2009 toyota Corolla
By
Herman Syah
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Wednesday, March 21, 2018
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2009 Toyota Corolla
The Corolla can be found in Requirement, LE and also XLE trim degrees; most include an automatic transmission. Click here to see a comparison with the 2008 model. A sportier version is used in S or XRS trims, while the redesigned Toyota Matrix as well as Pontiac Vibe act as hatchback spin-offs. I drove a Corolla XLE.
2009 Toyota Corolla
Just how it Actions
Many trim levels, including the one I drove, have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. As I have actually usually found to be the norm among small cars and trucks, the Corolla's accelerator reacts with a light touch, giving the engine an excited sensation around community. Freeway acceleration is less energetic, where the Corolla's four-speed automatic ends up being something of an obligation, especially if you're carrying passengers. Prompting the transmission to kick down from 4th to third takes a concerted prod on the gas, and also speeding up from 30 to 50 mph sometimes calls for second equipment-- and 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 also its drivetrain really feels distinctly extra approximately the job of high-speed death.
A 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers the Corolla XRS. Right here's how the two engines compare:
Though I didn't drive the Corolla XRS, I have actually driven that engine in the new Matrix, as well as it's an extremely flexible powertrain. Its gas mileage penalty is significant, though: In the Corolla it returns 22/29 mpg (city/highway) with a stick or 22/30 with an automatic, 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:
Antilock brakes are common, though all trims but the XRS have low-tech drum brakes in back. The pedal in my test vehicle appeared a little bit mushy, particularly compared to the stopping response from four-wheel-disc cars like the Hyundai Elantra or uplevel Civics. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder took the Corolla out in the rain, and he found in one circumstances that ABS kicked in too soon and also caused an upsetting side stumble as the automobile pulled up.
Suspension hardware consists of an independent front and also semi-independent, torsion light beam rear-- once more, substandard to rivals with four-wheel-independent suspensions. (Specific Matrixes have an independent back suspension, however also the Corolla XRS sticks to the torsion light beam; a Toyota spokesman said that's because the Matrix is a naturally sportier vehicle.) Highway trip quality serves, with restricted wind as well as roadway noise, however otherwise the Corolla conveys a sloppy driving experience. Strike a development joint while rounding an offramp, and also the wheels vibrate sidewards significantly. The steering wheel has a comfy on-center feel, but it transforms with a numb, remote feel, and difficult edges evoke plenty of body roll.
The Civic and Lancer, which both have four-wheel-independent suspensions, seem more precise in all 3 concerns. The Corolla XRS could confirm sharper, also-- it has a quicker steering proportion and also a suspension-stiffening strut-tower support, so if you're searching for much better handling, it's probably worth checking out. Keep in mind that the XRS has a disappointing 36.3-foot turning circle, while 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 ).
Just how it Looks
The Corolla's latest expression, which Toyota says it developed with the help of style workshops in Italy, appears more aggressive than that of the Japanese-market Corolla. Triangular headlights and an imprint in the grille for Toyota's logo make it just like the bigger Camry, while the tail remembers the outward bound Corolla's. It's an orderly appearance that takes few dangers, and also I question it will certainly locate many fans or detractors.
Tires variety from 15 to 17 inches in size. The Corolla S as well as XRS add fog lights, bumper expansions and also a rear spoiler, elevating the styling mercury to somewhere around that of the body-kitted Camry SE. You could choose whether that's a good thing.
The Within
For the most part, the Corolla's cabin seems affably clean-- the two-tone dash in my test cars and truck had constant, if not exceptional, quality, as well as every little thing from the facility regulates to the evaluates seemed tailored for straightforward usability. The directional signal and also window buttons run with specifically fitted motions, and though a lot of plastics are tough to the touch, overall fit as well as finish is decent. Storage space locations abound, with 2 piled handwear cover areas, an adequate center console as well as small pockets flanking the center controls.
I'm unsure mere tidiness suffices, nevertheless. The Civic's cabin raises control accuracy to one more realm-- the Corolla's AIR CONDITIONER dials feel awkward in comparison-- and also the Elantra boasts soft-touch products and high end facilities. The Lancer and Emphasis go for broke with indoor designing. Caught in the crossfire, the Corolla seems average-- dumbed-down, even-- which could not be an area Toyota can pay for to be.
Front-seat headroom is adequate, though my examination vehicle had no moonroof, which would certainly remove concerning an inch of overhead room. The cloth seats were the subject of much dispute at Cars.com: I found the upholstery comfy and also well groomed, but editors Mike Hanley and also David Thomas believed it was dated as well as low-grade. The chauffeur's seat modifications won little favor-- a height-adjustment jack is conventional, yet the seat has actually restricted back motion for taller drivers.
Maybe that's an advantage; if the front seats took a trip any further back, back legroom would become illogical. As it stands, legroom and also clearance in back are just appropriate for grownups. Congratulations to Toyota for maintaining the floor between the back seats hump-free, which implies a fifth guest may in fact be able to endure a short trip in the facility seat there.
Trunk volume completes 12.3 cubic feet, which is at the low end of this segment. Here's how interior volume contrasts:
Safety and security
The 2009 Corolla gained the highest possible score, Great, in frontal crash examinations from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security. IIHS has not yet evaluated the auto for side-impacts. The Corolla's 6 typical airbags include side-impact air bags for the front seats and side drape airbags for both rows. Active front head restrictions and also anti-skid brakes are additionally basic; a number of rivals make ABS optional.
Traction control and also an electronic security system run as a $250 package on all trims however the XRS, where they're standard. The alternative is well worth the price, given that many rivals get stability control for higher trim levels or don't supply it in any way. The outward bound Corolla billed $650 for the function. Toyota says it's set up on simply 14 percent of all '09 Corollas, though, so it may take some looking to discover one with it.
Attributes & Rates
Without the location fee, the Corolla starts at $15,250. Standard functions consist of air conditioning, power mirrors and also a CD stereo with a supporting jack. Keep in mind that there's no iPod-specific hookup like Heir, Toyota's sibling nameplate, supplies.
The Corolla LE includes power windows and locks, while the XLE gets fake wood trim, backlit determines and keyless entry-- a $245 option on the LE that truly ought to be conventional. Both the LE and XLE include an automatic transmission. The S and also XRS sporting activity various outside add-ons, along with sportier seats and also a leather-trimmed wheel with audio controls. Both models change to hand-operated door locks and also home windows, though-- especially frustrating for the XRS, which costs more than the better-equipped XLE. Power accessories, heated natural leather seats, a moonroof as well as a navigating system are optional.
Tons an XRS to the handle, and also the sticker turns up just timid of $25,000. All told, the Corolla doesn't boast fairly as much value for the money as a few of its rivals do. Check out just how a pleasantly outfitted model compares:
Corolla in the marketplace
Gas mileage and also security qualifications offer the Corolla a lot of textbook charm, and also if the car's 40-year history is any kind of indication, the most up to date variation must verify as reliable as the sunup. Barring any type of high quality snafus-- a considerable unknown, taking into consideration the most recent Camry V-6's performance history-- these elements could be sufficient to drive the Corolla's success.
As a portable cars and truck that appeals all fronts, however, the Corolla dissatisfies. It's the kind of option born out of your inner sense of responsibility-- a strong choice, perhaps, for parents buying their teen chauffeur. The trouble for Toyota is that a lot of competitors have actually handled to package textbook perceptiveness with engaging designing as well as fun-to-drive appeal. Evaluated against these competitors, the Corolla comes off as an also-ran.