Oppo Confession: This is a Big One

"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
05/08/2014 at 13:57 • Filed to: None

I actually don't dislike the Corolla as much as any of you. I will admit to you Opponauts that I actually feel intreated to drive a 6 Speed Sport Corolla. Hell, I wouldn't even mind owning a Black Sport 6 Speed Corolla. The Design is leaps better than the past, the dashboard is interesting without being over designed, the availability of the 6 speed really pulls me, and lets not forget the indisputably relentless power train that I can depend on any time and every time.

Would I buy it if I had the cash? No, I would buy a Jetta. But do I hate it till its inches of every nut and bolt? Absolutely not.

DISCUSSION (52)

Party-vi > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:00

Fact - the Corolla has the most rear legroom in that class; the Jetta is just .5" shy of the Corolla's rear legroom at 41.2" if I recall correctly.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:00

I never hated it, it's just another appliance though. Always just decent enough, never going to be best in class.

Doug DeMuro > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:00

I think the fact that you'd instead buy a Jetta is the more questionable thing here!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:01

I... agree.

I've never been a fan of the Corolla, but this new one actually looks pretty damn good. It needs about 20 more horsepower though.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:01

i hate it! lol

friend of mine had an 06 corolla XRS. (he also loved that it was a 6 speed)

it broke 2-3 times for every 1 issue i had on an 88 chevy s10 blazer.

that was an 06 so take it with a grain of salt, but i think the quality claim on toyotas is overstated these days.

D > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:02

You know, I actually think it looks quite good (in base trim, that is—not a fan of garish wheels & bodywork). Very tight rear end.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Doug DeMuro
05/08/2014 at 14:02

He's a VW fanatic, like big time.

Can't fault him on it though, I'm a Chevy fanatic.

Tom McParland > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:02

I don't hate the Corolla, I'm just disappointed in it. The exterior does look better than previous generations, but it "feels" cheaper all over.

Nibby > Doug DeMuro
05/08/2014 at 14:02

Well, he's not a teenage girl.

mpa-burner2 > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:03

The only way I could own a Corolla is if I was going to drive it like I hated it. Power shifting, tires squealing through turns.

That's how I drive my Accent, and that keeps me from hanging myself after driving the Accent.

offroadkarter > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:06

I can't believe this is even offered with a manual in the US. Who buys that?

Vicente Esteve > Doug DeMuro
05/08/2014 at 14:06

Haha Im just a Fanboy here. Also, were I live (Mexico), having a Jetta is absolute respect. When anyone asks you what car do you drive, you either tell them a Jetta, or confuse them by telling them anything else. Also, 1.8 Turbo is really quick, its bone of the most spacious, and fit and finish has improved. My sister drives a 2011 Jetta 2.5 Auto with Torsion Bean, which anyone would say is absolute crap. It isn't, its much better than expected. Oh, and I made a trip from my city which is 400 miles away from the border all the way Vegas. 3 days, and the Jetta didn't break a sweet with 4 of us inside.

Victorious Secret > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:07

The only people who hate this are idiots on the internet who probably can't even drive.

Is it a half assed effort from Toyota? Yes. Compared to what cars like the Dart, Focus and Elantra offer, yes it seems like they just didn't care to do more.

But is it some steaming pile of shit from the 9th circle of hell? No. Absolutely not.

William Byrd > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:07

Shoot, I would take the Corolla vs. the Jetta if it were my money and I had to keep it for awhile. I had a real bad experience with a Jetta once (over many months).

The Corolla isn't a bad car, but if I were forced to get something economical but interesting I would look elsewhere (Focus, Fiesta, Mazda 2/3, Mini, etc.).

Vicente Esteve > Party-vi
05/08/2014 at 14:07

Yup, also a plus! I have been in the back of my sisters Jetta for a record of 14 hours. I didn't feel a bit cramped.

PS9 > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:08

Kinja'd!!!

Don't worry, son. You won't be burdened by your love of Corollas for too much longer. Everything's going to be alright. Just follow me behind this shed here.

No, my eyes ain't watering. This ain't got nothin' to do with CamryRocks99, or Pious_Prius. They...they moved away a while ago son. You won't be seeing them again. Won't be seein' much of anything else either. Just...just close your eyes. It'll...* sniff* ... it'll be done soon...

Vicente Esteve > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
05/08/2014 at 14:12

Haha Toyota doesn't need to be best in class. It surprises me they even tried with the styling so much this time

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/08/2014 at 14:14

Respect. Also, I think going for the Mazda 3 is too obvious

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/08/2014 at 14:15

Finally, someone! Haha I like the LEDs, but performance is pretty laughable.

Vicente Esteve > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/08/2014 at 14:16

Really? The first Corolla buyer who complains about it being in shop! Irony that it is the only time Toyota has tries the most to make it sporty, and it goes to the shop. Its like destiny doesn't want Toyota to make a nice driving Corolla.

VivaLaManual > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/08/2014 at 14:17

Then get a GTI or Golf R. But not a jetta...

Vicente Esteve > D
05/08/2014 at 14:17

Haha Thanks. Also, I think the green looks pretty cool

Vicente Esteve > Tom McParland
05/08/2014 at 14:18

I understand. This post was never to change anyones mind about the Corolla. I just have influence of living in Mexico were they are in no way as popular as in America.

Vicente Esteve > mpa-burner2
05/08/2014 at 14:19

Thats just how I do it with my 2 Point Slow and its pretty nice 5 speed. Just abuse it, he likes it.

