The Toyota Corolla has officially become the best-selling nameplate in the automobile history

Since the first introduction in 1968, Toyota’s respectable Corolla has gone through multiple changes. Until now, The it has presented in sedan, wagon, hatchback, and coupe. Over its long life, with millions of loyal Corolla enthusiasts across the world, the car has officially become the best-selling nameplate in the automobile history.

Unlike more trendy cars such as the Mustang or the Beetle, the Corolla didn’t choose a unique style or a forceful performance as its attraction. Instead, it employs a more conservative yet no less appealing mishmash of an inexpensive price, respectable fuel efficiency and splendid engineering to convince millions of car buyers that the Toyota Corolla was the car for them. Let's find out more about this constant seller in this in-depth review of the Toyota Corolla 2006 model on Naijauto.com. 

The Toyota Corolla 2006 comes in the form of a compact sedan and it is the only body style offering for the model year. The LE, S and CE are equipped with a 1.8-litre four-cyline engine producing 126 horsepower while the XRS receives 164-horsepower engine. Although the horsepower numbers look smaller on Toyota Corolla 2006 model, it’s due to SAE has changed the way how it calculates net horsepower. Actual performance of the engines carries over from the Toyota Corolla 2005 with no significant alterations.

>>> We also have an in-depth review of Toyota Corolla 2006 and the lastest model year - Corolla 2018  for your reference and comparison. Check it out. 

Most models can add side-impact airbags and curtain airbags as options. We strongly recommend them as they provide extremely effective protection for the head and torsos of you and other occupants in the event someone smashes into the side of the car. Also optional are Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and Naijauto deem them useful protective features. ABS assists with maintaining steering control while EBD keeps full braking pressure in case the driver relax pedal pressure – a common driving mistake. Vehicle Stability Control helping with maintaining control at corners by compensating for skid is also worth the extra money. Stand-alone options include cruise control and the sunroof.

2.1 Toyota Corolla 2006 CE

The Toyota Corolla 2006 CE is the base trim in the lineup. It comes with a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission. Standard on the CE are: air conditioning system with integrated air-filter, power steering, tachometer, tilt steering column, digital clock, AM/FM/CD stereo system, intermittent wipers, a dome light with delay, trunk lamp, and outside temperature gauge.

2.2 Toyota Corolla 2006 LE

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2006 Toyota Corolla LE Review, Start Up and Walkaround

The range-topping Toyota Corolla 2006 LE is also available in manual and automatic engines. It receives popular conveniences including remote keyless entry, power windows, variable intermittent wipers, and halogen headlamps. The LE differentiates itself from the rest of the lineup with its body-colored handles, and faux wood trim and upgraded cloth upholstery on the inside. Customers who have an eye for the extravagance may opt for the leather package which offers a luxurious design and material. Aluminum alloy wheels are also available to add even more to the look and at the same time improve the handling ability of the LE.

2.3 Toyota Corolla 2006 Sport

Motorists who love sporty design and maneuvrability have two such options of Toyota Corolla 2006 Sport as S and XRS.

Toyota Corolla 2006 S

The Toyota Corolla 2006 S is available in either manual transmission or automatic transmission. It receives chunkier 195/65R15 tyres and sporty vibe with integrated fog lamps, smoked headlight lens extenders, and a package of aerodynamic body features including rear underbody spoilers, rocker panel extensions, color-keyed front, and rear mudguards. On the inside, it gets chrome accents, a sporty tachometer, and a lavish leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. Also upgraded on the S are power mirrors, power door locks, map lights mounted on the mirror and a vertical seat-height adjustment. Customers can opt for Enhanced Power Package Power and get additional powered windows with keyless entry and cruise control.

Toyota Corolla 2006 XRS

The Toyota Corolla XRS employs a 164-horsepower 1.8-litre paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The XRS embodies a suspension tuned for sport driving with adapted steering and a set of 16-inch aluminum wheels with Michelin performance tyres upgraded from the standard 15-inch wheels on the rest of the Corolla grades. The XRS distinguishes itself by special exterior and interior trim. Extra standard features include cruise control, front and rear disc brakes, and anti-lock brakes with tyre-pressure monitors.

