FT86CLUB Cool Wall: Toyota Corolla XRS

[Anthony]

It handles really well for what it is though. It has upgraded suspension compared to the base model and the S. They're not coilovers, but it is a tad bit more than just the 2ZZ. It's really tossable and peppy for a family car.

[Skurge]

i'd say cool, honestly if you haven't driven one i wont be able to explain it


toyota did a lot of things to change this car, its not just a corolla with a body kit


there is actually more chassis bracing, different suspension all together, rear seats do not fold down because of the bracing. but anyway, its a neat car, handles fairly well also......i'd say cool, take something as boring as a corolla and make it semi-fun

[Zaku]

It's about as cool as a Civic Si .....


Did I really just say that.

[apestapatas]

The XRS is a nice sleeper, its a grocery getter with some balls. A bit of boost and its pretty fun. 9th gen FTW!

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by Skurge

i'd say cool, honestly if you haven't driven one i wont be able to explain it


toyota did a lot of things to change this car, its not just a corolla with a body kit


there is actually more chassis bracing, different suspension all together, rear seats do not fold down because of the bracing. but anyway, its a neat car, handles fairly well also......i'd say cool, take something as boring as a corolla and make it semi-fun

Yeah the Corolla S is just a corolla with body kit.

XRS has the 2ZZGE + 6 speed manual, better seats (more side bolstering, tougher harder material isnt as spongy soft), red/white optitron gauges, the steering rack is apparently different in this one for more road feel (heavier and more accurate)

Im not really sure if the 'sport tuned' suspension was anything more than additional bracing, lower ride height, that Xbrace behind the rear seats (it blocks the pass through hole so theres no point in fold down seats) a strut tower brace on the front (was a weird strut bar, not a solid bar) , bigger wheels (195/55/16 stock, 185/65/15 i think were on the less corollas) same OEM tires as the FRS (I think they're older versions, but they're still the Michelin Primacy tires)

10th gen XRS was a disgrace. Although there wasn't really much of a legacy with the 9th gen XRS (Overseas they did have the equivalent Corolla TS hatchbacks from the initial redesign in 2003 and even the 9th gen supercharged compressor with 215hp later) but what they had going with the 9th gen XRS disappeared in the 10th gen XRS.

[Skurge]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

Yeah the Corolla S is just a corolla with body kit.

XRS has the 2ZZGE + 6 speed manual, better seats (more side bolstering, tougher harder material isnt as spongy soft), red/white optitron gauges, the steering rack is apparently different in this one for more road feel (heavier and more accurate)

Im not really sure if the 'sport tuned' suspension was anything more than additional bracing, lower ride height, that Xbrace behind the rear seats (it blocks the pass through hole so theres no point in fold down seats) a strut tower brace on the front (was a weird strut bar, not a solid bar) , bigger wheels (195/55/16 stock, 185/65/15 i think were on the less corollas) same OEM tires as the FRS (I think they're older versions, but they're still the Michelin Primacy tires)

10th gen XRS was a disgrace. Although there wasn't really much of a legacy with the 9th gen XRS (Overseas they did have the equivalent Corolla TS hatchbacks from the initial redesign in 2003 and even the 9th gen supercharged compressor with 215hp later) but what they had going with the 9th gen XRS disappeared in the 10th gen XRS.

i got to drive a few of them, at the time i was a salesman at toyota. I had fun driving it, granted at the time i was driving an STI as a daily(this was back in 06 or so i'd guess?

[husker741]

Originally Posted by ionshards

2003 Matrix XRS > Any Corolla XRS

My sister has an 04 Matrix XRS. Fun to drive and better than anything else I've ever driven in the snow. The AWD is phenomenal. Plus, it's not a bad looking car.

[ionshards]

I always really liked the matrix's 17" XRS wheels (were these an option on the corolla as well?); never really liked the 16". Also, 2003 was the best year for the XRS, as after that more emissions stuff was added to the 2ZZ and it was detuned/rerated for less power (and a lower redline?).

Originally Posted by husker741

My sister has an 04 Matrix XRS. Fun to drive and better than anything else I've ever driven in the snow. The AWD is phenomenal. Plus, it's not a bad looking car.

The XRS was never AWD, only the 1ZZ XR and only with an Auto.

I really like the 1st gen's Matrix's styling, the 2nd gen never did anything for me.

[husker741]

Originally Posted by ionshards

I always really liked the matrix's 17" XRS wheels (were these an option on the corolla as well?); never really liked the 16". Also, 2003 was the best year for the XRS, as after that more emissions stuff was added to the 2ZZ and it was detuned/rerated for less power (and a lower redline?).



The XRS was never AWD, only the 1ZZ XR and only with an Auto.

I really like the 1st gen's Matrix's styling, the 2nd gen never did anything for me.

Oops! You are right. Hers is just an XR. And yes it is an auto. However, still amazing in the snow.