Toyota Corolla 2009

Toyota Corolla 2009: Toyota's upgraded Corolla is a little bit like the healthy-fare section of a restaurant food selection: Theoretically, its qualities should attract plenty of left-brained buyers, but like the overcooked tilapia you're constantly stuck forking through, its general allure is missing out on something. If small sedans drew only on sensible perceptiveness, this Corolla can have risen to the top-- and, undoubtedly, with increasing gas rates, it still might. Considered that today's ideal small cars and trucks handle to stimulate both sides of the brain, however, Toyota's latest entry underwhelms.

The Corolla can be found in Criterion, LE as well as XLE trim levels; most include a transmission. Click on this link to see a comparison with the 2008 model. A sportier version is provided in S or XRS trims, while the redesigned Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe function as hatchback spin-offs. I drove a Corolla XLE.


Toyota Corolla 2009


Just how it Actions

Many trim levels, consisting of the one I drove, have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. As I've typically located to be the norm among compact cars and trucks, the Corolla's accelerator reacts with a light touch, providing the engine an eager sensation around community. Highway velocity is less energetic, where the Corolla's four-speed automatic comes to be something of a responsibility, specifically if you're lugging travelers. Prompting the transmission to kick down from fourth to 3rd takes a concerted prod on the gas, and also speeding up from 30 to 50 miles per hour in some cases requires second equipment-- as well as a fair bit of engine sound-- to get 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 its drivetrain really feels decidedly extra approximately the task of high-speed passing away.

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

Though I really did not drive the Corolla XRS, I have actually driven that engine in the brand-new Matrix, and it's an incredibly versatile powertrain. Its mileage charge is significant, though: In the Corolla it returns 22/29 mpg (city/highway) with a stick or 22/30 with an automated, compared with 27/35 mpg with the 1.8-liter engine as well as either transmission. The mileage figures for the base engine are specifically remarkable:

Anti-skid brakes are basic, though all trims yet the XRS have low-tech drum brakes in back. The pedal in my examination auto appeared a little bit mushy, specifically compared with the braking action 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 located in one circumstances that ABS started prematurely and resulted in a distressing side stumble as the vehicle came to a stop.

Suspension hardware includes an independent front and semi-independent, torsion beam back-- again, substandard to competitors with four-wheel-independent suspensions. (Particular Matrixes have an independent rear suspension, yet even the Corolla XRS sticks to the torsion beam; a Toyota spokesperson said that's due to the fact that the Matrix is a naturally sportier cars and truck.) Freeway ride high quality serves, with limited wind as well as road noise, yet otherwise the Corolla conveys a careless driving experience. Strike an expansion joint while rounding an offramp, and also the wheels vibrate laterally dramatically. The steering wheel has a comfy on-center feeling, however it turns with a numb, remote feel, and also tough corners evoke plenty of body roll.

The Civic and Lancer, which both have four-wheel-independent suspensions, seem a lot more accurate in all three concerns. The Corolla XRS might prove sharper, too-- it has a quicker guiding ratio and also a suspension-stiffening strut-tower support, so if you're looking for better handling, it's possibly worth having a look at. Note that the XRS has a disappointing 36.3-foot transforming circle, while various other trims make it in 35.6 feet. The last number is affordable with the Civic and Sentra, though it sheds to the Elantra (33.9 feet) and Lancer (32.8 ).

Exactly how it Looks

The Corolla's newest expression, which Toyota claims it created with the help of layout studios in Italy, appears much more aggressive than that of the Japanese-market Corolla. Triangular fronts lights as well as an impression in the grille for Toyota's logo design make it much like the larger Camry, while the tail recalls the outward bound Corolla's. It's an organized look that takes couple of threats, as well as I question it will certainly discover many fans or critics.

Tires variety from 15 to 17 inches in diameter. The Corolla S and XRS include fog lights, bumper extensions and also a rear spoiler, raising the styling mercury to someplace around that of the body-kitted Camry SE. You can make a decision whether that's an advantage.

