As a young man in 90s, after struggling with a piece of junk Chevy Berretta I bought a Corolla. My life improved for better from than point on. That car never gave me an issue. None. My family has had three Corollas and a Pontiac Vibe and. Toyota Matrix, they have all been fine and reliable. Love the manual in this and reminds me of younger me. Great review as always and best compact in the world, period.
This was a common economic car when I was growing up, a Toyota Corolla SR5 lift back with a 5 speed manual. Seems like their old formula is still around which is a good thing, if you want extra performance then there’s the aftermarket sources. Mechanically, this Toyota should provide you with 15 plus years of reliable transportation. My dad would always tell me your wife should be like a Toyota Corolla and not like a high maintenance Ferrari.
I named my 2021 xse "Baby-L" for all the Lexus-like features. The engine is a work of art and will never die if the oil is changed frequently (i.e., 1000mi, 4000mi, 7000mi, etc). Wally-World has Mobil 1 0W-16 for under $30US. So, a diy oil change/filter is less than $35US. Cheap! Great vid. Thanks.
just reserved a brand new one if these after having two used cars go out on me in the last year. i can’t wait to have the reliability of a new car and the fun driving of a manual
Great review as always Brian! I have a definite soft spot for Civics (my current 2014 EX 5-speed is my third Civic) but my first car was a bulletproof 1995 Camry that had well over 300,000km on it when 20 years of Ontario road salt finally took its toll so I'm also a big Toyota fan. Although I am leaning towards the new Civic Si as the eventual replacement for my 2014, the Corolla SE 6-speed is also on the shortlist of options as I do appreciate the fact that Toyota's naturally-aspirated engine and D-4S injection system will probably outlast the Civic's direct-injection turbocharged setup. Personally I would probably lean towards the sedan myself as we also have a Canyon Duramax so our car is strictly used as a commuter/passenger car and cargo space/hauling is not a concern. #SaveTheManuals!
I have a 2020 Corolla sedan with the 6sp manual and I agree with everything you said. I always say if it just had a little more torque and horsepower it would be more than perfect 🤩. I want to trade it for a nx350 f sport but I can’t make up my mind. 😤
A solid base to start with. The GR-Four Corolla cant get her soon enough. Lets just hope they can put it on a bit of a diet, and for the love of God...please give it a manual E-Brake handle.
Toyota isn't unusual in this regard, but it still kind of blows my mind that these "compacts" with marginally useable back seats are coming in at over 3,000 lbs. I envision a parody ad with Toyota engineers/marketing folks, "Yes, through the extensive use of high density materials, such as lead, we were able to achieve a weight in excess of 3000 lbs in a car with a tiny wheelbase." I guess it is like everything else - a compromise between price, weight, and performance. This reminds me of the early Accords. Solid viceless transportation that will serve well for many many years. Glad they are still making something like this and keeping this market segment competitive.
@@BrianMakse Not really you go back to the 1980s and Toyotas were already very well put together, if not as good, or better than this car, and they were even more durable and reliable, since there was less complexity back then. The real problem is the gov't agencies that are forcing the mfrs to add weight to increase safety. I would bet if you asked most Americans in the US about getting rid of all EPA and DOT regulations 80%+ would say go back to the regulations that were in place back in the late 60s, or early 70s, and that would allow small, lightweight cars, with great MPG and lower pricing to come back again.
I just received my Corolla se manual white pearl black top…fabulous. I did order from Toyota parts online the under hood engine insulation panel that attached to the engine lid.. Standard on XSE but not on the SE
Yes comfort over stiff riding suspensions. I would prefer a softer comfortable ride. I do not want a buck board stiff suspension but something that will cushion real world roads that aren't maintained well with pot holes and bumps. For USA spec TOYOTAS, is there a big difference in comfort and isolating road & engine noise and bumps between the corolla and the camry🤔?
