2004 Toyota Corolla New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Toyota Corolla?
The 2004 Toyota Corolla gets its groove on with an all-new trim level, the XRS, featuring a slightly modified version of the 1.8-liter inline four engine and six-speed manual transmission found in both the Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS. The engine makes 170 horsepower but has a broader range of power than in the other two cars. A sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels and sharper steering complement the performance intent of the engine. Sport seats and a liberal sprinkling of themed badging and trim lets you know that the Toyota Corolla XRS is no ordinary economy sedan. Other Toyota Corolla models – the CE, the S and the LE – carryover for 2004 without significant changes.

Advantages of the 2004 Toyota Corolla:

• Quality construction
• Reputation for durability
• Peppy engine with great fuel mileage
• Roomy rear seat
• Stylish sheetmetal

Objections to the 2004 Toyota Corolla:

• Lacks front legroom
• Poor front seat comfort for larger people
• High price tag when optioned up
• Several economy sedans offer more value for the money

Editor's Advice:
Taller folks will not enjoy driving the Corolla, as it lacks front seat legroom. But the rear seat is large, the trunk roomy, and the Corolla benefits from a long history of providing trouble free operation to its owners. The powerful new Toyota Corolla XRS competes squarely with such pocket rockets as the Ford SVT Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Nissan Sentra SE-R, providing Toyota with an entry in a market it underserved (the Dodge Neon SRT-4, however, will suck the headlamps off of any of these vehicles). In terms of a recommendation, the 2004 Toyota Corolla lands mid-pack in the compact sedan marketplace. You could do better, but you could also do worse. Be sure to try some of our favorites in the class, such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3 or Mitsubishi Lancer before settling on the Toyota Corolla.