Vicente Esteve > offroadkarter
05/08/2014 at 14:19

EL_ULY > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:20

Me too, this car is rad in my eyes. But yes, i'm too broke for even a Corolla lol :]

Vicente Esteve > Victorious Secret
05/08/2014 at 14:21

Theres Reason here!! Haha I know an Italian Fat Chick Dart or the All included 2 buck buffet of the Elantra has better quality. But I just don't dislike it, I am tempted to drive it to check it out.

Vicente Esteve > William Byrd
05/08/2014 at 14:22

Oh yeah, I don't doubt for a second the Corolla will last longer than the Mexican Made (Im not sure If I can be proud of it?) Jetta. Its just my fanboyism.

It isn't a bad bad car, there are other options. But I do feel intreated by it.

Vicente Esteve > PS9
05/08/2014 at 14:23

Whaat?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:23

yea, to his benefit i had a fresh build on the chevy (myself) on 2003 and he got the corolla brand new at the end of 05 as an 06 model.

so i cheat a little bit in that story, but still things other than the engine were the issue on the Blazer. The Corolla was all over, that was the celica engined one too. He used to get so pissed seeing the Corolla S around campus, which was the XRS appearance without the go lol

Vicente Esteve > EL_ULY
05/08/2014 at 14:23

Haha I get it. I just really would like to dive it.

Vicente Esteve > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/08/2014 at 14:25

XRS Corollas are quite cool

EL_ULY > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:27

I drove one here at work from our rental provider. No different from any cheap euro rental car I get in Mexico DF.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:33

he ended up buying it off lease, kept it a couple more years than sold it for a later 2000's pontiac grand am, which he felt was a step up.

Just my only experience with a Corolla owner, every company has a dud come off the line so who knows maybe he got a bum one.

GTI MkVII > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:34

Styling wise, its not bad at all. And the standard LED headlights are impressive as hell for a car this size/price. But the power train and chassis leave tons to be desired. Would I buy one? No; I'd go for a Mk7 Golf for its engine and chassis. But would I fault an average person for buying one? No.

Spoon II > Party-vi
05/08/2014 at 14:36

I actually bought one because I needed a cheap car to get me to work that could fit me comfortably (because I'm gigantic). Of all the ones I tried, I fit best in the Corolla. Got the manual though, because awesome.

ColoradoTaco > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 14:46

"Sport" ie a bumper and ugly wheels

Vicente Esteve > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/08/2014 at 14:50

Yeah, that is just bad luck. you go to Toyota just wanting a car that doesn't break down, and it gives you the finger.

Vicente Esteve > EL_ULY
05/08/2014 at 15:00

Haha I have had HORRID experiences with rental cars in Mexico. Once in Chiapas, which is border with Guatemala, we ordered an Avenger. We got to the airport only to find the Hertz woman say to us: "Um Yeah, we don't have cars". My father lost his shit and told her we had a goddamned reservation. The Woman responded "Yeah, don't trust the website". My father nearly urinated on her stand. Thank god enterprise had a backup car and the guy was good enough to rent it to us. It was a 4 Speed automatic 115 HP archaic Renault. But it was that or Taxis.

Vicente Esteve > GTI MkVII
05/08/2014 at 15:01

I cnt agree with your post more!! I also have a weird love for LEDs, even more the ones that look like dots.

Vicente Esteve > ColoradoTaco
05/08/2014 at 15:02

HEY, THERES ALSO AN "S" BADGE THATS RED!

offroadkarter > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 15:05

Apparently not you

Would I buy it if I had the cash? No

Vicente Esteve > offroadkarter
05/08/2014 at 15:25

Hmmm, let me rephrase that. Not I, but I would be tempted by it.

offroadkarter > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 15:26

I can see by where you live that this would be tempting, presumably because you don't have many actual good cars in your country. That would also explain why a jetta is viewed as a high class car, where as in the US its mostly driven by girls in high school.

Vicente Esteve > offroadkarter
05/08/2014 at 17:33

You do have a point. But they sell pretty much the same as U.S. or Europe, its only that most people have crappier cars since they cant afford better.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vicente Esteve
05/08/2014 at 21:54

I get the new corolla. Toyota's attempt at making a more interesting corolla. I praise it for that. I dislike that the engine is basically unchanged. If they stuck a 2L out of a BRZ (albeit, detuned to about 180hp) this would be the Go-to compact.

Vicente Esteve > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
05/08/2014 at 22:05

Wow! that is a great Idea!

Ben Leake > Vicente Esteve
05/09/2014 at 03:21

I reserve my Toyota hatred solely on the Prius these days. Before that was around, though, I really hated the Corolla. With this new redesign, I don't mind it any longer. When I see one on the road, I actually check it out a bit; its a good looking car for once. The interior even looks halfway decent this time.

d3v > Vicente Esteve
05/09/2014 at 06:23

I actually find the current model pretty decent looking. Though I prefer the non-USDM front end.

Kinja'd!!!

What with that chrome grille that flows better with the headlights and, more importantly, a better chin.

Vicente Esteve > Ben Leake
05/09/2014 at 07:29

I agree so much! I do hate the Prius, that you won't make me love it with a redesign.

Vicente Esteve > d3v
05/09/2014 at 07:29

Yup, also: Wagon

d3v > Vicente Esteve
05/09/2014 at 10:09

And you can get a diesel in certain countries too.