2.4 Toyota Corolla 2006 hatchback

Despite how much Nigerian drivers long for a Toyota Corolla 2006 for sale, the model is available only in sedan form. However, those who seek a small hatchback can have a look at the Toyota Matrix which is similarly priced. 

Please consult the table below for the Toyota Corolla 2006 price in Nigeria. We also include prices of Toyota Corolla of older and newer model years for your comparison and further information.

At the first look, the Toyota Corolla 2006 might be confused for a Camry, only in a smaller figure

The Corolla tall trunk line perfectly matches the high beltline while the taillight is partly mounted in the trunk lid

15-inch steel wheels come standard on the Toyota Corolla 2006. However, given the wide wheel wells, it could come with bigger wheels and tyres. The top-of-the-line LE model can have the optional aluminum 15-wheels.

Moving rearward, the Corolla tall trunk line perfectly matches the high beltline while the taillight is partly mounted in the trunk lid, which is nice except for the fact that it somewhat narrows the trunk lid to the eye.

The Toyota Corolla 2006 has a long wheelbase which allows a decent door width, meaning that climbing in and out will be easy.  At the same time, the rear wheel wells aren’t going to stick out into the rear door as commonly seen on compact city cars. Besides, its long wheelbase, in concert with the short overhangs both at the front and rear, adds to the Corolla’s looks and handling ability.

The Corolla 2006 has a long wheelbase which allows a decent door width

The S trim level is differentiated by its sporty front spoiler, rear skirt, and body-colored side rocket panels. It also receives headlamp masking and distinguished fog lamps.

The XRS fills the wide wheel wells better than the rest of the lineup with its 16-inch wheels. It also distinguishes itself by its unique badge, a color-keyed bezel surrounding, and a rear color-keyed spoiler.

The Toyota Corolla 2006 wheel

The modest dimensions don’t translate into a cramped Toyota Corolla 2006 interior. Both legroom and headroom are spacious for the front passengers. However, shorter people may find the Corolla fits them better than taller occupants do. At the back, a decent amount of space is provided for two average-sized adults. Add a third person and the rear row seat may feel overcrowded.

Both legroom and headroom are spacious for the front passengers

At the back, a decent amount of space is provided for two average-sized adults

All the seats are made of good material which brings a classy impression. The driver seat offers a much more substantial feel than most cars similarly priced, making the Corolla a much more comfortable ride on long journeys. All the doors shut with a pleasantly quiet thud thanks to the sound dampening felt mounted inside the door panels.

All the doors shut with a pleasantly quiet thud thanks to the sound dampening felt mounted inside the door panels

You won’t feel you are in an affordable compact 

The LE will amaze you with the luxurious impression brought by the optional leather seating. You won’t feel you are in an affordable compact thanks to the buttery soft leather seats, and the faux wood trim on the center console and door panels which looks so realistic that you may confuse it with the real one found on luxury cars. The sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel is incorporated on both the S and the LE that adds to the driver enjoyment.

The dashboard is ergonomically laid out and given a finish that matches to that of more costly cars

The XRS receives sporty seats, switch plates and silver-colored instrument cluster. In addition, it gets Optitron gauges similar to that found on Lexus models, leather shift knob and a faux leather shift boot.

The dashboard is ergonomically laid out and given a finish that matches to that of more costly cars. Crossing the entire width of the car is the slight S-curve top surface which seamlessly wrapped into the door trim. The lower part of the dash flawlessly blends into the center console by its both sides while the upper part incorporates nicely inlaid four small vents.

The radio is positioned up high on the center stack so the driver can easily reach it. Below the radio are the heating and conditioning system adjustment with three user-friendly, large knobs. The parking brake handle is located on the left of the center console, making room for a cubby hole on the right.

