2008 Toyota Corolla CE

2008 Toyota Corolla CE - While other Toyota vehicles such as the Camry and RAV4 have recently received sleeker, more eye-catching redesigns, and something like the Yaris adds some youthful life into the automaker, the Corolla sits, year after year, gathering dust seemingly even while it's still in motion on the road.

For 2008, it once again comes in three trim levels (CE, Sport and LE), but adds a 20th anniversary package that includes such features as power doors and windows, keyless entry and a power moonroof. All nice additions, but keep in mind that the package is a little pricey, adding an extra $3,115 to the cost of the car. In fact, you really can't choose individual options on the Corolla CE; only three expensive options packages are available (ranging from about $2,000).

I would never accuse the Corolla of being a track-bred race car, but it handles well enough around corners and is tailor-made for zipping in and out of traffic on busy city streets (another reason why quick acceleration from low speeds comes in so handy). Despite how small and light it is, it also stays quite composed in adverse weather conditions. I've been blown around quite a bit on the highway while driving a Kia, but I never suffered from frayed nerves in the Corolla. Old reliable, indeed!

On the other hand, an area in which the Corolla is absolutely spectacular is fuel economy. In fact, it's even eligible for a new fuel efficiency incentive program started recently by the federal government. The list of vehicles eligible for the incentive program is full of hybrids and subcompacts, but the Corolla is one of the few compact cars that makes the grade. If there's one thing you can always count on with the Corolla, it is long stretches between visits to the gas station.

The 2008 Corolla isn't so much "bang" for your buck as it is "bore" for your buck. To be fair, it is one of the most durable vehicles on the road and it epitomizes the term "gets me from Point A to Point B." If your top priorities when considering a vehicle are its reliability, simplicity and affordability, consider this your dream car.