The Inside

For the most part, the Corolla's cabin seems affably tidy-- the two-tone dash in my test cars and truck had consistent, otherwise exceptional, high quality, as well as everything from the facility regulates to the evaluates seemed tailored for simple use. The turn indicator and also window buttons operate with exactly fitted motions, and also though a lot of plastics are hard to the touch, overall fit and surface is reputable. Storage locations are plentiful, with two stacked glove areas, an enough facility console as well as little pockets flanking the center controls.

I'm not exactly sure mere cleanliness cuts it, however. The Civic's cabin boosts control accuracy to another world-- the Corolla's AIR CONDITIONER dials really feel awkward in comparison-- as well as the Elantra flaunts soft-touch products and also high end amenities. The Lancer and Focus go for broke with indoor styling. Caught in the crossfire, the Corolla appears typical-- dumbed-down, even-- and that might not be an area Toyota can afford to be.

Front-seat headroom suffices, though my examination automobile had no moonroof, which would certainly take away regarding an inch of overhead area. The cloth seats were the subject of much argument at Cars.com: I discovered the furniture comfy and well groomed, however editors Mike Hanley and David Thomas believed it was dated and low-grade. The vehicle driver's seat modifications won little favor-- a height-adjustment jack is basic, however the seat has limited rear motion for taller chauffeurs.

Possibly that's a good idea; if the pole positions took a trip any further back, rear legroom would certainly become illogical. As it stands, legroom and clearance in back are just adequate for grownups. Kudos to Toyota for maintaining the flooring in between the back seats hump-free, which indicates a 5th guest could actually have the ability to tolerate a short trip in the facility seat there.

Trunk volume amounts to 12.3 cubic feet, which goes to the low end of this section. Here's just how indoor quantity contrasts:

Safety and security

The 2009 Corolla gained the greatest score, Great, in frontal crash tests from the Insurance policy Institute for Freeway Security. IIHS has not yet assessed the auto for side-impacts. The Corolla's 6 typical airbags consist of side-impact air bags for the front seats and also side curtain air bags for both rows. Active front head restraints and antilock brakes are additionally conventional; a number of rivals make ABDOMINAL MUSCLE optional.

Traction control as well as a digital stability system run as a $250 bundle on all trims however the XRS, where they're standard. The choice is well worth the rate, considered that several competitors reserve security control for higher trim degrees or do not offer it in any way. The outward bound Corolla charged $650 for the function. Toyota says it's set up on simply 14 percent of all '09 Corollas, however, so it might take some searching to locate one with it.

Attributes & Rates

Without the location fee, the Corolla begins at $15,250. Typical functions include a/c, power mirrors as well as a CD stereo with a complementary jack. Note that there's no iPod-specific connection like Scion, Toyota's sibling nameplate, provides.

The Corolla LE includes power home windows as well as locks, while the XLE obtains phony wood trim, backlit assesses and also keyless access-- a $245 alternative on the LE that truly ought to be typical. Both the LE as well as XLE consist of an automatic transmission. The S and also XRS sport numerous exterior add-ons, along with sportier seats and also a leather-trimmed wheel with audio controls. Both models revert to hand-operated door locks and windows, though-- especially frustrating for the XRS, which costs more than the better-equipped XLE. Power devices, warmed leather seats, a moonroof and a navigation system are optional.

Load an XRS to the hilt, as well as the sticker label shows up simply shy of $25,000. All informed, the Corolla doesn't flaunt rather as much worth for the cash as some of its rivals do. Look into exactly how a comfortably outfitted version compares:

Corolla out there

Gas gas mileage and safety credentials offer the Corolla plenty of book appeal, and if the automobile's 40-year background is any kind of indicator, the most up to date variation should prove as dependable as the dawn. Disallowing any kind of high quality snafus-- a substantial unidentified, taking into consideration the latest Camry V-6's performance history-- these elements could be enough to drive the Corolla's success.

As a portable car that appeals all fronts, however, the Corolla dissatisfies. It's the kind of choice born out of your inner sense of responsibility-- a solid choice, probably, for parents shopping for their teen motorist. The problem for Toyota is that a lot of rivals have actually handled to package book perceptiveness with engaging styling and fun-to-drive appeal. Evaluated against these opponents, the Corolla comes off as an also-ran.