2006 Toyota Corolla Reviews, Full Information & Pricing
Pricing
$14725 to $18500
ORIGINAL MSRP
$5928 to $6286
PRICE RANGE
$5986 to $6286
AVERAGE PRICE
$6631 to $5986
YOY PRICE CHANGE
Pros
The 2006 Toyota Corolla continues to be a popular choice among compact sedans due to its reliability, efficiency, and practicality. Below are five key advantages of this model:
1. Exceptional Reliability Toyota’s reputation for building dependable vehicles is upheld by the 2006 Corolla. Known for its long-lasting engine and durable components, this car often exceeds 200,000 miles with routine maintenance, making it an excellent long-term investment.
2. Impressive Fuel Economy The 2006 Corolla offers outstanding fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates of 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway for the manual transmission model. This makes it an economical choice for commuters and drivers looking to save on gas costs.
3. Comfortable Interior Despite its compact size, the Corolla boasts a spacious and well-designed interior. The seats are supportive, and the cabin provides ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers, making it comfortable for long drives.
4. Low Ownership Costs The Corolla is known for its affordability, not just in its initial purchase price but also in terms of insurance, maintenance, and repair costs. Its efficiency further reduces the overall cost of ownership.
5. Strong Resale Value Thanks to its reliability and reputation, the 2006 Toyota Corolla retains its value well over time. It’s a sought-after model in the used car market, providing a strong return on investment when it’s time to sell or trade.
Cons
While the 2006 Toyota Corolla is known for its reliability and efficiency, there are some drawbacks potential buyers should consider. Below are five key cons of this model:
1. Limited Engine Power The Corolla's 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers 126 horsepower, which may feel underwhelming for drivers seeking strong acceleration or a more dynamic driving experience. This lack of power is noticeable during highway merging or overtaking.
2. Basic Interior Features While functional, the interior design is plain and lacks advanced technology or luxury features. Standard equipment does not include modern amenities like Bluetooth connectivity or a touchscreen infotainment system, which some competitors offer.
3. Noisy Cabin at High Speeds Road and wind noise become more apparent at highway speeds, detracting from the overall comfort. This can be an issue for drivers who frequently travel long distances or prefer a quieter ride.
4. Tight Rear Seat Space Although the Corolla’s cabin is comfortable for front passengers, rear seat legroom can feel cramped, particularly for taller passengers. This may limit its appeal for families or those who frequently transport adults in the back.
5. Dated Safety Features While the Corolla includes essential safety equipment like airbags and antilock brakes, it lacks advanced safety technologies such as stability control or side curtain airbags, which were becoming more common in competitors by 2006.
2006 Toyota Corolla: A Compact Car Masterpiece
Renowned for its unwavering reliability and timeless simplicity, the 2006 Toyota Corolla sets the benchmark for compact sedans. This model year delivers practicality and a touch of excitement, making it an excellent investment for anyone seeking a dependable car with long-term value.
Though it’s been four years since the last redesign, Toyota wisely preserves the winning formula of the Corolla. Available in four distinct trims—base CE, sporty S, luxurious LE, and performance-driven XRS—the 2006 Corolla caters to a wide range of drivers. Whether you prioritize efficiency, style, or a sportier edge, this car delivers a seamless blend of functionality and appeal that has kept it a favorite among compact car enthusiasts.
3.6
out of 5EXPERT REVIEW
Look & feel
Performance
Form & function
Technology
Safety
Cost-effectiveness
2006 Toyota Corolla: Practical Design with a Touch of Refinement
The 2006 Toyota Corolla may prioritize function over flair, but its design delivers practicality and thoughtful touches. While its exterior design might not turn heads, with some Lexus RX-inspired cues and a peculiar body kit on the S and XRS trims, the Corolla excels where it truly matters—interior refinement and usability.
Inside, the Corolla channels a Lexus-like vibe with tasteful tones and quality materials. While hard plastics are present, they are offset by appealing textures, and the LE trim adds an upscale touch with wood-tone accents. Controls are intuitively arranged for ease of use, featuring large, clearly marked buttons and switches that showcase exceptional ergonomics. Although stereo knobs can be tricky to operate with gloves or dry hands, the overall functionality and attention to detail reflect Toyota’s commitment to reliability and refinement.
2006 Toyota Corolla: Reliable Performance with Sporty Variants
The 2006 Toyota Corolla is powered by a dependable 126-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering smooth performance with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard and an optional 4-speed automatic. This year, the engine's power ratings slightly decrease due to updated Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) testing methods, yet the Corolla remains a trusted choice for efficiency and reliability.
