They are an everyday occurrence on our streets, but the latest Toyota Corolla is aiming to be far from common. Since its introduction in 1968, the Corolla has gone through eight re-incarnations. This, the ninth, is certainly the most likable. Based on its reputation for excellent quality, reliability, and resale demand the 2006 Corolla offers good value at its price point of $13,780 to $17,555. However, the marketplace is now filled with excellent competitors including the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and the Nissan Sentra. As a result Toyota has been hard at work improving quality, design, and drivers appeal in both its core breadwinner such at the 2006 Corolla and the new Camry models. Bold new designs are laudable, but not if they fails to persuade mainstream buyers to reach for their wallets. The 2006 Corolla sedan is good enough to convince buyers to purchase the car out of desire rather than necessity.
Back in the early 90s, I test drove a Corolla. So it was great opportunity to drive the newest car. Gone are the bad styling cues, the sci-fi exhaust, and two-tone body works, but retained are the cars great ride and handling, the everyday usability which is...