Several years after the less-than successful-Toyopet, Toyota was deep in the midst of a learning curve for doing business in the United States. Helped along by new offerings such as the Corona and the now-legendary Land Cruiser, Toyota went through years of trial and error, but finally gained a foothold in the market thanks in part to the ubiquitous Corolla.
For many of those Corolla buyers, an automobile has been treated as little more than an appliance. Does this “appliance” deserve the same respect accorded to the family refrigerator, or is it worthy of much more?
What is it?
The Corolla is a four-door sedan that fits four adults better than five but is all about reliable transportation. It’s the best-looking Corolla in what is the tenth generation of the line that has been manufactured since 1966.
What’s it up against?
It’s a crowded playing field for the Corolla. The very worthy opponents in this mid-size segment include the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, and Suzuki SX4. The same thing can be said of these cars: More often than not, their owners are not looking for something especially sexy: They want reliable transportation. In this case, virtually any one of the vehicles can fit the bill nicely.
Any breakthroughs?
Are you kidding me? While the higher end models of the line strut their stuff with the latest of high-tech goodies, cars like the Corolla are content to hit the ground running with proven technologies that supply great reliability and very good fuel economy, especially in this day and age of high-priced petrol. It’s kind of like Ronald Reagan’s trickle down theory, and the technology has crept downward from the Camry and Avalon, among others in the Toyota portfolio.
How does it look?
Looking like a Mini-Me version of the venerable Camry, the Corolla has gone through fits and starts that have at times looked awkward and other times handsome. We peg the current, tenth edition as belonging in the handsome club, although if “over-designed” with add-on spoilers and such, it could find itself at the head of the class in the awkward category. Think of the add-ons as the equivalent of putting refrigerator magnets all over your Frigidaire. Fortunately, the XLE tested keeps with the conservative Corolla theme.
Starting with the now common corporate grille with logo that lays over a black field, to the sloping cat-like eyes of the headlight lenses, the Corolla is absolutely brand-familiar in that it borrows many design cues from other members of the Toyota family.
A high waistline carries back and makes the greenhouse appear lower than it really is, while body colored mirrors give the appearance of a more refined vehicle than an entry level sedan that the Corolla really is. Moving around to the rear of the car is where the design of the XLE really falls down. It is a no-frills look that could have received a slight dressing up to add value. Our test vehicle was equipped with plastic wheel covers over 16-inch steel wheels, rather than alloy wheels, for example – and this in the range-topping model.
And inside?
A conservative but totally functional interior awaits the Corolla driver. From the thickly padded steering wheel to the faux maple wood trim on the doors and console, to the climate controls below the audio system, the Corolla reflects on years of design refinement to provide a car that does what it’s supposed to do, when it’s supposed to do it.
The gauge faces show that this is not a vehicle where you would expect to find the latest in high-performance VDO gauges. And the plastic has a few too-many shades of color going on, but overall, the Corolla provides transportation that will enable the riders to go all day and still feel refreshed upon arrival. Part of that is due to the telescoping steering wheel. Fabric-covered seats offer decent, if not highly bolstered support, and leather is available in higher trim level models (or as a dealer or port-installed option).
The Corolla XLE audio system is equipped to receive satellite radio as well as MP3 and WMA files. (As a clarification, this means that audio CDs containing MP3 or WMA files can be played on the system. The use of an iPod, or other type of player requires a patch cord, available from Radio Shack, or a signal modulator that sends a signal to an unused station on the FM band.)
The trunk, with fold down 60/40 rear seats is spacious, swallowing 16.6 cubic feet of cargo, or the equivalent of about three large golf bags.
But does it go?
Sure, it does! It goes as well as you would like it to, all the while getting 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder transverse mounted engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) pumps out 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft. of torque. Off the line, it got up and went without too much racket. It does get out of its own way quite nicely.
The four-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the front drive transaxle, but with a fair amount of torque steer. Or perhaps that’s caused by the electrically assisted steering that, to us, seemed too twitchy. Regardless, the front end seemed as skittish as a dress shoe sliding on a banana peel!
Power from the four-banger is delivered to the ground by the MacPherson struts in front, with the Torsion Beam axle bringing up the rear. On the stopping end of things, a 10.8-inch ventilated discs in front and 9-inch drum brakes in the rear help to bring the 2,811 pounds back under control under spirited driving.