@@BrianMakse WHAT is NVH MEAN? COROLLA HATCHBACK noise levels. Engine noise and cushion is acceptable because initial purchase price is less on corolla. I am not sure which car will last longer or have lower maintenance costs but i like corolla smaller size n style.
Beautiful car, super solid and premium feeling. Really needs a premium interior to justify the premium ride. Engine has enough power to make it entertaining in the street (especially with 6MT). If you're going to track it, I suspect the longer wheelbase in the Sedan would be a better partner, unless hatchback shaved about 300lb which would give rear-end enough control and power to weight would not be embarrassing at the track. However, perfect platform for AWD and Turbo (GR Corolla).
@@BrianMakse I got to try the GR86 last week. So easy. Haven't driven a rear drive in ages but so communitive. I was able to keep the power going into 2nd while correcting a tail out in the snow and city traffic (joy). GR86 has perfect seating for my 6'1 and XXL shoulders... I'm also looking forward to trying the GR Corolla when it lands. Given GR86 seating for big guys, Corolla may be designed for smaller frames.
@@psewgobind good stuff! How was power delivery? It wasn't a strong suit of the previous car and you really had to grab it by the scruff of the neck to get it going. You'd fit in the Corolla just fine, so don't write off the GR Corolla just yet!
@@BrianMakse conditions was -5c in salt and slush and keeping revs under 5k (too new). My well balanced Civic on snows couldn’t put down power as quickly. LSD on GR86 is no joke.
Thanks for the review!!! I'm debating between this and the previous gen Mazda3 hatchback manual for my son's high school through college car. I'm looking for a good looking, good mpg, and trouble free car. Thanks again
Currently trying to decide between this and a Civic sport, simply because the Honda starts thousands more base MSRP (I'll buy my own wheels for the Toyota thank you), but then realizing that a new Camaro costs the same as the Honda!
Same simular situation here. Honda civic but I don't trust reliability and cost of replacing turbo. I was going to get a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack 392 Wide body with 8 spd. Automatic. But I understand too many RELIABILITY AND QUALITY CONTROL ISSUES. Like problems with lifter failures "THE HEMI TICK" and MDS in "ECO" MODE running on 4 cylinders which causes premature engine wear.😵💫🤮😵💫😱 It's too bad because Challenger has the styling I love and tons of cabin space with seats down. It would have been a comfortable car to drive because of long wheelbase. The Challenger just sounds like a money pit🤑 with maintenance and replacement costs on those BIG tires and BREMBO BRAKE ROTOR REPLACEMENTS.🤑
What are your thoughts on the limited release GR they have coming out? For me a 40k usd price tag is to much but I would like to see a review in the future. I'm looking at getting the XSE for this one right now. Built myself it's looking at 16.5k usd. Good enough for me and not over tuned enough to get me in trouble.
@@BrianMakse yea my gotta go fast will just get me in trouble. It's sad to see no all wheel drive on the XSE though. Could make the wait worth it for 2023.
Is the 6 spd. Manual trans. USA SPEC.Corolla Faster than a 1985 Honda CRX 5SPD. Manual from. 0 to 60??🤔🤔 What is top end speed and 0 to 60 MPH acceleration times ON USA SPEC. Corolla?🤔
@@BrianMakse So then If I was happy with the new 1985 Honda CRX I had back in 1984 (Light car very peppy 30 MPG in city and 40 open highway) this USA spec. Corolla with 6 spd. manual with at least twice the horsepower of the CRX I should be happy with the Corolla even though the Corolla is a bit more heavier at 3,000 LBS?
i cant stand the wierd point they have in the trunk. just flatten it out and looks much better. but i feel that struggle of a 2.0l naturally aspirated. My last kona was the same then i upgraded to the nline. Way faster lol
Save the manuals and 16 inch wheels ! Then dump the turbos in the bin ! I don't care about going fast, I care about functionality and long term durability/reliability .
