2009 Toyota Corolla

Still, the 15-inch-wheeled “Standard Grade” price-leader Corolla is pretty stripped. Moving up one notch, the LE gets power windows, locks and mirrors. The mid-range XLE adds 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry and interior woodgrain, and the “sporty and youthful” S bolts on a rear-deck spoiler.


Then there’s Corolla’s lead model—the sportiest, best-looking one that you’ll see in all the ads—the “spirited and performance-driven” XRS. It packs the aforementioned 2.4-liter four and four-wheel discs, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC), 17-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, leather-trimmed shift knob, a front air dam, a rear deck spoiler, racy looking rocker panel and more.

Driving Impression

Not surprisingly, the XRS leads the line in looks, handling and performance. Its steering is more tightly tuned, it gets around corners more smartly without much sacrifice in ride, and its 0-60 performance improves to a tick under nine seconds, which Toyota optimistically calls “excellent.” But it’s no competition for Honda’s Civic Si or Chevy’s Cobalt SS.


We found the lesser models just okay. Their interiors are cheaper than expected. Their performance is adequate with five-speed manual, less so with automatic. Their ride is decent and their handling better than previous rent-a-car Corollas—due largely to their two-inch wider front and 2.9-inch wider rear tracks—but not up to best-in-class. Part of the problem, at least subjectively, is their ultra-light, feedback-free electric power steering (EPS). On the plus side, their brakes are strong and fade-free in our on-road testing due to their larger front rotors and “high-performance” pads, and despite those much-maligned rear drums.


For someone moving out of an older Corolla or almost any other small car, these much-better new Corollas should be highly satisfying. They will not be lowest in price, but their Toyota badge alone should ensure their popularity. Compared to the best in this fast-maturing class, including the more spirited Mazda3 and Suzuki SX4, this latest iteration of the Corolla is not quite there, but it will definitely hit the mark with those looking for quality, comfort, and economy. (www.toyota.com)

About the Author
Former automotive engineer Gary Witzenburg has been writing about the auto industry, its people and its products for major magazines, newspapers and web sites for more than 20 years.