2005 Toyota Corolla XRS Manual - One Take

I had honestly never given a thought to any version of a Corolla since the dearly departed, RWD, AE86 variant, but maybe now is time to change that. The Corolla XRS was an unmarketed version of the econobox featuring the sky-high revving 2ZZ 1.8L engine shared with the Lotus Elise and a manual gearbox! With a redline in the neighborhood of 8,000 RPM and three pedals, this thing is surprisingly fun to huck around the canyons.
This video also features, George, probably our most enthusiastic owner ever.

[@garagers6667]

If people sleep on this video because of the title and thumbnail, they'll be missing out on one of the most entertaining One Takes yet lol

[@GallopingWalrus]

I love these videos where he does non-performance oriented/ strange cars. That Yaris video was great

[@MrJonathanlopez100]

Yes it's one of the funniest

[@hachirokuae8642]

it is performance oriented lol thats why its called the xrs

[@mdcohen]

When he the Toyota VTEC I lost my mind. I had no clue that was coming. My S2000 got jealous.

[@StingrayOfficial]

Soooo close to skipping this one. Glad I didn't, now I want one! Big Si fan, and love Toyotas. Looks like a fun change.

[@heath1982]

ill have what jorge is having

[@heath1982]

whatchu got

[@MK7JORGE]

Where you at man? I'm uh.... dry...

[@MK7JORGE]

***** hmu

[@djthebeast23]

Annnd the green...

[@Len_M.]

Georgie, Georgie what's that you poppin'? A powerful pill they call Oxycotton. It's so tiny but it catch you draggin. Haven't you heard big things come in small packages. I prefer the Orange ones with the black O-C's. Take two and you cannot move up out ya Corolla seat. Some people melt 'em down in a needle and shoot 'em up. I pop mine with Seroquel, like my Continental's I am stuck.

[@Carguments]

T-shirt idea. Picture of George's smiling face and the quote "The world is my autocross" And a XRS on the back.

[@shirakawanaoya]

Sold

[@orbitaaltube]

haha

[@omitence]

i'm doing it, 1 second edit: so apparently my other comment never posted 2 days ago because YT is anti-link, so just remove spaces I guess i.imgur . com/GFoUSsd.jpg

[@ConductorRyan]

Nah, it should have his smiling face and the quote "I want you to f**k my wife, really hard."

[@helloworld8136]

+ConductorRyan lmaoo

[@ASpectreOfSorts]

This is, without a doubt, my favorite "One Take" ever. Not because of the car or Matt's impressions on said car, but because of George. He has to be, without a doubt, one the happiest guys existent and that type of happiness is simply infectious. It makes me want to smile and giggle and be happy. I had the biggest, shit-eating grin on my face during the whole video, all thanks to George. So thanks a bunch, George. The world could use more people just as happy as you.

[@ArmandoMejiavergonisimo]

I was laughing while reading this comment :'D this guy has made our day

[@eddiefaison929]

All these negative people. They Probably didn't even know this car existed and they'd probably giggle if they rolled through the gears towards that 8500rpm of non vtech goodness. People could use a little of his happiness. I know it sure made me happier than I was prior to this one take.

[@marcoVGpolo]

You need to look up the Morgan 3-Wheeler One Take. Alex Roy and Matt just laughing nonstop made me laugh at my desk.

[@Andy.Shapiro]

agreed. giggled throughout the whole video

[@dr.mantistoboggan3265]

This man definitely smokes some good weed, and I’m seeing this comment at 420 likes thank god

[@carlmanney1160]

We need more guys like this in the car community instead of the usual tools!

[@pgoindi]

Preach.

[@whispercars306]

As soon as you drive a expensive car with large power & torque with rwd your labeled a tool for pushing it on the roads and showing off, look at Mercedes CL63/CL65 burnout vids fk labels you buy the car for enjoyment.

[@Theogrn]

+Whisper Cars i dont think it automatically labels you a too its just that if all you enjoy is those types of cars you tend lose perspective on the hobby overall. the guys who typically hate on the NA fwd crowd are usually the ones who have always had really crazy fast cars

[@pgoindi]

To me, the original comment just means that the car owner is a happy, smiley, positive, nice guy as opposed to the typical cool 'look at how awesome I am" guy. I don't think it is any reference to the cars themselves, but the people who drive them. A tool in a Toyota would still be a tool. Maybe I am misinterpreting the original comment.

