2009 toyota Corolla S

2009 Toyota Corolla S: Toyota's upgraded Corolla is a little bit like the healthy-fare section of a dining establishment food selection: On paper, its qualities should draw a lot of left-brained buyers, yet like the overcooked tilapia you're constantly stuck forking with, its general charm is missing out on something. If small cars drew just on sensible sensibilities, this Corolla might have risen to the top-- and, without a doubt, with rising gas prices, it still might. Given that today's finest tiny cars and trucks handle to stimulate both sides of the mind, however, Toyota's latest access underwhelms.

The Corolla is available in Criterion, LE and also XLE trim degrees; most include a transmission. Visit this site to see a comparison with the 2008 design. A sportier variation is offered in S or XRS trims, while the redesigned Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Ambiance function as hatchback offshoots. I drove a Corolla XLE.


2009 Toyota Corolla S


Just how it Steps

A lot of trim degrees, including the one I drove, have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. As I have actually generally located to be the standard amongst compact autos, the Corolla's accelerator reacts with a light touch, giving the engine an excited sensation around community. Highway acceleration is less energised, where the Corolla's four-speed automatic ends up being something of an obligation, especially if you're bring passengers. Motivating the transmission to kick down from fourth to third takes a collective prod on the gas, and also increasing from 30 to 50 miles per hour often requires 2nd gear-- as well as a fair bit of engine noise-- 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 automated, and its drivetrain really feels decidedly much more up to the task of high-speed passing away.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers the Corolla XRS. Here's just how the two 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 a remarkably versatile powertrain. Its mileage fine is substantial, though: In the Corolla it returns 22/29 mpg (city/highway) with a stick or 22/30 with an automated, 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 specifically remarkable:

Antilock brakes are basic, though all trims however the XRS have low-tech drum brakes in back. The pedal in my test vehicle appeared a little bit mushy, particularly compared with the braking feedback from four-wheel-disc cars like the Hyundai Elantra or uplevel Civics. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder took the Corolla out in the rain, and also he discovered in one circumstances that ABS started too soon and led to an unsettling lateral stumble as the automobile pulled up.

Suspension hardware includes an independent front and semi-independent, torsion beam rear-- once again, inferior to competitors with four-wheel-independent suspensions. (Certain Matrixes have an independent back suspension, yet also the Corolla XRS sticks to the torsion beam of light; a Toyota spokesman claimed that's due to the fact that the Matrix is an inherently sportier cars and truck.) Highway flight top quality is acceptable, with minimal wind and roadway sound, yet or else the Corolla imparts a careless driving experience. Hit a growth joint while rounding an offramp, as well as the wheels shimmy laterally dramatically. The steering wheel has a comfortable on-center feel, however it turns with a numb, distant feeling, as well as tough edges elicit a lot of body roll.

The Civic and also Lancer, which both have four-wheel-independent suspensions, seem much more accurate in all 3 regards. The Corolla XRS could verify sharper, also-- it has a quicker guiding ratio and also a suspension-stiffening strut-tower brace, so if you're looking for much better handling, it's most likely worth looking into. Keep in mind that the XRS has a frustrating 36.3-foot turning 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 sheds to the Elantra (33.9 feet) and Lancer (32.8 ).

Exactly how it Looks

The Corolla's latest expression, which Toyota claims it created with the help of design workshops in Italy, appears more hostile than that of the Japanese-market Corolla. Triangular headlights as well as an indentation in the grille for Toyota's logo make it much like the larger Camry, while the tail remembers the outgoing Corolla's. It's an orderly appearance that takes few risks, and also I doubt it will discover numerous fans or critics.

Tires variety from 15 to 17 inches in size. The Corolla S and also XRS add fog lights, bumper extensions as well as a rear spoiler, increasing the styling mercury to somewhere around that of the body-kitted Camry SE. You can determine whether that's a good idea.

