Well, after my 2000 Taurus started making nasty noises from the tranny at 96,000 miles, I decided to buy a car for my 11 year old daughter -- 5 years ahead of time. To be used as my communter car for 5 years, then passed on to daughter dearest for some real action in 2011!
So after test rides (I am 6'5", 240lb), lots of reading in CR, online etc., I decided on a 2006 Corolla LE -- has ABS, but no vehicle stabilization (all the dealers told me I'd need to special order a car if I wanted that feature). Has side airbags, also a fancy CD changer.
So here are a few observations, not meant as flames or critique. Just figured some prospective, new and old Corolla drivers might be interested.
1) Mileage -- I decided on a conventional gasser as opposed to diesel (VW) or hybrid, as I want reliability and long term low maintainance. Of course, there are tradeoffs. Consumer reports predicted something like 26 city and 34 highway for automatic tranny, and 29-30 combined. I was hopeing for a little better, as I drive mostly highway miles in the commute. And I drive like a grandpa. So my honest average, total miles over total gas = 31.66mpg which included one 500 mile trip at interstate speeds (but hilly interstate, 4 passengers and luggage, with mileage only 31mpg)
Takehome: mileage ain't bad at all, but don't wish for the impossible.
2) Handling: Well, the wind blows it around more, and my Taurus cornered at high speeds a little better. But there is another poster here that really criticizes the Corolla's handling -- its not that bad. No sports car, but probably handles better than my 1979 Mustang did -- its all relative.
3) Interior room. It felt roomier in the test drive than the Civic (that was the major competition). It often leaves something to be desired compared to my taurus. There is no "just right" position for the seat. Even though I have long arms, the steering wheel feels a little too far away at times. And you can't get your arm out the window (using the door as a rest) when the seat is back.
However, the rear seat room and truck space are phenomenal for a small car like it is.
4) Parking -- How sweet it is. Those extra few inches really make it nice to park. When 15% of my commute time is consumed finding a parking space or getting into one, the Corolla's advantage shows.
5)expensive stereo -- WHAT is Toyota thinking selling a 6 disk changer that does not support mp3 files and has no external jack for an ipod or mp3 player? That being said, the sound is great.
6) Performance: Wish it had 20 HP LESS. That's right. Its not a sports car. Its transportation. I wonder what it would do with less engine in terms of mileage? Its got way a plenty HP to get you around. When we are paying $6 a gallon for gas, we will all drive like I do, and wonder what all that extra power is good for. Honestly, the couple time I have gave it even close to full throttle, its really scooted off. More than enough.
7)ABS and side airbags. Haven't tested these yet!!
Little peeves:
No remote trunk release. You need to use your key. I put my lab coat in my trunk before I get in the car every evening. And the opening for the key is surrounded by nice paint (as opposed to a chrome or stainless escutcheon) -- No doubt the paint will get scratched up from those "near misses" with the key.
Driver sun visor hits the rear view mirror when you put it down.
Oil all over when you change your own oil and filter.
Lot of stuff seems pretty flimsy underneath (but sometime well designed flimsy stuff lasts longer than heavy duty stuff that is poorly engineered.
Regrets:
Wish my Taurus has lasted another 2 years and given me time to order out a car with vehicle stabilization. As it stood, I was worried the Taurus was going to just drop me, so I moved fast (4 days) and didn't have time to order out exactly what I wanted.
So there are some first impressions, for whoever likes to read what new users think after 8 weeks and 2000 miles.
Cheers......