[@06basecobaltls17]

+pete g It was Whisper Cars that said that. The original comment didn't say anything about the car defining you. If anything quite the opposite.

[@Jayceeljc]

Anyone who says it's still a fucking Corolla , is no true car guy. Car guys shouldn't judge people's preference for cars. It's gonna be fun, if you are having fun driving it. The love for cars has no boundaries, and a 6 speed corner hugging Corolla is definitely something.

[@kotarojujo2737]

well, it still corolla right? but best version of corolla

[@hiiwilliamss]

xrs are underrated. hidden gem of the mid-2000’s era of toyota.

[@POVShotgun]

@@ricebox1178 what the fuck

[@garf117]

This guy was just so happy to be here and it made me so happy to watch the One Take. That VVTi sounds great!!!

[@Deadgamer60]

*VVTLI

[@garf117]

+Facts today I learned what VVTLi is. Thanks man, didn't know it had both a timing and a lift component to it.

[@TDikov]

I suspect there are certain herbs involved

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

Lol I love that guy. He was great. Non stop pleasure-laughing.

[@hachirokuae8642]

vvtli you mean

[@rxforlife05]

THIS is the point of owning a fun car. It's not about being most expensive car you can afford or having the most horsepower. It's about getting in a car and just having the most possible fun with it ever.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Exactly. It's not about what the 0-60 times are, or what skid pad numbers it can get. Or dismissing the car altogether just because it cannot win numerical figures on paper. Also comes down to the end of the day on what you paid for it.

[@zachstambaugh2020]

And not having to constantly fix it to enjoy it.

[@BCJDM]

Honda guys be mad that VVTi sounds better than VTEC.

[@Flako92]

domt want to be that guy but VVTLI.

[@FudgeCakeShanker]

Not the K20 sry

[@carsaregood911]

Think I have to agree with you, sounds awesome

[@bcredeur97]

It's VVTL-i, the L is what's important here. Valve lift. I almost bought one of these, ended up in a Miata instead. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@47enth]

Just takes forever to hit haha

[@nezerac]

I thought Geroge was high at first...then I remembered some people laugh when they're terrified.....being in the passenger seat of your own car has to be a bit scary with Farah at the wheel. lol

[@cheesegromit9423]

hes probably a bit stoned dude

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

No, definitely stoned lol

[@RawShogun]

I wish my girlfriend smiled with me the way George smiles with Matt.

[@hio3377]

jon devieon same

[@bonifacemwangi2599]

jon devieon 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Macsk8ing]

man they don't exist.

[@mas502arc]

Don't think so. I don't know who you're around, but there are genuinely happy and cheerful people out there. George is one of them.

[@SourGrey]

😂😂😂😂

[@WelshyAutomotive]

Whenever George laughs, we laugh with him.

[@annabellzworld]

True that's for real

[@takcleberry]

I laughed at the comment

[@TommyboyGTP]

There's joy laughter, and there's fear laughter... and there's both which is what's going on here lol

[@Dexterrrrrrrrrrrrr]

Wow sounds really good! Is George high as fuck by the way?

[@tylarhaugan7908]

I think he was just excited to be on show.

[@Zavarzin]

Excited and nervous. Laughter is also a defense mechanism.

[@mrhookups]

1) very excited 2) young 3) naive but not high.....lol

[@xXAcrobatixX]

naive?? why cause he's a young guy?

[@mopsnuf]

Poor George, this is what you always get for showing your face online.

[@codyd.18]

My 05 XRS was the best car I've ever owned. So much fun. Awesome video to watch. It was like being back in my car.

[@twinzturbo]

#TheSmokingGeorge

[@AireJayy]

lmao definitely need to see more of George

[@jdmchriz]

ahhahhaaa

[@Slankysausage]

lmao gold

[@cheesegromit9423]

he looks so baked lol

[@SourGrey]

🔥🔥🔥

[@mberezh]

It's not LSD is it, George?

[@kylenewberry8598]

No it's not. I have one.

[@R0CKSTAR023]

I think you missed the point of this comment lol

[@kylenewberry8598]

I realized that after I had posted it lol.

[@nyansugoi]

Super underrated comment, holy crap lol

[@SturbokSensei]

LOL

[@bombaya85]

I suspect there must be a NOS leak somewhere around the passenger area.

[@mberezh]

+SDD525 All day, errday.

