2008 Toyota Corolla

You've come a long way, baby. In the late 1960s the Corolla was the first Toyota available in the U.S., and it's still going strong today. For 2008, the Corolla gets a design refresh, with a look that some have called a bit edgier, in an effort to remain competitive with such cars as the Honda Civic.

However, the 2008 Corolla retains the basic elements that have made it the best-selling car in the world. It's still an entry-level, fuel-efficient, safe and comfortable vehicle, offering good value for buyers on a budget.

As in previous years, the Corolla's available in three trim packages, from the entry-level CE to the mid-level S to the high-end LE. All three versions are powered by a 1.8-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that produces 126 horsepower. That's fairly minuscule when compared to some of today's high-powered sedans, but it ably powers the Corolla.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard for all three versions, while a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is available as an option. Also optional are such features as four-wheel antilock brakes and vehicle stability control with traction control and brake assist (not available on the CE).

Standard features are adequate but not cutting-edge for the Corolla. As the best equipped version, the LE comes with wood-grain-style interior trim, remote keyless entry, and a six-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player.

But high-end features are not the point here. The Corolla has for decades carved out a niche for itself in the automotive marketplace as a high-quality, value-priced sedan, and it continues to occupy that niche in a masterful fashion.