2006 Toyota Corolla

One of America's most trusted cars

The Toyota Corolla is one of America's most trusted cars. Consistently ranked among the best in reliability and dependability, Corolla has been built for more than four decades and hit a milestone in 2005 with the production of its 30-millionth unit.

2006 Toyota Corolla LE

A key to Corolla's success over the past 36 years in the U.S. is that it has always appealed to a broad spectrum of buyers. The 2006 model continues that tradition, from the very well equipped CE model to the high-performance XRS model introduced just last year. In between, the upscale LE model with greater content and the S model with sporty looks round out the line.

"Corolla has become the world's favorite compact car by exceeding customers' expectations for value, quality and performance in this segment," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "With the XRS model introduced last year, Corolla is expanding its appeal to younger, performance-oriented buyers."

The Corolla name has always been synonymous with excellent fuel efficiency. The 2006 CE, LE and S models have exceptional EPA-estimated fuel mileage ratings of 32 mpg city/41 mpg highway with the standard five-speed manual transmission or 30/38 mpg with the optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic.

Corolla offers advanced safety for its segment, including the optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system available in LE and S models in conjunction with the optional automatic transmission. VSC helps maintain directional stability during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage. The VSC option also includes Brake Assist and traction control that helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration.

Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the anti-lock brake system (ABS), the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.

All Corolla models equipped with ABS use a tire pressure monitoring system with a dashboard monitor light. On models with power door locks and the automatic transmission, the doors lock automatically when the shift handle is placed into "Drive."

XRS Puts High Performance Accent on Corolla
The Corolla line added the exciting high-performance XRS model for the 2005 model year. Combining sporty styling with the performance of a high-revving engine and a specially tuned chassis, the Corolla XRS is aimed at young performance-driven buyers.

The XRS is powered by a specially tuned version of the company's 2ZZ double overhead cam (DOHC) 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that's also used in the Corolla Matrix XRS crossover utility model. The engine produces 164 horsepower at 7,600 RPM and 125 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 RPM. The variable valve timing and lift (VVTL-i) system gives the engine a supercharger-like rise in power from 6,000 to 7,800 RPM.

The result is a compact sport sedan that blends sub-eight-second zero-to-60 mph acceleration with exceptional throttle response throughout its broad power band. Even with this level of performance, fuel economy ratings remain excellent with EPA estimated ratings of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. A complete performance package, the Corolla XRS is available only with a six-speed manual transmission and features a sport-tuned suspension that includes a front sport strut tower brace developed by Yamaha. Mounted between the front shock towers, the damper helps to improve ride and handling without compromising NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).

The Corolla XRS also features a half-inch lower ride height, and the use of higher-rate coil springs and shocks on all four wheels improves roll and pitch control. To further stiffen the body structure for sharp handling response, the XRS deletes the 60/40 split fold-down rear seat featured on other models and adds a rear cross brace. The standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 195/55R-16 performance tires are an upgrade from the standard 15-inch wheels used on all other Corolla grades.

The power steering system has been specially tuned using a rack developed expressly for the XRS that allows for better steering feedback. A more rigid steering column reduces vibration and also helps to improve response. Four-wheel disc brakes and an anti-lock brake system (ABS) are standard for the XRS.

The Corolla XRS shares "factory custom" exterior styling with the sporty Corolla S model, including smoked headlight lens-extenders, integrated fog lamps and an aerodynamic body package with color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, rocker panel extensions and rear mudguards. The XRS model also has a color-keyed bezel surrounding the grille.

The XRS interior likewise conveys the performance theme with bolstered sport front seats, optitron speedometer and tachometer, a silver-colored center cluster and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The rest of the equipment matches the Corolla S model and includes air conditioning, power door locks, driver's seat height adjuster and AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers. Cruise control is also standard.

Roomy and Comfortable, Yet Highly Nimble
High sitting positions make it easy to enter and exit the Corolla and provide excellent all-around visibility. The trunk is also large for its class, providing 13.6 cubic feet of carrying space. A standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seat for all grades (except XRS) greatly enhances the Corolla's versatility.

The substantial feel extends from the efficient packaging to the driving experience. Occupants enjoy a quiet and smooth ride. At the same time, the Corolla is highly nimble, due to a super-stiff body structure, refined suspension tuning and standard variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering.

As an example of the level of suspension refinement in the Corolla, Toyota uses shock absorbers with linear control valves that react differently to harsh and soft bumps. The CE, S and LE grades come standard with 15-inch wheels. Standard tires on the CE model are 185/65R-15, and the S and LE grades step up to 195/65R-15. Alloy wheels are available as an option for the S and LE models.

Standard safety technology in the Corolla includes advanced front airbags, pretensioners and force limiters for the front seatbelts and side-impact door beams.

Front seat side airbags and an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are available as options for all model grades (standard on XRS). The rear seat is equipped with the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) uniform child restraint anchorage system.

Fun To Drive
Corolla's powertrain provides the owner with the dual benefits of sporty performance and excellent fuel economy. The dual overhead cam (DOHC) 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 126 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 122 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 RPM.

Toyota's advanced Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) gives the Corolla engine a liveliness that belies its size by optimizing power delivery throughout the engine speed range. The engine produces at least 90-percent of its peak torque from just 2,000 RPM to the 6,000 RPM redline, giving the Corolla sporty response and easy highway merging. Equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission, the Corolla can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just under nine seconds.

The Toyota Value Standard
Toyota eliminated the traditional notion of a "base" model by equipping the Corolla CE grade with extensive standard equipment, along with interior fabrics and textures designed to impart a high-quality appearance and feel. Standard equipment includes air conditioning with a cabin air filter, an AM/FM/CD sound system with four speakers, anti-theft engine immobilizer, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel, intermittent wipers, tachometer, digital clock, a driver's seat-height adjuster, a trunk lamp and a dome light with delay.

The Corolla even comes with a standard digital outside temperature gauge, a feature generally seen on more expensive cars.

Design details contribute to the high-quality/high-value feel, as well. For example, the exterior door handles are color-keyed to the body, and the steering wheel and dashboard are color-keyed to the upholstery. In contrast, some lower-priced cars keep these items one color to reduce costs. Both the S and LE grades add map lights and color-keyed body side moldings.

While the current Corolla differs dramatically from the first-generation model of nearly four decades ago, it remains true to the ideals that have made Corolla the world's all-time best-selling passenger car: affordability, high quality and reliability.

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

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