A comfortable, compact car.
Pros:
Decent mileage, airbags and amenities for the price.
Cons:
Seats collect fuzz, driver's seat uncomfortable, mileage could be better (Gas prices are skyrocketing!)
The Bottom Line:
Buy it if you can't afford a hybrid.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I purchased a 2005 Toyota Corolla LE with side airbags and a 6 CD changer on New Year's Eve day at a Toyota dealer in San Jose, CA. The transaction went smoothly (I'd recommend Piercey Toyota over the other dealerships in the area - especially Magnussen in Palo Alto).
The car cost $17,500.00 off the lot (including tax). Ever the sucker I opted for an extended warranty etc.
It is comfortable and well equipped for its price. The gas mileage is decent (I get about 30 driving Highway 17, which is pretty tough on cars - and I think I'd get better if I stuck to FLAT highways). Still, I wish it was in hybrid or diesel range.
What else? Sometimes the seat is a little uncomfortable on my back. This is the biggest issue for me, I think. Visibility out the front window was a problem for a short amount of time but I'm used to it now.
I really enjoy the CD player and love the simple style of the car. Between the Honda Civics in 2005 and the Toyota Corollas in 2005, I think the Toyotas won out. Same mileage, same airbag system, same size but Toyota came with the curtain airbags on top of the side, a nice CD player and pretty fake-wood inlay.
But it really depends on your preference. My family also owns a 2002 Honda Civic and we love it too. The two cars handle differently - the Corolla is a smoother ride and the steering wheel turns easily. The Honda is rooted into the road and you feel more connected to the car. I prefer the Corolla on longer trips because it is relaxing but the Honda is nice if you want to feel in control.
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