The Inside

Essentially, the Corolla's cabin seems affably tidy-- the two-tone dashboard in my examination cars and truck had regular, otherwise exceptional, high quality, and everything from the facility regulates to the assesses appeared tailored for simple functionality. The turn indicator and also home window switches run with precisely fitted motions, as well as though most plastics are hard to the touch, total fit and also finish is reputable. Storage areas abound, with 2 piled handwear cover compartments, an ample center console or even tiny pockets flanking the center controls.

I'm not exactly sure simple tidiness cuts it, however. The Civic's cabin boosts control accuracy to one more world-- the Corolla's AIR CONDITIONER dials feel awkward in comparison-- as well as the Elantra boasts soft-touch materials and upscale amenities. The Lancer and also Focus opt for broke with interior styling. Caught in the crossfire, the Corolla seems average-- dumbed-down, even-- and that may not be a location Toyota could afford to be.

Front-seat clearance is adequate, though my examination vehicle had no moonroof, which would certainly take away regarding an inch of overhanging space. The cloth seats were the subject of much argument at Cars.com: I discovered the upholstery comfy and nicely groomed, yet editors Mike Hanley as well as David Thomas thought it was dated as well as low-grade. The motorist's seat adjustments won little favor-- a height-adjustment jack is common, however the seat has actually restricted rear motion for taller drivers.

Maybe that's a good idea; if the front seats traveled any type of farther back, back legroom would certainly become untenable. As it stands, legroom and also headroom in back are just ample for grownups. Kudos to Toyota for maintaining the floor between the rear seats hump-free, which suggests a fifth passenger could really be able to endure a short trip in the center seat there.

Trunk volume completes 12.3 cubic feet, which is at the low end of this section. Here's exactly how indoor quantity contrasts:

Safety and security

The 2009 Corolla made the greatest rating, Good, in frontal collision examinations from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security. IIHS has not yet reviewed the auto for side-impacts. The Corolla's 6 conventional air bags include side-impact airbags for the pole positions and side curtain airbags for both rows. Energetic front head restrictions as well as antilock brakes are additionally basic; a number of competitors make ABS optional.

Traction control and also an electronic stability system run as a $250 package on all trims but the XRS, where they're basic. The alternative is well worth the cost, considered that lots of rivals get security control for greater trim levels or do not offer it whatsoever. The outbound Corolla charged $650 for the function. Toyota claims it's installed on just 14 percent of all '09 Corollas, though, so it may take some looking to find one with it.

Functions & Prices

Without the destination fee, the Corolla starts at $15,250. Typical features consist of a/c, power mirrors and a CD stereo with a supporting jack. Keep in mind that there's no iPod-specific hookup like Successor, Toyota's sibling nameplate, supplies.

The Corolla LE includes power home windows as well as locks, while the XLE gets fake wood trim, backlit evaluates as well as keyless entry-- a $245 alternative on the LE that really ought to be standard. Both the LE and XLE include a transmission. The S and also XRS sporting activity different exterior add-ons, in addition to sportier seats and also a leather-trimmed wheel with audio controls. Both models return to manual door locks and also home windows, though-- specifically unsatisfactory for the XRS, which costs more than the better-equipped XLE. Power accessories, warmed natural leather seats, a moonroof and a navigation system are optional.

Load an XRS to the hilt, and also the sticker label comes up just shy of $25,000. All told, the Corolla does not flaunt quite as much worth for the cash as several of its rivals do. Check out how an easily outfitted design compares:

Corolla on the market

Gas mileage as well as safety credentials provide the Corolla lots of book appeal, and if the car's 40-year background is any kind of indication, the most up to date variation must show as dependable as the sunup. Barring any quality snafus-- a substantial unknown, taking into consideration the current Camry V-6's performance history-- these aspects could be enough to drive the Corolla's success.

As a small auto that appeals all fronts, however, the Corolla disappoints. It's the sort of choice born out of your inner sense of responsibility-- a solid pick, probably, for moms and dads purchasing their teen chauffeur. The issue for Toyota is that a great deal of rivals have actually handled to package book sensibilities with engaging designing and fun-to-drive charm. Evaluated versus these opponents, the Corolla comes off as an also-ran.