2006 Toyota Corolla CE 5-speed review from North America

No Problems. This car was PERFECT until the transporter from port to dealer dinged the edge of the hood chipping the paint to the metal. Made by the UAW in California like ALL US Corollas, this car has a high-tech metallic paint job with free clear coat (don't pay the dealer for it, the factory does them all except white cars which get extra coats). It replaces a big Chrysler LHS and I'm 6'1" 250LB, but very comfortable in my Corolla. This small car has grown up, comparable to an older Camry. The CE 5-speed is the HIGHEST MILEAGE non-hybrid, gas car sold in 2006 at 41 HWY. I've averaged 37-38 in easy suburban driving during first 2,500 miles. I expect to own this car for over a decade and not have to repair anything. New for 2006 are roller bearing shifter, rear shelf integrated brake light, and other minor improvements to the 2003 redesign.

I researched my next car purchase carefully in Fall 2005 as US gas prices headed toward $3/gallon. My 1994 Chrysler LHS cost me $6,000 in repairs over 15,000 miles. Corollas are the most common car model in the world (parts will be plentiful and cheap) with one of the best repair records ever. Simple, reliable, economical and fully equipped base CE for under $15,000 it was my top choice based on total expected cost of ownership. If you can afford the gas, a base Mazda 3i manual sits and drives exactly like my 3-Series BMW... a real hoot to drive for about the same price. Otherwise, the sloppy handling, but nicer looking Corolla is hard to beat. For $1,000 less you can get a Kia copy with PW & locks. Or just add the CE upgrade kit for $550. No other options are worthwhile. Order yours, don't accept a dealer configured one with useless extras.