Toyota has officially announced the pricing for the all-new 2009 Corolla and Matrix that will be in showrooms next month.
The starting price for the 2009 Corolla is $15,250 compared to $14,405 for the 08' model. The 2009 Matrix starts at $16,190 compared to $15,510 for the 08' Matrix.
The 2009 Corolla comes in four versions (Standard, LE, XLE, S and XRS). The Standard, LE and XLE models are powered by a new 1.8L four-cylinder that puts out 132 horsepower. The Corolla XRS (The sportier Corolla) gets more power thanks to a 2.4L four-cylinder that puts out 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
2009 Corolla prices range from $15,250 to $19,950.
The 2009 Matrix comes in three versions (Standard, S and XRS). Matrix buyers have their choice between the same 1.8L and 2.4L powerplants in the Corolla. The Matrix S is also available with all-wheel-drive. The Matrix S AWD features the 2.4L four-cylinder mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
2009 Matrix prices range from $16,190 to $21,850.
Related Stories:
2009 Toyota Corolla Unveiled! Is it Still too Boring?
2009 Toyota Matrix Unveiled...Does This Look Better than the Mazda3?
2009 Toyota Corolla S3 Breaks Cover...It's a Supercharged Corolla
2009 Toyota Corolla:
2009 Toyota Matrix:
PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota Announces Prices For All-New 2009 Corolla And Matrix And 2008 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition
January 25, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2009 Corolla and Matrix, along with the 2008 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition.
The Corolla base MSRP will range from $15,250 to $19,950 while the Matrix will range from $16,190 to $21,850. MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $660. Both models will begin arriving at dealerships next month.
Following the extremely successful launch of the FJ Cruiser TRD limited edition, Toyota is introducing the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition. The special edition offers a new level of customization to the base FJ Cruiser 4WD models.
2009 COROLLA
Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, an all-new, 10th generation 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known. The new Corolla with an all-new body that delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.
The Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS. A standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla's sporty look – these include a front spoiler, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for improved air management under the car, engine undercovers.
The 2009 Corolla is offered with a pair of efficient new engines, each of which can be combined with a five-speed manual transmission. The four-speed automatic transmission is combined with a 1.8-liter engine and the five-speed automatic is combined with a 2.4-liter engine.
The Standard, LE and XLE will be equipped with one of the all-new engines. The 1.8-liter 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine, will produce 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. One of the engine's most important features is its use of Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.
For those who desire just a bit more horsepower and torque, there is the 2.4-liter engine which produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is completely redesigned for use in the new Corolla XRS grade. The 2.4-liter engine transmits its power through the five-speed manual transmission, but is available with a five-speed automatic. The automatic transmission can be manually shifted sequentially.
Airbags are installed in the steering wheel, instrument panel, front seats and side-roof. Side curtain airbags that help protect passengers in the front and rear seats in the event of a side impact are standard. Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and cut-off switch available is available as an option.
The all-new Corolla is equipped with an array of standard performance and convenience features. Among the many features on the Standard grade are P195/65 R15 tires, a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM® satellite capable, air conditioning with air filter, intermittent windshield wipers, two 12-volt power outlets, daytime running lights, black manual folding power mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.
In addition to standard features on the Standard grade, the LE grade adds power windows with driver-side one-touch-down, shift-activated power doorlocks and color-keyed manual-folding power mirrors.
As well as the features on the LE grade, the XLE grade adds P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, variable intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, Optitron gauges, center console with sliding armrests, wood grain trim, and driver and passenger rear-seat pockets.
Besides the Standard grade features, the sporty S grade also features standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM® capable audio with six speakers.
In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and interior chrome accent.
Additional standard equipment on the XLS grade includes VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, P205/55 R16 tires with 16-inch alloy wheels, a JBL audio system with AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, XM® satellite and eight speakers in six locations and navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability.
The Corolla Standard grade will carry a base MSRP of $15,250 for models with a manual transmission and $16,050 for models with an automatic. The LE grade with automatic has a base MSRP of $16,650 and the XLE grade with an automatic a base MSRP of $17,550. The S grade will carry a base price of $16,320 for a manual transmission model and $17,150 for models with an automatic. The MSRP for the premium XRS grade will be $18,760 for a manual transmission and $19,950 for models with an automatic.
2009 MATRIX
The Toyota Matrix helped redefine the concept of a crossover vehicle, and has been redesigned for the 2009 model year.
