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Toyota Corolla sedan revamped with features Americans prefer
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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ELKHART LAKE, Wisc. -- World-wide sales for Toyota's primary sedan, the compact-class Corolla, recently surpassed Volkswagen's Beetle to rank it as best-selling passenger car in history.
Despite such success, Corolla by 1997 was looking a little long in tooth because the American-built design traced to sixth generational expressions of 1993.
A new sedan design for Corolla emerges with 1998 tags and it's better in virtually every aspect, from the overall size of the package and performance of a new engine to on-board safety features and passenger comforts.
What Corolla was before was perfectly adequate, although vanilla in appearance and tame in performance.
What it becomes with new issues of 1998 is superb.
Although Toyota markets Corolla around the world, for North America a special version that caters to American tastes was developed. Designs for the American Corolla came out of Toyota's California design center in Newport Beach, with assembly occurring at a California plant in Fremont which Toyota operates in joint-venture with General Motors, and at Toyota's Canadian factory in Cambridge, Ontario.
Exterior styling for Corolla's latest editions appears shapely and contemporary but definitely conservative -- the overall intent seems to blend Corolla into the line of mainstream taste rather that create a radical expression.
Dominant features include a sharply raked windshield and curvaceous nose with new front grille flanked at corners by twin headlamp clusters.
At the rear the trunk deck reveals a hint of spoiler lip cast above corner lights and broad bumper.
Although new Corolla uses a 97-inch wheelbase like the previous model, the car grows by two inches in length to create more interior space for passengers.
More dramatic changes in Corolla occur within its enhanced structure, with new suspension elements and safety systems added and a new engine developed.
The 4-cylinder powerplant, composed of light-weight aluminum, displaces 1.8 liters and packs dual cams on top. With 16 valves and direct ignition system, it generates up to 120 horsepower, an improvement of 15 power points over the previous 1.8-liter four.
Torque numbers also climb with the new engine design, resulting in more pep in the mid-range of gears as used for stop-and-go city driving.
Due to aluminum components, Corolla's engine weighs 64 pounds less than its predecessor. Combine this weight-saving factor with the plant's increased efficiency plus a more aerodynamic design for the superstructure and the result becomes improved fuel economy figures -- up to 38 mpg for highway driving with manual shifter.
Corolla's new engine installs in all three of the trim levels: Entry-level VE, mid-mark CE and deluxe LE.
Transmission choices begin with the standard 5-speed manual but include a 3-speed automatic option for Corolla VE and CE, or an electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic for LE.
The unitized structure of Corolla is also new.
It's more rigid and strong now, which creates a more solid system for attaching suspension components, so the car's overall ride characteristics improve and set up a more agile platform.
Noise and vibrations have been checked in this design, as Toyota applied noise-control techniques perfected through its Lexus ultra brand. Dense new insulating materials have been stuffed aboard, with asphalt sheeting sandwiched between floor panels to check road noises from being transmitted into the cabin.
Experience the new Corolla -- as one driver did through a series of tests conducted over freeways and secondary routes stretching west from Lake Michigan across Wisconsin's rolling prairie -- and the car's improved ability to block external noises from the cockpit becomes one of its most impressive features.
The quiet sensation of riding in Corolla reminded me of more expensive sedans.
It also acts lively.
Independent suspension components stand at all corners, drawing from a MacPherson strut design with tube-type double action shock absorbers and rear stabilizer bar added. A special CE touring package and the top trim Corolla LE edition also get a front stabilizer bar.
Power rack and pinion steering functions more smoothly and feels more accurate, reacting quickly on cue from driver to move front wheels.
Brakes, with front discs and rear drums, may be linked to an optional anti-lock system for evenly controlled stops.
Another safety option should be mentioned because its availability seems unusual in a car pitched toward economy. In addition to the standard frontal airbags on Corolla, new side-impact airbags mount on outer edges of front seats to provide more protection against side-impact crashes.
Front and rear crumple zones laced in Corolla's framework become passive safety assets, along with daytime running lights and new seatbelts -- even three 3-point rear belts -- rigged with pretensioners and force limiters.
A day's experience of driving various pre-production models revealed that the revamped design not only makes Corolla perform with new agility and increased zip, but it remains pleasurable for riders after hours of seat time.
The revised structure enlarges the interior, particularly with front seat headroom.
Front buckets measure wider and taller. They feel more comfortable than those of earlier Corollas and provide more support for lower back and thighs.
A new dashboard design installs a legible instrument panel with analog gauges, central controls for climate system and audio equipment, and a massive glove box. More storage spaces show up around a cabin containing new and varied convenience features.
In back, the trunk seems extraordinarily large for a compact car, and the trunk opening has been expanded for easier access.
In all, this new design sparkles with improvements -- enough to make Corolla a new benchmark in the compact class.
1998 TOYOTA COROLLA SEDAN
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA Specs |
| Description: |
Compact sedan |
| Model Options: |
Compact sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
97.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
174.0 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 1.8-L I4
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/3, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum, opt. ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
M/5: 31/38 mpg
A/4: 28/36 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 13,000 to $ 17,000 |
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