You’d be surprised, I’ve seen so many modified rolla hatches all around the county I live in. I’ve also seen people buy these to have a fun daily. They are very rare and at times I’ve hard for people to find any in stick
![🎤 ไปกันต่อออ! จับฉลากร้องเพลง x P’ #XXSIVK [EP.2] (1/2) เพลงของใครจึ้งสุดน้าา 💓🎤 #MXFRUIT](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mLI_K0sAS4o/mqdefault.jpg)
As a young man in 90s, after struggling with a piece of junk Chevy Berretta I bought a Corolla. My life improved for better from than point on. That car never gave me an issue. None. My family has had three Corollas and a Pontiac Vibe and. Toyota Matrix, they have all been fine and reliable. Love the manual in this and reminds me of younger me. Great review as always and best compact in the world, period.
Great story, Paul!
This was a common economic car when I was growing up, a Toyota Corolla SR5 lift back with a 5 speed manual. Seems like their old formula is still around which is a good thing, if you want extra performance then there’s the aftermarket sources. Mechanically, this Toyota should provide you with 15 plus years of reliable transportation. My dad would always tell me your wife should be like a Toyota Corolla and not like a high maintenance Ferrari.
That’s excellent advice.
Never thought I'd say this, but the current Corolla is a good looking car!
There have been quite a few good looking Corollas over the years.
Glad they're keeping the Corolla legend going with the GR.
I named my 2021 xse "Baby-L" for all the Lexus-like features.
The engine is a work of art and will never die if the oil is changed frequently (i.e., 1000mi, 4000mi, 7000mi, etc). Wally-World has Mobil 1 0W-16 for under $30US. So, a diy oil change/filter is less than $35US. Cheap!
Great vid. Thanks.
I like that perspective. It's well finished with some genuine premium elements. Glad you enjoyed the episode.
Spot on review. If Toyota gave it the 2.5L with a closer ratio transmission it would be perfect for what it is.
Amen! Save the manual transmissions! I WILL NOT buy any car that isn't a manual transmission. THANK YOU Toyota for making it.
just reserved a brand new one if these after having two used cars go out on me in the last year. i can’t wait to have the reliability of a new car and the fun driving of a manual
Enjoy!
Great review as always Brian! I have a definite soft spot for Civics (my current 2014 EX 5-speed is my third Civic) but my first car was a bulletproof 1995 Camry that had well over 300,000km on it when 20 years of Ontario road salt finally took its toll so I'm also a big Toyota fan. Although I am leaning towards the new Civic Si as the eventual replacement for my 2014, the Corolla SE 6-speed is also on the shortlist of options as I do appreciate the fact that Toyota's naturally-aspirated engine and D-4S injection system will probably outlast the Civic's direct-injection turbocharged setup. Personally I would probably lean towards the sedan myself as we also have a Canyon Duramax so our car is strictly used as a commuter/passenger car and cargo space/hauling is not a concern. #SaveTheManuals!
Thanks, Chris! I'm definitely a fan of the new Civic Si for a wide range of reasons. Mostly, it's got MUCH more power than Corolla.
I have a 2020 Corolla sedan with the 6sp manual and I agree with everything you said. I always say if it just had a little more torque and horsepower it would be more than perfect 🤩. I want to trade it for a nx350 f sport but I can’t make up my mind. 😤
The NX would be a big move up.
Gone are the days of the beige inside and out Corolla. Well done.
I think there are some more interesting colours available, too.
you are the best driver of all the reviewers best hand position and always in command of the vehicle
Truth. I need to more “how to” driving episodes. Thanks for the reminder.
A solid base to start with. The GR-Four Corolla cant get her soon enough. Lets just hope they can put it on a bit of a diet, and for the love of God...please give it a manual E-Brake handle.
I have a feeling that it’s going to be brilliant.
Great video Brian! Appreciate the Rev matching explanation! Nice to see a manual!!
Thanks, Ralph!
I must wonder is it too late to get a 2022 XSE COROLLA HATCHBACK?