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. The result is a sporty shape that has a wider, lower stance than the current model, but contains room for five people to ride in comfort. The Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.
The Matrix features three distinct grades, Standard, S and XRS. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler, while a rear deck spoiler is standard for all XRS models.
The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmission.
Equipped with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission models.
For those who crave horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 21/29 city/highway mpg for the automatic transmission models and 21/28 with the five-speed manual transmission models.
In addition, Matrix once again offers the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The AWD Matrix S is equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the Super ECT 4-speed transmission.
The AWD system uses active torque control to distribute the appropriate amount of torque to each wheel. The system is front-wheel-drive-based and distributes torque to the rear wheels through an electromagnetic coupler only when needed.
The Matrix interior is completely redesigned to enhance driving enjoyment, comfort and utility. The instrument panel and center cluster were designed to create the sensation of a cockpit. The option gauges in the instrument panel feature bright white lighting and red needles. A new three-spoke steering wheel enhances the rest of the new Matrix interior.
The driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable new sport seats, with standard seat-mounted side airbags. A fold-down seatback table is available for the front passenger's seat, enhancing interior utility on S and XRS. For rear-seat passengers, a folding seat with a 60/40 split includes a middle-seat headrest for the fifth passenger.
Throughout the interior, designers supplied multiple storage spaces. A folding tonneau cover is standard and helps keep items placed in the cargo area out of sight.
All systems are equipped with a universal mini-jack port that allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the Matrix's speakers.
Form, fun and functionality are in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades. Base equipment on the Standard Matrix includes P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, front center console box and an engine immobilizer.
The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
In addition to these features, the XRS grade includes standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls.
The Standard Matrix with a five-speed manual transmission will carry a base MSRP of $16,190, while the four-speed automatic begins at $17,000. The Matrix S front-wheel drive with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP of $18,260, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $19,450. The Matrix S AWD with a four-speed automatic has a base MSRP starting at $20,400. The Matrix XRS with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP starting at $20,660, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $21,850.
2008 FJ CRUISER TRAIL TEAMS SPECIAL EDITION
The special FJ Cruiser will feature the first-ever monotone white roof and body with black trim pieces, which set the FJ Trail Teams edition apart from the rest. Additional exterior features include black front and rear bumper end caps and front grille surround, and black exterior mirrors and door handles. Trail Teams badges have been added to the rear door and glove box.
Inside, the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition will include a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, white color-keyed door trim and instrument panel trim, AM/FM six CD/nine-speaker audio system with MP3 player and 12-volt and 115-volt auxiliary power outlets.
Additional standard features on the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition include trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, BF Goodrich Rugged Trail Tires with custom 16-inch TRD alloy wheels, Cyclone air cleaner, rear differential lock and A-TRAC, TRD exhaust system, rock rails, all-weather floor mats, front bumper-mounted auxiliary lights, and front and rear skid plates.
The FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition will carry an MSRP of $4,755 over the $23,725 base price of the FJ Cruiser with a six-speed manual transmission with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and $5,110 over the $24,135 base price of the automatic transmission model with a 4.0-liter V6. . MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $685.
The 3,200 units of the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition package will be produced in 2008 model year and will go on sale in late January and early February.
Comments (31)
It looks like they got rid of the white backlit gauges. I really like that in my 04. It really looks like a cross between the new/current gen Camry and Yaris. Neither of which I love, but then again it's a fairly simplistic people mover. The new face lift should fit in nicely which its sibling models.
Posted by Brian | January 26, 2008 12:31 AM
Posted on January 26, 2008 00:31
I wonder if the bland and ugly looks, the sub par interior, the weak underpowered engines, and the higher than it's competitors base sticker prices will hurt sales on these.
Guess we will find out soon enough.
Posted by Travis | January 26, 2008 12:46 AM
Posted on January 26, 2008 00:46
It won't hurt them because they'll get far superior gas mileage. Too many people try and compare Corollas, Civics (not including Si), Sentras, etc. to performance cars...they are not performance cars. Sure, some people can do some interesting things to them with aftermarket parts, but their meant to be commuter cars and economical. When rated in that category the Corolla will do just fine as it looks and performs (including gas mileage) better than most domestics. Even the XRS is merely to give a commuter something a little "nicer."