[@xarnoldx10]

ooo baby

[@cheesegromit9423]

you know it boiii

[@VidTubeWatch]

I have a sneaking suspicion that George may have hit the one hitter before the start of the video.

[@Exavolt]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand this was the video that got me interested in the corolla XRS half a year ago, and now I own one lmao

[@joyusa3182]

Is it fun imabout to buy one

[@Backroad-Bomber]

joyusa 31 You end up buying one yet?

[@xXRacer9000Xx]

haha me too!

[@yaboykris2118]

Couldn’t find one. Got a cheap 03 LE and in the process of swapping a 2zz-ge w/ 6speed. I go in two hours early to work on the engine at the toyota dealer I work at. New gaskets, seals, cams, plugs, coils, in the process of stroking it. Gonna be a beast. Wanna keep my LE stock looking on the outside but gut a lot of the interior to make it lighter.

[@jamesyoung5610]

@@yaboykris2118 give it the s trim. It'll still look normal but not as boring

[@azbavenger24]

Jordan was baked

[@TurboA41986]

His name is George. You must be baked too.

[@MegaSamadam]

+Sensi Starr lmfao

[@azbavenger24]

+Sensi Starr lol I could've swore Matt said Jordan when he asked him if he was having a good time... I had just woke up though so idk

[@ionianfalcon]

Sensi Starr Looks like everyone is baked over here lmao

[@theyingyangdogs2446]

ya

[@jebbush8491]

Honestly one of the best 4-cylinder exhaust ever

[@tonypate9174]

Give your ears a treat try on You Tube RALLY ISLE OF MAN 2015 lots of older 1970's stuff mixed in

[@dln.sweeney]

That's all intake.

[@Gjeebs]

Wow! Didn't know you were a car guy Jeb!

[@ambassadorofcorruption3276]

w bush

[@2jsanc681]

Jeb Bush *best inline 4 sounding ive heard in my op. I like flat 4s a tad more

[@luqmanbaig2504]

Every giggle = +5hp. haha

[@fatman1288]

yes lmao!

[@nickflic3]

+Connar Downes " yup! lololololol"

[@bullsfan2021]

smiles per gallon :D

[@Hardcaslte]

1 Like = 5 Giggles 1 Subscribe = LSD Giggles

[@INumba1Stunna]

If that were so, this man would be pushing like 600 wheel lol.

[@JonDaddy82]

Had an 06, loved it. Ran 14.7 @ 97 with in Injen intake and a weld-in Magnaflow muffler. Lowered on Tein S-Techs the day I bought it and it rode great with stock shocks all the way till I sold it years later with 100K+ miles on the clock. Would oversteer nicely on 17" Scion Tc wheels with a Progress rear swaybar. From a roll it was actually pretty effective, I beat several 350Z's/G35's/S2000's even though they where the faster cars on paper. With a GReddy Speed Cut controller to eliminate the factory governor it topped out at 144 MPH on GPS, not bad for a Corolla!

[@Dicer328]

This is an instant favorite. James May always said that it is more fun to drive a slower car near the limit than a supercar at 50%. George was nothing but smiles.

[@WelshyAutomotive]

Definitely one of the best One Takes ever.

[@atthelord]

This video single handedly shows how Matt is a real car guy! A lot a people beat on slower cars for not being fun enough, but a real car guy appreciates all rides. The owner enjoys his car and that's what really matters :) Great video bro!

[@cxbra]

This video makes me a PROUD XRS owner! I got my Matrix XRS to be different, but still keep a tuner "soul" to the car. It certainly IS in fact, different. Every chic that see's it wants to have sex with my Matrix, but not with me necessarily. Car guys who know what it is love it, and you do get a couple of cool points from the ladies by driving something so "cute". I have an '03 XRS with where the lift comes on at 6200rpm, its a WORLD of difference from the 6800 lift. I get to surprise a lot of people on freeway onramps also with its cornering prowess. 2ZZ-GE power baby! Thanks Matt for showing the XRS some love.

[@Broadback3504]

Miss my '04 Matrix. Fun car. Sold it for Is300 Sportcross.

[@drgonzo767]

Man, if your drive is the commute there is nothing better than owning all on the ramp. That is one thing I loved about my Mazda3s hatch.

