2014 Toyota Corolla S Plus

The 2014 Corolla is Toyota's compact sedan, the one you cross-shop with the Civic and the Mazda3 when you want a small car that's easy to live with. Around town the Corolla feels light and nimble, and the steering is easy to guide, though it's not the kind of car that begs to be pushed hard. Inside, the cabin is roomy for the class, with a back seat that folds flat to open up the trunk for bulky items, and the controls are simple to use. Some owners mention a faint squeak from the driver's seat belt anchor over bumps, but it's a minor annoyance that's easy to ignore. The S Plus is the sporty middle child of the Corolla range, trading some ride comfort for sharper handling versus the LE, but skipping the S Premium's leather and upgraded audio. Its 1.8L I4 makes 132 horsepower and pairs with a CVT that has paddle shifters and a Sport mode, so it holds revs longer when you're in a hurry. The sport-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels give it a firmer, more planted feel than the LE, but you'll notice bumps more on rough pavement.