Posted by Mike | January 26, 2008 1:10 AM
Posted on January 26, 2008 01:10
"I wonder if the bland and ugly looks, the sub par interior, the weak underpowered engines, and the higher than it's competitors base sticker prices will hurt sales on these.
Guess we will find out soon enough."
What are you talking about? The corolla looks pretty sleek, the Matrix is different but not bad. And as for underpowered engines its called good gas mileage something that is in more and more demand theses days. As for the price...its a Toyota people will pay a little more because its a Japanese car they know they are getting a good product. The only competitors Toyota has to worry about is the other Japanese car makers, certainly not the US Automakers with all the crap they are pushing out theses days.
Posted by Shawn | January 26, 2008 2:54 AM
Posted on January 26, 2008 02:54
Pffft...the Ferrari 612 gets 540hp and is much better looking too. When will Toyota learn?
Posted by Travis | January 26, 2008 3:01 AM
Posted on January 26, 2008 03:01
I've never owned anything more reliable than Toyota. They're all good cars minus the over-priced and over-hyped hybrids. Hybrids suck!
Posted by R6 | January 26, 2008 3:47 AM
Posted on January 26, 2008 03:47
I can already see the AWD matrix w/ aftermarket turbo, coilovers, 18" wheels... sure, it will still be a cheesy matrix with a 4 speed, but someone will love it...
Posted by Mike | January 26, 2008 11:37 AM
Posted on January 26, 2008 11:37
Price is too high... a little over 20 grand will get you a nice Ford Fusion or Hyundai Sonata with leather seats... and those card have very nice leg room too. Reliability is pretty darn good for those cars too.
Posted by SEALBoy | January 26, 2008 1:13 PM
Posted on January 26, 2008 13:13
Wow the Corolla is fugly. Matrix looks ok though.
Posted by Bill | January 26, 2008 2:32 PM
Posted on January 26, 2008 14:32
I've always hated the body kits for the corolla, they don't look like they were made for the car. It would be nice if they were part of the bumper and stuff but noo, its a whole separate piece thats just glued on.
Posted by Mathew | January 26, 2008 3:10 PM
Posted on January 26, 2008 15:10
"Price is too high... a little over 20 grand will get you a nice Ford Fusion or Hyundai Sonata with leather seats... and those card have very nice leg room too. Reliability is pretty darn good for those cars too."
As a somewhat recent college grad driver whom travels 110km/70miles each day for work, paying $1/litre ($3.80/gallon), I don't want a V6 or anything with high amounts HP, I want gas mileage and reliability. Not to say the fusion gets terrible gas mileage, and I know the reliability is good, but gas mileage is a huge factor and one that the fusion/sonata is not as strong in.
That being said, I like design of the corolla except for the rear, it just seems out of place whenever I look at it. The Matrix fixes this issue of course, and it being a HatchBack is a huge plus in my books. It really is a shame that ford dropped the hatchback focus, I'm hoping it will return next generation when ford is suppose to go to the global focus platform.
I was hoping for better Gas Mileage from the new Corolla's (I know this is the 2008 EPA standard), so that is somewhat disappointing. But I guess much cannot be expected when the engine gets bigger.
Still enjoying my 2007 Sentra.
Posted by Garret | January 26, 2008 4:16 PM
Posted on January 26, 2008 16:16
@Garret:
I understand your POV, gas mileage is obviously a big factor nowadays. The Fusion and Sonata, are available in a standard 4-cylinder.
I guess it becomes a trade-off: do you want to pay for the name, gas mileage, but less interior room/comfort, or a little less gas mileage but more space/comfort.
Posted by SEALBoy | January 26, 2008 4:57 PM
Posted on January 26, 2008 16:57
"I understand your POV, gas mileage is obviously a big factor nowadays. The Fusion and Sonata, are available in a standard 4-cylinder.
I guess it becomes a trade-off: do you want to pay for the name, gas mileage, but less interior room/comfort, or a little less gas mileage but more space/comfort.."
With the Fusion and Sonata , the 4-cylinders didn't offer much more in terms of gas mileage compared to the 6-cylinders, at least from my understanding.
