Toyota Corolla Altis

The Toyota Corolla Altis was my first car. I only had 1 accident in the Toyota Corolla Altis . I had fun driving the Toyota Corolla Altis.

Drove this car for a couple of years, biggest plus point is the reliability, had 2 accidents which we're not that bad, but did not have to come out so much money as the parts were very cheap. And the car does not give any major problems at all for 3-4 years.

Back in a school I once taught at, we joked that if someone threw a stone in our car park, it would most likely hit a Corolla.

People, this is no WRX or Evo. This is a good, decent car for getting around comfortably in with four passengers and good boot space. And many people see it that way too, from the sheer numbers of Corollas on the road.

It handles predictably. It is very comfortable and well appointed inside. It rides smoothly enough and it has enough power to do all the car park ramps and bridge ramps in Singapore.

It is very reliable and the Corolla line has a pedigree of over three decades. OK, so it costs a little more because it is a Toyota - but being a Toyota, it has a lot going for it in terms of build quality and service support should it be needed.

The car was never designed for people who want performance cars. It was never meant to be an entry level tuner car. It was never meant to create excitement about driving. It was designed to give a driving experience that was pleasant and mild - and effective.

It was designed for people for whom driving is a necessary part of life - the commute - and not for people who love driving for its own sake. And the commute it does really well indeed. Which is why so many people own one.

Keep a car in its context - sometimes a car does come up that is wonderful beyond its intended market, but that is rare. The Toyota Corolla Altis is a very able and reliable machine for a comfortable commute for five plus luggage.

Step on the pedal, and the motor screams .. literally. Flooring it on the highway drops the transmission a gear, and the engine noise becomes very loud. That small 1.6-liter engine is straining to pull all 1,100kg, but once at speed it just lumbers along. Cruising along (like normal highway speeds), the engine is fairly quiet. The Altis is perfect for getting from point A to B, but don't expect much more. Narrow tires make aggressive driving something of a thrill ride.

Been driving the Altis for almost 3 years. Car is cheap. Fuel consumption is excellent. Maintenance is cheap. resale value is good. One really bad point of the Altis is its handling. Take on a filter lane at 50kmh, and your car would feel like a boat - the body roll is terrible. The outlook is also nothing short of ugly. Good thing so many people drive the same thing.