Used 2012 Toyota Corolla for Sale nearSalinas, CA

For more than 40 years, the Toyota Corolla has offered consumers a reliable, affordable vehicle. But even with a mild “reboot” in last year's model, the 2012 Corolla fails to deliver much spark. Sure, the Base L trim now has a few more standard features that were once reserved for premium trims, such as keyless entry, power windows and a USB audio port.

But, like a 40-plus-year marriage, the Corolla's just not sexy anymore. Or was it ever? It’s hard to remember. Over the years, its slightly unique exterior has slowly lost its shape and become a generic sedan, albeit one with a selection of vibrant metallic finishes.

In addition to the Base L trim, you can upgrade to the LE and get 16-inch wheels and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; the LE also offers optional integrated fog lamps, a moonroof and a touchscreen for the music system, a first for the car. The sportier S model includes double-stitched seats. Both the Base and S come standard with a 5-speed transmission; the LE comes equipped with 4-speed automatic.

Inside is nothing to get excited about, really. It’s a standard Toyota interior – on the plus side, you’ll keep your eyes on the road and won’t be distracted by funky looking gadgets. As a sign of the changing way we listen to music, an AM/FM radio is not included as a standard feature. And bowing perhaps to consumer pressure, the 2012 re-instates center-console side pockets removed in 2011, a nifty and convenient way to keep the car clutter-free.

And you didn’t really marry her for her looks, did you? Of course not! Toyota makes cars that run hundreds of thousands of miles. Aside from recent recalls, owners trumpet the reliability of their ‘Rollas time and time again. This is a commuter car, not a sports car, and its performance reflects that. Safe, comfortable, smooth. Equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 132 hp, 128 lb-ft of torque and front-wheel drive, the car’s performance isn’t going to take anybody’s breath away. But it’s quiet, even on the highway. Issues with underperformance in the steering, however, continue to plague the car.

Toyota is big on “safe,” with 6 standard airbags and Vehicle Safety Control. A Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car did especially well in front and rollover crashes, although it was rated lower in side crashes.

Problem is, there are many other choices in the Corolla's class and price range that are roomier, more powerful and more fun to drive. All trims except the S seem to lack the zip of other cars in their class. And its 26 mpg city/33 highway rating doesn’t excite. This is not a car you’re going to take home to Mom (okay, an end to marriage analogies).

Toyota delivers a solid and dependable, albeit underwhelming, sedan at a reasonable, if not enviable, price. Sometimes, that’s just what a driver needs.