The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

When it comes to a small car with a big following, the following doesn’t get any bigger than the Corolla’s.

No wonder.

This is a gem of a small car with a quality feel that belies its size and class. Everything is well assembled from stout materials featuring refined color and textures.

Of course, you can’t tell until you climb inside.

The exterior of this car is wholly unremarkable, with a back end that resembles a Hyundai. The only thing that prevented losing it in the parking lot was its garish “bright ivy” color.

But the test car’s performance was the opposite of its looks.

This year there is but one power plant, a 1.8-liter, 16-valve, dual overhead cam engine sporting 120 horsepower, a 15-horse boost over last year. Add 122 foot-pounds of torque and you have one zippy small car.

Feats of driver derring-do are helped by the five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic transmission. It goes about its business in a quiet manner, with enough flexibility to keep it interesting. The transmission obeys willingly and downshifts are smooth and crisp.

There’s little racket from any quarter, which gives this vehicle a classy feel. That’s thanks to noise-absorbing techniques used in the Camry and Lexus. There’s little wind noise and only some road noise, mostly because of the Michelin tires.

Handling isn’t sporty, but it’s still tossable enough in a small-car manner. There’s moderate body lean in corners and the vehicle signals its limitations clearly to the driver.

Fuel economy is excellent at 31.6 miles per gallon, despite the added power.

Safety considerations are as good as the fuel economy. Dual front air bags are standard, with side air bags for the front seat passengers optional. This is a first in this class and a welcome addition to the options list. Also available are anti-lock brakes and a built-in child safety seat. Daytime running lamps are standard. Traction control isn’t offered, however.

Inside, it’s Toyota’s typical class act. Ergonomics are terrific. The radio is mounted high on the dash and the buttons are still workable despite their small size. Storage is plentiful and materials are tasteful — almost dull. The instrument panel seemed stark with only a speedometer and temperature and fuel gauges. The idiot lights take up almost as much space.

The hardest thing about small cars for us tall folk is leg space. It’s adequate up front, though the seat bottoms don’t adjust, leaving the rather flat bucket seats ineffective in the comfort department.

Rear seat space is best for kids. They’re split and fold-down. It hauled a lamp table with little trouble.

While never endowed with the most personality, the Corolla always has performed with a conservative demeanor bespeaking its construction to exceptional standards.

Watch out, the crowds are gathering already.

1998 TOYOTA COROLLA CE Stand ard: 1.8-liter double overhead cam four-cylinder engine, four-speed automatic transmission, power rack-and-pinion steering, 14-inch tires, daytime running lights, dual air bags, air conditioning, tilt wheel, AM-FM-cassette four-speaker stereo, center console with cup holder, intermittent wipers, digital clock, remote releases, rear window defogger, remote control mirrors. Options: California emissions, All Weather Guard Package (heavy duty starter, rear-window defogger, heater with rear-seat heat ducts), anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger side air bags, cruise control, Power Package (power windows and locks), carpet mats. Base price: $14,588 As tested: $16,955 EPA rating: 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway Test mileage: 31.6 mpg