Corolla 2003 @ LV - Few cars have a heritage as long as Toyota’s popular compact. The Corolla has been on the U.S. market since 1966. More than 25 million units have been sold in 142 countries, and that makes the Corolla the best-selling passenger car of all time. Toyota dealers sold 245,023 eighth-generation Corollas in the United States during 2001, according to Automotive News. It has been Toyota’s second-best seller behind only the midsize Camry. Toyota’s production goal for the redesigned 2003 model is a little more modest: 230,000 units. Changes for the popular, front-wheel-drive sedan’s next generation are moderate but meaningful. Engine output has increased by 5 horsepower, and a new, low-restriction catalytic converter is used in the exhaust system. The car is also a little larger than before. A new automatic transmission boasts fewer parts and reduced friction, which promises less than a 1-mpg fuel-economy penalty when compared with the manual-transmission model. Steering is claimed to be more responsive and linear, and braking is more precise. A higher hip point is supposed to ease entry into the vehicle, and the front seats have been moved farther apart.