2006 Toyota Corolla

Worldwide sales of the Toyota Corolla passed the Ford Model T and original Volkswagen Beetle long ago, with more than 25 million built. A reputation for being durable and fuel-thrifty has kept it among the top-selling small cars since it bowed in Japan in 1966 and arrived in America two years later.

Stronger competition from South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia helped cause the Corolla's U.S. sales to dip to 231,848 cars last year from 240,203 in 2004, but the Corolla is holding its own.

The current $14,005-$17,780 Corolla is the ninth-generation model, introduced for 2003. It's longer, taller and wider than the eighth-generation car, with more equipment and an upgraded interior. However, the rather small 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine from the earlier model is retained.

That 126-horsepower engine is sophisticated, with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing for better responsiveness. It provides decent acceleration in town and during 65-75 mph passing maneuvers.

The engine's high estimated fuel economy -- 32 mpg in the city and 41 on highways with a manual gearbox -- can make people wonder why they should pay a lot more for a gasoline-electric hybrid auto from Toyota or anyone else.

But the engine is noisy during brisk acceleration, and the car only has an available four-speed automatic transmission that lowers economy to 30 city, 38 highway. At least the automatic is responsive.

A hot rod XRS version arrived for 2005 with a 164-horsepower version of the 1.8 four-cylinder engine and such items as sport seats, "aerodynamic body package'' with front/rear underbody spoilers, sport suspension, anti-lock brakes, rear spoiler and slightly wider (55-series) tires on bigger (16-inch vs. 15-inch) wheels.

The $17,780 XRS has sharper handling and is faster. But it needs race-car-style high engine speeds (7,400 rpm) to develop all its power and thus performs best on long, clear roads. It only comes with a six-speed manual transmission that calls for lots of shifting with a long-throw clutch and provides an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

The XRS calls for premium fuel, while other models just need regular-grade gasoline.

The Corolla was never meant to be a hot rod, so the XRS seems misplaced in the Corolla line. It features a CE entry version, sportier mid-range S and top-line luxury LE. All have a split-folding rear seat to enlarge the cargo area -- except the XRS, which has a rear cross brace to stiffen its body structure.

The Corolla is solidly built, although some people have complained about squeaky suspension noise, which can be eliminated by periodic lubrication of supposedly "lubricated-for-life'' suspension components.

The base Corolla is fairly well equipped, with such items as air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player with four speakers, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel, manual driver-seat height adjuster, intermittent wipers, tachometer, outside temperature gauge and rear defogger.

The S adds power door locks, leather-wrapped wheel, two extra speakers, sport tachometer and color-keyed body side moldings, mirrors, rocker panels, front spoiler and rear underbody spoiler. The LE adds power windows, remote keyless entry and wood-like interior trim.

As always, the Corolla has a long options list. Key safety extras include front side air bags and curtain side air bags, anti-lock brakes (standard on XRS) and an anti-skid system for the S and LE.

A power tilt-and-slide sunroof is offered for the S, LE and XRS, and you can get leather upholstery for the LE. There are numerous option packages, with wide price ranges.

The eighth-generation Corolla had conventional square-edged small-car styling, but looked especially elegant and more costly than it was with black paint and alloy wheels. The more rounded Lexus-type styling of the current Corolla doesn't look as good in any color -- the car's small size makes it resemble an overly shrunken Lexus.

The new body provides wide door openings and sufficient room for four tall adults in the generally quiet interior, whereas previous Corollas had a tight back seat. Front bucket seats of regular Corollas provide only moderate side support, but the rear seat is nicely shaped.

Sound system controls set high on the dashboard call for a long reach, even for those with long arms, but all other controls are easily reached -- including the large, rather notchy, climate controls.

The steering in a test Corolla S was quick, but felt rather heavy -- perhaps because its front tires were inflated several pounds below the recommended 30 psi pressure. The ride was supple, as it long has been for Corollas, and regular models have moderate body lean that I didn't notice with the XRS. The brake pedal should have a more linear feel.

The trunk has a low, wide opening, but its lid has space-eating manual hinges.

Also, the split rear seatbacks don't sit flat enough when flipped forward to enlarge the cargo area.

Many people keep a Corolla a long time because the car runs in a no-fuss manner for years with minimal maintenance. Just like the old Volkswagen Beetle. 

2006 TOYOTA COROLLA 

PRICES: $14,005-$17,780

LIKES: Fuel-thrifty. Fairly roomy. Nice ride. Decent performance with regular engine, fast with hot rod XRS version.

DISLIKES: Noisy acceleration. Long radio control reach. Rear seatbacks don't fold flat.