2006 Toyota Corolla Review
2006 Toyota Corolla Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- High-quality and roomy interior, outstanding gas mileage and crash test scores, long list of safety features, illustrious reliability record.
Cons
- Awkward driver-seat position, bland on-road personality, gets pricey even when equipped with just the basics.
What’s new
There are no significant changes to the 2006 Toyota Corolla, although new SAE testing procedures have resulted in lower horsepower ratings.
Edmunds says
A refined economy sedan that many will purchase on the basis of name alone. Next to its peers, though, the 2006 Toyota Corolla costs too much and isn't much fun to drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$131/mo for Corolla CE
Corolla CE
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Toyota's venerable Corolla has gone through many changes since it was first introduced in 1968. Over the course of its long life, the Toyota Corolla has appeared as a hatchback, coupe, wagon and sedan. The world has seen enough people fall in love with this Toyota car to make it the best-selling nameplate in the history of automobiles. You don't earn a distinction like that without some measure of undeterred loyalty.
But unlike more notable cult cars, such as the Beetle or the Mustang, the Corolla didn't inspire its massive following because of unique styling or lusty performance. Instead, it has used a more conservative, but no less desirable, combination of an affordable price, excellent fuel economy and superb engineering to convince millions upon millions of car buyers that the Toyota Corolla was the car for them.
Based on our testing, the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla sedan is certainly a likable car. Although it's available only in sedan form, the similarly priced Toyota Matrix and Scion tC can accommodate those seeking a small five-door hatchback or two-door coupe. Inside, the Corolla is thoughtfully designed with a user-friendly control layout and materials that seem nice enough to be used in a more expensive Camry. Although room in the front seat is merely average, the backseat is spacious enough to accommodate adults comfortably. Trunk capacity is rated at a generous 13.6 cubic feet. Save for the 164-horsepower Corolla XRS model, performance is about average among economy sedans.
If you're looking for nothing more than basic transportation, the Corolla -- particularly a loaded-up version -- seems a bit like overkill. There are a number of sedans that offer equivalent accommodations, features and performance for considerably less money. Do they have the same reputations for quality and reliability? Probably not, but with warranties extending as far as 100,000 miles, it hardly seems much of a risk. For those who are willing to spend a little extra for peace of mind, however, the 2006 Toyota Corolla makes perfect sense.
Performance & mpg
Power for CE, LE and S models comes in the form of a 126-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Thanks to a variable valve timing system (Toyota's VVT-i), this engine provides decent acceleration. Transmission choices are either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The Toyota Corolla XRS features a 164-horsepower 1.8-liter with variable valve timing and lift (VVTL-i) mated to a six-speed manual transmission; an automatic is not available on this model.
Safety
The Corolla comes with multistage front airbags that deploy at various levels, depending on impact. Full-length side curtain airbags and front side-impact airbags are optional, as are antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (standard on the XRS). Stability control is optional on models equipped with an automatic transmission and ABS. In the NHTSA's crash tests, the Toyota Corolla earned five stars (the best score possible) for frontal-impact protection and four stars for side-impact protection. In 40-mph frontal offset crash testing by the IIHS, it received a "Good" rating (the highest possible) and was named a "Best Pick" among small cars. When equipped with side airbags, the Corolla rated "Acceptable" in the IIHS side-impact test.
Driving
We've found the Corolla's performance acceptable, with a good off-the-line punch and decent passing power at speed. During highway driving, the 2006 Toyota Corolla is a quiet cruiser, with very little ambient engine noise and even less wind noise. Though not as sporty as some competitors, this Toyota car offers an appealing compromise between handling and comfort. It rides smoothly enough to be used as a commuter car, while maintaining its composure when occasionally pushed around the corners. For those seeking a little extra entertainment without giving up Corolla reliability, the XRS model is a good bet, provided you can deal with its engine's peaky power delivery.
