The revised styling of the 2001 Toyota Corolla doesn't make it look much different than its predecessor. But reliability and refinement--not styling--remain this small sedan's strong points.
More Corollas have been sold worldwide than any other nameplate since the car was introduced some 33 years ago. Ancient Corollas still run, although some have been treated so poorly they seemingly are held together with duct tape. Periodically add oil to a Corolla engine and the car keeps right on going.
The current-generation Corolla arrived in 1998 with a larger body and 1.8-liter 120-horsepower four-cylinder with items once found only in race engines, such as dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Horsepower was raised to 125 for 2000 and remains the same for the new model year.
Acceleration is lively. The engine is rather noisy during hard acceleration, but otherwise is quiet. Fuel economy is a strong point: an estimated 29-32 mpg in the city and up to 41 mpg on the highway.
New are multireflector halogen headlights, chrome-plated grille trim and a lowered front bumper. Taillights now have round backup lights, and color-keyed body side moldings on some models provide a cleaner appearance.
Styling remains generally nondescript because the Corolla is a conservative car. However, a black Corolla with such items as color-keyed outside mirrors and alloy wheels looks positively elegant.
Interior changes include new seat fabrics, a pushbutton air-recirculation control for easier operation and rear dual cup holders in some models. New colors are Impulse Red and Indigo Ink, and there are three new seat fabrics.
Don't walk into a Toyota showroom with information about the 2000 models because the 2001 lineup has been juggled enough to cause confusion. For instance, the entry VE model has been replaced with the former mid-range CE model. But the CE no longer has a standard tilt steering wheel, rear defroster, cassette player and split/folding rear seat.
The LE continues as the top model, but formerly standard items such as air conditioning and power windows and locks now are in option packages.
Added is a "sporty" S model with fog lights, tachometer, special wheel covers and color-keyed exterior items such as rocker panel moldings. But the red illuminated instrument cluster is harder to read than the standard cluster, and there's no sport suspension or larger wheels.
The S has a "simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel" instead of a leather-wrapped wheel. And alloy wheels that generally come with a sporty model cost an extra $365.
Base prices begin at $12,568 for the CE, with the mid-range S costing $12,793 and the LE going for $13,383.
The quiet, comfortable Corolla remains above-average in most respects. Steering is quick, and a supple all-independent suspension provides the ride of a larger car. Handling is good, although there is no ticeable body roll when pushing the car hard through curves.
The brake pedal feels a bit soft, but brakes are easily modulated for fast stops. An anti-lock system is offered for S and LE models for $550.
All Corollas have a standard five-speed manual transmission that provides the best performance and fuel economy. An old-fashioned three-speed automatic is optional for the CE, and a responsive, modern four-speed automatic costs extra for the S and LE.
The Corolla has decent room for four 6-footers in its quiet interior--but only if a tall driver doesn't shove his seat back too far. Front seats are comfortable, and a low dashboard and beltline provide good visibility and an airy interior. Controls work well, but it's easy to accidentally activate the headlight high beams when using the turn signal lever.
The large trunk has a low opening for easy loading, although the lid has manual hinges that dip into the cargo area. The 2001 Corolla is the first Toyota to offer an inside-trunk safety release.
The Corolla isn't among the newest small sedans, and desirable options can significantly raise its price. But this car definitely is a class act.