We Drive the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

For 2020, Toyota has given the ever-popular Corolla the hybrid treatment. It's only available as a sedan, and it's surprisingly fun to drive. More over at Crankshaft Culture. Read More ... 

Review: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

When I heard Toyota was bringing back a Corolla hatchback, admittedly, I was intrigued. After all, I’m a hatchback guy. They’re practical, sporty, and I simply prefer the style. But with my intrigue, I prepared for reality to kick in. I assumed the new Corolla Hatchback would probably be equipped with the same-old 2ZR-FE 1.8-liter found in the  Corolla sedan and mated to a fun-killing CVT. It’d be solid but pedestrian method of transportation. Meh.

I'm here to say that I assumed wrongly.

Subcompact Q&A: Over The Road 'Rolla

This is our debut of Subcompact Q&A. It'll features user-submitted questions, and answers from our experts on all things small. Got a question about small vehicles, subcompact overland travel, or anything semi-related to this site? Email it to us at andy@subcompactculture.com.

Our first question comes from our friend Justin in Oakland, CA. We've actually featured his 314 hp Pontiac Solstice Turbo-powered 1982 Toyota Corolla Wagon in 2013. Justin writes:

Hey Andy! On my drive back from visiting Portland in the Rolla, I did a lot of daydreaming about making it a cross country trip travel machine. I've got some questions about adding an refrigerator like you did [in the Sidekick], and maybe you could share some advice from the things you've learned as you've built the Teal Terror and trailer into a similar type of thing.

One of my first inclination is to get one of those aluminum job boxes that you see on the tongues of trailers and fashion it into a hitch carrier for extra cargo. It should be out of the slipstream and not hurt mileage.

I think I can also remove part of my rear seats to open up some more room back there for sleeping. And also wire my blower fan so I could keep it running on low overnight to help exchange the air. 

Review: 2014 Toyota Corolla S

Let’s just get this fact out there: The general car-buying public doesn’t care if a car has a torsion beam rear axle or a double-wishbone suspension. They are not interested in whether or not the car has a CVT, a traditional automatic, or a dual-clutch setup. And they could give a rip if the car has a direct injection engine or not. Many, if not most, car buyers are what I call an IJAC. IJAC stands for “It’s Just A Car,” and this is the group that looks at cars as driving appliances. It’s not something to be ashamed of, frankly. It’s just the way it is. The IJAC is simply looking for a vehicle that’s not hideous looking, gets halfway decent fuel economy, doesn’t cost a fortune, and starts each and every time you turn the key. Period.

At the other end of the spectrum are the auto enthusiasts. They don’t understand why the IJAC isn’t buying the top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art car in its class. The enthusiast’s logic is that there are only a couple of cars worth buying in a vehicle’s respective class, and it’s shocking that anyone would buy anything but. Enthusiasts often don’t understand that the IJAC is really only concerned about getting to work, the grocery store, and home with their vehicle, and doesn’t understand why skidpad ratings don’t factor into a purchasing decision. The enthusiast also frequently forgets that the IJAC represents the vast majority of car buyers.

Toyota’s Corolla has been an extremely popular vehicle in the U.S. It’s been a best-seller for years, and has been very reliable, generally comfy, and has never gulped down fuel. It also hasn’t been the enthusiast’s choice since the rear-drive Corollas of the 1980s. It’s fair to say the Corolla is a very popular choice for the IJAC crowd, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, I’d say Toyota knows the Corolla audience extremely well. The car has does most things well enough and has a steadfast track record of dependability. While other vehicles might focus on raising the bar in terms of styling, performance, or technology, Toyota knows the Corolla buyer is really interested in reliability, fuel economy, and of course, price.

Subcompact Showcase: TE72 Toyota Corolla Wagon With A Turbo Pontiac Powerplant

My buddy Justin has had this TE72 Corolla Wagon since 2008. It's lowered on Ground Control coilovers, has some good looking XXR wheels, and he's done quite a bit of work to it. A few months ago I get a text from him saying he's thinking about doing an engine swap, as the Rolla wasn't very peppy in stock form. I ask him what he's swapping in, thinking it'd be a warmed over 4AGE or maybe a built 3TC. He says he's looking for a turbo engine out of a Pontiac Solstice GXP. Wait, what?

Toyota Shows Off Its 2014 Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car the Japanese automaker offers here in the U.S., so when it gets a redesign, it's a big deal. Toyota just revealed info and photos about its newest version of its compact sedan, and it will no doubt continue to be a huge volume car while improving on the last generation.

