As soothing and fresh it is on static display, the best way to experience it is on the move. Despite its displacement, it feels like any decent 1.8-liter car. But while the 145 horsepower is a hefty figure, the restrained manner of power delivery means that people who go for a corolla aren’t interested in doing hot laps. The computer-controlled shifting is accurate and prompt, making you think that you’re driving a manual.

I like that the car was solidly made. It's reliable and safe. It has more than 500,000 miles on it now. It's had a few major repairs since I got it including a transmission replacement and engine replacement, but considering the mileage and the fact that I bought the vehicle in 2005, that's not too bad. The gas mileage could be a lot better considering I use it to commute more than 100 miles each day, and it gets very hot in the summer because the windows aren't tinted. The interior is nice, roomy, and comfortable, but it's now starting to crack and show signs of age. The fabric on the seats is starting to fade, and the dashboard has fine cracks in it. The electrical system could also be a lot better. My headlights come on and off, and when I turn the ac on, the car has a slight shake. Sometimes I have to hit the headlights to get them to come on. The A/C still works after all these years, but I did have to replace the radio a few years back. I like that the trunk is really roomy, and the backseat is comfortable enough to fit three people. The other major repair I had to make was the engine thermometer going bad twice.