2009 toyota Corolla S

2009 Toyota Corolla S: Toyota's upgraded Corolla is a little bit like the healthy-fare section of a restaurant food selection: On paper, its top qualities should attract a lot of left-brained buyers, however like the overcooked tilapia you're always stuck forking with, its general charm is missing out on something. If compact cars drew only on sensible sensibilities, this Corolla might have risen to the top-- as well as, undoubtedly, with climbing gas costs, it still might. Given that today's best small automobiles handle to stimulate both sides of the brain, nonetheless, Toyota's most current access underwhelms.

The Corolla can be found in Criterion, LE as well as XLE trim levels; most include a transmission. Go here to see a contrast with the 2008 model. A sportier version is offered in S or XRS trims, while the upgraded Toyota Matrix and also Pontiac Ambiance act as hatchback spin-offs. I drove a Corolla XLE.


2009 Toyota Corolla S


Exactly how it Relocations

Most trim levels, consisting of the one I drove, have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. As I've normally discovered to be the norm amongst portable autos, the Corolla's accelerator responds with a light touch, providing the engine an eager feeling around community. Highway velocity is much less energised, where the Corolla's four-speed automatic comes to be something of an obligation, especially if you're bring travelers. Motivating the transmission to kick below fourth to 3rd takes a collective prod on the gas, and also accelerating from 30 to 50 mph sometimes calls for 2nd gear-- as well as quite a bit of engine sound-- to obtain up to speed. The Honda Civic, which we had in the Cars.com fleet the week before the Corolla, has a five-speed automatic, and also its drivetrain feels distinctly extra as much as the job of high-speed passing away.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers the Corolla XRS. Below's exactly how both engines contrast:

Though I didn't drive the Corolla XRS, I have actually driven that engine in the new Matrix, and also it's an incredibly adaptable powertrain. Its mileage fine is considerable, though: In the Corolla it returns 22/29 mpg (city/highway) with a stick or 22/30 with an automatic, compared with 27/35 mpg with the 1.8-liter engine as well as either transmission. The mileage numbers for the base engine are specifically remarkable:

Antilock brakes are standard, though all trims yet the XRS have low-tech drum brakes in back. The pedal in my test car appeared a bit mushy, especially compared with the braking feedback from four-wheel-disc vehicles like the Hyundai Elantra or uplevel Civics. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder took the Corolla out in the rain, and he discovered in one instance that ABS begun prematurely as well as led to an unsettling lateral lurch as the car pulled up.

Suspension equipment consists of an independent front as well as semi-independent, torsion beam back-- once more, substandard to rivals with four-wheel-independent suspensions. (Specific Matrixes have an independent rear suspension, yet also the Corolla XRS sticks with the torsion beam of light; a Toyota representative said that's due to the fact that the Matrix is an inherently sportier cars and truck.) Freeway ride high quality is acceptable, with minimal wind and also road sound, but otherwise the Corolla imparts a sloppy driving experience. Strike an expansion joint while rounding an offramp, as well as the wheels shimmy sidewards dramatically. The guiding wheel has a comfy on-center feel, but it turns with a numb, distant feeling, as well as difficult edges evoke lots of body roll.

The Civic as well as Lancer, which both have four-wheel-independent suspensions, seem much more specific in all three relates to. The Corolla XRS might verify sharper, also-- it has a quicker steering proportion and also a suspension-stiffening strut-tower brace, so if you're seeking far better handling, it's probably worth checking out. Note that the XRS has a disappointing 36.3-foot transforming circle, while various other trims make it in 35.6 feet. The latter number is competitive with the Civic as well as Sentra, though it sheds to the Elantra (33.9 feet) as well as Lancer (32.8 ).

How it Looks

The Corolla's latest expression, which Toyota claims it established with the help of style workshops in Italy, seems a lot more hostile compared to that of the Japanese-market Corolla. Triangular headlights and also an imprint in the grille for Toyota's logo design make it similar to the bigger Camry, while the tail recalls the outgoing Corolla's. It's an orderly appearance that takes few risks, and I question it will certainly locate many followers or detractors.

Wheels variety from 15 to 17 inches in diameter. The Corolla S and also XRS add fog lights, bumper extensions and a back spoiler, increasing the styling mercury to somewhere around that of the body-kitted Camry SE. You could determine whether that's a good thing.

