Topic: Test Drive: 2019 Toyota Corolla

[KD]

Some people just don't care. 

I have an uncle that probably owns the only Matrix with hand crank windows.

The Corolla is the ultimate reliable transportation appliance.  Nothing inspiring, but no worries either. 

Reminds me of the bio I once read of A Einstein.  Rather than waste any thought processes on mundane things such as clothing, he would simply find one suit he liked, then by several of them and be done wit it.  He'd be the quintessential Corolla buyer.   

[rrocket]

Some people just don't care. 

I have an uncle that probably owns the only Matrix with hand crank windows.

The Corolla is the ultimate reliable transportation appliance.  Nothing inspiring, but no worries either. 

Reminds me of the bio I once read of A Einstein.  Rather than waste any thought process on mundane things such as clothing, he would simply find one suit he liked, then by several of them and be done wit it.  He'd be the quintessential Corolla buyer.   

That's what I do for work! Same outfit every day...every piece of clothing identical for the week.

[KD]

Some people just don't care. 

I have an uncle that probably owns the only Matrix with hand crank windows.

The Corolla is the ultimate reliable transportation appliance.  Nothing inspiring, but no worries either. 

Reminds me of the bio I once read of A Einstein.  Rather than waste any thought process on mundane things such as clothing, he would simply find one suit he liked, then by several of them and be done wit it.  He'd be the quintessential Corolla buyer.   

That's what I do for work! Same outfit every day...every piece of clothing identical for the week.

Same here!    I've got at least 15 identical shirts and several pairs of the same pants. 

[rrocket]

Same underwear and socks too!

[Davep]

What would be really interesting for a Youtuber, would be to a analyze the Corolla, and make aftermarket upgrades in incremental steps for a more satisfying daily driver.

Start with simple upgrade with light weight wheels, and decent tires. Keep them at 16" and affordable. No need for harsh riding rubber band tires. Next maybe basic suspension mods, like anti-roll bars, end-link upgrades, firmer bushings etc. Follow the KISS strategy. "Keep It Simple Stupid". Frequently basic mods like this can make a huge improvement to a vehicle. Putting $2000 into basic improvements may make the Corolla a much more fun, but still long lasting reliable car. It will never be fast, but fast only gets you speeding tickets these days with increased insurance premiums.

[rrocket]

I'd go enkei wheels, good rubber and Eibach coil springs and call it a day...would make a big difference.

[johngenx]

Even just H-rated tires in the stock 15" size sharpened up our Gen 10 car.

[JohnnyMac]

I'd go enkei wheels, good rubber and Eibach coil springs and call it a day...would make a big difference.

As my wife would say, "why didn't they just buy a better vehicle to begin with".  Which is exactly what I would do, if you care about the drive and still want the reliability then just get the Corolla Hatch, more power, rev matched down shifts, and nicer suspension.  Sure you could upgrade the tires and rims and maybe the suspension a bit, but you'd be starting with a head start.

[rrocket]

I'd go enkei wheels, good rubber and Eibach coil springs and call it a day...would make a big difference.

As my wife would say, "why didn't they just buy a better vehicle to begin with".  Which is exactly what I would do, if you care about the drive and still want the reliability then just get the Corolla Hatch, more power, rev matched down shifts, and nicer suspension.  Sure you could upgrade the tires and rims and maybe the suspension a bit, but you'd be starting with a head start.

Because there's nothing wrong with buying a car and making it the way you want.

[Fobroader]

I'd go enkei wheels, good rubber and Eibach coil springs and call it a day...would make a big difference.

As my wife would say, "why didn't they just buy a better vehicle to begin with".  Which is exactly what I would do, if you care about the drive and still want the reliability then just get the Corolla Hatch, more power, rev matched down shifts, and nicer suspension.  Sure you could upgrade the tires and rims and maybe the suspension a bit, but you'd be starting with a head start.

But its fun to work with what ya got. I would love a GT-R, GT2 or some some sort of AMG GT in the garage....we cant all be millionaires

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[Davep]

A major sedan plus for me, is the available sunroof. I open the sunroof a lot during the three seasons, and popping the rear up at highway speeds makes a huge improvement with ventilation. Unless, it is really humid out, or I'm in heavy stop and go traffic (beside a diesel truck for instance,  ), I usually have the roof and windows open, and don't require the aircon.

Yes the hatch is a much improved vehicle, but not having a sunroof would be a detraction for me.

[Ex-airbalancer]

No sunroof is fine for me

[Dante]

The late model Corolla is not the prison sentence some of the comments here make it out to be.  Not a sport sedan but not a wet noodle either.

I guess it may feel that way for someone who wants more for a daily driver. A not so powerful engine coupled with a CVT is no fun to drive and you can't change that with aftermarket parts. With a manual it would be a different story - personally I wouldn't mind it at all.

[rrocket]

Pretty impressive.

53 miles per gallon city, 52 on the highway, and 52 combined

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/02/11/2020-toyota-corolla-hybrid-sedan-fuel-economy/

[EV Dan]

Outstanding. 52mpg combined vs 34mpg is the kind of difference that makes choosing a hybrid almost a no-brainer. I'm saying "almost" because lots of ppl drive around 10k a year and at that rate it will take long to break even on the initial price premium. But if you are in sales or drive for uber then the hybrid Rolla is a welcome option to have.

[rrocket]

Outstanding. 52mpg combined vs 34mpg is the kind of difference that makes choosing a hybrid almost a no-brainer. I'm saying "almost" because lots of ppl drive around 10k a year and at that rate it will take long to break even on the initial price premium. But if you are in sales or drive for uber then the hybrid Rolla is a welcome option to have.

I guess it depends what the premium will be.

Depending on cost, I'm not sure why anyone would buy a Prius now...unless it's significantly more tha n a $28k Prius.

[dkaz]

Depending on cost, I'm not sure why anyone would buy a Prius now...unless it's significantly more tha n a $28k Prius.

e-AWD? Unless it makes its way to Corolla eventually. Prius is a hatchback too and gets 56 MPG (4.1 L/100km) so it's for the ultra geek who wants to squeeze every ounce of fuel efficiency.

[EV Dan]

We had ppl who'd go and volunteerely buy an Aztek, with their own money  So it wouldn't be surprising if someone chose a Prius for its space-age looks. Or they may just need a hatchback.

[rrocket]

Depending on cost, I'm not sure why anyone would buy a Prius now...unless it's significantly more tha n a $28k Prius.

e-AWD? Unless it makes its way to Corolla eventually. Prius is a hatchback too and gets 56 MPG (4.1 L/100km) so it's for the ultra geek who wants to squeeze every ounce of fuel efficiency.

Well I'm comparing FWD vs FWD.

And even for someone who drives 25K a year, a Prius vs Corolla hybrid would save what...2 liters per week...if that?

[EV Dan]

Depending on cost, I'm not sure why anyone would buy a Prius now...unless it's significantly more tha n a $28k Prius.

e-AWD? Unless it makes its way to Corolla eventually. Prius is a hatchback too and gets 56 MPG (4.1 L/100km) so it's for the ultra geek who wants to squeeze every ounce of fuel efficiency.

Well I'm comparing FWD vs FWD.

And even for someone who drives 25K a year, a Prius vs Corolla hybrid would save what...2 liters per week...if that?

That puts the Corolla Hybrid right on par with both the regular Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, each of which have the same combined fuel economy numbers. Both do slightly better in town than the Corolla, but slightly worse on the highway.