There are several trim levels for 2014. For starters, the 2014 Corolla Eco will offer a 1.8-liter engine making 140 horsepower and 126 ft./lbs. of torque with Valvematic technology; improved aerodynamics; and low rolling resistance tires. These models will get an estimated highway fuel economy rating of over 40 mpg and will have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Corolla L, LE, and S grade models are all powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine with intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) that produces 132 horsepower and 128 ft./lbs. of torque. These will also be available with the CVT; L and S models will be available with a six-speed manual transmission, thankfully.

So what about the exterior? As you can see, it's totally different. Toyota says the exterior design employs the “Iconic Dynamism” theme shown in the Corolla Furia concept shown at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. Toyota is hoping to attract more youthful buyers with this new design, too. It will also become the first compact car to offer LED low-beam headlights from the factory. Additionally, the car will come with wheels ranging from 15"–17". Size wise, this compact has a 106.3-inch wheelbase and a total length of 182.6 inches (183.1 for the sportier S model). This is nearly a four-inch gain from the previous generation, meaning the Corolla, like so many other compact cars, is growing. 

The new Corolla's redesign isn't going to turn the compact sedan marking on its ear, for certain. And while I'd say the exterior styling is unoffensive, it isn't ground breaking. In fact, certain parts of the car remind me of the latest crop of Hyundai models. I think it's the lower grille that does it. However, I do like the new, more aggressive front fascia, especially on the S model.

Inside, some of the available equipment includes touchscreen audio, apps accessible through the audio head unit, smart key/ push-button start, power moonroof, back-up monitor, SofTex seats, and available Paddle shifters (CVT).

The current Corolla (and many past generations) have a reputation for being extremely reliable and economical vehicles. However, they are also viewed by many to simply be basic transportation and much less exciting than many of its compact competitors. We look forward to driving a new Corolla, and seeing if its driving dynamics are as good as the sales will likely be.

My Craigslist car list

If you're like me, you visit craigslist several times a day. While I often look for car parts, I always peruse the cars/trucks for sale area, too, even though I probably won't actually buy any of the cars anytime soon. But, I suppose if that one perfect car surfaced, I might take action—or at least see if I can find away to make it happen. So when I cruise craigslist, here are some of the vehicles I keep an eye out for.

Dodge Raider/Mitsubishi Montero 2DR
I had considered getting one of these instead of my Suzuki Sidekick. They're small, capable off road, and not terribly expensive. I'm told the V-6 is preferred, since it doesn't have the four cylinder's wonky carburetor.

Toyota Starlet
The rear-drive Starlet hatchback would be a lot of fun.Throw on some sticky tires, a taught suspension, a built 3TC or 4AGE engine, and boom: fun. I keep seeing the same few reappear here in the Portland area, and they look pretty beaten by the drift crowd.

Anything Daihatsu
Honestly, I'm not sure I really want to own  a Daihatsu Charade or Rocky. However, they're rare, and have have that odd factor going for them. I would, however, rock a 4WD Daihatsu kei truck with some nobby tires, which would be for off-highway use only.

Mitsubishi Expo LRV/Eagle Summit Wagon/Plymouth Colt Vista
The Expo LRV was my first ride. I still have a fantasy of getting a FWD version of these tall wagons and throwing in a 4G63 turbo engine from an Eclipse. Major sleeper potential with this one. They're rare, but come up regularly on craigslist.

 

Late '70s/early '80s RWD Toyota Corollas

I've dug these rides for a long time. While I really like the small two-door coupe, just about any of these rear-drive Toyotas would be cool. Again, built 3TC or 4AGE engine would be a hoot. Again, being RWD, lightweight, and popular with the drift crowd, they're had to find at good prices (or hard to find that haven't been beaten).

Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo/Dodge Colt GT
Here's another rarity, but unlike the Daihatsu, I'd own one of these. Really hard to find in the Pacific Northwest, and I'm guessing other parts of the country, too. I'd like the model above or the 1988-1996 version, too.

Chevrolet Sprint Turbo
Another real rarity on craigslist, especially in good shape. Described by Car and Driver as "The ultimate gridlock brawler," the Sprint turbo was made by Suzuki, sold by Chevrolet, and had a 1.0-liter turbo engine. Parts might be difficult, but I still dig 'em and would own one.

Suzuki Swift GT
I fell in love with these cars when they first came out in the 1990s, and swore I'd own one someday. Powered by a 1.3-liter DOHC four cylinder, it's a Geo Metro with more power, some better bodywork, and lots of cool subcompactness. There always seems to be one Swift GT or GTi on craiglist for whatever reason.