Toyota isn't unusual in this regard, but it still kind of blows my mind that these "compacts" with marginally useable back seats are coming in at over 3,000 lbs. I envision a parody ad with Toyota engineers/marketing folks, "Yes, through the extensive use of high density materials, such as lead, we were able to achieve a weight in excess of 3000 lbs in a car with a tiny wheelbase." I guess it is like everything else - a compromise between price, weight, and performance. This reminds me of the early Accords. Solid viceless transportation that will serve well for many many years. Glad they are still making something like this and keeping this market segment competitive.
Ha ha! Indeed. It’s very well put together and that definitely has something to do with the curb weight.
@@BrianMakse Not really you go back to the 1980s and Toyotas were already very well put together, if not as good, or better than this car, and they were even more durable and reliable, since there was less complexity back then. The real problem is the gov't agencies that are forcing the mfrs to add weight to increase safety. I would bet if you asked most Americans in the US about getting rid of all EPA and DOT regulations 80%+ would say go back to the regulations that were in place back in the late 60s, or early 70s, and that would allow small, lightweight cars, with great MPG and lower pricing to come back again.
I just received my Corolla se manual white pearl black top…fabulous. I did order from Toyota parts online the under hood engine insulation panel that attached to the engine lid.. Standard on XSE but not on the SE
Yes comfort over stiff riding suspensions. I would prefer a softer comfortable ride. I do not want a buck board stiff suspension but something that will cushion real world roads that aren't maintained well with pot holes and bumps. For USA spec TOYOTAS, is there a big difference in comfort and isolating road & engine noise and bumps between the corolla and the camry🤔?
It’s more NVH than suspension calibrations. They both ride well enough, but with the higher price point, the Camry is quieter.
@@BrianMakse WHAT is NVH MEAN?
COROLLA HATCHBACK noise levels. Engine noise and cushion is acceptable because initial purchase price is less on corolla.
I am not sure which car will last longer or have lower maintenance costs but i like corolla smaller size n style.
The GR Corolla for sure would be fun Good review
Can’t wait for the GR. They announced it after I shot this episode.
Beautiful car, super solid and premium feeling. Really needs a premium interior to justify the premium ride. Engine has enough power to make it entertaining in the street (especially with 6MT). If you're going to track it, I suspect the longer wheelbase in the Sedan would be a better partner, unless hatchback shaved about 300lb which would give rear-end enough control and power to weight would not be embarrassing at the track. However, perfect platform for AWD and Turbo (GR Corolla).
I want to try that GR!
@@BrianMakse I got to try the GR86 last week. So easy. Haven't driven a rear drive in ages but so communitive. I was able to keep the power going into 2nd while correcting a tail out in the snow and city traffic (joy). GR86 has perfect seating for my 6'1 and XXL shoulders... I'm also looking forward to trying the GR Corolla when it lands. Given GR86 seating for big guys, Corolla may be designed for smaller frames.
@@psewgobind good stuff! How was power delivery? It wasn't a strong suit of the previous car and you really had to grab it by the scruff of the neck to get it going. You'd fit in the Corolla just fine, so don't write off the GR Corolla just yet!
@@BrianMakse conditions was -5c in salt and slush and keeping revs under 5k (too new). My well balanced Civic on snows couldn’t put down power as quickly. LSD on GR86 is no joke.
@@psewgobind great to hear!
Thanks for the review!!! I'm debating between this and the previous gen Mazda3 hatchback manual for my son's high school through college car. I'm looking for a good looking, good mpg, and trouble free car. Thanks again
Can’t really go wrong with either, but I’ve forgotten that previous Mazda3, can’t comment. I picked up a Civic for my son 😎
Currently trying to decide between this and a Civic sport, simply because the Honda starts thousands more base MSRP (I'll buy my own wheels for the Toyota thank you), but then realizing that a new Camaro costs the same as the Honda!
If you’re looking in that direction, there’s always an SS 1LE!
