Considering a Corolla - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Mushroom · 04-07-2006, 03:55 PM

We've been looking at buying a new car and have tried out the '06 Corollas. They seem to be adequately powered and handle pretty good. I like the fuel economy figures. My wife likes it but since I'm 6'-3 I don't fit too well behind the wheel. I tried adjusting the seat all the way back but the tops of my thighs near my knees nearly touch the bottom of the wheel. Also getting in and out is no fun either. With the price of gas the way it is I don't see much else out there worth looking at. The new Civic is just plain FUGLY. The driving position is such that the front pillars block your view of the front corners and the view looking back is no better.
Is it just me or any other tall drivers have the same issue. I fit fine in the 06 Camry, which by the specs only has .3" more legroom than the Corolla. I would love to get a Corolla but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to drive it on any long trips. My folks bought one just a few months ago and they love it but then they're only about 5'-8 like my wife.
Is the Matrix any better?

CaliGinny · 04-07-2006, 04:00 PM

Corolla and Matrix share the exact platform. Not any better. For the price, gas mileage, and of course the extreme reliability, it's VERY worth the inconvenience of fitting well. I am tall as well, this was also an issue with me. But this is my commuter car.....so I deal with it. I smile whenever I pass the gas station.

Old Dood · 04-07-2006, 05:54 PM

I am 5-7 and I would not like to be any taller and driving this car. It is perfect for people my height. Have you looked at a Camry? They are a bit bigger. I was looking at a Dodge Caliber...I liked those...they "seem" to have a some more room.

Raddman · 04-07-2006, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mushroom

We've been looking at buying a new car and have tried out the '06 Corollas. They seem to be adequately powered and handle pretty good. I like the fuel economy figures. My wife likes it but since I'm 6'-3 I don't fit too well behind the wheel. I tried adjusting the seat all the way back but the tops of my thighs near my knees nearly touch the bottom of the wheel. Also getting in and out is no fun either. With the price of gas the way it is I don't see much else out there worth looking at. The new Civic is just plain FUGLY. The driving position is such that the front pillars block your view of the front corners and the view looking back is no better.
Is it just me or any other tall drivers have the same issue. I fit fine in the 06 Camry, which by the specs only has .3" more legroom than the Corolla. I would love to get a Corolla but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to drive it on any long trips. My folks bought one just a few months ago and they love it but then they're only about 5'-8 like my wife.
Is the Matrix any better?

I'm 6'1 and I think that heights the limit....With everything adjusted back as far as it can I fit ok with "no" spare room...That damn big second pedal sucks and takes up extra room for your left leg...Some here have cut it down an inch or so(every little bit helps) also one guy was talking about taking the stops out of the seat track...Never heard back from him on how it turned out but doing that would take room from the person in the back, also for head room if you have a sun roof its about an inch lower the non-sun roof cars.....Lol..Remember those Japanese are kinda small

...~Radd

03mooncorolla · 04-07-2006, 08:13 PM

I'm 6ft 2" I don't seem to have a problem with the driving position, even on long trips and I've driven 14hrs straight in this car.

I do find that I rest my right knee against the side of the centre console but thats it.

Be careful with a sunroof as RADDMAN said as they cut into headroom.

If you are concerned about your fit why don't you borrow your folks car, or go to the same dealer they used and say I'd love to buy this car but I'm not sure how I fit with it and ask them for an extended road test.
They should help you out that way

Good luck

My 03 CE is the best car I've owned

Mushroom · 04-07-2006, 08:56 PM

I had considered a Camry and even bought one but.....see my thread--->http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...19#post1200619

I'd love to borrow my folks Corolla but they live in SoCal and I live in WA across the river from Portland so that's out of the picture. So I guess the Matrix would be as cramped as the Corolla. I'd consider it only because it's available with AWD and it would come in handy here.
The seat track idea sounds like something worth trying but then the car would strictly be a 3 seater if I were to drive it. With the seat all the way back as they are, there really isn't much more room there for say more than a 5 year old.
I mainly want to buy the carfor my wife but I know I will want to use it when my wife doesn't because I do all the commuting.
This is a dillema.

357wheelgunner · 04-07-2006, 09:00 PM

You say it is underpowered I guess you have not tried the XRS Corolla yet....give it a try.

I'm 6' and I fit kinda tight in the car, I have to sit really straight up in order for my arms to reach the wheel and my legs to stretch a bit, otherwise it is a compromise.

The XRS has better seats and after 28K miles in 6 months I can say it is the most comfortable car I've ever ridden in, no back pain after a long 6 hour drive.

03mooncorolla · 04-07-2006, 09:07 PM

Just read your other post
MAN that sucks, If the car had any work done to it they should have at least disclosed it to you or used a better body shop.

We'll I would think that if the Corolla is not going to be your daily driver you should be good driving in it. Like you said there's not much else out there in this size/class of cars.

Sorry I assumed you folks lived nearby.

Mushroom · 04-08-2006, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 357wheelgunner

You say it is underpowered I guess you have not tried the XRS Corolla yet....give it a try.

I don't recall saying the Corolla was underpowered. I actually felt it had plenty of power. The XRS might be nice but I think it only comes with a stick and my wife doesn't want something like that. The one thing I don't really care for on the XRS and S models are the lower body extensions. They just don't look right to me. If only the Corolla looked like more like the Matrix. They styled that car right.

03mooncorolla, no worries.