2009 Toyota Corolla S
The fuel-stingy, long-life Toyota Corolla topped the Ford Model T and original Volkswagen Beetle in sales years ago when nobody was looking. More than 25 million Corollas have been built after it debuted as an under-$1,700 two-door model with 60 horsepower in 1968.
It thus shouldn't be surprising that the early 2009 front-wheel-drive Corolla recently arrived as a tenth-generation model. It has slightly more power and room, in keeping with Toyota's conservative approach to improving the car.
The ninth-generation Corolla arrived for 2003 with a longer, wider, taller body that had more rounded styling, upgraded interior, additional equipment and more powerful carryover 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.
2009 Corolla
Prices: $15,250-$19,950
Likes: Roomier. More power. Fuel miser with base engine. Decent acceleration. Supple ride. Long-life car.
Dislikes: Unexciting. Average handling. High radio controls.
The ninth-generation Corolla arrived for 2003 with a longer, wider, taller body that had more rounded styling, upgraded interior, additional equipment and more powerful carryover 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.
A "hot rod" XRS version arrived for 2005 but seemed misplaced in the conservative Corolla line with more power from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder, sport seats and "aerodynamic" body add-ons for a slicker look, firmer suspension and wider tires. It was dropped for 2007 but returns with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower.
The 2009 Corolla has a new body that is slightly longer, lower and 2.4 inches wider, which allows a little more shoulder and hip room. The Corolla accommodates four 6-footers, but tall rear passengers don't have much room to spare.
The 1.8-liter four-cylinder again is retained, but horsepower is up to 132 from 126, thanks to dual variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. While small, this engine is sophisticated, with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. However, curb weight is up about 200 pounds, so performance is basically unchanged.
The tenth-generation Corolla 1.8 actually drives and feels much like the trouble-free 1999 eighth-generation model I drove -- it's mostly a little quieter, more comfortable and roomier.
The 1.8 works with with a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission. (The automatic is the only transmission offered for the LE and XLE.) The XRS is sold with the five-speed manual but is available with a five-speed automatic.
Estimated fuel economy with the 1.8 engines sparkles at 27 mpg in the city and 35 on highways with both the manual and automatic transmission. Figures with the more-potent XRS engine are predictably lower: 22 and 29 with manual and 22 and 30 with automatic. A 13.2-gallon fuel tank allows a good cruising range, especially for 1.8 models. All models need only 87-octane gasoline.
Toyota says the new Corolla has an "all-new" chassis and suspension, but the 1.8-liter models handle and drive much like the ninth-generation models, with a supple ride (long a Corolla strong point) and decent handling. The XRS has slightly sharper moves, partly because it's equipped with 17-inch wheels and wider (45-series) tires, whereas other models have 15- and 16-inch wheels.
There are five trim levels, versus three for 2008. List prices go from $15,250 to $19,950. Models start with the Standard, which lists at $15,250 with a five-speed manual transmission and $16,050 with a four-speed automatic. Next is the $16,650 LE and new $17,550 XLE, which come only with the automatic. The sporty S is $16,320 with the manual and $17,150 with the automatic. The top-line XLS costs $18,760 with a five-speed manual and $19,950 with a five-speed automatic, which can be shifted manually.
The Standard model has air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system, intermittent wipers, folding power mirrors, tilt/telescopic wheel and split/folding rear seats. The LE adds power windows with a driver-side one-touch-down feature and shift-activated power door locks. The XLE adds wider (55-series) tires on 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, backlit gauges, center console sliding armrests, wood grain trim and rear seat pockets.
The S has front sport seats, front/rear spoilers, leather-wrapped wheel and AM/FM/CD/XM capable radio with six speakers. The XRS adds a stability/traction control system, rear spoiler that has a tacked-on look, strut tower brace for improved handling, cruise control and an upgraded audio system.
Safety items for all models include anti-lock brakes and front-side and side-curtain air bags. The stability/traction control system is optional for all non-XRS models.
A navigation system is a "first" for the Corolla and is optional for all but Standard and LE models. Leather upholstery is optional for only the S and XRS. Other options include a tilt/slide power moon roof for the XLE, S and XRS.
My test XLE with the responsive automatic transmission had decent performance, with acceptable merging and 65-75 mph passing times. The fuel-saving electric power steering was quick and handling was acceptable, if average. The ride was good for a compact car, although deep potholes jolted occupants. The brakes had a linear action, but only the XRS has an all-disc (instead of front disc/rear drum) brake setup.
Large outside door handles ease entry to the quiet interior of the Corolla, which has supportive front seats and comfortable rear seats. The dashboard has a straightforward layout. Climate and most sound system controls are easily reached, but a few radio controls are placed too high. Gauges are too deeply set for a quick read during some daylight hours without the backlit gauges not in Standard and LE models.
The two-tier glove compartment is handy and all doors have storage/bottle holder pockets. Front cupholders are well-placed, but pull-out plastic rear cupholders seem flimsy.
The fairly large trunk has a low, wide opening -- but intrusive hinges and no interior pull-down feature prevent hands from getting dirty on the outside of the lid. Rear seatbacks have trunk releases and sit fairly flat when flipped forward for extra cargo room.
The hood has no sound insulation and must be held open with an awkward prop rod. But the engine compartment is neatly designed, with easily reached fluid-filler areas.
The Corolla has a last-forever reputation and fills a need for basic, unexciting transportation like few other cars.
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