Same simular situation here. Honda civic but I don't trust reliability and cost of replacing turbo.
I was going to get a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack 392 Wide body with 8 spd. Automatic. But I understand too many RELIABILITY AND QUALITY CONTROL ISSUES.
Like problems with lifter failures "THE HEMI TICK" and MDS in "ECO" MODE running on 4 cylinders which causes premature engine wear.😵💫🤮😵💫😱
It's too bad because Challenger has the styling I love and tons of cabin space with seats down. It would have been a comfortable car to drive because of long wheelbase.
The Challenger just sounds like a money pit🤑 with maintenance and replacement costs on those BIG tires and BREMBO BRAKE ROTOR REPLACEMENTS.🤑
Great review Brian!
Thanks, Paul!
I approve
The authority has spoken!
What are your thoughts on the limited release GR they have coming out?
For me a 40k usd price tag is to much but I would like to see a review in the future.
I'm looking at getting the XSE for this one right now. Built myself it's looking at 16.5k usd. Good enough for me and not over tuned enough to get me in trouble.
The GR looks like a formidable car for a narrow audience. The XSE is great if you don’t need a super hot hatch.
@@BrianMakse yea my gotta go fast will just get me in trouble. It's sad to see no all wheel drive on the XSE though. Could make the wait worth it for 2023.
Is the 6 spd. Manual trans. USA SPEC.Corolla Faster than a 1985 Honda CRX 5SPD. Manual from. 0 to 60??🤔🤔
What is top end speed and 0 to 60 MPH acceleration times ON USA SPEC. Corolla?🤔
Every MY22 passenger vehicle is quicker than an ‘85 CRX.
@@BrianMakse So then If I was happy with the new 1985 Honda CRX I had back in 1984 (Light car very peppy 30 MPG in city and 40 open highway) this USA spec. Corolla with 6 spd. manual with at least twice the horsepower of the CRX I should be happy with the Corolla even though the Corolla is a bit more heavier at 3,000 LBS?
Four decades later, there are many other considerations.
@@BrianMakse Right but I prefer KISS to keep it simple. Just hop in and take off. What other vehicles would you RECCOMEND/CONSIDER?🤔
I’ve no shortage of recommendations, hmu with your budget, how you use a car, and your mandatory features/functions.
And now the manual is gone in the Corolla lineup except for the GR, sad!
In which countries?
@@BrianMakse in the U.S. , is it still available in Canada for 2023?
i cant stand the wierd point they have in the trunk. just flatten it out and looks much better. but i feel that struggle of a 2.0l naturally aspirated. My last kona was the same then i upgraded to the nline. Way faster lol
and not really any sacrifice on gas mileage
The Kona’s not much bigger inside. Love the Kona N!
Your mpg mileage guest-imates seem off.
No
Does this SE upgrade trim allow wireless connection to apple CarPlay? or just wireless charging?
Save the manuals and 16 inch wheels ! Then dump the turbos in the bin ! I don't care about going fast, I care about functionality and long term durability/reliability .
Bring on the GR!
Just quietly over here waiting for the GR Corolla to drop...
Same here. Didn’t mention it because we don’t go for cheap views.
Considering who they're targeting with this vehicle (not the enthusiast) I can't see them selling any in manual, unfortunately.
I’ve not been able to discover the manual take rate.
You’d be surprised, I’ve seen so many modified rolla hatches all around the county I live in. I’ve also seen people buy these to have a fun daily. They are very rare and at times I’ve hard for people to find any in stick
3000 lbs isn't light ?
No
It is when you consider that the average weight of a car is nearly 4,200lbs., according to the EPA.
@@BrianMakse Yes 3000 lbs is light for a car. You are wrong.
@@DestinysComputer That is the weight on a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Widebody with a 392 Hemi engine.
Give me one lol
For free?
@@BrianMakse A man can dream
Stupid oversized wheels and tires you'll have to replace every 2 years.