Is that a re-badged Mazda 6?

Why must Toyota always go on the conservative styling route? I heard Toyota decided to go back to the drawing board, when the new Civic came out. I am afraid that Toyota is using GM's mid 90's designers for styling cues. Yes, it will be a good car with probably above average reliability, but please put some effort into the styling.

that is a mazda all over

That's Gross!!!!

not necessarily borning IMO, it looks too much like the Camry and and Mazda 6, not to mention that the tailights are horribly redrawn current ones; the corolla looks amazing big now, but still too much Camry

Wow I am blown away by the awesome looks of this car.
It is the sexiest car ever made!!!!!!!!!
I hope it comes in brown so it will match my brown cardigan and twill pants.
I think this car will help me to pick up my 1st chick in 20 years.

It's bad in terms of budget car, but it's not going to win best sporty looking award.

I do like the 2.4L engine, I don't like th 4 speed automatic transmission. It also does not offer a 6 speed manual.

It also has Bluetooth and JBL 8 speaker sound system. Two things that Honda does not offer on their current Civic.

Congrats to Toyota for managing to make all their cars look the same.

Doesn't matter if it's boring or not. It's an inexpensive Toyota. They'll sell a million of them. People bought a ton of the previous corollas, they'll buy this one as well.

"Is that a re-badged Mazda 6?"

Exactly what I said when I looked at it.

Those are some pathetic engines too.

Yup.
Looks like a car.
The Interior looks almost too simplistic.
A whole lot of people must like boring cars.

Correction, it looks like the Camry SE that just happens to have some resemblance to a Ford...I mean Mazda 6.

I don't mind the interior at all. One word describes it: SIMPLICITY!!

What about the hybrid version. Toyotas have to sell as much hybrids as possible by 2020!!

Yep, a whole lot of people do like boring yet functional and efficient cars. This car will continue to sell just as well as the previous Corollas.

As car enthusiasts, or rather performance enthusiasts, we think the perfect car is one that is radical looking with lots of power. A sad but true fact is that the majority of people buying subcompacts (aside from tuners) don't feel this way. This Corolla will do what its designed to do, get from A to B efficiently, reliably and safely (with all those standard air bags). As for its bland styling, explain to me how its any more bland the Focus or Cobalt?

In terms of specifications, this car is a bit of a let down. The preliminary EPA fuel ratings looking pretty low. The 2.4L engine which is essentially the base Camry engine doesn't seemed to get good gas mileage on the Corolla. Its obvious Toyota's engineers are desperately stretched since this car is less of a redesign and more a makeover. The more powerful 2.4L engine is also a joke. The previous gen of Corolla had a Yamaha designed 1.8L engine that really gave the Civic Si engine a run for its money.

Overall, its a good car that will continue to sell well. Just remember, its engineered very well for what its supposed to do, get you from A to B efficiently, reliably and safely. Don't waste you're time comparing it to a car that wasn't designed to do that.

word.

I think Toyota doesn't want to do the Corolla what Ford did to the Taurus in the 90s.

Anybody here of Kaizen? It means continuous (gradual) improvement; not sudden change.

Chill out, it's a Corolla, it's supposed to be boring. Boring cars for boring drivers. That's their market and they do it well.

Toyota learned from their mistake with the Celica not to make radical changes to a model that a particular demographic loves. Toyota won’t risk alienating a large and devoted customer base that want nothing more than a comfortable, functional automobile.

“Is it still too boring”? The answer for some is yes. And for those individuals it always has been, and I have no doubt it will continue to be. If sporty and trendy is what you are looking for, along with the reliability that Toyota has always offered, you should be thinking Scion tC, xB or the xD, not a Corolla.

Uhh... perhaps I am mistaken, but was there ever a time when the Corolla was meant to be a sexy car? A car that appeals to the spirit? Methinks that it was always a car for the masses, the average joe, the person who just wanted a car to get from point a to point b. I think that this car will do a great job in achieving that goal. Why they even bother with the 2.4l engine is beyond me. If I recall correctly, the XRS has never sold well. I know I wouldn't buy one. A high(er) performance Corolla? No thanks.

