2014 Corolla

[lizpat]

My take: Best Corolla yet but too expensive.
-Radical dash, very daring design and unique, if it proves equally functional (as it should) then it's definitely the best-in-class dash.
-Roomy interior. Two tone color palette. Most rear room, a de-merit for me since I often drive alone and do not need the rear space.

Exterior styling: front end, very nice (especially the "S" model)
rear end, bulbous and sticks out (ugly, looks the rear of a 2006 Honda Accord.)

Handling: among the worst in the class
Acceleration: among the worst in class

Drum brakes in the rear.

Overall: Best Corolla yet, but shouldn't be priced higher than a Hyundai Elantra, it's too expensive.

 

[dparm]

Yes, as other reviewers have said, it's basically a cosmetic update to an archaic design.

 

[gregk24]

I like the looks of the interior...but the exterior looks like its jumbled up.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Corolla has been always about value and not excitement. I think they hit their target well, but obviously the competition from Hyundai/Kia is very close.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Yes, as other reviewers have said, it's basically a cosmetic update to an archaic design.


OK?
Did you actually listen/read about it?
How about the 6-speed, CVT, and valvematic optins?

 

[Azeem]

"Wanna be Elantra/2nd gen Focus" exterior?

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
Originally Posted By: dparm
Yes, as other reviewers have said, it's basically a cosmetic update to an archaic design.


OK?
Did you actually listen/read about it?
How about the 6-speed, CVT, and valvematic optins?




Clearly their current formula works. Toyota sells tons of Corollas, but it will be hard to attract new buyers if you're behind the competition. I'm not saying it's a bad car, but when you look at it versus the leaps everyone else has taken...

 

[Hermann]

Some folks, myself included like simple.

 

[JHZR2]

Reminds me of the 4dr yaris from many years ago. No thanks.

Fine as an econo appliance, but I like the looks of the civic, dla tea and cruze far better.

If all I wanted was a commuting couch, and the deal was right, I guess, but it would have to be compellingly cheaper and higher MPGs than the other offerings.

 

[BISCUT]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
Originally Posted By: dparm
Yes, as other reviewers have said, it's basically a cosmetic update to an archaic design.


OK?
Did you actually listen/read about it?
How about the 6-speed, CVT, and valvematic optins?




Clearly their current formula works. Toyota sells tons of Corollas, but it will be hard to attract new buyers if you're behind the competition. I'm not saying it's a bad car, but when you look at it versus the leaps everyone else has taken...


I see it in the same manner. Not enough forward compared to the tough competition. Seems like they are expecting the sales off of OLD reputation. Eventually it catches up. A lot of Civic buyers ditched the same old car over the last 5 years.

 

[crinkles]

I like it, and prefer it over the competition.

Like the wheelbase extension, and improved rear legroom.

Would be interesting to see how the CVT goes. HAtchback corollas down here already use it (Auris in Europe).

 

[KrisZ]

Looks like Corolla is the next Cavalier. Maybe GM did do some things right since Toyota is copying it?

 

[badtlc]

It looks like kia tried to remake the civic. I'm guessing their designer will be fired after this one.

 

[Smokescreen]

Considering the Toyota has sold more Corollas than any other car on the planet by quite a stretch, the buying public has a voice and are heard and are continually responding with more purchases. The sales figures for this new 2014 model will most likely continue to uphold that trend.

The Corolla never claims to be flashy, attention getting, quick or fast. Just a reliable car that gets very good fuel economy time and again, apparently that is what a lot of people like in a car.

Myself, I am not a fan of CVT's however, given the fuel economy increases and power they propose, I could see myself in one.

 

[sciphi]

Corolla. The appliance of cars. After 6-7 years on the current chassis and drivetrain, Toyota is likely going to sell this transportation appliance on appliance-like reliability. It better be reliable, since it has nothing else going for it. The Focus beats it for handling and acceleration, the Cruze beats it for interior refinement and overall driving experience, the Elantra undercuts it on price, the Civic will still out-handle it, the Dart will definitely out-power it, and the Jetta probably beats it for German hipness.

Yet Toyota will still sell 20k+ units a month with few incentives, go figure. For the folks who view cars as a necessary evil, having the best appliance will get their dollars all day long.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Smokescreen

The Corolla never claims to be flashy, attention getting, quick or fast. Just a reliable car that gets very good fuel economy time and again, apparently that is what a lot of people like in a car.


Really? They sell those obnoxious S versions with a wing and some red badge and some alloys that supposedly makes it look sporty for young girls to be willing to buy it.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
Considering the Toyota has sold more Corollas than any other car on the planet by quite a stretch, the buying public has a voice and are heard and are continually responding with more purchases. The sales figures for this new 2014 model will most likely continue to uphold that trend.

The Corolla never claims to be flashy, attention getting, quick or fast. Just a reliable car that gets very good fuel economy time and again, apparently that is what a lot of people like in a car.

Myself, I am not a fan of CVT's however, given the fuel economy increases and power they propose, I could see myself in one.


Depending on how one does the math, Toyota lumps all corolla chassis cars even when sold under a different model name to make that claim, but Ford Focus actually beats Corolla if you count by model name.
In that case Focus is clearly superior, even in reliability, because all these people cannot be wrong.

 

[panthermike]

As a Corolla owner, I would buy this car strictly for reliability(should be) and low cost of ownership. If I was actually in the market now, it would be tough to choose the Corolla though. I just have too hard of a time not admitting that so many cars in its class are better, or at the very least WAY more exciting. Come on Toyota! Reliability and excitement don't have to be exclusive of each other. As others have mentioned, this car will probably roll off the lots with ease though.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I see myself becoming a fan of Toyota lately. They build simple, reliable, appliances. No excitement, but works well.

I sat in one. I liked it. I like that it still uses a twist beam rear suspension and has the option for a 4 speed AT. Don't care for CVT. But mine would be a manual trans any way.

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
I see myself becoming a fan of Toyota lately. They build simple, reliable, appliances. No excitement, but works well.


Me too. I'm busy with other things in life; my vehicles are more like toasters, just doing their bit.

Quote:
I sat in one. I liked it. I like that it still uses a twist beam rear suspension and has the option for a 4 speed AT. Don't care for CVT. But mine would be a manual trans any way.


I don't know what I'd get, stick over auto. I usually don't care for auto, but I can't say I've been loving my 6spd in the Camry. My TDi drives how I expect a stickshift ought; I suspect others might feel different, but driving other stick vehicles just haven't been the same since getting this. YMMV.