Corolla S and XRS models will be equipped with a 158 horsepower version of Toyota’s 2.4L VVT-i four-cylinder engine. Although the sport models will give the Corolla a bit of added performance, the larger engine does affect the car’s thriftiness, dropping mileage to 22/30 city/highway. Corolla S and XRS customers will be able to choose from a five-speed manual or automatic. The sport models will also feature a unique body kit.

Safety

Safety features on the all-new Corolla include standard driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and two-row side curtain airbags.

Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. When the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to limit the movement of the seat occupant’s head.

Toyota’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and an off switch is available.

Standard features

The all-new Corolla will come with a long list of standard performance and convenience features. All models will be equipped with a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM satellite capable, auxiliary audio input jack, air conditioning with air filter, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and 60/40 split folding rear seats.

The sporty S grade will feature standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM capable audio with six speakers.

In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds a rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and an off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and an interior chrome accent.

Options

Optional comfort and utility features include AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio (subscription required) and six speakers, a power package that includes power windows and door locks. Additional options on select grades include JBL Audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer with eight speakers and Bluetooth, Navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability and XM satellite radio with XM NavTraffic capable with six speakers, leather-trimmed seats and shift knob, tilt and slide moonroof, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch.

Drivers
All of the Honda Civic’s petrol engines use VTEC variable valve timing to squeeze out optimal performance. The result is that all the engines are very smooth and deliver strong output across the rev range. Engine noise is also minimal, apart from the Type-R, which needs to be revved hard to deliver real punch. As you would expect from its ‘mini people carrier’ positioning, the base Honda Civic’s ride is more suited to the school run than thrashing around country lanes. The Civic soaks up bumps effectively but handling is a little compromised on corners where body roll can become obvious. Steering is light, although feedback is a little limited and visibility is excellent because of the cars height. Once you get use to the dash mounted gear-stick, the Honda Civic makes an excellent choice stress free driving. The Honda Civics’ cabin is a masterpiece of ergonomics with everything in its place with controls that feel solid to touch. The only downside of the cabin is that it is a little lacklustre.

Passengers 
Once again it is the Honda Civic’s remarkable space that stands out, there is ample head and legroom for passengers in the front and rear. Two adults have plenty of space in the rear of the Civic and three adults can be accommodated more effectively than its competitors due to the flat floor. The Honda Civic is generally refined although engine noise is audible when engines are pushed. Surprisingly for a relatively tall car wind noise is also limited.

Practicality
The Honda Civic has a very spacious boot for its class, the flexibility of which is increased further through split folding rear seats.

Equipment 
This is another area where the Honda Civic outshines its rivals, all models are equipped with ABS, electric front windows, remote central locking and on most models air conditioning and a CD player.

Safety & Security
The Honda Civic is one of a very few cars that has been designed for pedestrian as well as passenger safety. Consequently the Civic scores an outstanding fours stars on the NCAP crash tests and three stars on the pedestrian safety score. The Honda Civic comes with front and side airbags, deadlocks and an immobiliser are also fitted as standard on all cars.

Quality & Reliability Although not quite a match for VW in terms of materials, the Civic cabin is very well constructed and Honda has an excellent reputation for long term durability – the Civic looks and feels like it will continue this tradition. Honda’s confidence in the quality of its cars is underlined by its 3-year/ 90,000-mile warranty.

Owning 
Honda has a reputation for solid engineering and consequently the Civic has low depreciation rates. Insurance also tends to be low (apart from Type-R) and the engines are all relatively economical to run.

The 2008 Honda Accord provides a three-year or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, as well as a five-year or 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Corrosion protection is provided for the first five years, regardless of mileage.

Honda has a consistent record for selling reliable vehicles, and the 2007 model received very good marks for its predicted reliability. Consumer Guide rates the 2008 Accord as a Best Buy, but reports a few mechanical issues with previous Accords, including issues that range from defective sunroofs to the spontaneous activation of engine or brake warning lights. Still, reviews uphold Honda’s reputation for reliability.

Favorite Features

Auto stop with gas engine off and electric running A/C and rest of the car. The finish is great, the quality is top notch. Visibility is excellent and the ride is great. The 50+ mpg is definitely a hit with these over inflated gas pump prices. Feels little better when you can go 600+ miles on a tank

Suggested Improvements

Really can’t say much, the car is a gem it has a lot going for it. Hondas are priced higher than some other vehicles but you get what you pay for in the quality. Maybe just a wee bit more padding on the door armrests and the console lid. Other than that, nothing.

Favorite Features

Stylish and looks like a Chevrolet Malibu or an expensive import.

Suggested Improvements

Saturn should produce a full hybrid economy car with 40% gas mileage increase in place of the Saturn hybrid 10-15% increase. Very disappointed.