I also think that they could have done better with the fuel economy. Then again, if they are going on the 2008 EPA rating system, then the numbers aren't too bad. Pretty much the same as all the other Corollas that they have produced.

"Those are some pathetic engines too." Its an economy car. Not a dragster. Look at other cars in its class and price range - base model Civic, Focus, Cobalt. The new 1.8L engine is more powerful than the 1.8L Civic, the 2.0L Focus, and about as powerful as the 2.2L Ecotec in the Cobalt (Corolla has more torque but less horsepower).

"The more powerful 2.4L engine is also a joke. The previous gen of Corolla had a Yamaha designed 1.8L engine that really gave the Civic Si engine a run for its money."

The 2.4L is a little disappointing, but its not any weaker than the NA 2.4L in a PT Cruiser, for example. But how is the new 1.8L a letdown? The new 1.8L is quite a bit more powerful than the old one. The old 1.8L was a dog, how in the world do you figure it gave the Civic Si (which I remind you is not in the same price range) a run for its money?

That aside, yes its a Corolla. They're boring and (presumably)reliable, and that is sometimes a good thing. If they made a radical departure from that formula, they'd be shooting themselves in the foot. At least a Corolla doesn't pretend to be something its not. They have the Scions for that.

amen

Where's the coupe version?

Why are people riping on the Mazda 6 like this? that thing looks nothing like a 6. It looks like the offspring of a Buick Regal and a Chevy Monte Carlo, the really ugly Monte Carlo that came out in like 2004.

this car is so ugly, it makes the New Ford Focus look spectacular....

It is amazing to see, how small things make the difference. Check www.toyota.co.za to see the South African model.

G, i agree. Much better.
I'll bet the ASEAN version is better still.
(as it the case with Corolla Altis, and Camry)

It looks like the outgoing Corolla with a front end off a Scion to me..

Having purchased a Toyota product two years ago I can hoenstly say that this car company is going to be in trouble. Sell your stock if you have it. Reliability issues, poor engineering, and now terrible styling. I will not be replacing my current vehicle with another Toyota.

is it still too boring? well, the fact that it is a corolla dooms it to be boring. the styling screams mazda. for a commuter though, fine, let them have it. i personally will avoid this car like the plague.

when will toyota ditch the current corolla crap-ola and get back on with something like the old RWD AE86?

I'd like to know what the heck is going on with the Celica? It is long overdue for a major re-design.

2.4L 158hp and an EPA of 22/30 for a compact car. When are the Japanese going to learn how to make engines.

I love it!

I see a whole bunch of recycled parts. I see the camry and yaris AND the old corolla all mixed in there! The front is camry/yaris and the back looks too much like the old corolla... eh. boring. nothing new at all.

Toyota is now in a downward spiral. They will follow the same fate as GM within a few years. If they cater all their cars towards a bland demographic that seemingly no one is a part of, they will not move ahead. When they realize that this new lineup of cars isn't bringing in any revenue, it will be too late. They will then likely propose a "radical" shift in design and models, but may never get back to the position they were at a decade ago. Remember, the only place to go when you're on top...... is down.

Stupid car
now it will be stuck for another 5-7 years...
I hate it.. my current corrolla looks much sexier then this one.
I was expecting more from toyota... but they sucked... my next car is Honda!

I think now GM will have better chance to compete with toyota...

If you guys can make a poll... we can vote here to see the percentages...

Anyways. Mazda look. stupid hood and all that stupid jaz

This Corolla has been out for a while in China, where 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are available. I haven't figured out yet what they did to the US version, but somehow it looks cheaper.

The bad-taste body kit must be Toyota's attempt to capture those customers that Pontiac thought existed during the 90's.

LOL @ Jay!

To be fair Jay, those Pontiac customers did exist, problem is, 9th grade boys don't have a lot of ching to spend on cars.