Ah, yes, spirited driving. On the plus side, the Corolla is as reliable as a buyer could hope for. On the down side, though, the Corolla does nothing to entertain or engage the driver, instead choosing to provide bullet-proof transportation to and from work, the commuter train station, the airport, or any other spot where the destination is more important than the ride.
Why you would buy it:
You want legendary Toyota reliability in a car that gets exceptional mileage in a decent looking package.
Why you wouldn’t:
Because, as an enthusiastic driver, you think the journey is just as important as the destination.
2009 Toyota Corolla XLE base price: $17,550.00, as tested: $18,609.00. Options as tested: In-dash 6 CD changer, $200; Floor and trunk mats, $199; Destiation: $850.00.
08/12, 5:07 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
“It’s the best-looking Corolla in what is the tenth generation of the line that has been manufactured since 1966. ” Give me an 86 Hachi over this garbage any day!
08/12, 5:16 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
08/12, 5:18 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
whoa- the corolla has wood, i always thought id just see carpet in it
08/12, 5:21 PM
posted by:
inline6
I think the ‘92-’97 Corolla was the best-looking.
08/12, 5:36 PM
posted by:
peacemf
why is it that the UK doesnt get the Camry or the Corolla!!??
all other parts of the world get them! they are great!
instead we get crap cars that make you want to vomit! all our models arent sold anywhere else!! they are that ugly!
08/12, 5:43 PM
posted by:
crackerhemi
Yeah, sorry, peacemf. I hear you have to deal with ugly and unreliable GM/ford cars. I wouldn’t want to live in that horrible world.
08/12, 6:08 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
Yea right. If Ford would only bring the Mondeo over here they would be off the lots before they got their second washing.
08/12, 6:21 PM
posted by:
livelyjay
^^^ Same with the Euro spec Focus.
08/12, 6:22 PM
posted by:
56oval
Amen. If Ford brought any of their small European models over here they’d be selling like hotcakes.
.
08/12, 6:23 PM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
Euro spec Focus is HERE, as the MazdaSpeed 3 and the Volvo C30. Still not selling, and I don’t know why a Ford badge would make them sell more.
08/12, 6:47 PM
posted by:
Lau
Anyone get a hint of bias in this review? With words like “totally” and “legendary”, it seems so…..
And about the comment about ugly GM/Ford cars, i’d have to disagree. the Euro cars look three times as better as the American counterparts, and we dont complain nearly as much ^_^
08/12, 6:58 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
56oval, Ford is supposedly bringing some models over here. Taking their sweet time when they could be selling as fast as they could make ‘em.
08/12, 7:02 PM
posted by:
ktulu
Y wood any1 want this car? its so basic * there a5re better cpomacts out tyere.
what is a Toyopet? a robot?
the Corona was junk the Land Cruiser is not.
this “appliance” deserves less same respect thab the family refrigerator, bcuz it stinks.
The very worthy opponents in this NON- mid-size segment include the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, and Suzuki SX4.
I like the sx4.
venerable Camry, or vulnerable Camry?
this car is not handsome or ugly.
faux maple wood? Y?
this a car that does not do what it’s supposed 2.
I ;like the iideathat audio CDs containing MP3 or WMA files can be played on the system.
60/40 rear seats is a good idea. that way, U can use 2 seets if U need 2.
y U would buy it: U believe that hore**** about “legendary Toyota reliability.”
Y U wouldn’t:
Bcu U have a brainb.
I think the ‘88 corolla was the best lookinh’
the UK doesnt get the Camry or the Corolla bcuz iyts standartrds R 2 high. Y buy a corolla when U can have a mini?
not many unreliable GM/ford cars. Chreyser, tyes.
this revie is wquite buased, like they always R.
08/12, 7:09 PM
posted by:
Lau
LOL ktulu, not exactly the way i’d put it, but I get the jist of what your trying to say.
08/12, 8:31 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Why does everyone think the Euro Focus is so good? It isn’t! If I could have the current interior, with the exterior of the Euro Focus that would be great, the only things I like more about the Euro Focus is more options, and a better looking exterior, added with hatchback. The Euro Focus’s interiors crap compared to ours, and ours uses some much better mechanics, although the differences are relatively minor.
08/12, 8:37 PM
posted by:
Kaizen
Kutlu, you need to get spell check or something. Your post gave me a headache.
