2009 toyota Corolla for Sale

2009 Toyota Corolla For Sale: Toyota's upgraded Corolla is a bit like the healthy-fare part of a restaurant menu: Theoretically, its qualities must draw plenty of left-brained buyers, yet like the overcooked tilapia you're always stuck forking through, its general appeal is missing something. If small sedans drew only on prudent perceptiveness, this Corolla might have risen to the top-- and also, without a doubt, with climbing gas rates, it still might. Considered that today's ideal tiny autos manage to stimulate both sides of the brain, nonetheless, Toyota's most current entry underwhelms.

The Corolla can be found in Requirement, LE and also XLE trim levels; most include a transmission. Click here to see a contrast with the 2008 version. A sportier version is supplied in S or XRS trims, while the upgraded Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe function as hatchback spin-offs. I drove a Corolla XLE.


2009 Toyota Corolla For Sale


Just how it Actions

Many trim levels, including the one I drove, have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. As I've typically discovered to be the norm among portable cars and trucks, the Corolla's accelerator reacts with a light touch, giving the engine an eager sensation around town. Highway velocity is much less energised, where the Corolla's four-speed automated becomes something of a liability, particularly if you're carrying passengers. Triggering the transmission to kick below fourth to third takes a collective prod on the gas, and also accelerating from 30 to 50 miles per hour often needs second gear-- as well as quite a 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 automated, and its drivetrain really feels decidedly a lot more up to the job of high-speed passing away.

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

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

Anti-skid brakes are conventional, though all trims but the XRS have low-tech drum brakes in back. The pedal in my examination cars and truck appeared a bit mushy, especially compared to the braking feedback from four-wheel-disc autos like the Hyundai Elantra or uplevel Civics. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder took the Corolla out in the rainfall, and also he located in one circumstances that ABS kicked in prematurely and also caused a disturbing lateral stumble as the car pulled up.

Suspension equipment consists of an independent front and semi-independent, torsion beam back-- again, substandard to rivals with four-wheel-independent suspensions. (Certain Matrixes have an independent back suspension, however also the Corolla XRS sticks with the torsion light beam; a Toyota spokesman said that's due to the fact that the Matrix is a naturally sportier vehicle.) Freeway trip high quality is acceptable, with minimal wind and also roadway noise, yet otherwise the Corolla imparts a sloppy driving experience. Strike a growth joint while rounding an offramp, as well as the wheels vibrate sideways considerably. The guiding wheel has a comfy on-center feel, yet it turns with a numb, far-off feeling, as well as difficult edges generate plenty of body roll.

The Civic and Lancer, which both have four-wheel-independent suspensions, appear more exact in all 3 relates to. The Corolla XRS could confirm sharper, too-- it has a quicker guiding proportion and also a suspension-stiffening strut-tower support, so if you're looking for much better handling, it's most likely worth having a look at. Keep in mind 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 competitive with the Civic as well as Sentra, though it loses to the Elantra (33.9 feet) and Lancer (32.8 ).

Exactly how it Looks

The Corolla's latest expression, which Toyota says it developed with the help of layout studios in Italy, seems more hostile compared to that of the Japanese-market Corolla. Triangular fronts lights as well as an imprint in the grille for Toyota's logo make it just like the larger Camry, while the tail recalls the outbound Corolla's. It's an orderly look that takes few risks, and also I doubt it will find several fans or detractors.

Tires range from 15 to 17 inches in diameter. The Corolla S and XRS add haze lights, bumper expansions as well as a back spoiler, raising the styling mercury to somewhere around that of the body-kitted Camry SE. You could choose whether that's an advantage.

The In

For the most part, the Corolla's cabin seems affably tidy-- the two-tone dashboard in my examination auto had regular, if not outstanding, top quality, as well as whatever from the center controls to the evaluates appeared tailored for simple use. The turn signals as well as window switches run with precisely fitted motions, and also though many plastics are tough to the touch, total fit as well as coating is commendable. Storage areas abound, with two piled glove compartments, a sufficient center console or even small pockets flanking the center controls.

