One hundred thirty-two horsepower may not seem like a lot, but the tuning of the engine and mapping of the CVT work well to get every inch out of this fuel-sipping 4-cylinder.

Certain vehicle segments define themselves by hyperbole in a particular metric. Performance cars are measured in horsepower and 0-60 times, pickup trucks are vetted on towing and hauling capabilities, and alternative-fuel vehicles are ranked on fuel economy.

Yet no one single metric on paper can perfectly explain what makes a compact sedan the best in the segment. It needs to have the right combination of power and efficiency, with the ability to haul a driver, and occasionally other individuals, on a daily grind for about a decade, before being handed off to the next person for the same purpose.

It is with this combination in mind that one must consider the Toyota Corolla. Though not the prettiest in the bunch, the Corolla delivers fuel-efficient daily motoring in a package that will make it a tremendously reliable addition to your garage.

The 2014 version marks the start of the eleventh generation of the Corolla. It has been sold in North America continuously since 1968—it has been around almost as long as the Chevy Camaro and predates the introduction of the Honda Civic by 5 years. The Corolla has grown, but unlike other vehicles that have grown egregiously from compact to midsize and midsize to full-size. The Corolla has stuck to the game plan of delivering affordable, compact daily motoring.