08/12, 9:42 PM
posted by:
7upmustang
I hate to get involved in brand arguements or accuse the writers of being biased, but this is ridiculous. I give Toyota credit for buliding a reliability reputation over the years, it is deserved, but shortcomings of this car should be called out just like they are on others. Why is the 8 year old Focus chassis so harped upon, but the torsion beam rear (80s tech) ok for the Corolla? The “old, outdated” Focus chassis is light years ahead of this “all new” Corolla. And a 4 speed auto and 132HP is fine for the Toyota, but the 140HP, 4-speed Focus is underpowered and needs a 6 speed to be up with the times. This article sounded more like a Toyota press release than a car review.
08/12, 10:05 PM
posted by:
mazdaman
I have a Mazda3 as a daily driver. The only thing that this style-challenged Toyota appliance has in common with my car is that it is in the same size class. Other than that, my car blows this thing away in terms of style, driving dynamics, and pride of ownership. The Toyota Corolla is an appliance for the masses (which is fine since there is a large market for this type of product), while the Mazda3 is a car for people that expect a little something more from their vehicle (and there are people out there who want a compact vehicle that does more than just serve as a bland form of transportation).
08/12, 10:09 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
7upmustang: nicely put, except 90% of the buyers in this segment could care less about the tech. They probably think a torsion beam is something on their Bow-Flex.
08/12, 10:16 PM
posted by:
neptronix
All i gotta say is… 2800lbs with a 1.8l motor? 250+lbs over the previous model? Interior that looks like a cavalier? tail lights that look like the retarded cousin of the last model?
oh baby, SIGN ME UP!
08/12, 10:29 PM
posted by:
Lau
On another note, mostly all the cars LLN said this thing competes with totally outclasses this basic model. The interior work looks shoddy, and the quality might not even be that great. Hondas are more reliable, and based upon research in the past several months, even HYUNDAI is gaining on Toyota. I don’t wanna be so negative, but articles like these are what stirs the peace around here.
08/12, 10:31 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
Same here. Btw, the older Corolla could move more since it had shorter gear ratios. But, it still doesn’t even have a rear independent suspension.
I have a question for the writer: Does this model finally feature courtesy lights that turn off as soon as you remove the key from the ignition? Mazda3s do.
Gas mileage? When I ditched that 2003 Corolla, I got on average 29mpg, and a high 38mpg on the highway. Well, seeing as how I get 27 on average in the Mazda3 S with an engine that puts out 42 more hp than that car, I call that a easy decision. Of course, that is down to only a 24 hp difference, until the new 2.5l comes out.
Hell, even the weird looking Fit at least had some work put into it to make it drive well. Read about it at C&D.
08/13, 12:07 AM
posted by:
dracolnyte
it has a dash of lexus IS in there..
08/13, 1:11 AM
posted by:
maxcar
to call this a “mini-me” version of the camry is an insult to the camry design. that one-piece front bumper skin and nose trim looks a little cheap, and probably won’t age well. the paint color already doesn’t match, even out the box. the gap above the headlights looks like a “fit and finish” build quality error, but i think it’s deliberate. they’re not exactly instilling a sense of quality with this one.
08/13, 1:29 AM
posted by:
2002tii
“This article sounded more like a Toyota press release than a car review.”
>>Comment by 7upmustang,
did I just read the same article that you did, 7up? LLN calls out the sloppiness of the steering, and the overall blandness of the car, and even says it “does nothing to entertain or engage the driver.”
That hardly sounds like a press release.
08/13, 8:52 AM
posted by:
SickofGarbageMotors
These things are everywhere up here in the the NE. The Corolla and Civic are selling like gangbusters.
They’re not cars for enthusiasts, but we make up a small portion of the buying public. As far as the average joe shmo looking for A-B transportation, the Corolla does what it always has. Perform flawlessly.
08/13, 9:44 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
Amazing that this Corolla is the size of the previous generation Camry.
A small car that’s gotten way too big for it’s britches.
08/13, 9:56 AM
posted by:
Buhbye
Another ‘new’ Toyota with a 4-speed automatic. Americans are really gullible if they buy one of these.
