Vehicle Reviews

The Toyota Corolla has been completely redesigned for 2009. This compact and affordable car offers a quiet ride, a generous cabin, refinement and reliability. The all-new 2009 Toyota Corolla appears lower and sportier, with its A-Pillar and C-Pillar pushed out to increase the angle of the window glass and improve aerodynamic performance. The addition of a telescopic steering wheel improves the Corollaâ??s agility and driving position. The 2009 Corolla is available in five trim levels â?? base (now called standard), LE, XLE, sporty S and performance-driven XRS. A fuel-efficient engine is another highlight of this four-door sedan. For 2009, it gets variable timing for intake as well as exhaust valves.

The 2009 Toyota Corolla retains its predecessorâ??s basic styling cues and dimensions. The five-passenger cabin is made of high-quality materials with excellent fit and finish. A variety of useable, easy-to-reach storage spaces add convenience to the interior. The extensive list of standard features include a multi-information display, center console side pockets, height-adjustable seat for the driver, telescopic steering wheel, day/night rearview mirror with mounted map lights, 60/40-split foldable rear bench seat, air conditioning, cup holders, four-way adjustable front seats, and power door locks with a shift-activated lock. The S and XRS versions feature leather upholstery. The trunk capacity is 12.3 cubic feet in the Corolla. Optional on selected trims is a heated mirror, touch-screen DVD navigation system, power windows, JBL Audio system with AM/FM/six-disc CD changer, eight speakers and satellite radio. On the exterior, the Corolla offers a sleek and stylish shape. It gets standard 16-inch steel wheels; front fog lamps; aerodynamic multireflector halogen headlamps with daytime running lights and smoked lenses; color-keyed power remote-controlled outside mirrors; windshield wipers with fixed intermittent wipe; and driver and passenger power door mirrors in black.

With the exception of the XRS, standard on all Corolla trims is a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of peak torque. A five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. A four-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission (ECT) is optional. Fuel economy on all Corolla trims, and with either transmissions, is 27/35 mpg (city/highway). The Corolla XRS is a capable sedan. It features a 2.4-liter engine that produces 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The 2009 Toyota Corolla offers a smooth and controlled ride. Its towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.

Standard safety features include driver front air bags and front passenger air bag; full-length front and rear side curtain air bags; active front head restraints; three-point seatbelts with adjustable shoulder anchors for driver and front passenger; four-wheel anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution; direct tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS); anti-theft system with engine immobilizer; automatic daytime running lights; lower anchors and tethers for children (Latch); and a child restraint anchorage system. Vehicle stability control and traction control with an off switch are optional.