Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.
Sacramento, California -- The popularity of the Toyota Corolla is set in the basics, so much so that you wonder why more automakers don't adopt the formula.
Reliable, affordable, nicely equipped and easy on the eyes. What's not to like?
Throw in hybrid powertrain system that gets exceptional mileage, and you might have the perfect entry-level sedan.
It looks somewhat sporty with the obligatory big grille and
aerodynamic profile. Mine was riding on 15-inch alloy wheels, nicely sculpted.
Interior comfort was good, although large adults might feel a bit squeezed in the back seat.
A solid package of safety and convenience features was bolstered by a $1,525 option package that included heated front seats with leather trim.
Power was provided by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system that translated to 53 miles per gallon in the city and 52 mpg on the highway.
Given the current high price of gasoline, those are attention-grabbing numbers.
And to be truthful, the Corolla performed at a level well above the advertised 121 horsepower. The tester was responsive and agile, and when asked, the engine made not too much noise to power out of harm's way. All in all, I felt comfortable and secure.
So, with all this, you might expect the entry-level price to swell into the $30,000 ballpark.
Not even close.
The bottom line on the tester's sticker was $26,949, an extremely attractive number for a gas station-passing Toyota sedan.
It's the kind of price that one might spend to get an off-to-college child a new car, instead of prowling the lots for a reasonable used model.
Or maybe a second car for a busy household.
Either way, Corolla's allure is understandable. I'm going to guess this hybrid sedan will only boost the consistently strong sales numbers of this venerable model.
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