Toyota has done a fine job of squeezing maximum passenger space out of a small overall package. Generous room is provided for the driver and front-seat passenger, both of whom sit on comfortable reclining bucket seats. The rear seat, as is common to cars in this class, is less commodious. There's reasonable room for two occupants, though it's lacking in both leg- and headroom for taller passengers. Three's a crowd.The interior design matches the exterior insofar as it's attractive and well finished (plus, there are new interior fabrics for 2001), but it is otherwise similar to most cars in the class. Instruments are housed in a curved dashboard; a tachometer with an outside temperature gauge is standard. Controls are laid out for easy use. Cupholders, storage boxes and a center-console with a lidded bin are provided for convenience. Materials and workmanship are above average. Some find the cloth seat material scratchy, but it looks attractive and durable. Neat-looking red illuminated instrument faces come with the S model. Luggage can be stowed in a roomy trunk with a large lid that opens right down to bumper level for easy loading. Corolla S and LE trim levels feature a convenient release in the trunk to fold down the rear seats.
|