2000 Toyota Corolla

By Bob Storck

More than any other car, the Corolla is responsible for the Japanese invasion. First prized for its thriftiness in the seventies, its quality and reliability became legendary. Now adding Toyota's variable valve timing bumps horsepower and makes the car even smoother and more driveable.

In Japanese, the name "Corolla" refers to the outer envelope or crowning portion of a flower. The Toyota Corolla has bloomed from a 2-door sub-compact import to a 4-door sedan that's become a familiar sight on America's roadways. Most Corollas sold in the U.S. are assembled in Fremont, California, using Toyota's efficient production method. Chevy used to sell it as the Prizm, but dropped the model this year, which means more Corollas are available.

The Corolla includes such features as a vibration-reducing liquid-filled engine mount, fully independent suspension and responsive power rack-and-pinion steering. There's also space. Though it looks like a sub-compact on the outside, based on passenger volume, the EPA calls the Corolla a compact car.

Toyota offers a keyless entry system that can lock and unlock the doors and open the trunk from up to 30 feet away. Two-turn door locks permit only unlocking the driver's door when the key is turned once, or all doors when the key is turned again.