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Toyota Is Goefer-ing It With Nex Gen 2014 Corolla


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2014 Toyota Corolla


By Michael Bernstein
Michigan Bureau
The Auto Channel

2014 Toyota Corolla Review

Using the University of Minnesota’s growing campus, which is located just east of downtown Minneapolis, as its back drop, Toyota formally introduced the 11th generation of the Corolla, its first and arguably its most successful model not only in terms of its contribution to the meteoric growth of the automaker, but also and more significantly how it forever changed the landscape of the domestic auto industry.

Back in 1968, the arrival of the Corolla was met with suspicion and apathy, especially from the former Big 3, but a funny thing happened. An ever growing number of Americans started buying them and buying them and by 1984 the Corolla was so popular that Toyota started assembling them in the United States and continues to produce them at the sprawling TMMS assembly plant located in Blue Springs, Mississippi. With an additional plant located in Ontario, Canada also manufacturing the Corolla, means it is 100% North American made.

The 2014 Corolla has evolved from an entry level model with bare minimum features and little appeal into a great looking sedan that is loaded and that just happens to be in the sub-compact category. The compact segment has also evolved from an industry after thought to top of mind and is now the front lines in the battle for your dollar. That is due to the size and volume of the segment and the fact that cars in this category typically represent many a customer’s first purchase and a positive experience can serve as the foundation for building a lifetime relationship with them.

That is one of the reasons it has an upscale appearance that is both aggressive and smooth. It projects a modern look and contains the features and luxury appointments that rivals those found in models costing thousands more. It has a visual appeal that is balanced and further reinforced by its handling and performance on the road.

That’s because regardless of the model you chose from the available four trim levels-L, LE, LE ECO and S- that start at $16,800 and peaks just north of $22,000, you will be getting a quality car that has advanced styling, enhanced safety features and unmatched engine performance.

Starting with the L that includes LED headlamps, Bluetooth and diver knee airbag and front passenger seat cushion airbag, each step up the ladder reveals more features and appointments. The LE, LE ECO and S all have a 1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine and Toyota’s CVTi-S transmission that greatly increases performance and fuel efficiency that peaks with the LE ECO’s estimated 42 MPG highway.

The top of line S is at the head of class both in terms of looks, features and on the road performance that is headlined by the 17” alloy wheels, 3.5” display and paddle shifters. This variation and attention to detail should ensure that the 2014 Corolla will surpass the 600,000 units sold last year and that puts the Corolla firmly in the conversation for COY honors.