2009 Toyota Corolla [ 2008 , 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs

Toyota Corolla - What the Auto Press Says

A redesign for the 2009 model year doesn't affect the Corolla's reputation as a dependable cruiser for those on a budget, but it still disappoints those who want flashier style or zesty performance.

When judging the 2009 Toyota Corolla's position in the competitive affordable small car class, reviewers say it is neither the best-performing nor the best-looking option. But the Corolla is a solid alternative to the group's best, and is considered by many to be a positive renovation of a well-respected model. With the 2009 Corolla, Toyota has made an effort to increase power, style and safety by offering an additional engine option, a streamlined exterior, standard anti-lock brakes and an optional stability control system. Most reviewers say these improvements don't have much impact against the top-ranked affordable small cars. AutoWeek says the Corolla "doesn't rival, say, the Mazda 3 or the Civic for flash or fun, but its upgraded style and performance will keep the loyalists coming back." Similarly, Car and Driver states, "If you're looking for fun in your entry-level transportation, take a look at a Mazda 3, VW Rabbit, or Subaru Impreza. But if simplicity, quality, and fuel economy are your goals, the '09 Corolla is an excellent choice." The new Corolla is a front-wheel drive sedan offered in five trims -- the base model, LE, XLE, Corolla S and top-of-the-line XRS.

If you're in the market for an affordable small car but not enticed by the Corolla's simple style, consider the Honda Fit's versatility, the customization options offered with a Scion tC, or the performance and safety features of a Honda Civic. Several reviewers also compare the Corolla to the Mazda3, which receives high scores in our rankings for its sporty style and zippy performance.

• "The 2009 Corolla is what you'd expect from Toyota: good news if you need only a highly refined economy car with unimpeachable reliability; not such good news if you were anticipating an avant-garde challenge to the Civic. It's the perfect carpool-commuter and ideal for small families willing to ride in an efficient alternative to SUVs, minivans, and the Prius." -- Motor Trend
• "I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Corolla -- it's comfortable, smartly trimmed, adequately powerful and commendably fuel-efficient. The 2009 Corolla may not suit everyone's tastes, but it is a brilliant car from stem to stern." -- About.com
• "The car truly is all new, with a redesigned body on a new chassis and with a couple of new engines as well. The newest Corolla may not be great fun to drive. But in the best Corolla tradition, it continues to offer practicality, economy and, most likely, Toyota reliability." -- Dallas Morning News
• "The Corolla remains a solid economy sedan that combines Toyota's legendary reputation for quality with astounding fuel economy." -- Automobile Magazine
• "For starters, we think this new Corolla is far better looking than the near-invisible car it replaces early next year. So, for someone moving out of an older Corolla or almost any other small car, these much-improved new ones should be highly satisfying. They will not be lowest in price, but their Toyota badge alone should ensure that they sell quite well. But for those of us privileged with the knowledge and experience to be spoiled by the best in class, they are not quite there." -- The Car Connection

Corolla Performance - NA

Toyota has enhanced its standard and optional performance features for the 2009 Corolla, but reviewers say it's still not enough to best the class' top performers. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes the new Corolla "has neither the crisp feel of the Mazda 3 nor the cutting-edge ambiance of the Honda Civic," but also explains, "that likely was intentional. When you have a lock on a loyal base of customers, you don't want to do anything to alienate them. So it's best to think of the Corolla as a car with incremental improvements in design and engineering." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about the Corolla's two four-cylinder engine options, including their power and fuel economy. continue

Corolla Exterior - NA

Several say the Corolla's new design looks faster, but they are doubtful it can keep pace with the racy appearance of the often-compared Civic. The Family Car says, "While not as daring as the Honda Civic, the Toyota has a few styling flourishes of its own including a chic drooping snout behind a wide grille." Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn if other auto writers think the Corolla turns heads. continue

Corolla Interior - NA

New Car Test Drive leads those who report the 2009 Toyota Corolla "skips the fringes and focuses on a pleasant interior designed more to offend no one than to excite just a few." Continue with our full Interior Review to learn how a new tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel improves driver comfort, or how a new optional navigation system gives the Corolla an edge in the affordable small car class. continue

Corolla Safety - NA

The 2009 Toyota Corolla has not been crash tested, but the 2008 model did very well in government and insurance industry crash tests, earning five stars for front crashes and four stars for side crashes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 08 Corolla a "Good" score for frontal offset tests, an "Acceptable" rating with side air bags, and a "Poor" rating without air bags in side impact tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to read how reviewers rated the Corolla’s sight lines and standard safety features. continue

Corolla Reliability - NA

Toyota provides a three-year or 36,000 mile basic warranty, and powertrain coverage for the first five years or 60,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn what the auto press thought of the durability of previous Corollas. continue