I always found the current generation "small" cars (Sentra, Civic, Focus, Corolla etc..) to be big interior room wise, but I'm not hauling around kids or animals, just myself. I'm averaged size though "6ft", so that could be another factor. But there is no denying that the current civic is as big as the older accords, or Sentra's being as big as the old altima's etc.. which is why car companies are now releasing smaller car size's (Fit, Versa, Yaris, upcoming Verv )
I really do hope that the Domestic makers can compete more effectively in the future. The foreign companies are able to charge these prices only because they know they can because of the name. Ford focus's are actually very reliable and can compete well with the japanese counterparts. Only reason why I didn't get one was a) I knew a new one was right around the corner , and b) I much perfer the euro model.
Posted by Garret | January 26, 2008 5:34 PM
Posted on January 26, 2008 17:34
your confused when I was talking about it being underpowered I was comparing it to direct competitors.
2009 Corolla
$15,250
132 hp/128 ft-lb
27/35 mpg (preliminary est)
2008 Civic
$14,810
140 hp/128 ft-lb
26/34
2008 Mazda 3i
$13,895
148 hp/135 ft-lb
24/32
2008 Cobalt
$13,925
148 hp/152 ft-lbs
24/33
So most expensive, least power, only 1 mpg more than the Civic, and IMHO worst looks and worst interior of the group. Sad thing is I bet that sales don't slow down one bit. Even though Toyota has slipped behind Ford in the most recent quality rankings done by JD power.
Posted by Travis | January 26, 2008 8:31 PM
Posted on January 26, 2008 20:31
@Garret:
To each their own I guess. I would happily sacrifice a couple MPG's for a larger interior and more comfortable ride. My dad has an Elantra (which is bigger than a Corolla), and while it's decent, I much prefer the space for my legs and arms that my Sonata has, as well as the visibility (which is WAY better than a Camry). I guess one thing would be that my Sonata is the only car I've driven for an extended period of time, so I'm just so used to it and wouldn't want a decrease in space (or massive increase either - not going the SUV way).
Of course, that's just me. The Corolla is by no means a bad car, and near the top of the list in $15000 price range... but at $20K... and then you throw in Hyundai's warranty and roadside assistance... and it just isn't worth it.
Posted by SEALBoy | January 26, 2008 8:42 PM
Posted on January 26, 2008 20:42
@ Travis
Get your facts right. Your MPGs compares an automatic corolla to all 5speed manual vehicles. The manual is obviously going to be cheaper to purchase and will reduce the fuel consumption on the car when compared to an automatic transmission.
If you add the price of automatic transmissions to all the prices you've listed, the price of the Corolla isn't anything out of the ordinary.
Btw, I don't see why you'd list the Cobalt; it is such a poor excuse for a car in this segment... The Ford Focus on the other hand is the only domestic that has a realistic chance of stealing sales for Toyota and Honda. withs a blend of good (for a domestic) fuel economy (24/33), reliability and nice driving dynamics.
2009 Corolla
132 hp/128 ft-lb
27/35 mpg (preliminary est)
2008 Civic
140 hp/128 ft-lb
25/36
2008 Mazda 3i
148 hp/135 ft-lb
23/31
2008 Cobalt
148 hp/152 ft-lbs
22/31
2008 Focus
140 hp/136 ft-lbs
24/33
To clarify Ford beating Toyota, Ford won more awards per vehicle category than Toyota in 2007. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone as Ford's management is on the ball. What hasn't change is that Toyota, even excluding its Lexus brand, still has fewer # of problems per vehicle than Ford. Toyota ranked 6th in this category vs. 10th for Ford (Lincoln impressively ranked 3rd and Lexus ranked 2nd)
As for the Corolla, it will continue to sell well because its targeted at consumers who will never understand how people on this forum think. They are consumers who need a reliable, safe, fuel efficient mode of bland transportation. Most cars in this segment can't do what the Corolla does so well.
Posted by A.J. | January 27, 2008 1:35 AM
Posted on January 27, 2008 01:35
A.J.
The number I found for the Corolla said it was for a Manual, I went with Manuals because they usually get the best fuel economy. The prices I quoted were also for Manuals unless the Corolla actually gets cheaper with an automatic. I thought about including the Focus but decided one domestic was enough.
Anyways if I were to pick 2 cars to steal sales from the Corolla, they would be the Civic, and then the Mazda 3.
The Civic basically offers, More Power, a Better Interior, and better exterior styling, all for less than the Corolla. I fail to see why anyone would buy the Corolla over the Civic.
