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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Toyota Corolla

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota Corolla

Overview

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2011 Toyota Corolla Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.0

The Toyota Corolla is one of the best known and best loved cars in America. It's not a stellar beauty, nor is it lightening fast; it doesn't even have a third-row seat or all-wheel drive. What the Corolla does have collectively is millions of trouble-free miles, millions more loyal fans and a resale record that has the competition green with envy. Not wanting to mess with success, the 2011 Corolla arrives with some minor cosmetic changes and more standard equipment. Still, the small-car market has heated up dramatically since the Corolla first appeared, and it – along with long-time rival the Honda Civic – must now do battle with newer, sleeker and better-equipped cars such as the new Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and Kia Forte. Along with its new styling, the Corolla will rely on its time-tested strengths, a formula that combines great fuel economy, a pleasant ownership experience and a no-nonsense design.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a car that is as modest in appearance and performance as it is affordable, the 2011 Toyota Corolla will probably fit nicely into your life (and your garage).

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you don't think a small price tag should mean a small road presence, you'll find alternatives, such as the new Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra, that offer much more modern designs both inside and out as well as cutting edge audio, suspension and drivetrain technology.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, the Corolla receives new front and rear fascias, an upgraded interior, standard Smart Stop technology (a brake-override system) and the Toyota Care Complimentary Maintenance Program as standard. The XLE and XRS trims have been dropped.

Driving the Corolla

Driving Impressions Of the three trims, we found driving the S model to be the most enjoyable. With its larger tire and wheel package and available manual transmission, the S just feels...

more fun. We found that all the Corolla models feature a good ride and competent handling, with brakes that are strong and fade resistant, although we would prefer more feel than is transmitted through the electric power steering and more horsepower under the hood. The bottom line is this: The Corolla is a good, solid commuter car geared toward those whose automotive choices are made with a more pragmatic viewpoint. Those who demand more from their ride than just solid transportation, however, will likely find more to like from the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic Si or VW Golf.

Favorite Features

Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel
This much-appreciated standard feature, rare in this class, helps drivers of all sizes find a comfortable position.

USB iPod Input
Optional on the LE and S, this feature allows for control of your iPod via the car's steering-wheel controls.

2011 Toyota Corolla Details

Interior

The 2011 Toyota Corolla features a spacious and comfortable cabin that belies its compact car status. Though the rear seat is still a bit tight for the long legged, hip and shoulder room is impressive. The lowered roof line, however, somewhat cuts into head room, especially for those sitting in the rear seat. Attention to interior details includes new gauges with easier-to-read fonts, more color-contrasting materials on the doors and seats and a sporty new steering wheel on S trims. The instrument panel offers speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant-temperature gauges and an optional multi-information display that includes a clock, outside temperature, fuel economy, range, average speed and elapsed time. Storage bins and cup holders abound, and the glove box features a split upper and lower bin design. Cargo volume in the trunk is a generous 12.3 cubic feet, but can be expanded thanks to the 60/40-split folding rear seat.

Exterior

For a Corolla, the new exterior is really quite edgy. Looking somewhat like a miniature Camry with Scion-inspired front and rear styling, the four-door 2011 Corolla is sporty and sleek, but still a bit stale when viewed from the side. A trio of character lines run along the door handles to the rear fenders, from the hood to the front pillars and from the front bumper to the front fender flares, while a low front-air intake adds visual width below the Toyota signature grille. The entire package is designed not only to look good, but reduce exterior drag, thus helping to quiet the interior and improve fuel economy. Those seeking the most extreme Corolla will likely be drawn to the S model, which features front and rear spoilers and rocker moldings.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base 2011 Toyota Corolla comes with 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seat, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD (XM Satellite-ready) radio, outside temperature gauge, a driver's-seat height adjuster, traction and stability controls and driver and passenger front, seat-mounted side and side-curtain airbags. The LE adds an automatic transmission, MP3-compatible CD player, power windows and locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry and color-keyed heated side mirrors. The S has fog lamps, front and rear spoilers, sport seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Optional Equipment

The base Corolla offers no options this year, so if you want power windows and cruise control, you'll just have to move up to the LE trim. Individual options for the S are limited to a power glass moonroof and an audio package that adds a USB port with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and music streaming. The LE can be equipped with the Premium Package, which combines the power moonroof and upgraded audio option with 16-inch five-spoke wheels and fog lamps.

Under the Hood

With the loss the XRS trim, there is only one engine offered on the 2011 Corolla: A 1.8-liter four-cylinder good for 132 horsepower. This engine is great for reliability and fuel economy but, as would be expected, is only so-so for performance. Driving through a choice of either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, it delivers an excellent 26 city, 34 highway and 30 combined EPA-rated miles per gallon (automatic model).

