Commune With a Corolla – It Will More Than Take You to Nirvana

In 1991, when the band Nirvana exploded on the scene, I was doing some of that myself.  I had landed my dream job and started to formulate how life after college would be.  Days were exploding with decisions I had only imagined before, but now were coming to pass.  All the hard work I had put in was paying off.  Satisfaction. Staying the course.

The place “nirvana” can be defined as a state of harmony, bliss, peace or joy according to religion, pretty much the opposite of what Kurt Cobain, lead singer and founder of the band Nirvana was marketing.  Their breakout album “Nevermind” somehow tapped into feelings that young people could identify with at that time to birth the “grunge” scene, can’t say I was one of them.

Being more of the harmony, bliss, peace and joy type, the feeling one gets when driving a car every day to and from work needs to be positive and after driving the Toyota Corolla LE Hybrid, I found it.

Let’s face it, commuting to work is still a fact of life for many people these days.  Finding peace and joy amidst thousands of others headed the same way might be a stretch, but carefully choosing the car that takes you there can make “nirvana” seem just a little closer.

Starting with the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine complete with a continuously variable transmission with intelligence (CVTi), this hybrid generates.  121 horsepower makes passing a breeze and it’s quiet, well insulated cabin, makes road noise disappear.  I enjoyed the feel of the Corolla as I drove it at the Texas Auto Writers Association Spring Roundup.  It was solid and comfortable.  Its weight under me was noticeable and driving response excellent.

I could easily imagine myself on the way to and from work or even on a road trip as it was spacious with lots of trunk space.  Normal, ECO, and power drive modes are available and its regenerative braking system fuels the fabulous combined 53/52 mpg in fine hybrid form.  Fewer stops at the pump will save time and money.

An 8 in touch-screen display with 6 speakers, adjustable driver AND passenger seats, aux audio jack, various media and charging ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free and an integrated backup camera display make it feel more expensive than its $22,950 price tag.

The stylish Corolla brings Toyota’s Safety Sense with Pre-Collision, Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.  Technology like Safety Sense checks all the boxes when it comes to safely arriving at your destination, whether it be the office or home and family.

In addition, the following basic limited warranty coverage includes:

3-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive

5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain

5-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation

8-year/100,000-mile Hybrid-related Component Coverage

Toyota Care 2 year/25,000 mile (whichever comes first) coverage of all normal factory scheduled service and 24/7 roadside assistance

I found so much to like about the Corolla, I think you will too.

If finding a comfortable mid-size sedan with all the safety features and creature comforts is your goal, never mind the commute, you’ll reach nirvana the first minute you sit in the Toyota Corolla LE Hybrid.

Add $930 DPH (delivery, processing and handling fee)

*Cars provided by Toyota to the Texas Auto Writers Association, opinions are my own.