To put it simply: YES! But if it's any consolation to our Dodge, Honda and Toyota fans out there, less than half a percentage point separated these vehicles in their final score. So what we're really saying is that all of these cars are equally disappointing, but each had its own unique reasons for placing so low in the final standings. Where the Dodge got hammered for its blatant cost-cutting efforts and the Honda was hurt primarily by poor performance numbers and a boring shape, the Corolla managed to do nothing very well while being the second most expensive car in the test.

At over $18,000, we half expected this "economy" car to have automatic climate control and a GPS-based navigation system. Instead we found no remote keyless entry, no seat height adjustment, and no rear disc brakes (the latter two unavailable for any price on a Corolla and the keyless entry available only as a dealer-installed option). Again, this car cost over $18,000 - and no keyless entry?! OK, well how about a glovebox light, map lights or seatback map pockets? How about illuminated vanity mirrors or a cargo net or 15-inch alloy wheels? How about fog lights or dual power points (even the Dodge had both of those)? Nope, nope, and definitely not.

In Toyota's defense, we should mention that our Corolla did have some pretty impressive (and expensive) options, including a six-disc in-dash CD player, antilock brakes, side airbags, cruise control and a power moonroof. In fact, with the exception of burlwood dash accents, a rear spoiler, and the dreaded gold package, our Corolla was about as loaded as they come.

Still, this is an economy car and we feel most buyers with 18 large to drop on an automobile might want to consider a Camry CE or, even better, a Taurus SE (both with more power and interior room than a Corolla) for about the same cost. If you have to buy a Corolla, even a standard LE trim model with antilock brakes, side airbags and a single CD player will set you back approximately $16,700 (and you still won't have rear disc brakes, remote keyless entry or a driver's seat height adjustment). As with the Civic, Toyota is expecting its brand and reputation to support a somewhat bloated MSRP.

Also hurting the Corolla was its performance ranking after instrumented testing. Acceleration from the 120-horsepower, 1.8-liter four cylinder engine was brisk at 8.9 seconds in zero-to-60 times. But braking from 60 mph, even with the optional antilock brakes, took 147 feet. Only the non-ABS-equipped Honda needed more space and several other non-ABS cars, like the Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, and Dodge Neon, stopped shorter. The only thing worse than an expensive option is an expensive option that doesn't work.

Handling was another touchy aspect in the Corolla, with our test driver scoring only a 57.7 mph through the 600-foot slalom. The Toyota's light rear end was constantly trying to step out and send it into a spin (succeeding more than once). Of course, few economy car buyers will drive their cars in this fashion, but that doesn't change the fact that the car is twitchy at the limit. The car's lack of composure in the slalom did play out on our standard driving loop were every editor complained about sloppy, numb steering, excessive body roll and squishy/squealy tires that lacked grip.

Thankfully, not all aspects of the Corolla were as poorly received by the editorial staff. The shifter was given high marks for its short throws, positive engagement and easily-modulated clutch. The engine was repeatedly described as smooth, powerful, and refined, and the Toyota's highway ride was silky smooth with nary a hint of wind or road noise. However, a strange, high-pitched buzzing, located just above the gauge cluster near the windshield, was reported by several staffers.

Our drivers also reported that front seat comfort was among the worst of the gathered cars. Lack of side bolstering and lumbar support were common complaints, and two of our taller drivers felt legroom and headroom was inadequate. Contributing to our comfort woes was an exceedingly difficult entry and exit process created by the Corolla's low seating position and tight quarters. This situation was exacerbated by generally poor impressions of the sedan's interior design. Most drivers questioned the gray colors used for the gauge cluster, even though their orange glow at night impressed one editor.

Radio placement was described as too low and difficult to see due to protruding center stack trim that separated the stereo controls from the climate controls, but the large HVAC dials were considered conveniently located and easy to use. Two large cupholders each accommodated a 1-liter water bottle, and interior materials and construction received top marks as did overall build quality which, as one editor stated, "put the Chevy and Ford to shame."

Certainly the Corolla had its strong points, but value, comfort and overall performance weren't included among them. This led our editors to downgrade the car in both their personal picks and recommended categories, further eroding the Toyota's final score.

Editor Comments

Quick game of word association. What do you think of when I say "Toyota Corolla?" I think of yams, but you don't need to know why. Most people would come up with "safe," "reliable," and "dependable." True to the nameplate, the 2000 Corolla continues the trend. It's a security blanket. I don't think I'd buy one, though. For $18,000 I need more design and style. -- Brent Romans

I was looking forward to testing this car because my first car was a Corolla, but I must say that I was disappointed. There's something floaty and insubstantial about it, as if it'll go blowing away if a mighty gust wills it to do so. The styling is tepid and boring. It feels like Toyota went for 70-percent effort with this car. I think that having a winner (at least in terms of sales) for all of these years has made Toyota complacent, and they've gotten lazy with the details. -- Liz Kim

This thing was worse on the "blah" scale than the Honda. It was just plain all over. Nothing really to gripe about, just damn boring. The car drove like it looked, too. The engine was a tad sluggish so you couldn't accelerate quickly or find the power to make a highway pass easily. The steering was excessively loose and sloppy in my opinion. I lost quite a bit of confidence in the car on downhill corners. Even when I wasn't pushing it all that much the tires squealed like frightened pigs. The suspension had plenty of roll to it and compared to other cars in this test it didn't inspire anything in me except a yawn. About the only thing this car has going for it is Toyota's reputation of reliability. Buy this car, be an automaton and don't worry about anything automotive. You may want to get a personality check though... -- Scott Jacobs Corolla offers a great ride, a refined and zippy powertrain, excellent build quality, top-notch interior materials and a bulletproof reputation for reliability. Resale value is good, and though uninspired, Corolla isn't ugly. Call it nondescript. Its main downfall, aside from a ridiculously difficult to operate stereo, lies with passenger accommodations-or the distinct lack thereof. The seats are uncomfortable, but beyond that, they don't offer enough range of adjustability for larger people. There's no way I'd pick this for a daily commute, much less a cross-country road trip. Not when there's a more comfortable Honda, Mazda, Ford or Nissan available. If you've got to have a Corolla and don't care about resale because you drive your cars until the wheels fall off, grab the identical but less expensive Chevy Prizm twin, for which rebates are usually available. -- Christian Wardlaw

Specifications and Performance - 2000 Toyota Corolla LE
Stereo Evaluation - 2000 Toyota Corolla LE
Rear Seat/Cargo Area Evaluation - 2000 Toyota Corolla LE