A lot of haters in the mist.
There is nothing "wrong" with The Next Corolla. If anyone expected flashy or sexy, they need to keep their head out of their toilet.
I am disappoined the new 2.0L Valvematic engine hasn't made it, after Toyota said they would start using it in '09.
The economy is the same, or better, than the Civic, and the dash is better, interior more upscale.
The back seat of the current one is roomy, so that doesn't change.
The crash tests are excellent, if you check in Europe, on the new car.
Hopefully the new 2.0 will come in the next year or two.
DrFill

Toyota reliability issues? yes recalls have increased but still not as high as every other american based manufacturers...

And I laugh the people saying this should be an exciting car..

Its a corolla... 90% of people buying new cars dont buy it for looks. Corollas have always been good for what they are, economic, affordable, reliable every day driver. Selling as much as they have proves a lot of you haters wrong big time.. how old are yous?
second, you guys are just justifying your recent car purchase... its a natural instinct... make yourself feel better by justifying your actions... in this case purchasing another vehicle..

Toyota reliability issues? yes recalls have increased but still not as high as every other american based manufacturers...

And I laugh the people saying this should be an exciting car..

Its a corolla... 90% of people buying new cars dont buy it for looks. Corollas have always been good for what they are, economic, affordable, reliable every day driver. Selling as much as they have proves a lot of you haters wrong big time.. how old are yous?
second, you guys are just justifying your recent car purchase... its a natural instinct... make yourself feel better by justifying your actions... in this case purchasing another vehicle..

Just limited to the 4 banger motor option and its basically a 1 ft shorter Camry. LAME-O.Toyota has taken the "most boring sedan" title away from Honda for sure.

Not a bad looking car, till you look at the rear. Same boring old carolla rear.

The S model looks like the Camry SE and IMO looks better than the Civic Si. But, I'd buy the Civic Si because it has 197HP. I wonder if Toyota is planning another engine choice in a year or two?

The exterior is very plain, and resembles other plain cars. No surprise here, it's a Toyota. On a good note you're almost invisible to police.

The interior appeals to me. Clean, simple, and functional without looking cheap. One thing..get rid of that plastiwood. To me it's just an insulting piece of brown plastic.

the drivetrain is...economical. Nuff said. I understand the purpose of this car and in that respect it will be a great success. Where is the hybrid model?

I fully expect to see some with 3" megaphone mufflers. Why? To make the chainsaw noise louder, of course.

Also add huge spoilers, which will make them even slower from the added aerodynamic drag. Hello? This car doesn't go fast enough to need the extra downforce.

Why am I ranting? Because I am tired of the car companies marketing their grocery getters and commuter cars as 'sports' cars. This puts the wrong idea into people's heads. Understand it for what it is and be happy, rather than trying to make it into what it will never be good at.

So, the design of new Civic made the Toyota Corolla designers go back to the drawing board. A year later, they finally said "Ok, f**k it! We give up!"

Gee, your Corrolla looks terrible.

See what happens when you pay so little money for cars. You get crap.
Still a 5 speed manauls. Our base model in Australia has a 6 speed manual. Sure it is $21000AU (apporx $19500US) But it is heaps better. And no we are not being ripped. Thats aboout the same price though out Europe and africa as well. Its just youse get the left over dodgy parts for your american ones.

Corrollas are supposed to be boring bland cars. It is the kind of car the communists and socialists are gaga over. no individuality, no balls, I'm suprised that it even has a color choice besides brown. It is the perfect state issued generic car.

Toyota is too predictable in its styling, Everything you see coming out from Lexus it will be on a Toyota by the next generation. It reminds me of the ES series back in the 90's. As soon as the updated Camry came out in 97 it looked a lot like the last generation ES series the came before it. It's the same cookie-cutter styling Toyota as used for years, but hey they are selling cars like hotcakes though. So I guess if it works, don't fix it.

I remember reading that Toyota was going to preview a 2-door coupe as well.

Is that not going to happen? No coupe?

Alexvrb:

The 2.4L is a little disappointing, but its not any weaker than the NA 2.4L in a PT Cruiser, for example. But how is the new 1.8L a letdown? The new 1.8L is quite a bit more powerful than the old one. The old 1.8L was a dog, how in the world do you figure it gave the Civic Si (which I remind you is not in the same price range) a run for its money?

