"sellphones2493" (sellphones2493)
07/21/2014 at 17:16 • Filed to: None
3
32|
"sellphones2493" (sellphones2493)
07/21/2014 at 17:16 • Filed to: None | 3
| 32 |
I really didn't feel like doing this review, but I'm on my day off with nothing else to do, so why not! However, I will put as much time and effort into it as Toyota Motor Company into designing and building the 2015 Toyota Corolla LE.
(Full Disclosure: Toyota wanted me to drive the 2015 Toyota Corolla LE so badly, that they let me buy a Volvo S60R, and get it serviced at a dealer that sells Toyota's and Volvo's. Upon reaching 75,000 on the R, I received this while the dealer changed the spark plugs among other stuff.)
Exterior: 5/10
The new Corolla is definitely a step up in terms of style compared to the previous generation. While the old one came out in January 2009 as a 2010 Model, yet managed to look dated immediately , this one actually can pass as a 'new' car. The rear is completely forgettable, but the front isn't too bad with it's blue eyes (xenon) and faux carbon fiber mouth (and ass). I'm surprised I'd say this, but the S model with tinted windows doesn't look half bad. Sadly, I'm stuck with an LE.
Decorative, yet sporty carbon fiber-finished plastic.
Interior: 5/10
It's really not that bad. Hard plastics are everywhere, the fake sticked leather dash is clearly fake, and the seats offer no lateral support. That being said, the cabin is really airy and the center cluster design is moderately attractive. The cloth interior isn't up to snuff in my eyes, however. While the color is offputting (I can see brown cloth looking very dated in a few years), the actual fabric itself is really hard. I'd expect this in the 'S' Trim, but as a LE I want that carpet-ish soft cloth that was in the previous generation.
Acceleration: 4/10
I'll admit, I've been goosin' this thing like it's a rental car (which it is). I'm most familiar with it's acceleration more than anything else. Not a whole lot to say here: it's slow. I had my foot to the floor and I was able to reach 50 in like 8 seconds (granted, I wasn't in sport mode -that would change
everything
). However, things do pick up from 40-65. I wouldn't be afraid to do a highway overtake in this thing. The engine will let you know when it's working hard though - it's super loud.
Note the innards of the steering wheel column, only hidden by a flimsy piece of fabric.
Braking: 6/10
I don't perform handbrake stops on my personal car, and I can't say I've done it a whole lot in the past. However, I can tell you that the Corolla is pretty good at it. In terms of regular stopping, it's nothing to write home about. It does what it has to do - no complaints.
Ride: 5/10
In the Volvo, I avoid potholes enough that I'm pretty sure I look moderately intoxicated to other drivers. The Corolla's softened suspension lets me drive right into the potholes (like most Corolla Owner's) without much drama (I've been aiming for them). What I will tell you though, the Low Rolling Resistance Tires are loud as HELL.
Handling: 3/10
I feel like I'm a safety hazard in this thing. I keep forgetting that I'm not in the R and accidentally take turns at speeds way out of the Corolla's comfort zone. It's like riding on a knockoff Sealy Posturepedic that was glued to a set of wheels with an axel made of a waterlogged Linkin Log. Nothing about it inspires any sort of confidence. Period.
Gearbox: 6/10
Kudos to Toyota for electronically inserting shifts to a CVT. I've driven enough Nissan's in my day to thoroughly despise CVT's due to the lack of shifting and the CVT Droning. The CVT Drone is like that feeling after you have hiccups and they stop, but you're just waiting for the next one to come (if that makes any sense). I'm being super generous with a 6/10, but Honda and Nissan need to take note with adding fake shifts. It actually does do a whole lot.
Toys: 8/10
Toyota did O.K. here. For under 20K, I get a backup camera, Bluetooth, a fancy touchscreen, power everything, an automatic gearbox (Corolla people like those), bi-Xenon lights, and 32MPG (and I'm no feather-foot). For someone who truly doesn't give a flying f*** about cars, this isn't all that bad. As for Toyota's Entune (or whatever they call it), it's the one thing I wish I could take over to my Vo. Playing my Spotify via Bluetooth is really great, and the Bluetooth itself is clear and really, really intuitive.
