While Toyota claims its 2003 Corolla sedan has been designed to attract younger buyers, it actually looks like a shrunken Camry. Available as a base CE, luxury LE or somewhat sporty S, the new Corolla rides on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, which is more than five inches longer than the Corolla it replaces, and just 0.7 inch shorter than the current Honda Civic sedan. But 178.3 inches in overall length, it's 3.7 inches longer than the Civic. In fact, this new Corolla has exactly the same wheelbase as the original 1983 Camry and stretches out 2.7 inches longer than that car.
The new Corolla's structural integrity would have been impressive in a Lexus a few years ago. The strut front and torsion beam rear suspension are ordinary, but it's poised and the front disc/rear drum brakes work well (ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is optional on all Corollas). Add in excellent rack-and-pinion steering, and this is as close to a luxury car ride as any small economy sedan has ever offered. The Corolla still isn't as sharp a handler as some competitors (Mazda Protegé, Nissan Sentra and Ford Focus, for example), but that doesn't matter to the primary audience.
The engine is an evolutionary development of the all-aluminum 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16-valve engine from the previous Corolla and is now rated at 130 horsepower. The five-speed manual transmission's shifter is precise, and even the base CE-grade Corolla has four gears in its optional automatic. Equipment levels are up, too; the CE comes with air conditioning with micron filtration, a CD player, power mirrors and 15-inch wheels. The LE even comes with fake wood accents and can be optioned with leather upholstery.
Compared to the wide variety of Corollas available in years past, 2003's trio of sedans seems sparse. But like every Corolla before them, they're built to provide years of trouble-free driving. They're also more comfortable — and roomier — than ever.