Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

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2008 Toyota Corolla

*Est. $15,250 to $19,950

Pros

Practical and reliable
Very fuel-efficient
Smooth and quiet ride
High resale value

Cons

Lacks spirit
Conservative styling
Limited options

Our Analysis

While the 2008 Toyota Corolla may not have the style or youthful exuberance of the Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250) or the Honda Fit hatchback (*est. $13,950 to $16,070), reviews say its ace in the hole is its well-above-average reliability history. In many respects, such as price and performance, the Corolla falls squarely between the Civic and Fit. But safety equipment such as side-impact and side-curtain air bags and antilock brakes – which come standard on both Hondas – are optional on the Corolla. Also, some newer high-tech options are not offered. Still, critics say that the Toyota Corolla is an excellent choice for a sedate, mature, reliable compact car. Historically high resale/trade-in value for the Corolla is another plus. The early introduction of the redesigned 2009 Corolla may lessen demand for the 2008 model.

The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the United States, and we had no trouble finding good-quality comparative reviews. At ConsumerGuide.com, experts use the results of exhaustive road tests to rank the 2008 Corolla against a class average. Because of the similarity between the 2008 and 2007 Corollas, an older review covering head-to-head testing by Car and Driver editors is still relevant. More current features at Car and Driver and Motor Trend magazines include the freshened 2009 Toyota Corolla, which was released early. Consumer Reports magazine also road-tested a 2009 Corolla; its review includes information about earlier model years. Editors at Cars.com and KBB.com recommend the 2008 Corolla and provide straightforward, well-organized overviews.

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2008 Toyota Corolla

Our Sources

1. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com evaluates cars on 11 measures of performance or design and rates each model. Editors say the 2008 Toyota Corolla stands out only in terms of fuel economy.

Review: 2008 Toyota Corolla, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, July 31, 2008

2. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This is an excellent comparative review involving the 2007 Toyota Corolla (which is nearly identical to the 2008 model) and five of its compact peers. Editors say the Corolla is reliable and predictable but lacks the fun-to-drive factor.

Review: Sensible Shoes, Patrick Bedard, Dec. 2006

3. Cars.com

The 2008 Toyota Corolla earns a Best Bet rating here, along with many other cars. A snapshot review lauds the Corolla's handing, reliability and fuel economy. There are links to more detailed reviews.

Review: New Best Bets, Editors of Cars.com

4. Kelley Blue Book

KBB.com, the website of Kelley Blue Book, lists five recommended compact cars priced under $15,000, including the Toyota Corolla. Resale value, reliability and fuel economy are the Corolla's cited attributes.

Review: Recommended Shopping Lists: Compact Cars, Editors of KBB.com

5. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

The redesigned 2009 Toyota Corolla was tested by Consumer Reports, which offers ratings for fuel economy, accident avoidance, owner satisfaction and other aspects. Tables allow for easy comparison with many other small cars.

Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla, Editors of Consumer Reports

6. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This comprehensive road evaluation compares eight compact cars. The 2009 Toyota Corolla finishes in third place overall; the testers say it is competent but not exciting.

Review: Little Feet: Eight Ways to Shrink Your Carbon Footprint, Patrick Bedard, May 2008

7. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

In this review of the 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS and three similarly equipped competitors – the Honda Civic EX, the Mazda3s Grand Touring and the Subaru Impreza 2.5i premium – the judges relegate the Corolla to last place because of an uninspired design.

Review: Comparison: 2008 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Subaru Impreza vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla, Ron Kiino

8. Money.com

Money magazine delivers a rundown of the most- and least-reliable vehicles as determined by Consumer Reports magazine's extensive collection of owner-survey data. Among small cars, the Toyota Corolla gets an honorable mention.

Review: Most Reliable New Cars Named by Consumer Reports, Editors of Money

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