I'm not sure simple tidiness suffices, nonetheless. The Civic's cabin elevates control precision to an additional realm-- the Corolla's AIR CONDITIONER dials feel clumsy in contrast-- and also the Elantra boasts soft-touch materials as well as upscale features. The Lancer and also Focus go for braked with interior styling. Caught in the crossfire, the Corolla seems average-- dumbed-down, also-- and that may not be a place Toyota can manage to be.

Front-seat headroom suffices, though my examination auto had no moonroof, which would take away regarding an inch of above area. The cloth seats were the topic of much dispute at Cars.com: I discovered the upholstery comfy and nicely brushed, yet editors Mike Hanley as well as David Thomas assumed it was dated and also low-grade. The chauffeur's seat adjustments won little support-- a height-adjustment jack is common, but the seat has restricted back activity for taller vehicle drivers.

Probably that's a good thing; if the pole positions took a trip any kind of further back, back legroom would end up being illogical. As it stands, legroom and also clearance in back are simply sufficient for grownups. Congratulations to Toyota for keeping the flooring in between the rear seats hump-free, which suggests a 5th passenger might in fact be able to endure a short journey in the facility seat there.

Trunk quantity completes 12.3 cubic feet, which goes to the reduced end of this section. Right here's exactly how interior quantity contrasts:

Security

The 2009 Corolla gained the highest possible score, Great, in frontal collision examinations from the Insurance policy Institute for Freeway Safety. IIHS has actually not yet evaluated the auto for side-impacts. The Corolla's 6 typical air bags consist of side-impact air bags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows. Active front head restrictions as well as antilock brakes are likewise conventional; a number of competitors make ABDOMINAL optional.

Grip control and an electronic security system run as a $250 package on all trims however the XRS, where they're basic. The option is well worth the cost, given that many competitors reserve stability control for higher trim degrees or do not provide it in any way. The outgoing Corolla charged $650 for the feature. Toyota states it's set up on simply 14 percent of all '09 Corollas, however, so it may take some looking to find one with it.

Functions & Rates

Without the location cost, the Corolla starts at $15,250. Common features include air conditioning, power mirrors and also a CD stereo with a complementary jack. Note that there's no iPod-specific hookup like Scion, Toyota's sibling nameplate, offers.

The Corolla LE includes power windows and also locks, while the XLE obtains fake wood trim, backlit determines and also keyless entrance-- a $245 choice on the LE that truly should be standard. Both the LE and XLE consist of an automatic transmission. The S and XRS sporting activity numerous exterior attachments, in addition to sportier seats and also a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls. Both designs change to manual door locks and windows, though-- particularly unsatisfactory for the XRS, which sets you back greater than the better-equipped XLE. Power accessories, warmed leather seats, a moonroof and a navigation system are optional.

Tons an XRS to the handle, as well as the sticker label turns up just shy of $25,000. All informed, the Corolla doesn't boast fairly as much value for the cash as a few of its rivals do. Take a look at exactly how a pleasantly geared up design compares:

Corolla in the Market

Gas gas mileage and also security qualifications offer the Corolla plenty of book allure, as well as if the car's 40-year history is any indicator, the current version ought to show as reputable as the daybreak. Disallowing any type of top quality snafus-- a significant unknown, taking into consideration the most recent Camry V-6's record-- these variables could be sufficient to drive the Corolla's success.

As a portable car that hits on all fronts, however, the Corolla disappoints. It's the sort of choice born out of your inner sense of responsibility-- a solid pick, maybe, for moms and dads looking for their teen driver. The trouble for Toyota is that a lot of competitors have taken care of to package textbook sensibilities with engaging styling as well as fun-to-drive allure. Judged versus these rivals, the Corolla comes off as an also-ran.