Model Designations

[Corcel]

So I have been trying to understand the difference between the CE,SE,and LE model lines and I am confused. I originally thought that the CE was the entry level car available with a few options but limited in what you can get in it without moving up a level. I percieved the SE as the middle contender well equiped car with most options and of course the LE is the top of the line with all available options on the Toyota menu. My car is a 2008 20th anniversary edition CE (Canadian Only) model. My car has 15 inch aluminum rims, automatic, cruise,air con, PWD,PDL, remote entry and a power sun roof... not what I envision when I think of an entry level car. I have seen some SE Corollas that look identical to mine and then I have seen some LE corollas without a sunroof or leather interior...just aluminum rims, fog lights and woodgrain dash and probably some other not so obvious options. Now all 3 trim levels have the same drive train...so thats not a factor. Is it hidden stuff like suspension and sound proofing that seperates these models...cause its not very obvious to me why you would pay alot more for an LE when you can get a CE withmore options (think Sun Roof) for probably less money.

[NMGeorge]

I understand your questions and thoughts here.... There's not a whole lot of difference in the models (I am south of your boarder). Mostly its little things that set them apart. I got a S (sport??? HA!). The only reason I picked that trim was that it was the only one offered with a dark colored inside. Yeah, I got the fogs and body kit (no spoiler or OEM wheels) and the white gauge faces, no real big deal to me. It's too bad that Toyota didn't set the 3 trims apart more, but that would have eaten into their profits.

Here in the US, the CE has black bodyside strips (S and LE are color matched to the car). The LE has a wood grain trim on some spots inside, a different gauge cluster, better wipper controls, multi disc CD changer? Not sure, but it's all minor stuff IMHO.

[highpsi4]

Yea, there are no clear lines. There are some areas where they are different. For example, my CE has no PDL/PW/CC. It is cloth and 5spd. My dad has an '05 CE and an '08LE. The '08 LE has leather but no sunroof and had steel wheels with the plastic covers, no alloy's.

[highpsi4]

Ok, so I saw a '07 -'08 Corolla S today with steel wheels and plastic hub caps just like on the CE's.

[NMGeorge]

^
Yup! That's how I drove mine home! I put some mesh wheels on it that matched the color of the car (silver mica) very well.

PS: They are a pain in the butt to clean.....

[silver04rollas]

SE was a Canadian model only that was based on the Corolla CE with a few extra options (maybe they realized Americans would never fall for this rubbish. Much like the Acura EL and Acura CSX, which are only offered in Canada because it would never sell in US). One of the weirdest trims I have ever seen.

It had a different 15 inches alloy rims than the Corolla S on the Corolla CE instead of the standard steelies, still had roll-down windows, but Toyota added a moonroof (huh??).

Anyway, to help you along. I will list out the specific features of the Corolla XRS (9th gen only).

- Celica GTS 2ZZ-GE high-revving engine with 180 HP and a 8400 rpm rev limit
- 6 speed gear box from the Celica GTS
- Celica GTS front axle
- Celica GTS rear disk brakes
- Celica GTS steering rack and pinion with a quicker ratio and more direct road feel.
- Suspension and chassis tuned for handling with thicker anti-roll bars, Yamaha developed strut brace specifically for Corolla XRS, rear chassis X-brace, stiffer springs, Koni yellow stiffer shocks.
- 16 x 6 inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Primacy 195/55/16 high-performance summer tires.
- Recaro developed sport seats with big bolsters
- Electroluminiscent optitron red/white gauges, leather steering, chrome/leather shift knob/boot, chrome accents.
- All optional equipment standard such as, moonroof, power everything etc. etc.

[highpsi4]

^^That's good to know. When I go to the bone yard I will know what to look for if I see one.

[silver04rollas]

Originally Posted by highpsi4

^^That's good to know. When I go to the bone yard I will know what to look for if I see one.

Although, only 6600 were ever built for three markets (Canada, US and Puerto Rico), I would not be surprised if you find a totalled XRS since I know quite a few (atleast 6 - 7) that got totalled because the drivers were driving like they stole them and ended up crashing.

[highpsi4]

Ok, went to the junkyard today. Found a CE with power locks and windows. Two other CE's were standard. One '05 LE, got the wiper stalk.

[mikered30]

Great what else did you get

[highpsi4]

Two Tc arm rests.

[silver04rollas]

I believe the 9th gen XRS and LE came standard in Canada with 7-speakers premium stereo system (it sure sounds hell of premium in my XRS. Everyone thinks it is an aftermarket stereo system).