Audio: 3/10
As I stated earlier, this car is loud. The tires, the CVT, the engine - everything is loud. Except for the radio. I find myself constantly driving with it at 40 (I think the radio goes to 50), and I'm not one to absolutely blast the radio.
Value: 7/10
Again, you get a fair amount for what Toyota is asking for the thing. For $19,110 you get something that will last a very, very long time with a good resale value, and a few bells and whistles. I haven't driven the previous generation Corolla a whole lot, but this really isn't all that bad.
However, if you want something with an actual soul, I suggest you look elsewhere. Don't get me wrong; the Corolla does it's job very well, but it sucks at being a car. It's a great appliance.
52/100
Engine: 1.8 i4
Horsepower: 132
Torque: 128lb/ft
0-60: 130 Decibles
Top Speed: The speedo goes up to 150 - so 150mph (Corolla Owner Logic)
Seating: You, plus 4 of your blandest friends
MSRP: $19110
EL_ULY
> sellphones2493
07/21/2014 at 17:19 |
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I'll take it! But too broke, even for a Crayola :(
dinobot666
> sellphones2493
07/21/2014 at 17:19 |
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I think the Yaris hatchback is a better deal and a better car than the Corolla.
RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
> sellphones2493
07/21/2014 at 17:28 |
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I really need to try something with a CVT to see if it's as bad as advertised ...
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dinobot666
> RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
07/21/2014 at 17:34 |
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Honestly, I don't think CVTs are inherently bad, just really different from a traditional automatic. Buff book reviewers can't shut up about how much they hate them, even though they get better fuel economy than a traditional slushbox, so auto makers tune the CVT to act like a geared automatic!
As far as CVTs go, I think Toyota makes a decent one, as does Honda, but I'm really more impressed with the gen 2 CVTs from Subaru.
OMG, but all the droning!
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RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
> dinobot666
07/21/2014 at 17:40 |
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I'm just really surprised Jack Baruth from TTAC likes it.
ly2v8-Brian
> sellphones2493
07/21/2014 at 18:01 |
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So in short: meh.
Ike
> sellphones2493
07/21/2014 at 18:11 |
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let's see for the wife's upgrade(fiesta now) hmmm a couple years used S60 or anything else in that price range...(to include a camery(which apparently my phone does think is a real word so good on my phone)) I think s60 it is
I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner
> RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
07/21/2014 at 22:27 |
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I was fully expecting to hate CVTs when I rode in my girlfriends mom's 2014 Accord, but the fact that the tach barely reached above 2500 RPM and was cruising in the 1000s was remarkable. Boring yes, but super efficient. I feel like if we can create a CVT that is extremely sensitive (put your foot down and it actually accelerates) then it could really do well in performance cars! Or in large trucks, operating in its power band would really help increase efficiency.
LoremIpsum010101
> RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
07/21/2014 at 23:26 |
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I drove a Legacy with one. Its a bit weird, like driving a massive Vespa, but totally functional. If you are the type of person who buys automatic transmissions, it is perfect.
Vicente Esteve
> sellphones2493
07/21/2014 at 23:53 |
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This Corolla review is getting too much attention.
Seriously though, cool article. And, I dont know why but im a sucker for those seats.
M54B30
> sellphones2493
07/22/2014 at 05:14 |
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to appreciate it, you have to drive it like most owners will - 18" from the car in front of them at 0-15 mph for 45 mins straight
ninja
> sellphones2493
07/22/2014 at 08:58 |
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You seem to think your Volvo is sporty with good handling, or am I missing something here?
