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Sedans Toyota Corolla 2009 Toyota Corolla
3074 messages, Last post on Aug 04, 2009 at 6:36 PM
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Replying to: jaxs1 (Apr 12, 2008 8:50 am) As for me, I'd rather the automakers focus on features like comfortable/adjustable driver's seats, roomy back seats, and crisp handling rather than fancy electronics that I can get elsewhere, for less money.
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Replying to: backy (Apr 12, 2008 8:58 am) Automakers are just slow to adopt new things. It took years of customer pressure before GM finally relented and will start installing bluetooth on most of their vehicles next year instead of pointing to their fee-based OnStar service as the handsfree solution. Automakers were slow to adopt CD players, so people had get third party changers until factory installed CD players became common. Then aux audio inputs were the next thing and now bluetooth. There are still some new cars that don't even have an aux jack, but it has become expected at this point. Bluetooth will also be expected soon. . So what if it isn't "standard" on every car? The cheapest cars don't have a/c and cruise control standard, but it's an option. Cars as cheap as the Nissan Versa now offer factory bluetooth as an option.
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Replying to: jaxs1 (Apr 12, 2008 9:07 am) I think automakers have their priorities skewed. But maybe it's not their fault. If buyers keep demanding electronic gizmo features like Bluetooth more than they do safety features, nice seats and controls, modern suspensions and accurate steering, etc., then whose fault is it? Not the automakers I guess. So we can get Bluetooth on the Corolla, whoopty-doo, but we have to rest our elbows on hard plastic and fight to get a comfy driving position. 
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In the paper this weekend, three different volume dealers have opened the floodgates. All '09 Corolla LE automatics, $1500 off MSRP (dealer discount) all in stock (about 70 cars between the 3). All '09 Corolla XRS automatic in stock, $2000 off MSRP. All '09 Corolla 5-speed base models in stock, MSRP $16,1, sale priced $14,448. No factory rebates so far, but you know those aren't far away, maybe a couple of months. |
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Replying to: backy (Apr 12, 2008 8:16 am) Why so many al a carte 'toys'? As noted above that's what generates buyer enthusiasm in the largest segment of buyers. Look at Ford's humping of SYNCH. It sells. They turnover of the SYNCH models is significantly shorter than the ones not equipped with it. There are a lot of safety-conscious buyers too but that equipment has all the excitement of a good biology text. I think that Toyota and others got quite a surprise when the Prius took off and a lot of the buzz was over 'Prius toys'. 'Flash' sells. As to why even offer the option of thses geegaws? I'm postulating that it's because Toyota expects that during this Gen's lifetime that fuel is going to skyrocket and this segment will become the 'hot' one as more and more people try to downsize to save fuel costs. THEN at that point our econoboxes might begin to approach the Euro versions.
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Replying to: kdhspyder (Apr 12, 2008 6:14 am) Toyota charges too much for delivering too little, but as you pointed out, that won't stop what is a mediocre car from becoming a sales success, for a while at least. That there is no comparison is Toyota's fault and, for what is a new car, I haven't read a single article that implies the Corolla is remotely the sort of innovative and original design that the 8th generation Civic was (and is) in its class. Rather, it is an also-ran and one that could be interpreted as another instance of Toyota becoming complacent, thinking that anything they make, even if the quality is slipping (recalls) or the features and design are second to their competition, they can sell all they make, no questions asked.
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Replying to: kdhspyder (Apr 12, 2008 12:34 pm) Since when has the Corolla been about excitement? A little less excitement, and a little more basic small car goodness would be real welcome, to me. Like the Corolla of the mid-'90s--the one that was a class leader in refinement and quality.
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Replying to: cz75 (Apr 12, 2008 4:20 pm) That there is no comparison in handling is intentional. You continue to miss this point as well. Everything has its rightful place in the universe. The Si and the 3 and the other boy-racer models have their place and the XRS has it's place. Everything is in balance in the universe and everybody is happy. You will not be an XRS owner and all the XRS's will be sold. Your opinion about the success or lack thereof regarding the Corolla is noted and will be given the appropriate consideration. In the meanwhile each vehicle has it's place and the small number of XRS's will be sold and make money as they should. That's all that can be said. In the end it's only about money. If you feel it's overpriced but someone coming down from an Explorer doesn't think so, actually thinks it's a bargain, guess what his money means more than your opinion. |
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Replying to: backy (Apr 12, 2008 5:19 pm) The basic 97-98 VE 1.5L, 3 speed auto was one horrible little vehicle; no AC, no CC, manual everything, AM/FM only, low to the ground and no safety features at all - none. The current basic Yaris is better. What little excitement this mundane segment can generate will created by the boy-racer models and the new 'toys' for people rediscovering the segment. Maybe at some time this segment will approach the overall quality and depth of its European cousin.
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Replying to: kdhspyder (Apr 12, 2008 11:14 pm)
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