I have an LE Eco Base since last october and couldn't be happier.
11 months, about 11,000 miles, lifetime average of 39 mpg (50/50) - despite break-in period and harsh winter, easily 50+mpg on highway, which is where the Valvematic engine really shine.
(They shoud put an hybrid system so city would be terrific too and actually reach what Ford falsely pretended to do with their hybrids. Maybe in the next Scion Auris [Corolla hatchback]?)
It's more than EPA estimate, and not many cars achieve that !
Of course mpg may vary considerably upon driving style (I'm rather an "easy driver", don't floor the car and coast to red lights).
A friend of mine got a regular LE and he is averaging 35 mpg.
But, again, it is hard to compare and establish that's because his model isn't an eco.
Actually, I did not chose the Eco Base for MPG but because it was the best price/equipment ratio for my needs (bare in mind that I'm from Canada and our models equipment are a little different than US).
In Canada Eco Base would cost you $700 more over our LE, deleting 16" and some color choices, but adding auto-climate and TPMS in exchange for some MPG (15”, lip spoiler + other aerodynamics and +8HP Valvematic).
[I think in US Eco base would cost you $400 more over LE to delete 16” and some color choices in exchange for some MPG (15”, lip spoiler + aerodynamics and +8HP Valvematic)].
Ride is not sporty but very composed and smooth, as the CVT. Quiet, though road noise could use some work.
Smaller 15 wheels are despised by some but they do the greatest job for comfort (lot of potholes where I live) and fuel economy.
As in any Corolla, LED headlights are great (I won't be able to go back !) and USB, bluethoot, steering wheels controls, back-up camera are a big +.
If you fancy equipment like alloys and moonroof, than you have to go upgrade.
See if the supplement to pay worth the alledge fuel economy, which will be less in the first place because of the bigger wheels (and the slightly firmer ride that come with them).
(Even if Eco upgrade models have an "eco mode" - that the Eco Base does not have - to compensate and dull the engine, they are still less efficient).
To each is own, but at the price level of an Eco upgrade I probably would have chosen Mazda3 or Impreza. But at Eco Base price level, nothing beat it in price/value/quality/equipment ratio !
Oh and yes, in winter, the heater is a bit slow - has to do with heating some mechanical components first I've read somewhere - but heated seats (mmmmm) are standard even in base Eco (again, canadian model)