I'm looking to upgrade from my 1996 Toyota Corolla. I like the size of Corollas but not their dull appearance and weak engine. I basically want a super-Corolla. I'd like the engine to respond more quickly when passing on highways. I'm willing to pay more (over $30K) but not a lot more. What cars should I look into?
If you’ve been happy with your current Corolla there are a few similarly sized options within the Toyota/Scion brand that don’t go too overboard as far as performance. The 2010 Scion tC is one of the sportier offerings, starting at $17,000 for a manual transmission. Even though you’d be giving up two doors, the hatchback offers good cargo versatility.
The Corolla has a sports-oriented model called the XRS, starting at $18,860 with the manual transmission. It includes a more powerful engine than the base Corolla, a tuned suspension, larger wheels and a bunch of appearance add-ons to liven up the otherwise “dull” Corolla.
If you do want to go overboard with performance and make a big jump from your current 100-horsepower Corolla, there are even more aggressive options outside of the Toyota brand. The sport compact class offers a lot of performance for not a lot of money, including the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX ($24,995), 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart ($26,690), 2009 Mazdaspeed3 ($22,740) and 2009 Volkswagen GTI ($23,830). These cars accelerate faster and offer a livelier driving experience, but they sacrifice ride quality compared to the “softer” offerings from Toyota/Scion.
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Remember that even the current Corolla has more power than your '96. But in addition to the above, there's always the Civic Si sedan that's powerful without being quite as punishing as some of the tuner-oriented cars listed above. The new Kia Forte also offers good power and style in standard form and also has an SX version with even more power while retaining much, but not all, of the Corolla's quiet and ride, assuming you're OK with an automatic. The manual doesn't seem to be so hot.
SCION tC is all i have to say! I have one now going on 4 years. love it then and even more now that i have personalized it an made it mine.......
I just bought a new compact car. After test driving all of them, I have a few favorites.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS: Sporty handling and aggressive styling, but lacked the feeling of quality.
2009 Honda Civic: Great vehicle, but it was too common and didn't blow me away in any one area.
2009 Scion tC: Fun car and good value, but it is a little dated compared to the others.
2010 Mazda3 s: Offered the most high-end features and best driving dynamics. I purchased this one and have never regretted it.
You should definitely consider the new Corolla XRS - lots of power and good looks. I have a red 2009 Corolla 5-speed and get lots of complements on it. $20k will get you a great car, plus good re-sale.
Shouldn't the question be: Which new car is the size of a Toyota Corolla but is NOT more exciting than a Corolla.
Now that is a tough question to answer!
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Look at the Mazda 3 touring (2.5litre engine). It is a car with charcter and adequate performance, well built, better equiped and as they same ..zoom-zoom. You don't need to look at all the high end tuned cars as suggested.