The 2003-2008 Corolla was the 9th generation, not the 10th generation as previously posted. I agree that it's perhaps the best generation of the Corolla, with one exception (read on). Besides the XRS, the only engine is the excellent 1.8L 1ZZ-FE. If you're looking for an auto, you won't get the XRS anyway (6-sp only). The engine's got a timing chain for durability, oil/filter changes are an absolute snap, and the car overall is just very easy and pleasant to own. With a good set of tires, and some light weight alloys (I had 2nd gen Prius wheels on mine), the handling is surprisingly neutral for a FWD car, and the suspension is firm enough that it'll hang any corner that you care to drive on the street. Will it keep up with a new IS-F on Tail of the Dragon? No. Will it provide a lot of smiles-to-the-mile while giving you 35mpg in return? Yes.
The ONLY thing I didn't like about the '07 model I owned was the steering wheel and driving position. That generation BADLY needed a telescoping steering column, but it wasn't available. The 10th generation (2009-current) has it, but not the 9th generation. As a result, the driving position seems awkward until you get used to it. If I had the seat back so my legs were as extended as I wanted, my arms were reaching for the wheel. For my arms to be comfortable, my legs were more tight than I wanted. I eventually found a happy medium, but I'd still have preferred a movable wheel (it does tilt, but no telescope). The ergonomics are breathtakingly simple and the whole car is super easy to use.
ABS was not standard on that generation, so look out for that (if you want it). The LE model is where it's at, in my opinion. It had an upscale look to the interior, and added power accessories as standard equipment, and includes the cool Optitron instrument meters. The S model had the plastic body work and blackout interior, but with white face gauges. The CE model was the base model, and if you want power accessories, you'd have to find a CE with those added. Mine was an LE with a stick, a hard combo to find. But they're out there.
Overall, I think the 9th generation is a fantastic package. The car is light (2,500 pounds), very tossable, efficient, and roomy enough for a daily driver. I think it's pretty hard to beat for a small car.
The ONLY thing I didn't like about the '07 model I owned was the steering wheel and driving position. That generation BADLY needed a telescoping steering column, but it wasn't available. The 10th generation (2009-current) has it, but not the 9th generation. As a result, the driving position seems awkward until you get used to it. If I had the seat back so my legs were as extended as I wanted, my arms were reaching for the wheel. For my arms to be comfortable, my legs were more tight than I wanted. I eventually found a happy medium, but I'd still have preferred a movable wheel (it does tilt, but no telescope). The ergonomics are breathtakingly simple and the whole car is super easy to use.
ABS was not standard on that generation, so look out for that (if you want it). The LE model is where it's at, in my opinion. It had an upscale look to the interior, and added power accessories as standard equipment, and includes the cool Optitron instrument meters. The S model had the plastic body work and blackout interior, but with white face gauges. The CE model was the base model, and if you want power accessories, you'd have to find a CE with those added. Mine was an LE with a stick, a hard combo to find. But they're out there.
Overall, I think the 9th generation is a fantastic package. The car is light (2,500 pounds), very tossable, efficient, and roomy enough for a daily driver. I think it's pretty hard to beat for a small car.