The Mazda 3 is just a wonderful little ride, it's a close relative to the Ford Focus, only having driven both I would say the Mazda is the better car, particularly when it comes to the Interior.
For that mater I would not hesitate to say that the Scion tC and xB are both better choices than the Corolla, (though not as thrifty with gas) and they come from Toyota's own line up.
Posted by Travis | January 27, 2008 2:11 AM
Posted on January 27, 2008 02:11
@ travis "So most expensive, least power, only 1 mpg more than the Civic, and IMHO worst looks and worst interior of the group. "
Note its also more expensive as its a brand new model, and the US dollar's on a nose-drive. Wait till the others get refreshed for 2009.
Posted by brad | January 27, 2008 4:57 AM
Posted on January 27, 2008 04:57
I think the apperance of the new Corolla is better then the one its replacing. With that being said I still prefer the appearance of the Civic.
Some of you mentioned the Cobalt was a poor excuse of a car. Can you give me a few reasons why you feel this way? And is it any better then the Cavalier it replaced?
btw: i own a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon, my biggest gripe is even with a 2.0L 4 cylinder and 5 speed automatic it doen't get very good gas mileage compared to other small cars.
-Jeff
Posted by Jeff | January 27, 2008 9:26 AM
Posted on January 27, 2008 09:26
This may be because I live in Canada, but the Civic with basic features (abs, power window/locks, air etc..) comes out a few thousand dollars more than the Sentra or Corolla/Mazda 3, and their finance rate has never been below 5.9%. I came really close to buying the mazda 3 first until the dealership decided treated me like dirt, and then the corolla until I found out I had to go up to the sport model to get abs etc.. (important in Canada). Nissan eventually won out by giving me a 0.75% interest rate, and threw in the luxury package (bluetooth etc.) for free.
I find my sentra provides more than enough power for my needs (140hp/147lb torque), however it is all relative to the vehicle weight and such. The last gen corolla with it's even weaker engine, seemed to provide enough power for the needs of the typical corolla driver.
@SEALBoy
It does really come down to preference and what you are used to. I hate driving around big vehicles. I drove around a 1992 plymouth sundance for 6 years, then I moved onto my Sentra. Even then I found the Sentra/Corolla/Civic etc.. to even be a little big for me (corolla being the smallest of them though).
As for Ford, they are my perferred domestic maker. I can't say that I'm too impressed with the styling of the new focus though.. I would have much perferred they just brought over the euro focus which is based on the mazda 3 chassis.
If I were to go searching for a car today and was a little more lenient on mpg, i'd probably check out the Lancer, as the price is right.
Posted by Garret | January 27, 2008 2:45 PM
Posted on January 27, 2008 14:45
Price is too high on higher end models. Should max out at 20K then people would be more apt to buy them. I agree, the new lancer is a NICE looking car at a good price, and at 150hp its got a few extra ponies (yah yah) than the others.
Posted by carluver57 | January 27, 2008 3:51 PM
Posted on January 27, 2008 15:51
The price is a bit high on the upper trim models, but it seems Toyota doesn't see themselves competing with other manufacturers, but rather themselves. The upper trimmed Corolla is only a bit higher priced than a base Camry. Same with the Camry and Avalon, and Avalon and ES350. Although other manufacturers practice this, Toyota is able to do it while ignoring the price of it's competitors to some degree. I guess that's how it is when you're the benchmark.
This new corolla does look ok, but since it's the same chassis as the previous gen, it still seems to look too tall. I remember that was the main thing that really hampered performance in the previous XRS. Maybe they should have chopped the top a little. Either way, the new XRS is like a 4 door Scion tc, just maybe not as good looking.
And no rwd GTS model in the line-up???? WHY!!!!!!!!?!
Posted by Jason | January 27, 2008 8:28 PM
Posted on January 27, 2008 20:28
Hmmm I wonder if it's just mazda envy or are they trying to look more generic. I have a 2005 matrix TRD, the quality of the bolt on trim is sub-standard, it prone to warping and not well anchored.I wonder if the quality is slipping since they shared R&D with GM's Vibe and perhaps some of the lame suppliers..
Posted by Tony Tercel | January 27, 2008 9:59 PM
Posted on January 27, 2008 21:59
Hmmm I wonder if it's just mazda envy or are they trying to look more generic. I have a 2005 matrix TRD, the quality of the bolt on trim is sub-standard, it prone to warping and not well anchored.I wonder if the quality is slipping since they shared R&D with GM's Vibe and perhaps some of the lame suppliers..
