2015 Toyota Corolla: Real World Review

What Is It? 2015 Toyota Corolla — front-wheel-drive, five passenger compact sedan

Price as tested: $20,895, for a Corolla S Plus

Competitors: Ford Fiesta, Mazda 3, Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra, Dodge Dart, Kia Forte, Volkswagen Jetta

Alternatives: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus

Pros: Much more refined than the outgoing Corolla; nice interior for the price; excellent fuel economy

Cons: Poor stereo; difficult to achieve optimum driving position

Would I Buy It With My Own Money? I wouldn’t be in the market for a small sedan; instead, I’d buy a more practical hatchback. But if I were, then yes, the Corolla would be a solid choice — it’s hard to fault something that quietly goes about its business and just gets the job done.

Mr. Sensible doesn’t drive a Mazda 3 or a Ford Fiesta or even a Dodge Dart. Mr. Sensible thinks of his car as a washing machine — a dependable appliance that runs efficiently and gets the job done. He doesn’t care if it’s not the prettiest washing machine on the planet or if it plays the snazziest ringtone when its cycle is over. After all, Mr. Sensible doesn’t bond with his washing machine; in fact, he seldom gives it a passing thought. Mr. Sensible, then, drives a Toyota Corolla.

Or does he?