Well the 2.4L is supposed to be the "sporty" engine, but its really just the base Camry engine. The last gen had the 2ZZ-GE engine with VVTL-i and was at least rev-happy and sporty. I realize that this engine can't be sold in North America anymore due to emissions standards bu substituting the 2.4L is kinda stupid. Everyone knows the 2.4L will be dropped quickly when no one wants to buy one. As for the 1.8L engine being disappointing, I suppose all the hype about it being a new design with dual VVT-i had me expecting a much larger HP and Torque increase.

As for Toyota's reliability, its obvious their engineering department is stretched as Toyota, IIRC, has the most diverse product lineup. I think at this point, Toyota (including Lexus & Scion) markets as many unique models of vehicles as the big 3 combined. And its not like the Big 3 where a Sierra and Silverado are the same thing but with different trim. Redesigning so many vehicles every 5 years is very difficult and Toyota manages to do a decent job of it.

As for Toyota going downhill like GM, don't expect it, in you're lifetime. Toyota has no legacy costs and its positioned itself so that it won't make the same mistakes that GM, Ford and Chrystler have done. Toyota is moving more and more of its production into the countries it sells cars in. By doing so its moved production from unionized shops in Japan to non-union shops in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. Toyota is setup for a worry free path to continued growth.

Also for all the Aussies that say the North American model is rubbish compared to the Aussie version of the Corolla, believe me its intentional. There is a market in Europe and to a lesser extent Canada and Australian, for premium small cars. People in Europe will spend as much on a subcompact as someone in America will on a full-sized vehicle. In America, subcompacts are still seen as a stepping-stone to the eventual purchase of a larger car when finances permit. Its considered absurd to buy an expensive Corolla in America and naturally a Corolla will be priced less than a Camry. If Toyota sells the Corolla for less in America than in Europe, the car will lack features. So naturally America and Canada (due to proximity) will get cheaper Corollas than Europe and Australia (due to proximity to Japan).

As for all the people who complain about it being boring, don't buy it! A fun-to-drive car is just as fun to drive in LA traffic as a corolla...

How many of you who think this new Corolla is too boring are current or recent Corolla drivers? Sure, it's easy for somebody who's not part of the target market to knock the Corolla for not being targeted at themselves, but Toyota isn't that dumb.

I own a Corolla 9 (2005) and like it... Yes, it's boring looking; my wife's Civic is much classier. But it's easier to get into the Corolla without smashing my knee. Both handle well. Toyota's engine actually feels stronger, though -- it has huge low-end torque. That's the secret of the VVTI; it keeps the torque curve wide, so it's good at the low end. Honda is catching up ( the 2007 Civic is much better than the 2004) but isn't there yet. Honestly, I wonder how people would compare a cheap Corolla to, say, a 1970s BMW 2002. The Corolla handles well, brakes well, is easy enough to park, and is comfortable inside. It has more than enough power for highway driving (easily cruises over 80, and passes decently) and doesn't feel totally out of place in the city (where anything more powerful would go to waste). So what if it looks like a Soviet staff car?

For the money, it can't be beat. And that's the point. They run forever, needing very little work, and they're pleasant to own in the process. Just not stylish, unless you think looking smart is stylish.

"As for the 1.8L engine being disappointing, I suppose all the hype about it being a new design with dual VVT-i had me expecting a much larger HP and Torque increase."

If that is the case, you were expecting too much, and I don't know why. Your expectations of this budget engine for this budget car were based on what again? However, VVT-i actually DID give it a large increase in torque. Look at the specs. It didn't gain much HP (126 -> 132), but the torque went from 122 to 162 ft-lbs! That's a 40 ft-lb increase out the same displacement. That's a very good boost on a 4-banger. Also one thing that VVT does for an engine (especially a small engine) that you don't see in the peak numbers, is that it usually creates a better range of power.

Hotter design but it will rust just like all toyotas...i cant belive that so many people just look at the reliability issue even here in Sweden but also in northern USA and Canada. These cars are gone in 10 years !
A volvo you can have for 20 years...because it has real rustprotection!

Besides that i pity you americans who cant enjoy Citroens amazing hydropnumatic suspension. I just bought one and i love it!