2005 Toyota Corolla XRS

Regular, run-of-the-mill Toyota Corollas are fine cars that can typically be depended upon mile after mile. Apparently, though, being one of the best-selling cars across the globe is not enough: Toyota wants to add a little flava' to its Corolla. That can be anything from slick exterior mods to a whining supercharger, though prescribed here is more of the former and less of the latter.

Powering the Corolla XRS is a detuned version of the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Celica GT-S, with horsepower coming in at 170 and a torque rating of 127. The result is 40 additional horsepower and two more pound-feet of torque versus other Corolla models. Featured on this motor is Toyota's Variable Valve Timing and Lift (VVTL-i), which increases valve lift between 6,000 and 7,800 RPMs. In effect, this technology allows the four-banger to release its full potential within that RPM range. The six-speed manual is the only transmission offered, and is exclusive to the Corolla XRS. The ride around town is uninspiring, but the Corolla XRS is the antithesis of run-of-the-mill on highway ramps and back roads. Keep the revs up in that small window where VVTL-i is effective, and the four-cylinder provides a surprising amount of fun. Nothing comes for free, and the Corolla XRS is no exception. The high compression engine requires premium fuel, and suffers a downgrade in emissions from ULEV to LEV, meaning it's not quite as eco-friendly. Testing revealed an average of 25.5 mpg during a week of mixed driving, a bit lower than EPA figures (26 mpg city/34 mpg highway).

Quick, short throws characterize the six-speed manual transmission, though the slots for fourth and sixth gears are so close that shifting from fifth to sixth requires pushing the shifter a bit to the right. Inexperienced drivers may be frustrated with an inordinate number of missed shifts. Our biggest complaint about the transmission involves the extremely annoying beep that sounds (inside of the car) each time reverse is engaged. The beep is designed to alert drivers that reverse has been chosen rather than first gear, and given the close proximity of these two gears, the warning is necessary.