Entry Price: $17,230
Price As Tested: $22,992
The 2016 Toyota Corolla is all grown up; especially considering its 3.9-inch longer wheelbase than the previous 2013 generation Corolla we reviewed. Arriving on our shores in 1966, Corolla is an excellent example of Toyota’s long-term name branding in direct opposition to manufacturers that continually throw weird names, lots of numbers and unnecessary nomenclature at a puzzled consumer who is trying to figure everything out and make a wise buyer decision.
Corolla for 2016 still relies on legendary owner satisfaction ratings and offers a car that all demographic age groups seem to like and know of, be it teen to senior citizen. Thanks to its low entry price, Five Star government safety ratings and mechanical excellence, the 2016 Corolla may be Toyota’s best ever compact car effort.
As a car anyone can drive and feel comfortable in, our Corolla tester came in “S Plus” trim and delivers 28 city and 38 highway EPA numbers with a six-speed manual transmission. The interior is greatly improved with bigger dimensions, comfortable seating, easy to use controls, nice instrumentation and the noted Toyota “Star Safety” system that includes eight air bags. Noted other standard features are four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, rear view safety camera, Smart Stop technology, stability control, electronic brakeforce and much more.
The “S Plus” line also features a standard power tilt/slide moon roof, halogen headlamps, pushbutton start, upgraded interior package, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, sporty seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps, chrome exhaust tip, cruise and all the powers.
Notable is Toyota’s Entune Premium Audio system that is standard on “S Plus” and features a Navigation and App suite. This stereo/info system includes a 6.1-inch touch screen AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback, six speakers, SiriusXM satellite with 90 days free, HD radio with iTunes, iPod, hands free phone capability and much more. Unlike prior years, the Entune subscription is now totally free and all you’ll need to decide is if you want SiriusXM Satellite after the free trial period.
Our “S Plus” arrived with a base price of $21,595 with the six-speed manual, the latter which we really enjoyed during our week long test. A mid-level LE starts at $18,665 while the entry “L” starts at a most impressive $17,230. Notables on the low price “L” include all the powers, keyless entry, the safety system and a great sounding stereo with auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth features. Therefore, don’t think the entry model is a stripped down Corolla because it isn’t. However, I’m puzzled as to why the rear safety camera is not standard on the “L.”
Every Corolla comes with the proven and fuel efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing intelligence (VTT-i). The engine delivers 132 horsepower and 128 lb. ft. of torque that performs all duties satisfactorily. If you don’t want to shift manually, a CVT automatic increases fuel mileage to 29 city and 37 highway although if you choose the entry level Corolla L with automatic ($17,830), an outdated four-speed automatic will still generate 27 city and 36 highway.
As for the Corolla fuel mileage champion, for a few bucks more you can choose the Corolla LE Eco, which starts at just $19,065 and delivers 30 city and 42 highway with the CVT automatic and fuel enhancing Eco mode of driving. This model also delivers 140-horsepower instead of 132, which your Toyota dealer will explain and also discuss the 12 different 2016 Corollas to choose from.
Our Corolla came with just two options, one a $209 Body Side Molding package and the second a $353 Protection Package that adds carpet floor mats, trunk mat, cargo net and rear bumper protector. With $835 destination, the final tally came in at $22,992 retail.
On the road, Corolla is not a high-performance acceleration beast but it gets you up to speed with an acceptable degree of pep. You’ll also enjoy the comfortable and sport inspired “S Plus” ride thanks to a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear setup, but there is some body roll in tighter turns. The cabin also has a much larger “mid-size feel” with excellent leg and headroom front and rear.
Important numbers include a curb weight of 2,845 pounds, “mid-size like” 106.3-inch wheelbase, 5.6 inch ground clearance, 13 cu. ft. of cargo space and a 13.2 gallon fuel tank.
In summary, Corolla is still one of the best and most affordable compact cars out there while competing in a very crowded market. It’s a solid, good looking, well built car.
Likes: Price, quality reputation, Five-star safety.
Dislikes: Acceleration, “L” series rear drum brakes, some body roll in tight turns.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist).
