Click here for the Ride&Drive Index!

My generation experienced the aftershocks of the Japanese invasion of the automobile industry in the 1980s. It was completely unexpected and had an impact that can be felt even today. A large segment of America has embraced Toyota automobiles, for example, the most popular car in the United States is the Camry. (It's also the most stolen vehicle but that's another story.) The company has a large market segment here — and many of its most popular models (including the Camry) are built here — so you could call the Toyota "America's Brand." That being the case, it's no wonder that the company is diversifying their lines like the Corolla. The CE, S and LE models have been enhanced and a new sporty, high performance Corolla XRS has been added to the fold.

Under the hood, the XRS has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 170 horsepower at 7600 RPM and 127 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4400 RPM. On first blush, that doesn't seem like much. But this engine gives more mid-range torque power. No mention was made of the low-range torque power. Why? It was practically non-existent. In addition, Toyota has included a variable valve timing and lift (VVTL-i) system that gives the engine a supercharger-like rise in power from 6000 to 7800 RPM. The 0-60 mph acceleration is eight seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is available in both the Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS models.

In addition to the high-performance XRS, Corolla is available in three other grades for 2005, including the very well equipped CE, the sporty S model and the upscale LE.
New for 2005, the LE and S grade models offer an optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when equipped with the automatic transmission. The VSC option includes a traction control function that helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. Brake Assist, also included, is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the anti-lock brake system (ABS), the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released. All Corolla models with ABS include a tire pressure monitoring system with a dashboard monitor light. And all models have a new anti-theft engine immobilizer and new spray-type windshield washers.

The complete performance package is rounded out with a sport-tuned suspension; a dampener mounted between the front shock towers to improve the ride and handling without compromising NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and a rear cross brace to give the car more sturdiness.

Standard on the XRS are Michelin sixteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and an anti-lock brake system (ABS), bolstered sport front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, A/C, power door locks, driver's seat height adjuster, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, cruise control, high seating positions and 13.6 cubic feet of trunk space.

It shares "factory custom" features with the Corolla S model, smoked headlight lens-extenders, a color-keyed bezel surrounding the grille, integrated fog lamps and an aerodynamic body package with color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, rocker panel extensions and rear mudguards.

The CE, S and LE grades come standard with fifteen-inch wheels. Standard tires on the CE model are 185/65R-15, and the S and LE grades step up to 195/65R-15. Alloy wheels are available as an option for the S and LE.

The generous standard equipment includes air conditioning with a cabin air
filter, an AM/FM/CD sound system with four speakers, power mirrors, tilt
steering wheel, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, digital clock, a driver's
seat-height adjuster, a trunk lamp and a dome light with delay and a digital outside temperature gauge.

Both the S and LE grades add 195/65R-15 tires, map lights and color-keyed body side moldings. The LE is further equipped with power windows, a keyless entry system, variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle and woodgrain-style interior trim. And an optional leather trim package is available

Add in the excellent gas ratings with the manual transmission, (32 mpg city/41 mpg highway) and the optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic with an EPA rating of (30/38) MPH. The basic warranty is 36 month/36,000 mile. Additional warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles. The XRS with all the features available is just under $20,000 and, even though it may be underpowered in the low-torque range it has features that will make the car a sporty vehicle. It may not be a driver's car like a BMW, but it also isn't as expensive. R&D