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2008 Toyota Corolla Review

November 5, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Styling is subtle but pleasant
Kelley Blue Book

Controls are logically arranged
Cars.com

Design details contribute to the high-quality/high-value feel
Autospectator.com

Not ugly, but this Corolla won’t win any beauty contests
Auto123.com

The 2008 Toyota Corolla will look very familiar to owners of older Corollas. With the Corolla, Toyota has left the styling virtually unchanged since 2003. The mild shape will be replaced in 2009 by a slightly more updated look, but in this model year, the familiar lines left reviewers from around the Web yawning.

Cars.com refers to the Corolla’s “unmemorable” looks. Kelley Blue Book notes that “the styling is subtle but pleasant” for all models and adds that “the sporty S model looks the best of the three trims.” Automobile feels that it “not only feels like a miniature Camry, it looks like one, too.” BusinessWeek is a little rougher; they write that with the Corolla, Toyota tried to “avoid offending anyone rather than to inject a little excitement into an otherwise humdrum day.” Automobile adds that “the supposedly sporty S model sports only side rocker panels and other body addenda of questionable taste.”

Interior styling on the 2008 Toyota Corolla garners similar praise for overall functionality. Kelley Blue Book appreciates that “the radio and heating controls are placed in the center section for ease of use.” Cars.com gives high marks to the ergonomics of the Corolla; Toyota is praised for “controls [that] are logically arranged.” The one and only gripe that reviewers have with the Corolla is that ConsumerGuide finds “the radio is a stretch.” BusinessWeek thinks it’s “well-made but plain.”

TheCarConnection.com’s editors drove the Corolla when it was new in 2003 and again in 2007, just before it was replaced by the new 2009 verison. The 2008 Toyota Corolla is modern, sober, and substantial, but hardly exciting or youthful. That feeling of sophistication carries to the interior, which is cleanly styled, easy to use, and surprisingly roomy.

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Corolla is the mature entry in the compact class.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Styling is subtle but pleasantKelley Blue BookControls are logically arrangedCars.comDesign details contribute to the high-quality/high-value feelAutospectator.comNot ugly, but this Corolla won’t win any beauty contestsAuto123.com The 2008 Toyota Corolla will look very familiar to owners of older Corollas. With the Corolla, Toyota has left the styling virtually unchanged since 2003. The mild shape will be replaced in 2009 by a slightly more updated look, but in this model year, the familiar lines left reviewers from around the Web yawning. Cars.com refers to the Corolla’s “unmemorable” looks. Kelley Blue Book notes that “the styling is subtle but pleasant” for all models and adds that “the sporty S model looks the best of the three trims.” Automobile feels that it “not only feels like a miniature Camry, it looks like one, too.” BusinessWeek is a little rougher; they write that with the Corolla, Toyota tried to “avoid offending anyone rather than to inject a little excitement into an otherwise humdrum day.” Automobile adds that “the supposedly sporty S model sports only side rocker panels and other body addenda of questionable taste.” Interior styling on the 2008 Toyota Corolla garners similar praise for overall functionality. Kelley Blue Book appreciates that “the radio and heating controls are placed in the center section for ease of use.” Cars.com gives high marks to the ergonomics of the Corolla; Toyota is praised for “controls [that] are logically arranged.” The one and only gripe that reviewers have with the Corolla is that ConsumerGuide finds “the radio is a stretch.” BusinessWeek thinks it’s “well-made but plain.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors drove the Corolla when it was new in 2003 and again in 2007, just before it was replaced by the new 2009 verison. The 2008 Toyota Corolla is modern, sober, and substantial, but hardly exciting or youthful. That feeling of sophistication carries to the interior, which is cleanly styled, easy to use, and surprisingly roomy. ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota Corolla is the mature entry in the compact class. 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “Styling is subtle but pleasant” Cars.com: “Controls are logically arranged” Autospectator.com: “Design details contribute to the high-quality/high-value feel” Auto123.com: “Not ugly, but this Corolla won’t win any beauty ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The compact sedan class includes some top-drawer competition. The class leader is the Honda Civic; in sedan form, it has very modern styling with a unique two-level dash that’s controversial, but its handling is good, as is fuel economy. A hybrid version is available. The Mazda3 has the best handling in the class, but it’s a little tight on rear-seat room. The Ford Focus has an ungainly new style, but fuel economy is good and the 2008 version has a wealth of new features, including Ford’s SYNC entertainment controller.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Toyota Corolla

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for the 2008 Toyota Corolla

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Toyota Corolla near you

See the Toyota Corolla in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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