1.8-liter in-line 4
132 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/35 (manual), 26/34 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Toyota Corolla vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 Toyota Corolla Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 394 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.5/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.7/10

I have to say "I LOVE THIS CAR"! I bought this car

By buda (FL) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive, great on gas still stylish, roomy"

Cons: "did not get a sun roof"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have to say "I LOVE THIS CAR"! I bought this car a year ago with 19,000 miles on it and have been extremely satisfied with everything about this car. I have a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty on it but do not plan on ever having to use it. the car handles well is great on gas (34 mpg) on the open road can't complain about the mpg in city either. I traded an 07 Toyota 4 runner and don't miss the gas hog a bit! Now instead of putting $100 in the gas tank and driving 2 weeks I put $37 and drive 2 weeks. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to save money."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Not a bad car for around town.

By ArmyRetired (MO) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 4/10

Pros: "Looks nice, drives good and takes curves well."

Cons: "No comfort for long distance driving. NO ASHTRAYS"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"The car looks as good as it was new. Comfort from long distance driving is very hard on a persons back. Gas mileage (30 mpg) stinks for as small of a car that it is. I have owned others with much better mileage. It is a nice looking car, but it isn't all the Toyota Dealers lead on that it is."

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Great Car - Great Value

By FirsttimeToyota (VA) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Price - Reliability and Total Package"

Cons: "Comfort of the seats, and storage in the interior."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I spent 6 months comparing this car to the Civic, Mazda3, Elantra and Fusion. This car was at the bottom for KBB.Com's expert reviews compared to those cars. After my review, i found that this car was a much better car with the total package as compared to the other cars."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Not the BEST choice

By Young (CA) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Reliability, comfort, easy to drive, gas mileage"

Cons: "styling, steering, resale value, noises."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I made a review prior to this and it came out positive. After having this car for about 19 weeks, I'm starting to feel doubtful about my purchase. The car does make some noises from the center console because it is assembled by many small plastic materials which squeaks while driving through rigged roads. The car's steering does feel a little loose compared to my old civic but it does the job and react fairly accordingly. When I start the car, the transmission would get stuck at 'Parking' sometimes and I would have to press the brakes again so I can shift it. The gas mileage is great but it can do better. Even mid-sized cars have double the horsepower and almost the same gas mileage which is frankly embarrassing when comparing the corolla's Horsepower and gas mileage. The exterior looks aren't breathtaking and the headlights seem too skinny when looking it directly in front, facing the grille compared to the '09 and '10 versions which had sportier headlights. The body shape kinda looks boxy and suffice to say, "old" but I think it's just an ordinary pedestrian look that I see on so many Toyotas. As for resale value, the corolla does not have hold its value as well as some of the other cars in the segment. When I compare prices with the 2011 model, I noticed that the 2011 elantra, mazda 3, and even the civic all had better residual value because the corolla is notoriously the most popular car sold to rental fleet like Hertz and not as appealing as before. The car hasn't given me any problems since I took it off the lot. I also find the electronics easy to use and convenient like the bluetooth, touchscreen, and hands free radio control. In all honesty, I don't think I made the best choice when I purchased my 2013 corolla LE in January. Adding $700 on the budget to buy a civic lx would have been much more worth it solely due to its better resale value and curb appeal. I think the corolla isn't a bad choice though. It's just not the best choice as it used to be. I would recommend because the car is reliable as stainless steal and you buy it because you need to get from A to B without trouble. Not to mention its low cost of ownership. Other than that, I think there are a few cars that could do better."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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just purchased it. love all of it. Value?

By Mill (FL) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "don't know if price was good. Need to know."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Just purchased it. Was at the dealership about 3 hours concerning price. Think I got a good price Just need to know if I overpaid or not. Thanks."

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The best fit and finish of any car I've owned.

By Richard (NV) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Well built, quiet, fit and finish gets a 10."

Cons: "The console is a bit bulky."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I really like this car. It's the quietest car I've owned; better that the three Ford Taurus's we previously owned; and it isn't bugged by nuisance problems, such as buttons falling off, or door panels coming loose. It is comfortable, well equipped and I get a lot better gas mileage than the reviews. I have a light foot and I squeeze every mile out of every drop of gas that I can. It's kind of a challenge to do it. I am currently getting 35 MPG around town and up to 42 MPG on a trip. The MPG readout helps keep me on track and I enjoy seeing those BIG numbers show on the readout. I haven't been on an extended road trip but I think I could pull 480 miles out a tank of gas if I really worked at it."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 394 reviews