The Within

Generally, the Corolla's cabin appears affably tidy-- the two-tone dashboard in my test car had constant, if not superior, quality, and every little thing from the center regulates to the gauges appeared tailored for uncomplicated functionality. The turn indicator and home window buttons run with exactly fitted activities, and also though many plastics are hard to the touch, overall fit and also surface is commendable. Storage space areas are plentiful, with two piled glove compartments, an ample center console and even tiny pockets flanking the center controls.

I'm not sure plain cleanliness cuts it, nonetheless. The Civic's cabin boosts control accuracy to an additional world-- the Corolla's A/C dials feel clumsy in comparison-- and also the Elantra boasts soft-touch materials and also high end amenities. The Lancer and also Focus choose broke with interior styling. Caught in the crossfire, the Corolla seems typical-- dumbed-down, even-- which might not be a place Toyota can manage to be.

Front-seat clearance suffices, though my examination cars and truck had no moonroof, which would certainly take away about an inch of above space. The cloth seats were the topic of much dispute at Cars.com: I located the furniture comfy and also nicely groomed, however editors Mike Hanley and also David Thomas assumed it was dated and also low-grade. The chauffeur's seat changes won little favor-- a height-adjustment jack is basic, yet the seat has restricted rear motion for taller motorists.

Maybe that's a good thing; if the front seats took a trip any type of further back, back legroom would end up being untenable. As it stands, legroom as well as headroom in back are just ample for adults. Kudos to Toyota for maintaining the floor between the rear seats hump-free, which means a 5th traveler may in fact be able to tolerate a brief journey in the center seat there.

Trunk volume completes 12.3 cubic feet, which is at the low end of this section. Below's how indoor volume compares:

Safety and security

The 2009 Corolla gained the highest score, Excellent, in frontal accident tests from the Insurance Institute for Freeway Security. IIHS has actually not yet assessed the vehicle for side-impacts. The Corolla's six standard airbags consist of side-impact air bags for the pole positions and also side drape air bags for both rows. Energetic front head restrictions and also anti-skid brakes are additionally common; a number of rivals make ABS optional.

Traction control as well as a digital security system run as a $250 package on all trims however the XRS, where they're typical. The choice is well worth the price, considered that several rivals get security control for greater trim degrees or do not provide it at all. The outward bound Corolla billed $650 for the feature. Toyota states it's installed on just 14 percent of all '09 Corollas, though, so it might take some searching to locate one with it.

Features & Prices

Without the destination charge, the Corolla begins at $15,250. Typical attributes consist of air conditioning, power mirrors and a CD stereo with an auxiliary jack. Keep in mind that there's no iPod-specific hookup like Scion, Toyota's brother or sister nameplate, supplies.

The Corolla LE adds power home windows and locks, while the XLE obtains fake wood trim, backlit evaluates and also keyless access-- a $245 choice on the LE that truly ought to be basic. Both the LE and also XLE consist of a transmission. The S and also XRS sporting activity various outside add-ons, along with sportier seats and also a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls. Both designs revert to manual door locks and also home windows, though-- particularly unsatisfactory for the XRS, which sets you back greater than the better-equipped XLE. Power devices, heated leather seats, a moonroof and also a navigating system are optional.

Load an XRS to the handle, as well as the sticker shows up simply reluctant of $25,000. All informed, the Corolla doesn't boast rather as much value for the cash as several of its rivals do. Look into just how a conveniently geared up design compares:

Corolla in the marketplace

Gas gas mileage and also security qualifications offer the Corolla lots of textbook charm, as well as if the automobile's 40-year background is any sign, the current variation ought to verify as dependable as the dawn. Barring any top quality snafus-- a considerable unidentified, taking into consideration the most recent Camry V-6's track record-- these aspects could be sufficient to drive the Corolla's success.

As a small automobile that appeals all fronts, nonetheless, the Corolla disappoints. It's the type of selection substantiated of your inner sense of duty-- a solid pick, possibly, for moms and dads shopping for their teen vehicle driver. The trouble for Toyota is that a lot of competitors have managed to package textbook sensibilities with engaging styling as well as fun-to-drive charm. Evaluated against these opponents, the Corolla comes off as an also-ran.