January 2011

Vehicle Profile: The 2011 Toyota Corolla

Maybe you’ve noticed how some car brands change the names of their small cars every time they re-engineer them. Their message seems to be, “Forget that last car we tried to sell you.” The Toyota Corolla has kept its name through 40-plus years of steady evolution because it has always remained true to its core values while embracing modern technology and ever-changing customer needs.

Behind the revised front and rear styling of the 2011 Corolla, you’ll find more safety and comfort features and the value of the Toyota Care complimentary maintenance plan. That might not sound as exciting as all the twisting and shouting coming from other car companies who’ve introduced new compact cars. That’s because as the best selling compact car in the United States, the Corolla remains the model that those newbies are always trying to beat.

The Corolla sports a sleek, sporty new look for 2011. It’s what’s new between Corolla’s aerodynamic bumpers, though, that deserves your attention. First, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control are standard on all models. They’re part of the Toyota Star Safety System, which also includes the Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. New for 2011, the system adds the standard Smart Stop Technology brake override system.

While Corolla appeals to younger buyers for its value, comfort and safety, there are plenty of people who’ve owned several Corollas over the years – and continue to buy this model. These Corolla “veterans” can tell you stories about how when they bought their first one, neighbors and friends were impressed to see standard features that other compact cars either didn’t offer or charged extra for.

Today’s Corolla, which starts at an MSRP of ($15,450) carries on that tradition, and it’s often in the details where you see the Toyota difference. For example, the rear defroster is heavy duty, meaning it won’t wimp out when the going gets really cold. The standard audio system features an auxiliary input jack and, to adjust volume according to changes in noise levels, automatic sound leveling. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes to help the driver find the “just right” driving position.

Toyota’s engineers consider how a car is really used in daily life when they develop a car, and the Corolla reflects this approach. That’s why all Corolla models come standard with a multi-information display that shows outside temperature, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, average speed and travel distance. Of course, you can expect to see some impressive numbers displayed for fuel economy, as the 2011 Corolla is rated at up to 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway with the standard, crisp-shifting five-speed manual transmission, and up to 26/34 with the available automatic.

You can get more amenities by opting for the popular Corolla LE, and a sportier look and driving feel with the Corolla S. In all models, a spunky 132-hp engine gets you up to speed smoothly. Here’s one way Toyota got the most efficiency from the engine – electric power steering. A hydraulic steering pump saps engine power while an electric unit comes into play only when needed. Also, there’s no hydraulic oil to dispose of, which ultimately helps the environment.

Many people buy a Toyota Corolla as a daily commuter, and Toyota designed this compact car to deliver the comfort and quiet of a larger model. Making the windshield from acoustic glass (a specially laminated type of glass) and optimizing the side window frames reduces wind noise intrusion. Locating the windshield washer nozzles partially under the rear edge of the hood, instead of on top of the hood as on other cars, also reduces a source of noise.

Does that sound a little obsessive? That’s how Toyota designs a car. Inside, even the carpeting is designed to absorb noise.

Always looking for ways to enhance vehicle value, Toyota includes with all 2011 models a complimentary Toyota Care Maintenance Plan that covers your vehicle for its first two years or 25,000 miles. You’ll get the required oil changes, tire rotations and a 19-point inspection. The plan also includes two years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

Test-drive a 2011 Toyota Corolla and you’ll feel the results of an obsessive quest for delivering customer value.


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