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Since 2003, when Toyota decided to completely revamp its Corolla model, there hasn't been much change to the car itself apart from the price. Combined with the fact that there are other cheaper, better driving competitors, the all-time selling automobile has lost some of its luster.

The 2006 Corolla is no less a car than previous years, as it has gained a certain amount of loyalty among Corolla owners. With its conservative, yet desirable approach, the Corolla's excellent engineering has been something car owners look for in an automobile. However, people are looking at the price of a car more than ever before and the Corolla, while adding very little over the past few years, has risen in cost. Consequently, the 2006 Toyota Corolla is not seen as competitively priced as loyal customers would expect it to be.

The versions of the Corolla are still the same, with the basic CE, the LE, which includes more features, and the sportier in comparison S, and the XRS, which is actually sporty. The CE comes equipped with 15-inch wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat, a four-speaker CD stereo, includes air conditioning, power mirrors, an outside temperature gauge, 60/40-split folding rear seats. In addition to this, the LE has a remote key-less entry, six-speaker stereo, a faux-wood trim, white-faced gauges and power windows and locks.

The S and the XRS don't have power windows but do have a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a lower body kit and a rear deck spoiler, smoked headlights and fog lights, which adds to its sporty appeal. The XRS also has sport seats, a firmer suspension, cruise control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, along with a 164-horsepower engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brake. The Corolla was a "Best Pick" by the IIHS and received five out of five stars in the NHTSA's crash tests and four stars for side impact protection.

Under the hood, all models except the XRS have 126-horsepower, 1.8 liter four cylinder engines. The VVT system assures good acceleration and one can choose between a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission. The XRS is more powerful with its 164 horsepower 1.8 liter engine with a VVTL-I (Variable Valve Timing and Lift) coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, as an automatic is not available.

Although the 2006 Corolla has offers fuel efficiency in the 25-31 MPG range, which is always a plus, many safety features, very reliable, and a very nice, comfortable interior, there are some major drawbacks. When the price goes up for just the basic features, along with and uncomfortable driving seat position and its bland personality, someone may be likely to find another option more suitable for their needs. Overall, Toyota could have made more improvements to justify the price increase and retain loyal customers rather than pushing this model out for the sake of it.

Learn more about this author, Kevin Bradley.
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