota style that values simplicity and convenience. Its not that luxurious feel that comes with a pricier vehicle like the Camry, but the interior is comfortable with stresses on functionality. There is an issue with some engine noise being noticeable, mainly during acceleration, but for the most part the Corolla has a comfort level that more than stands up against other vehicles in its class.

Nearly all Toyota Corolla models are front-wheel drive with the customary transversely mounted engine and are equipped with disk brakes in the front and drums in the back. Four disk brakes were only offered on the 2005 Toyota Corolla XRS model and, though ABS is offered as an option, pre-owned Corollas so equipped are rare to find.

Though the Corolla is an economical car, it still sports an impressive safety rating. In NHTSA front impact crash tests the 2003-2008 Corolla scored five stars for the driver and front passenger. The same Corolla year models also received an overall “Good” rating in frontal offset crash tests performed by the IIHS, or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

But, of course, fuel economy is what truly makes this car shine. Starting in 1998, all Toyota Corolla models come with a 1.8L 16 valve model 1ZZ-FE engine, with a lightweight aluminum block and aluminum head, as well as a turned intake manifold that allows for smoother engine performance.

Even better, models after 2001 come with variable timing for better efficiency which boosts mileage to an impressive average of 32 mpg when teamed with an automatic transmission and an even more impressive 35 mpg with the manual. Of course, many people would rather have an automatic transmission for convenience and if fuel efficiency is your primary concern but you want that automatic anyway, make sure you avoid some base Corolla models that only offer a 3-speed automatic. Without a fourth overdrive gear, the car’s highway mileage plummets. The Corolla S and LE models, however, can be fitted with a 4-speed autobox, which gives the car a more promising fuel economy rating.

The Toyota Corolla is a very simple, yet pleasant to drive vehicle that can literally last forever if properly maintained. Edmunds has consistently listed the Corolla as one of the “Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars” and that is a pretty high honor considering it is being grouped with the likes of the Toyota Prius and the Honda Fit, both of which are much smaller vehicles. All in all, the Toyota Corolla is a perfect choice for anyone who wants a small, reliable, and fuel friendly sedan.

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