[@cxbra]

Ooooh, nice trade up! I really want an IS300 with a manual trans.. I wont even need turbo, just NA 2JZ love :). I almost got a SC300 manual, but they were in very bad shape for the price they were asking.. I really want a S2000 next, but im 30 and planning kids in the future. Maybe if I kept the XRS as the family ride and the S2000 as a weekend/track car!

[@JAVIERFSG3]

I am soon going to buy a Corolla XRS, where I live almost nobody knows about these. I am so hyped, I always wanted one since I discovered their existence.

[@joeycbn]

i own an '03 matrix xrs and my car is awesome!!! so much fun :)

[@marktolsma8816]

I've always had a soft spot for the 2zz engine, and that's why I clicked on this One Take. I was pleasantly surprised to also see how happy this owner is. Whether this dude is ripped out of his mind, or just nervous, it's very entertaining and brought a smile to my face. Keep being you, George!

[@alduarte8242]

This young blood is a genuine speed freak at heart. He is not just another know it all and no fun?! He is always speed high that's all! Bless His heart!

[@sasajungic89]

That 2zz engine is a masterpiece. Damn I miss mine!

[@Broadback3504]

Same here bud.

[@leodoingthings1706]

*oil leak*

[@bliglum]

Great motor, but I think if falls a bit short of a masterpiece.. The VVTL-i kicked in too late, even when you shift at redline it falls out of the cam. Not ideal.

[@sasajungic89]

it didn't on euro corolla. Gears were a lot closer

[@bliglum]

sasajungic89 I guess we Americans got the shaft again then.. Because I've driven both the A-spec Celica GTS, and the Lotus Elise, and both would fall off the cam when shifted at redline.

[@RoadandTract]

Now THAT is a sleeper! And it's a whole lot better than the Corollas today. They sure don't make them like they used to. I blame Uber.

[@TheBlueCorolla]

New Car Spin yeah sadly the Corolla is dying, in Europe it's been replaced by the Auris, in Europe though our performance Corolla was the hatchback e12 badged Corolla T-Sport and produced 192bhp with the 2zz-ge vvtl-i, there is a glimmer of hope though with Gazoo Racing and the new Auris/corolla im

[@camperpro482]

@new car spin cool story bro.

[@camperpro482]

@new car spin wrong. You're comparing the vvtl (xrs) version with regular corollas (today). Maybe you should wait for a new XRS version then compare.

[@G.Bfit.93]

Engine of the Elise/Celica GTS.

[@G.Bfit.93]

@@TheBlueCorolla Nope none Toyota went the turbo route yuck

[@ChaosphereIX]

Well it is a Corolla. Possibly one of the most boring cars ever. However, good on the owner for knowing what he has, but having fun anyways [while resisting going all ricer on it]. He can reliably beat on the car all day and drive it like he stole it. Slow car driven fast is better than fast car driven slow. Plus, it sounds better than a Honda - Elise motor FTW. Cars like this are what makes Matt's channel so awesome - everyday Joe's and their pride and joy for the world to see.

[@mrhookups]

Well Said..

[@nickamarit]

Didn't look boring to me one bit.

[@MrJonathanlopez100]

Sounds better then VTEC? :0

[@ChaosphereIX]

Blue Euphoria to me, yes. The audio of this video really impressed. But that is just a worthless opinion of this nobody.

[@rhys99hunter]

It's not an Elise motor , it's a Yamaha/toyota engine which happens to be used in the Elise.

[@chrisdooley6468]

I really smiled at this one. Kid loves his car - I'm convinced that it'd be fun too. Sounds good as well. Really enjoy the different levels of cars :)

[@matthewmontgomery31]

George is the kind of wing man that would choose the fatty girl for you and still will be smiling at the end of the night...We need more guys like George...

[@mdd47]

Love that this dude shows up in a Corolla with nothing but an intake and exhaust and they both end up giggling like little girls with how much fun they're having. XRS has to be one of the best sleeper cars out there now.

[@GT-gt4bf]

Tune that girl and that Yamaha power really wakes up.

[@guthrie1181]

+crutksdub If you tuned the GTI, (for fairness) it would eat the xrs. It would make more hp and a shit ton more torque.

[@fireinoureyes]

+crutksdub and at the end of the day he still has one of the ugliest sedans ever made lol.

[@tomelliott9]

It doesn't at all lol. On Corolla Club, people have spent thousands on UK spec 2ZZs with 190 bhp. You can gain like maybe 10 bhp with a full NA build.

