2017 Toyota Corolla 50th Anniversary Special Edition Review

It used to be that if consumers were shopping for a reliable compact machine, they could choose between the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. Nowadays there are a bajillion quality choices in the class. So how does the Corolla stack upward?

The Corolla was first introduced in 1966 in Nihon and came to the U.Southward. in 1968. It'due south at present in its 11th generation. The Corolla got a makeover in 2014 and gets refreshed for 2017.

There are several different trims to fit a variety of budgets: L, LE, Eco, SE, XLE, and XSE. Starting prices range from $18,500 to $22,680. This year there'due south also a 50^thursday Anniversary Edition which starts at $21,900 and gets several special touches such equally badges, unique styling, wheels and contrasting stitching in the interior.

The front-wheel-bulldoze Corolla is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 132 horsepower and 128 pound-anxiety of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is also available. The Eco trim gets the same engine just information technology delivers 140 hp.

Handling is blah. Information technology'due south fine in city traffic simply if yous need to hustle, the engine feels underpowered and the CVT gets loud. At least the CVT shifts smoothly. At that place are paddle shifters on the steering bicycle simply they don't practice much to improve performance. The ride quality is pretty good fifty-fifty over crude roads.

Fuel economy is good for the class only in that location are several rivals that practise better. EPA mileage estimates are 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with a combined rating of 31 mpg. I got 30 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.

The interior is comfortable and practical with many soft-touch materials, giving it a surprisingly upscale vibe. The Corolla seats five passengers, but if you have adults in the back seat, iv volition be more than comfortable. Passengers accept adept legroom in both rows of seating just taller passengers in dorsum may not take enough headroom.

The infotainment system is convenient. You tin can use the touchscreen or buttons and knobs, which is nice when making adjustments to the climate or audio settings.

All Corollas come with several standard features including rearview photographic camera, Bluetooth, USB port, six-speaker audio system, 6.1-inch touch-screen display, vocalism recognition, Siri Eyes Free and automatic high beams. Several driver safety features are besides standard including adaptive prowl control, frontwards standoff warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane difference warning and lane keep assist.

Trunk space is average for the segment with 13 cubic feet. The trunk opening is broad making it piece of cake to load large items. The rear seats split and fold.

The good:

Lots of standard safety applied science for the class with Toyota's Safety Sense.

Cracking reliability ratings.

Excellent crash test ratings for the class

Good legroom for passengers in both rows of seating

Easy-to-operate infotainment system with a touchscreen interface likewise as buttons and knobs. Navigation is available equally an option.

Toyota Entune app tin can be added and works well.

The non so good:

Blah driving dynamics

Engine can feel underpowered

Apple tree CarPlay and Android Motorcar not offered

Taller backseat passengers may not accept plenty headroom

Bottom line:

The Corolla is a good purchase for the money and appeals to buyers who desire a practical and reliable compact car with cracking safety features. That'south why more than than a meg Corollas are sold around the world each yr. But many competitors boast better handling, better fuel efficiency and more space and so you'll want to test drive some rivals such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Mazda3 before making your option.