Posted by Tony Tercel | January 27, 2008 9:59 PM
Posted on January 27, 2008 21:59
Hmmm I wonder if it's just mazda envy or are they trying to look more generic. I have a 2005 matrix TRD, the quality of the bolt on trim is sub-standard, it prone to warping and not well anchored.I wonder if the quality is slipping since they shared R&D with GM's Vibe and some of the same cheap suppliers?
Posted by Tony Tercel | January 27, 2008 10:06 PM
Posted on January 27, 2008 22:06
Hmmm I wonder if you should listen to me for car advice given that I can't even figure out how this whole posting thing works.
Posted by Tony Tercel | January 28, 2008 3:23 AM
Posted on January 28, 2008 03:23
I will stay with my 04 Saturn Ion 3, 140HP with traction control, 5spd, 33-35mpg. I would put this up against my friends corolla any day. Never had to have it in the shop yet (cept oil/tire rotates).
I would argue that the numbers posted on JD, etc are never going to be accurate. If you were to ask Volkswagon if they had any problems with any window regulators in their 90's/00's cars they would say a small few, and because they have not put out a technical bulletin on them, that they are non existant. Yet there are litterally thousands of cases of the problem. Will not see that posted anywhere..... Take what you read with a grain I say.
I have had both good and bad cars all makes, and every japanese car I have owned to date has died with the exception of one. It was a nissan. My past experience with my toyota was that it rusted prematurely, and was entirely underpowered even for a tiny car. You can have good performance and gas mileage, so the argument that the new corolla is underpowered just to deliver good gas mileage is silly. I drove a geo metro lsi (1 lite 3cyl) and it was amazingly peppy, and it got like 49MPG =) It was only like 55hp. (granted it weighed like 1600lbs hehe)
Posted by Don | January 28, 2008 10:45 AM
Posted on January 28, 2008 10:45
I see the flame wars are already here. And I am so late, darn.
Anyway, the Corolla can be had for less than $20,000 at $15,000 , a Fusion starts out equipped like a wagon for that price exactly. So there is $5000 of difference. And the Corolla looks better.
I too think current small cars are more like the mid-sizes of yester-year, and todays mid-sizes are full, and fulls are now just land yachts. I am 6'2, and back in the 90s I could fit comfortable in a Honda Civic (the old 95' one). I think people's idea of what is comfortable has changed though, everyone thinks it means acres of interior room. No, it means "good enough I do not suffocate, and that I can drive well, and I do not get injured while in there." But because 90s SUVs were huge, now everyone compares cars to those.
Posted by Allen | January 28, 2008 1:36 PM
Posted on January 28, 2008 13:36
Like a previous post stated, that buyers of the new Corolla probably will buy it for the same reasons that old Corolla's sold well. The car is reliable, simple, and incredible efficient. For a commuter (like most of us in the Northeast), it is a perfect commuting option. Will be as invigorating as a Mazda 3? No. Is it as grounbreaking as the new Civic? Nope. Are there other cars that offer more for less? Absolutely. But, here is the caveat, the Corolla nameplate is so firmly entrenched into the mindset of buyers who want reliability ( the Civic also weighs heavily here) that it will easily sell just based on its name and past reputation. It doesn't even register on my enthusiast radar, but as a commuter w/ a small family it would welcome.
Posted by longdxcommuter | January 28, 2008 3:52 PM
Posted on January 28, 2008 15:52
but as a commuter w/ a small family it would be welcome.
Posted by longdxcommuter | January 28, 2008 3:54 PM
Posted on January 28, 2008 15:54
Good, reliable commuter cars for their target markets. That's Toyota. Having said that, if you want excitement, you're looking at the wrong company. Moving forward:
Exterior is ok to good on the Corolla, except the bodykit which still looks like an afterthought. The Matrix is a little better, especially since I like hatches and sport wagon commuter cars lately. The bodykit is also ugly though.
The Corolla should lose the plastic woodgrain. No car benefits from plastic woodgrain IMO.
I like to rest my shifter arm on the center armrest. The shifter on the Matrix seems to be in an unnatural position to me, but I'm a sports car guy. Also I'm used to the shifter being near my thigh.
Posted by Kell | January 28, 2008 4:03 PM
Posted on January 28, 2008 16:03