The sporty Corolla XRS takes performance up a notch with a modified 1.8-liter engine producing 164 horsepower, featuring dual camshaft profiles for enhanced power. Exclusive to a 6-speed manual transmission, the XRS rewards drivers who enjoy engaging driving experiences, especially when revving high to unlock its full potential. With stiffer suspension, structural braces, and 4-wheel-disc antilock brakes, the XRS offers sharp handling, making it a nimble yet practical choice.
While other Corolla models prioritize comfort and compliance, they are engineered with precision for long-lasting reliability. Whether you choose the spirited XRS or the refined base trims, the 2006 Toyota Corolla is built to provide peace of mind and dependable performance.
2006 Toyota Corolla: Features, Trims, and Practicality
The 2006 Toyota Corolla comes packed with standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, a CD player, cloth seat upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a tilting steering wheel, and automatic headlights. The LE trim elevates comfort with added power door locks, extra stereo speakers, white-faced gauges, and elegant faux wood trim for a touch of luxury.
The sporty Corolla S builds on the LE’s features, offering an aggressive appearance package that includes a body kit, rear spoiler, darkened headlights, and fog lights. However, it lacks aluminum wheels, which could enhance its aesthetics more than the plastic accents. On the other hand, the Corolla XRS combines style with substance, featuring a powerful engine, larger 16-inch aluminum wheels, sport-tuned suspension, front and rear structural braces, and upgraded 4-wheel disc antilock brakes for a dynamic driving experience.
Optional upgrades include leather seats, a JBL premium sound system, a CD changer, cruise control, a power sunroof, and remote keyless entry. Safety-conscious buyers can opt for side-impact airbags. While storage options are abundant, with a generous 13.6 cubic feet of trunk space and clever interior compartments, taller drivers may find the legroom limited. Most trims also feature a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, adding versatility to this compact sedan.
2006 Toyota Corolla: Advanced Engine Technology and Practical Features
One of the standout innovations in the 2006 Toyota Corolla XRS is its advanced variable valve timing with lift engine. Designed to optimize performance, this system uses dual camshaft profiles. During regular driving conditions, the low-lift cam profile ensures efficient valve operation. However, when the engine is revved at higher speeds, the high-lift cam profile kicks in, delivering a significant power boost through greater valve travel.
On the technology front, the Corolla offers practical conveniences like a standard CD player and an outside temperature display. For those seeking enhanced audio experiences, Toyota provides options such as a CD changer and a JBL premium sound system. However, the 2006 model does lack modern amenities like Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls. Still, the Corolla remains a reliable compact car that blends practicality with cutting-edge engineering.
2006 Toyota Corolla: Safety Features and Crash Test Insights
The 2006 Toyota Corolla prioritizes safety with standard dual front airbags. Optional side-impact and side-curtain airbags significantly enhance crash protection, which is crucial as models without this upgrade receive a Poor side-impact rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With the side airbags installed, the rating improves to Acceptable. In moderate-overlap frontal-impact tests, the Corolla earns a Good rating, showcasing its solid performance in key safety areas.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2006 Corolla achieves an impressive 5-star overall crash-test rating. For added safety, the optional antilock brakes (standard on the XRS trim) enhance braking performance. Pairing ABS with the automatic transmission unlocks the availability of stability control, which we strongly recommend to further reduce the risk of accidents. The 2006 Corolla combines robust crash protection and advanced safety options, making it a reliable choice for peace of mind on the road.
2006 Toyota Corolla: A Cost-Effective Investment
The 2006 Toyota Corolla may come with a higher upfront cost, starting at approximately $14,000 for base models and reaching around $20,000 for a fully loaded XRS. While its value might not be immediately obvious, the Corolla proves its worth over time. Thanks to its renowned reliability and low maintenance requirements, it saves you hundreds in repair bills and maintains a higher resale value compared to many competitors.
Choosing the 2006 Corolla is more than just a purchase—it's a long-term investment in peace of mind and cost efficiency. Whether you’re looking for a dependable daily driver or a vehicle with impressive resale potential, the Corolla delivers exceptional value that stands the test of time.
motorvero004
Last Updated On Jan, 26-2025
A paragon of reliability, a refuge of simplicity, and as close as it gets to an investment in a compact car, the 2006 Toyota Corolla is designed to serve, and sometimes even excite. It’s been 4 years since Toyota last redesigned the venerable Corolla, a compact 4-door sedan known to be as faithfully dependable as a good dog. For 2006, Toyota doesn’t mess with success, continuing to offer the Corolla in base CE, sporty S, upscale LE, and performance-tuned XRS trim.