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sellphones2493
> ninja
07/22/2014 at 10:06 |
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For the most part, yes. I can assure you that the R is no go-cart, but it can hold its own around the twisties at ease
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sellphones2493
> M54B30
07/22/2014 at 10:11 |
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While renting it, I tried to be as American as possible and took a trip to my local Wal-Mart. I don't know if this is all in a day's work for Corolla-Owners, but I actually managed to lose it in the parking lot.
mustangzrx8
> sellphones2493
07/22/2014 at 12:37 |
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I believe the Corolla has LED headlights, not bi-xenon. May want to correct the article like Toyota does....or should i say, recall the article :)
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3vil-Monkey
> sellphones2493
07/22/2014 at 12:57 |
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I very recently got to hoon a Corolla S rental, It was pretty damn nice, it even had paddle shifters which i enjoyed the hell out of.
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sellphones2493
> mustangzrx8
07/22/2014 at 13:46 |
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Noted - I'll change once I get home! I wasn't expecting over 1000 views!
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sellphones2493
> 3vil-Monkey
07/22/2014 at 13:47 |
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The LE doesn't even give you the option to shift! I honestly never understood how people fell asleep behind the wheel until I drove this thing.
alan
> sellphones2493
07/22/2014 at 14:12 |
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its still a dated platform. a platform that scored higher than the cavileer in 2004. while its filled with toys and stuff. i just keep thinking about how far behind it is in such a important market.
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sellphones2493
> alan
07/22/2014 at 14:27 |
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Dated indeed. However the Corolla sells well enough that it doesn't matter. Have you ever seen a Toyota Corolla on a test drive? Neither have I.
The people that buy these view car buying like a trip to the grocery store.
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alan
> sellphones2493
07/22/2014 at 15:07 |
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to me its people who never cross shop brands that end up buying a corolla. without knowing that a civic, jetta, elantra, focus and be better handling and for the same or lower price
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3vil-Monkey
> sellphones2493
07/22/2014 at 15:52 |
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that pic of the shifter is very misleading
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Johnnie Jones
> sellphones2493
07/22/2014 at 15:53 |
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You'd been better off staying at the deep fryer instead of wasting everyone's time on this drivel. Seriously.
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sellphones2493
> 3vil-Monkey
07/22/2014 at 16:52 |
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*Stock Pic. I guess that's on the S Model.
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3vil-Monkey
> sellphones2493
07/22/2014 at 17:52 |
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Cool
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sellphones2493
> 3vil-Monkey
07/22/2014 at 18:39 |
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There we go...
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sellphones2493
> Johnnie Jones
07/22/2014 at 19:59 |
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Oh, sorry for wasting your precious time! Please keep in mind there's always the 'Back' Button!
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3vil-Monkey
> sellphones2493
07/23/2014 at 12:29 |
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BOOOOOOOOOOO
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Kevin
> sellphones2493
08/05/2014 at 07:35 |
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Me Personally..I have to see the CVTs in action for 10/12 Years 200/250 T.....befor I ever own one....since the CVT s are belt driven....belts are known to stretch...slip...break....as far as maintenance.....How many miles till the CVT needs a belt replacement.....and....what is the cost of a belt replacement.......if I were reviewing the 2015 Corolla.....I would surely put up a caution flag when referring to the CVT......Jury will be out for some time
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Johnnie Jones
> sellphones2493
11/12/2014 at 07:46 |
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Too bad there's not one for life. Your dad would have hit it a long time ago.
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Christa
> sellphones2493
11/17/2014 at 16:13 |
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Not only does the 2015 Toyota Camry look like a sports car, it also drives like one. With an aerodynamic build and a V6 engine, the Camry exudes power and gets up to 268 horsepower. Toyota recalibrated the Camry's springs, shocks, and sway bars and also optimized the electric power steering for smooth sport handling when out on the road. http://www.toyotaoflewisville.com/2015-toyota-ca…
fiverguy
> sellphones2493
12/06/2014 at 15:33 |
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Shocked you're a fan of the fake shift points. I actually prefer the standard CVT experience and appreciate the smoothness at the cost of a bit of drone.