2009 Toyota Corolla

Review

Some things just continue to get better and the Toyota Corolla is one of those things! In the automotive industry, reputations do not happen overnight - at least not good ones. Toyota is renowned for its quality and reliability with much of that good reputation sitting comfortably on the back of the industry-leading compact Corolla.

First introduced in Japan in 1968, the Corolla began its life as a stylish coupe. Since then it has been a wagon, a hatchback, a sedan, a coupe once again and then back to the wagon. Constantly evolving to fit the needs of the small car buying market, the Corolla has stood the test of time to remain the top selling vehicle in automotive history.

For 2009, Toyota unveiled the tenth-generation Corolla. This one is a little broader across the beam, allowing for greater hip and shoulder room for occupants and a stouter, more aggressive driving stance. This year's Corolla only comes in a sedan but no one be surprised if Toyota adds to the line-up again in the following years.

Models include the base, the LE, S, XLE and the sporty XRS. Although base models are well equipped, especially considering the $15,350 price tag for a stock model with the manual transmission. The base models are missing any power features however but the LE jumps in with the full accoutrement of power window and power locks at a still reasonable $16,750.

The base through XLE trim levels all come standard with the 1.8-Liter DOHC 16-valve dual independent VVT-i 4-cylinder engine that produces 132 hp at 6000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. at 4400 rpm. Fuel consumption for both the five-speed manual and the four-speed automatic comes in at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The 9.9 seconds to travel from 0 to 60 mph is slow but capable and the handling is solid and responsive. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS), power-assisted rack-and-pinion with electronic power-assist, allows the driver a solid sense of the road at both highway speeds and parking lot crawling.

The sporty XRS comes with the 2.4-Liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder engine that produces an additional 26 hp over the 1.8L and an extra 34 lb.-ft. with the 5-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with intelligence (ECT-i) transmission. The suspension has an added sport strut to tower to improve handling and keep the wheels stuck to the ground when cornering. Unlike the other models, on both the front and rear are power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes (other models have rear drum brakes).

The base, LE, S, and XLE come with an optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) with off switch while the XRS comes standard with this feature.

Inside you will find typically excellent Toyota fit and finish although there is more hard plastic paneling on the doors then you would expect to see. The flat floor for the back seat passengers adds comfort and the added width allows three adults to sit comfortably for short distances.

Options abound more then ever before with a touch screen DVD navigation with Bluetooth system available as well as leather seats, cruise control and power moonroof with sunshade.

For forty years, Toyota has continued to mold and improve the Corolla. Sales still top over 200,000 each year and no let up is in sight. Aside from the Toyota Yaris, the Corolla has the top fuel economy in non-Hybrid vehicles and as an economical yet comfortable sedan, nothing beats this automotive icon.