Toyota announces 2009 Corolla and Matrix (and other new) pricing

A little retrospect. The 1997 Corolla SD did not come with a radio (radio prep kit - 2 speakers + antenna) or rear headrests or even a tachometer for that matter. Power steering was optional too as were wheel covers and bodyside mouldings (funny how things come around. Now they're optional too lol). It had a 3 spoke steering wheel with optional driver's airbag (DX and DX 1.8 models got a 4-spoke with standard driver's airbag).

Here's the excerpt from the 1997 Corolla brochure for the SD/SD Plus:

Corolla Sedan SD delivers quality and value for a price that's easily affordable. Corolla SD's long list of standard features includes styled steel wheels, halogen headlamps, intermittent wipers, rack & pinion steering, cupholders, sliding "B" pillar shoulder belt anchors and radio prep kit. The powerful 1.6 Litre 100hp. 16-valve engine and rugged 5-speed manual overdrive or optional 3-speed automatic transmission provide dependable performance and top fuel efficiency. The fully reclining front bucket seats and rear bench seat with thick, comfortable cushions seat five adults in comfort. Corolla SD "Plus" adds additional value with power steering, full wheel covers, digital clock, bodyside mouldings, AM/FM cassette, remote control mirrors and carpet mats. A driver airbag (SRS) and tilt steering wheel is also available.

Here's more from the brochure (it's just a simple fold-out brochure)

Unprecedented Comfort and Safety
Corolla is designed for families who want style, advanced technology, performance, comfort and safety

The Corolal DX instrument panel is a comprehensive and attractive design, with all vital controls directly at hand for the driver's convenience. Tinted glass, tilt steering wheel and an AM/FM cassette are standard. An available package on DX 1.8 adds power windows and door locks, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers and more. Flush body components and reduced surface gaps diminish wind noise to help ensure an exceptional degree of quietness. The DX "Plus" (1.6 Litre engine only) is an exciting value packed Corolla. In addition to the long list of DX standard equipment, "Plus" includes air conditioning, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers and carpet mats. Occupant safety is built into Corolla in many important ways. The passenger compartment is welded from high-tensile steel, and front and rear "crumple" zones are "designed-in" for a stronger and safer body. The chassis design provides superb stability and handling. Front passenger and rear seat outboard position lap and shoulder belts utilize automatic locking retractors for easy installation of child restraint seats. The standard driver airbag on DX and driver and front airbags on DX 1.8 are designed to supplment the front lap and shoulder belts.

Spacious and comfortable, the interior of the Corolla DX provides generous hip, leg and head room for the comfort of driver and passengers alike. The driver and front passenger are seated on reclining bucket seats with adjustable headrests. Sliding 'B' pillar shoulder belt anchors and tilt steering wheel ensure total comfort. The rear seat features seating for three with plenty of stretch-out room. The split and fold-down rear seat back handles oversized cargo from the large lighted trunk, and locks for security. Toyota's fully integrated child restraint system (CRS) is optional on DX 1.8. Providing comfortable and safe seating for children 20 to 80 lbs. (9.1 to 27.2 kg), the CRS folds completely away when not in use.

Corolla DX / DX 1.8

The extensive standard equipment list includes bodyside mouldings, tinted glass, full wheel covers, colour-keyed bumpers and rack & pinion steering with variable power assist. Corolla DX's 1.6 Litre twin-cam 16-valve engine delivers an ideal combination of good low end torque with remarkable economy. Choose the economical 5-speed manual overdrive transmission or the convenience of a 3-speed automatic transmission. Or move up to the Corolla DX 1.8 witha 105hp. 1.8 Litre engine and a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed (ECT) automatic. The Corolla DX 1.8 includes wider P185/65 tires, front stabilizer bar and passenger airbag.