The radio is positioned up high on the center stack so the driver can easily reach it

The lettering is made in red which makes it easy to read against a plain background

Other storage space is also ample. The glovebox is chubby and all door have pockets for small items. On the upper models, the map lights are integrated into the rearview mirror which is not exactly an ideal location for such purpose as you easily mess up the mirror adjustment when trying to turn on the lights.

On the instrument panel, the three main gauges are overlapped. The speedometer and the tachometer are on the left while and the fuel gauge and the water temperature gauge are on the right. The lettering is made in red which makes it easy to read against a plain background. All models integrate outside temperature readout.

The Toyota Corolla 2006 owns one of the spacious trunks in its class. Instead of using scissor-type hinges commonly found on trunks of other models, it employs gooseneck hinges which allow a larger trunk opening. However, these hinges intrude into the cargo space and can damage fragile items on the way. Except for the XRS, all models come with a 60/40 split folding rear seat enables access from the trunk.

As reported by most drivers, the Toyota Corolla 2006 delivers convenient, smooth and easy driving experience. The CE, S and LE models share the same engine, transmission, and suspension, which make possible the nice, rapid acceleration. The electronically controlled automatic transmission offers four-speed options with an advance shift logic system which is able to sense if the car is climbing up a hill or if the driver wants extra power when passing and hold the gears longer than usual accordingly.

For those who still love the excitement of controlling the shifting, the five-speed manual transmission is available for better utilization of the engine power. It allows easy shifting via a quite tall shifter while both the clutch and the gearbox are velvety smooth and easy to maneuver. A big good-for-nothing feature on the Corolla is the bleeper that goes off every time you shifted into reverse. 

The electronically controlled automatic transmission offers four speeds options

The power steering feels just right without being too sloppy or stiff. The well-tuned suspension, in combination with the comparatively long wheelbase, make the Corolla a smooth ride. Minimal body roll is noticed during the drive and the car overall feels stable and secure at all speeds. The suspension does a nice job of insulating the cabin from road vibration and bumps. There’s little to complain about the Corolla’s handling ability and those who fancy the sports sedan crunchy handling may go for the XRS which offer a bit more rigid suspension.

The XRS is armed with a newly-tuned 2ZZ dual overhead cam engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission similar to ones found on the Matrix XRS and Cecelia GT-S. Its 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine pumps out 164 horsepower at 7600 rpm and 127 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. It works best at mid-range torque and incorporate Toyota’s VVTL-I variable timing and lift system enable a surge of power from 6000 to 7600 rpm. It attains 25 EPA scores on city driving and 32 on the highway. A lower ride height and a sport-tuned suspension with a better-rated coil spring and shocks are also equipped on the XRS and mounted between two shock towers are a sport strut tower brace. Michelin tyres with larger 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels are available only on the XRS. For the improved response, the steering system is modified with a stiffer steering column. The XRS also receives an exclusively developed steering rack so steering feedback is further enhanced.

Toyota Corolla 2006 engine

However, the Toyota Corolla 2006 XRS is no high-performance sports car as it lacks the response that found on popular compacts such as the Chevy Cobalt SS. That said, it is understandable as the XRS is no doubt more affordable, let alone the pliant suspension. All in all, the XRS is still a splendid compact sedan which is just a bit sportier than the rest of the range.

>>> You should read also: How to achieve optimum fuel efficiency in a Toyota Corolla

Roll down to see more Toyota Corolla 2006 model pictures, from all angles. 

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By this review, we believe Toyota Corolla 2006 model is a refined and absolutely reliable compact sedan. It offers a high quality, ergonomic interior with supportive, comfortable seats that are comparable to those on more expensive models. Shorter drivers will find the Corolla more comfortable while rear seats can effortlessly house its occupants, and the trunk is one of the most spacious in the class. If you are looking for nothing more than basic transportation, then the Corolla, especially the higher versions, makes a perfect sense.

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