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Toyota Corolla: Driving The Greatest Car Ever Made?

Posted on July 6, 2008
Filed Under Industry News, Economy Cars |

I recently had the opportunity to drive what may be the greatest car ever made. It wasn’t the most expensive, most technologically advanced or most powerful. But the Toyota Corolla is the most successful car in history.

Now in its 10th generation, the Corollas debuted in the United States in 1968, two years after it debuted in Japan. In five decades, the vehicle has compiled almost unfathomable statistics. It’s now made in 13 countries; It’s available in more than 140 countries; And it’s estimated a new Corolla is purchased about every 40 seconds.

Its name connotes royalty, but who would have known 40 years ago when it was first sold in the United States that the Toyota Corolla actually deserved such a lofty title?

Corolla means “little crown,” and now in its fifth decade and with more than 33 million sold, there’s no reason to deny it. The Toyota Corolla, a little engine that could, continues to be royalty.

The 2009 Toyota Corolla isn’t a hybrid, nor does it boast any other high-tech refinement or embellished marketing campaigns. The Corolla remains what it’s always been — among the finest basic transportation cars ever made.

I drove the 4-door LE, one of five available Corolla models and all featuring an interior and exterior redesign. The LE includes a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 132-horsepower engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. It has a 9.2-second rating in the 0-60 mph standard acceleration test.

The Corolla won’t win any drag races, but it’s consistency and durability that matter for workhorses. Step on the gas, use the brakes, turn the steering wheel. Everything is smooth, tight, consistent and it all costs about $18,000. That’s $12,000 less than the average price of new car in the United States.

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