A small car has a harder time managing ride quality than a larger car,in part because the wheelbase is comparatively short. Annoyingly, a shorter-wheelbase
car may do a rocking-horse thing over road imperfections that a larger
car would just absorb.
Corolla's 97-inch wheelbase is long enough, and its suspension so well-tuned,
that it offers the ride quality of a much larger, more expensive automobile,
which can be said for the Geo Prizm as well. The ride quality is impressively
comfortable without descending into floaty or uncontrolled motions. Steering
is crisp and linear, adding to confidence behind the wheel.
This is a relatively quiet car, too, as we found during the long road
trip. The bonus of a quieter car is reduced fatigue for the driver and
an atmosphere obviously more conducive to conversation.
Some small cars can be a chore to drive if they're more work than fun.
Not so here. Although the Corolla and Prizm aren't in the same horsepower
league as the Neons, they're surprisingly agile and enthusiastic performers,