[@Patrick94GSR]

Have to agree on the ugly... we just got rid of a 96 'Rolla (finally) which was boring as hell, but the early 2000's cars are even worse. The newest models with the LED headlights look decent. But of course there's no fun engine/gearbox combo on the newer ones.

[@cmendoza1094]

Would it be better suited for a turbo application. I'm finding it difficult to understand the overall goal In factory tuning of this engine

[@vincentlau8876]

His giddiness is infectious! We need more peeps like this owner.

[@gooby8329]

I autocross my stock 2002 corolla. The fact that the xrs is Matt approved, I'm going to get one.

[@kylenewberry8598]

Be aware that only the 05 corolla xrs had this engine. The following years they just put a normal boring camry engine in I believe.

[@kylenewberry8598]

***** unfortunately not the v6, only the base i-4. I don't know if they shared the i-4 or not, but a very lame economy engine vs the high rev. 2zzge.

[@74sickness]

05 and 06 only had the 2zz i have an 06 corolla xrs its great fun

[@zerogravityindicator]

you really should just look into 2zz swapping your 8thgen. its lighter than the 9th gen. or get a MR-S with a 2zz swap.

[@gooby8329]

the suspension and brakes are garbage in the 8th gen, that's the main reason I would get an XRS

[@vigysmalls]

On a scale from 1-George, how high is George?

[@why3011]

yes.

[@zeeDeveel523]

blue.

[@mazda_miata_]

vigysmalls I'm going to guess cantaloupe.

[@Nycmade_]

Beat comment here hands down lmaoooooooo

[@madpistol]

At least a George on the George-scale.

[@darek4488]

I think I need a sticker "The world is my autocrossing"

[@Hardcaslte]

Easily one of the best episodes on here, you guys were crazy driving around together.

[@antoinepageau8336]

These types of reviews are what make this channel so good. And Toyota desperately needs the attention.

[@AaronHendu]

I've been keeping my eye on a 2ZZ-FE and 6-speed swap for my 2400 lb 1999 Corolla...basically what everyone used to do with Acura Integra...high revving 180 HP engine swap in light chassis.

[@thegrossmaster]

At first I thought the owner was high, but then I realized he's just a happy dude. At that point his laughter became contagious and I started giggling along with him! Sometimes, even with the hottest car, a dull guest just kills the mood. That one was really fun to watch, lmfao :)

[@Alltracavenger]

Awesome video. I spent a few months finding an XRS and was very happy to get one for a decent price. It's been a great daily and definitely fun in the twisties.

[@cloudk2088]

So basically a Lotus :P

[@detective3728]

Eh nooo?

[@47enth]

Marty no

[@detective3728]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@kagent1270]

What's basically a Lotus is the MR2 spyder with the 2zz swap. It is one hell of a car to drive when swapped with the 2ZZ and C60 6-speed transmission

[@Theogrn]

not a lotus but a pretty tough little car that most people are unaware of with some additional credibility given its engine relation to lotus

[@LasseSkjttHansen]

This was amazing! Just seeing how much fun George was having and the VVTLi actually sounds really great! This is what makes this channel stand out.

[@cobra454tim]

This car was waayy under the radar for years, glad Matt has uncovered it....

[@JustaHarvest]

The suspension is actually a McPherson strut suspension, with stiffer, lower springs, and an updated sway bar from the factory. What makes the car so stable during tight cornering is a mechanically dampening upper strut brace that looks like a brace with a shock absorber in it, but it actually has a series of tubes and a spring in the brace to control understeer and torque steer. Corollas can be real sleepers. I have a 91 ae92 corolla with a tuned blacktop 20 valve and suspension work, and I've out corner C7 Corvettes, M3's, M5's, Audi quatro's, etc... The best part is that they never expect it

[@JimS870]

I used to own that exact model car, except black. I have a 435 horsepower Mustang now but still that car was up there with extremely fun to drive. You could use the power and it sounded great. It was just so much fun. I want to correct George on a couple of things. 1st, they made more than 2500. They made around 5000 for 2005, and more for 2006, and then discontinued the 2ZZ GE XRS due to poor sales. Some changes from the regular Corolla S, for like 1500 bucks more you got: Lowered 1/2" from factory, strut brace, 2ZZ GE and 6 speed manual, rear disc brakes, suspension upgrades, cable throttle (no drive by wire), summer tires, tuned steering column, and even more.

