2003 Toyota Corolla Type S

“Every day.”

That’s the slogan that came to mind as I drove the 2003 Toyota Corolla Type S.  The former slogan of Toyota.  A slogan that the company seems to be desperately trying to distance itself from.  Which is a mistake.

Toyotas are often derided as “appliances” by auto writers.  One aspect of appliances is that they are boring.  But they are boring for the right reason: They simply tend to work.  Dependably.  Reliably.

Just like Toyotas.  Every day.

But auto writers want something more exciting.  They also tend to drive different cars on a regular basis, so if one goes bad, back it goes.

Of course, the Type S is fitted with a five-speed manual and aero bits including a spoiler that make the vehicle resemble a Lexus IS 300 more than a Camry.  It is targeted at a younger generation.  A generation that’s more interested in excitement (and which can’t afford a Lexus).  Maybe that’s what they’re interested in.

I am doubtful that readers of Sport Compact Car are going to pick up a Type S Corolla.  So that demographic should be ignored.  Period.  There’s no percentage in following that game.

The version that I drove was equipped with ABS, driver and passenger side airbags, a tilt-and-slide moon roof, the “Sport Plus Package,” and power windows and keyless entry.  The total on the sticker was $18,050.  That is not a huge tab by any stretch. . .unless you are paying off a college loan.  Then it is a non-trivial number.  Which means that if you’re going to take out a car loan, there’s something that you really don’t want: Repair bills.  (Nor do you want to have to bring your car into a dealership for warranty work: you’ve got better things to do and it is never convenient.  All of those long-lasting warranties that are being offered by the Korean brands are good—but not that good.)

No, if you’re going to take out a note for a new set of wheels, what you want is. . .a Toyota.

I took the vehicle down I-75 from Detroit to Cincinnati and back.  Lots of semis.  Fast drivers.  Jackasses.  Which means the need for (1) stability, (2) responsiveness, (3) maneuverability.  And for a small car, the Corolla performed admirably.  The 1.8-liter engine that provides 130 hp @ 6,000 rpm isn’t going to cause whiplash from acceleration, but it gets the job done—and I got more than 40 mpg on the freeway run, which is nothing to sniff at when gas is at a buck and a half a gallon.

Clever items like a “twilight sensor” that causes the gages to be illuminated when in somewhat-dark areas (e.g., the Northwest parking garage at Detroit Metro) and an outside temp readout next to the odometer display are nice touches.

There are mirrors on both visors.  Minor, perhaps, but a sign that there is customer awareness at Toyota in an age that is on the edge of serious decontenting.

How annoyed are you when your electricity goes out and your refrigerator doesn’t work?

There’s something to be said for appliances.