Interior
The Toyota Corolla interior is furnished with high-quality materials and user-friendly controls that wouldn't seem out of place in a more expensive car. Even with the car's tall cabin design, room in the front seats is only average with a somewhat awkward seating position for the driver. Meanwhile, two adults can sit comfortably in the backseat without ducked heads or pulled-up legs. Trunk capacity measures a generous 13.6 cubic feet. All Corollas come with a 60/40-split folding rear seat, except for the XRS, which deletes this feature to make room for a rear suspension cross brace that tightens up its handling.
2006 Toyota Corolla models
The five-passenger, front-wheel-drive Toyota Corolla comes as a sedan only. Trim levels include the base CE, the better-equipped LE, the somewhat sporty S and the truly sporty XRS. Standard features in the CE include air conditioning, a four-speaker CD stereo, power mirrors, a height-adjustable driver seat, an outside temperature gauge, 60/40-split folding rear seats and 15-inch wheels. Go with the LE to gain fake wood trim, white-faced gauges, a six-speaker stereo, power windows and locks, and remote keyless entry. The S model does without the LE's power windows, but includes "sporty" exterior trim such as a lower body kit and a rear deck spoiler, along with smoked headlights, foglights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The XRS has all of the cosmetic upgrades from the S, along with a 164-horsepower engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, a firmer suspension, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system, sport seats and cruise control.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Toyota Corolla.
5 star(74%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
227 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Easily the best car I've ever owned
Steve, 03/21/2016
2006 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I have a 2006 Toyota Corolla model S that I bought brand new. This is, without a doubt, the best and most reliable vehicle I've ever purchased. I've paid two or three times as much for vehicles that don't last anywhere near as long, and cost way more to maintain.
5 out of 5 stars
Love my 'Yota!!
Sandy Snide, 10/06/2015
2006 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my Corolla CE new in 07/2006. 134,000+ miles on it and engine and AT still great! Other than regular maintenance, I've only had to replace a wheel bearing, brake caliper, shoes and pads, and front rotors. Of course, here in Maine we have lots of frost heaves and potholes to break for so I guess that explains it. My baby goes great in snow with all season radials and I've … never gotten stuck anywhere except in my yard when we had 6 inches of crust. Love the roomy trunk! Recently, the clock works only intermittently and is driving me nuts, but I guess I can deal with that. I was nearly T-boned by a Jeep one day but floored it and got almost out of his way. He hit me on the back of the rear passenger side fender/bumper. I was surprised to see that the only damage to my car was a small piece broken out of the bumper. Gas mileage is great! Tires seem to wear fast even with regular rotation, but that may just be the tires. I honestly expect I'll get well over 300,000 miles out of this car, which I purchased for Toyota's reliability and longevity. I do wish the paint was better though - it chips very easily. All in all, it's a great car and I would recommend this car to anyone!
5 out of 5 stars
Used to be a VW fan
Fran G, 04/28/2016
2006 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
With minimal care these Corolla's easily reach 200,000 plus miles My third and forth Corolla's are in the driveway a 2004 and a 2015 both 5 speeds CE models.
The 2004 has 179,000 miles on it now and the 2015 has less then 10,000. Maintenance has been done faithfully by me according to Toyota's schedule. The only additional money spent on repairs has been as follows: 1 AC clutch relay, 1 … set of rear axle bearings, I have put a new water pump and alternator brushes in at 160,000 didn't fail I just do my own preventive maintenance. Total extra cost was less then $100 dollars. The plastic like others say are failing on unimportant things. However the economy , reliability, and performance are the same as the day it was new. The front end is still tight, the clutch grabs like the day it was new and it starts first time every time six or more times a day seven days a week since November 2003. Thank you Toyota. To be fair the rear axle bearing failed because I used the car as a pickup truck and hauled 1000 lbs of tile from store to home. I fix my own stuff so it was just was a lesson learned.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Toyota Final Review
kennison, 12/03/2006
2006 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
An excellent vehicle! I am 72 and have owned many vehicles from the Ford Model A to luxury Mercedes. The Corolla is one of the most practical and reliable cars on the market. Don't waste your time and money on lesser autos...advice from an old man!
2006 Corolla Highlights
CE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,105 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $131/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Corolla include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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