[@74sickness]

i own an 06 corolla xrs and they only made about 6600 over the 2 years but the matrix there were about 50k made over the 4 years, super rare the corollas and im glad i got one lol

[@ezequieldelaluz9629]

I still have my Black 06 XRS. Its held up really well. No body damage, just dings from assholes at public parking lots and some clear coat wear. Sad part, is that it is sitting in my side driveway neglected. The last work I did on it was replace the front struts and ball joints and the belt tensioner and belt, and made it smog legal again. I'm really debating selling it, as my main focus now is on my current Civic Si. My obstacle for selling it is: regret.

[@roochiecooch]

I have an 06 base model in stick. I've daydreamed about this engine in there haha but even just having stick and lots of local back roads is a lot of fun.

[@jay6811]

I like the owner of the car. Totally enjoying himself.

[@enigmaPL]

This does actually sound really nice. It's the sound you want from a 4 cylinder if you have one. Almost reminds me of the old AE86 Corollas in sound. It's a shame they turned these into FWD cars, but these days FWD have been so figured out, you can still make them good and handle. Lowered a little bit with some nice rims and a darker color and it would be dope.

[@2zzlow]

So many comments about VVTI and VVTLI Love the video, guy is laughing uncontrollably...Its a really under rated Corolla.

[@JoeTaco83]

Back in 04 this was my First brand new car. An 2005 XRS model in blue. Was so much fun. The best part was that Nobody expected to be beat by a Corolla. Specially a buddy I had in high school. He had an 04 Civic Si hatch. And by coincidence I bumped into him on a red light. He looked at me and laughed that I was on a “Corolla” but little did he know. This car did not Disappoint me that day.

[@mosthated8186]

Dry lips unstoppable laughing memory loss. Yea he's baked. Lol

[@usergonemad]

Possibly the best owner yet. Didn't know too much about his own car but was so happy to share it that it really made the episode fun.

[@Indawoodsvt]

How much would a Corolla or Matrix XRS cost these days? The exhaust sounds great. It doesn't sound like a Honda fart. It sounds good, kinda smooth.

[@TypeVertigo]

Borla certainly did a good number on this particular XRS' exhaust. Not reedy and high pitched, just a solid throaty wail, just enough to let you know the motor's hitting the high notes

[@jpantojaramos]

I got my 04 matrix xrs with 124,000 for $2800,,, but it needed some work.

[@JTube571]

+Andy Marshall it was raspy because there was no resonator. I always wonder why people run exhausts without resonators when it's not restricting flow.

[@FD36]

+Andy Marshall the magnaflow sounds awesome with out the resonator.

[@kbalbas98]

This sounds VERY similar to a K20. The key for both is to avoid shitty exhausts. Let the induction noise do the talking.

[@jasonmormando2570]

The genius of the XRS/GT lines were that they were true sleepers thanks to the 'meh' bodies but kick-ass 2ZZ VVTL-i engines, solid transmissions and awesome communication/handling from steering wheel. Kudos to George!

[@Kenneth1350]

The 2zz-ge if it was a popular engine it would be eating K-series for dinner but not much companies out there support it. 😥😥

[@azbavenger24]

that's why people swap then for k series...

[@tropikal-1747]

yeah.... k series > 2zzwhogivesashit.

[@boomtastic1]

hahahha nice try bro

[@nickamarit]

I guess, if we're strictly talking NA, then the quote "there's no replacement for displacement" applies. Which is probably why the K-series beats the ZZ-series.

[@jamescastaneda4358]

k motors they will never last like a bulletproof 2zz with real lift instead of an extra lobe for more oil pressure like the K motors. Shit this is the lotus elise engine in a fuckin corolla. I wouldn't compare it to Honda as that brand is very affordable. 2zz power all the way.

[@tuopinionno]

My mom had one of those she was flying in that car all the time, the first time I drove it it gives you a huge confidence to corner it fast.

[@carsaregood911]

The only Corolla I would happily drive

[@YouNoob269]

ae86?

[@carsaregood911]

/╲/\╭( ͡° ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° ͡°)╮/\╱\ True that too, but was referring to the FWD econoboxes that they have become.

[@DAT810]

What about an ae101 or ae111 with the 20v engine?

[@carsaregood911]

I like AE101s when they're done up properly

[@justrotate9103]

what about an 86?