08/13, 10:36 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Well this Toyota isnt my cup of tea but it has no worries bc its only REAL competition is the Honda Civic and maybe the Hyundai Elantra/Kia Forte but everyone else isnt on par with Toyota’s quality and reliability
The Focus? Ha
Cobalt? Double ha
Caliber ? Come on
They could make the design stand out more and may want to do that in the next generation bc of the small car boom but under normal circumstances a bold design isnt necessary. Most people in this class of car want reliable transportation
08/13, 11:10 AM
posted by:
bigp
ford focus is almost even with the corolla and you can get times the respect plus i would never drive and dumn ass corolla because they do just enought to get over
08/13, 11:55 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Ford Focus is almost even with the Toyota Corolla
In what aspect ?
Style? Subjective
Resale? Hell no
Reliability? Hell no
Quality ? NO
Rear headrests NO
Oh The Focus has SYNC lol What a joke
08/13, 12:07 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Why you can’t get a car for under $20,000 that has a 5-speed auto I’ll never understand. Of course if more people would learn to drive a manual transmission it wouldn’t be a problem… and we’d have a lot less idiots yacking on cell phones too.
08/13, 12:09 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Also the fact that it still has DRUM BRAKES is a big FAIL in my books. I will never have another car with drum brakes as long as I live.
08/13, 12:52 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Drum brakes are now just a money saving hassle. They don’t have nearly the stopping power, the lifetime or the reliability of disk brakes. And over the years, disk brakes don’t carry such a large premium over drums, like they used to.
Looking at drum brakes, non independent rear suspension, safety (known to be marginal in some areas such as left foot protection, safety cage and side impact ratings), and size wise (it’s now the size of the second generation Camry) it’s not nearly as good as the rest of it’s competition. Traction control and stability control aren’t even optional on the base model, and are only standard on the top of the line XRS.
tripleonefive- Is that all you can think of? Rear HEADRESTS? Who cares, the vehicle is much better laid out in terms of using space, the seats are taller in the rear as well. The Ford Focus has been reliable thus far. They’ve worked out ALL of the reliability issues since 2004 through recalls, and took the blame, unlike Toyota. It’s Consumer Digests best buy. And despite some minor growth, the Focus came out lighter and more refined than the last generation, even with the quirky looks.
Darn, I’m replying to a troll again…
08/13, 10:02 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
A few things:
This review dishonors the refrigerator, which is vastly more important than the ‘Rolla. Other than that, whoever wrote it (Mark Elias?) conveyed the cheapness of the car quite nicely.
The Mazda3 is the only car in the segment which is an enthusiast’s car. It isn’t everyday that a compact econobox gets compared to a 3-series in terms of playfulness.
The public can’t be saved. If you have to explain to the public that the Corolla is an appliance and they should be looking at more interesting offerings, then they’ll NEVER understand.
08/13, 10:15 PM
posted by:
sharpie
“Euro spec Focus is HERE, as the MazdaSpeed 3 and the Volvo C30. Still not selling, and I don’t know why a Ford badge would make them sell more” - 02WRXPSM (Comment 10)
Well, if you do drive a 02 WRX, you would understand that the Mazdaspeed3 is a special model. For one, it is only available with a 6-speed manual (NO auto) and not meant to be “appliance.” The Volvo C30/S40/V50 price too high. The Mazda3 is selling well, but Mazda is not a volume marquee like Toyota, Chevy and Ford. It is more like Subaru, which you would know if you own a WRX, as you said.
What would a Ford badge change? For one, it has a more extensive dealer network than either Mazda or Volvo. The Focus will likely be built in the U.S. rather than in Japan or Belgium. And the Euro Focus/Mazda3/C30/S40/V50’s platform is still one of the most substantial. Ford will benefit with more updated technology rather than one dating back to the late 90s.
08/14, 1:08 AM
posted by:
Got Handling?
Awww, I wrote a comment about how badly
08/14, 1:10 AM
posted by:
Got Handling?
The young Mr Elias writes and big brother Leftlane deleted it. How sweet.
.
no swearing, no insults, just comments on his ability, but that it would appear is not allowed…
.
Welcome to America, the land of the free…?
08/14, 10:28 AM
posted by:
Ed
Got Handling?
You were deleted when your comments turned personal. It does nothing to move the critique of the car forward.
Ed
08/17, 5:20 AM
posted by:
Got Handling?
Much like this lame article then.
Niall
11/08, 1:33 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
LOSER-mobile!