2005 Toyota Corolla XRS Review

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Introduction

Toyota Corolla XRS - 2005 Review

"Stop bothering your sister."
"Why?"
"Don't eat those Crayons."
"Why?"
"Don't put that in the toilet."
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
"But, why?"
At some point, every child asks the monosyllabic word that drives parents crazy and becomes the response to virtually every statement, demand, or question made.

Why. Even as adults, that simple question continues to live on, albeit with more mature subject matter.

"You owe millions in back taxes."
"Why?"
"Your hard drive has been erased."
"Why?"
"It won't work without this pill."
"Why?"
"Toyota builds a Corolla XRS."
"Why?"

There are logical answers to why kids shouldn't eat Crayons and how hard drives get erased. And, considering the availability of sporty compact sedans with increased horsepower and taut suspensions, it is clear why Toyota has decided to offer a Corolla with a shot of testosterone. The mystery is why shoppers would choose the Toyota Corolla XRS over its competition.

New for 2005, this top-of-the-line Corolla features 16-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, a tire pressure monitor, a sport-tuned suspension with a strut tower brace, cruise control mounted to the steering wheel, a body-colored grille, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, electroluminscent instrumentation, a six-speed manual transmission, a rear spoiler and chrome trim on the shift knob. Special treatment for the 2005 Toyota Corolla XRS is rounded out with a lower body kit and color-keyed exterior trim. Base price for this potent compact sedan is around $18,000, which represents $2,700 more than the less athletic Corolla S model. Oddly, equipment such as power windows, variable intermittent wipers, a split rear seat, and keyless entry are standard on the less expensive Corolla LE, but are either not available or are optional on the XRS.