[@avancalledrupert5130]

I don't care what anyone says carolla is the best car in its class no mater what year you are talking about. Small but not cramped. Light but well made . Quick enough to have fun but completely and totally reliable and cheap to maintain.

[@raymondnewbill2748]

I can't believe how badly I want to drive one of these now!!! It just sounds so Damn good. The proof that it's a cool car, for some reason everyone in the comments likes it!!! Yet we all hate Corollas lol

[@surfordie82]

For a car with super simple Macpherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle, it is amazing how well these cars go around turns.

[@UltimateCARNUT]

wow i didnt know this corolla existed

[@Abdul-ms7vo]

Me too until last year

[@bobhope4288]

They made 2 generations of the XRS, this was the first gen. The 2nd gen was more watered down though, they just stuck the camry's 2.5 4cyl in it and called it a day.

[@Bitoy004]

They made 2 versions of the XRS corolla 170 hp with is the sedan and the Matrix 180 with 4 disc brake and trd suspension (aka bilstein)that is a 4 door hatch.

[@UltimateCARNUT]

That makes sense now... I once drove a Vibe GT 6 speed and I remember thinking.... this is pretty sweet.

[@MikeBeazy]

not gonna lie, when that climbed the cam i was NOT expecting such a great melodic sound. great little engine in an infinitely practical car, good for this guy for real.

[@gmaxsc]

Matt: "you are enjoying yourself over there arent ya!" "Ha ha he he yeah!"

[@himynameisbrianw]

Lmfao what a laugh, the fuck my wife part was hilarious

[@TheInfamousHotRodFarm]

You ever do Autocross?? "the world is my Autocross"... 🙌

[@mattmopar440]

I have a XRS matrix as my daily tons of fun and gets 30+ mpg

[@chrisjames5839]

My best friend has the "plain" XR without the S, I gotta say, It's huge fun for a tiny Toyota. Not as fun as my Accord, but still great :)

[@javirt6749]

What part of a a matrix is small lol its huge

[@mattmopar440]

yea thats the best part compared to my friends honda Fit its small Matrix is perfect for roadtrips

[@domtoretto3280]

and then a blown motor.

[@OfLefty]

+Victor rotciV Huge? it's 2800lbs.

[@Kupkaked]

I enjoyed this as much as the owner enjoyed Matt hooning his car!

[@JONNYGEEKMANG]

The owner is geeking! I've gotta let a friend drive my car sometime that I trust!!! Haha

[@theejoeylee]

This guy is GREAT.

[@philipjames3526]

George. You are a top bloke! What a video. I used to own a celica with the similar engine. And never did I have as much fun. Top video

[@MustangManV8]

Happiest dude on the planet.

[@604G1K]

I had a celica gts long time ago. That 2zz engine is a lot of fun. The power from the "lift" at 6800rpm is pure bliss, especially at 3rd gear.

[@clintnaik]

In South Africa we had a Corolla hatch called a RunX RSi that had this engine at 190hp. It's a bit of a cult car now.

[@detective3728]

yES, its the same as the Euro version called Corolla T-Sport 192.

[@TypeVertigo]

Sort of a rare car outside yours and other European markets. Which is a shame, because the 2ZZ-GE was one of Toyota's best engines from the 2000s. It never really got the following I think it deserved because it was on the receiving end of some strange marketing decisions.

[@clintnaik]

+TypeVertigo still not as cool as my 2000 Corolla rxi (blacktop 20v 4age 9000rpm) not fast, but a lot of fun! Individual throttles and vvt made it pretty awesome!

[@trendkill777]

Same as the corolla sportivo in Australia....190hp/141kw. Much prefer the lift coming in right after 6k than nearly 7k.

[@Pynoxim1]

I still secretly want to own one, but you know how everyone tries to race everyone here when they see they have some sort of 'performance' based vehicle

[@JustAnotherHo]

When your having that much fun, it doesn't matter what you are driving. With that said, it's a pretty fun car. Too bad Toyota has joined the other Japanese companies with a bunch of CVTs and more and more boring cars.

[@PistNRods]

Waaat this thing sounds amazing. 😆

[@carloscrod_]

Just bought a black 2006 xrs for a steal $3900 in California. It’s my new daily car. I don’t think I’ll ever let go of this gem. It’s a tight handling, lightweight, and fun little car. Keeping it stock and all motor.

