2006 Toyota Corolla XRS (Video Clip)

2006 Toyota Corolla XRS (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

For that price, the sport seats don't have any adjustments, besides a manually height-adjustable seat cushion for the driver. They don't need any, however, because they are comfortable nonetheless. These seats are covered in fabric that is also available on the Sport model. Rear seat room is surprising for a compact sedan; two adults will be at ease and three will be tight. Headroom is very generous even with the sunroof. Trunk space is quite big, but the opening isn't, so inserting bigger objects is a little challenging.

For that price, you still get a very economical car. Maintenance costs should be low and reliability should be high. I obtained a fuel economy average of 9.5 L/100 km while prodding the engine right up to the engine's redline at almost every shift. You can attest to the success is Toyota's compact sedan by its sales; in total figures of all time, the Corolla nameplate ranks at the top alongside the Beetle and the Model T. Design a toaster and call it the Corolla, and it's going to be a hot seller. You get the idea. Needless to say, resale value is extremely high.

For that price, you do get a certain level of exclusivity. I know it's dumb to say that a Corolla is exclusive, since you'll spot one every ten seconds on

2006 Toyota Corolla XRS (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

the road. However, the XRS is rather distinctive, since Toyota probably won't be selling many. Clearly, a potential buyer of an XRS will not even consider a base CE model. If exclusivity is not really important to you, know that you can choose the Sport trim level that goes for $20,615 and equip it with the $2,145 'B' package. You'll lack a few of the XRS' features, such the higher-revving engine and 6-speed gearbox, the sport suspension, rear disc brakes and 16-inch wheels. The trade-off is a savings of $1,685, but an engine that redlines at 8,300 rpm is worth it. Probably the most expensive Corolla of all time is the LE model equipped with a 'B' package, which lists for $24,945. Yikes!

By the way; did I mention the price?

What I like:
High-revving engine
Usual Toyota build quality and refinement
Exclusivity (um, for a Corolla)

What I don't like:
Needs a $1,500 price drop
Interior could be more spiced up
Engine lacks low-end torque

CLICK HERE to view the 2006 Toyota Corolla XRS' specifications.