[@carloscrod_]

Also bought the car with 143,000 miles.

[@Eddie820]

I wish we had a camera showing what George was seeing, cause i'm sure it's nothing like what Matt is showing us. Cause George was on cloud 9!

[@AzuraiAeon]

This owner made my day. Looks like he really enjoys his car. Kudos.

[@baron1c]

McPherson struts. Toyohashi are so underrated. I love em. On paper civic are better but I am a Toyota fan

[@baron1c]

Wow. Weird autocorrect stuff...

[@mmorzan]

and a beam in the rear, that's why it likes to oversteer as george said

[@nezerac]

I agree and so does BMW. Their Z cars are all mcpherson and honestly every civic I drove seems like they were more prone to skid or lock up the fronts vs the focus and focus svt.

[@uneducatedgrub]

"This video also features, George, probably our most enthusiastic owner ever." LOL. I was waiting for this video for SO long, it's so great to see an owner enjoy riding shotgun in his own car more than the person actually driving! This car really does have an odd effect on it's owners. I'm just as giggly as George when I take mine for a drive. I'm so glad this video was released. This hidden gem needs far more awareness and this channel is the perfect way to accomplish that! Also: 1) George is correct about the MWR bushings (MWR = monkey wrench racing) for his shifter. They have great parts for lotus/toyota 1ZZ or 2ZZ applications. 2) George if you read this.... get an aftermarket ECU in order to lower VVTL-i it's worth its weight in gold AND replace your intake for an Injen CAI. It really opens up this car's top end where the max horsepower is made! Great videooooooooooooo!

[@youngjack5621]

''you have brembo brakes on this'' lol ''yep''....''really'' ..''yep'' ....lmao ahaha , this episode was hillarious !!

[@colejoseph5454]

Still my Favourite OneTake to this day.

[@Raytarded66]

I thoroughly enjoyed this

[@Broadback3504]

I had an `04 Matrix XRS. What a fun car. Totally unassuming, complete sleeper. This thing had nothing low-end. But get it on the Freeway, Bam! I still remember the guy's face in the Hemi Charger I pulled on. Great car.

[@BMWe-oz9wk]

I found one of these for 2,300 on Craigslist with only 150k miles .. I’m for sure picking it up now !

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

Ur gay

[@kylewoodhall4666]

Bmw M3 e46 ^^ woah you two guys have totally different car taste...

[@feeblemind]

you know this guys never been over 60mph before and he was having time of his life in this video haha i love it. we need more beaters like this.

[@corruptqc8334]

Made me love my corolla even more

[@cgeetaryan]

This guy is one of the most appreciative of a car, objectively.

[@avii5429]

I'll be honest, this is what I really expected from these One Takes, more everyday, 'real' cars. Watching this kid, reminded me of myself and my crappy old Nissan Almera W/QG18, those cars are the best because they're the car that first shows you how freeing it is to have a car at all. Plus, maybe it's different in the states where you have more space and more cars, but where I'm from, the roads are tight and technical mostly, and a small power FWD 'Everyday economic box' is one of the best vehicles for it. Keep your foot planted and hope for the best!

[@creightonvickers751]

The owner thoroughly enjoyed Matt reviewing his car. Pretty cool. The guy is having fun and not all nervous and stuffy like some owners on some One Takes.

[@Forgan_Mreeman]

i would love to have a corolla xrs as my project car. so simple and clean.

[@simplistek]

i'll sell you mine. $3k. '06, 247k highway miles. needs some tlc but it has been super reliable and still a blast to drive.

[@Forgan_Mreeman]

Elgene Crescini you want $3k for a car with more miles on it than the average distance to the moon? i'll give you $300

[@simplistek]

lol, believe it or not, kbb still values the car at that value.

[@jacobt1027]

Forgan Mreeman Bro these cars are super rare

[@cameronlovesevolve]

i had the pleasure of driving a friends 06 XRS for a week last year. what an awsome car! its not your grandmas corolla, and goodness yes youve gotta ride it to have some fun. Glad you got to take one for a drive Matt!!

[@adiCT0316]

“The world is my autocross.” - George

[@Brownalicious]

I love the amount of giggles this guy has.. I love it! The Corolla sounds awesome too

[@picklejay7822]

Manual anything is fun to drive imo.

[@SubieSean]

I love how much he enjoyed himself, good for you George!