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Toyota Corolla - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Toyota Corolla ranks 11 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 28 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Corolla, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla has been recalled.   For more information on the Toyota recall, including how it affects our rankings, please see our Toyota Recall page

The Corolla is still a great option for those who want dependability, comfort and a great value. But it doesn't have the versatility, style or power of the top-scoring cars in the class.

Undeniably, the 2010 Toyota Corolla is a reliable, comfortable and fuel-efficient option. But in a large and competitive class or sporty and funky compacts and hatchbacks, the Corolla doesn't have much to set it apart. Nor is it the cheapest.

While reviewers are quick to note you can't go wrong with a Corolla, you still might have more fun driving another small car. The redesigned 2010 Mazda3 has the peppy performance the Corolla lacks, and just-added features like Bluetooth connectivity and heated front seats. Opinions are split on the Mazda3's modified exterior, but all reviewers agree the car makes a visual statement that the Corolla does not.

The 2010 Corolla is a front-wheel drive sedan available in five trims. Redesigned for the 2009 model year, it added a 2.4-liter engine option and standard anti-lock brakes. The Corolla carries over virtually unchanged this year, but adds standard stability control for all trims. Be sure to check for current Toyota deals that may be available on a new Corolla.

• "The 2010 Toyota Corolla generally gets the job done. But the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3 are similarly priced compact sedans that do it better, and all have similar (or even better) modern reputations for reliability." -- Edmunds
• "Disagree if you must, but we don't think it's entirely our fault that we don't get all tingly over a new Toyota Corolla the way we do over, say, a new Honda Civic. Both are entirely capable people movers, but it has been a long time since Toyota offered up a Corolla that genuinely appealed to those of us who ask for a little panache with out people moving." -- Car and Driver
• "Truth be told, it is a nifty way to get around.-- Marketwatch
• "It's the perfect carpool-commuter and ideal for small families wiling to ride in an efficient alternative to SUVs, minivans, and the Prius." -- Motor Trend
• "The Corolla remains a solid economy sedan that combines Toyota's legendary reputation for quality with astounding fuel economy." -- Automobile Magazine

Corolla Performance - 7.6 (Good)

The 2010 Toyota Corolla is a safe ride as opposed to a sporty one, and improvements to the car's powertrain and chassis have done little to change that perception. However, Car and Driver notes that "performance, clearly, is not what Corolla buyers care about. They'll appreciate the smooth, quiet engine, the subdued wind and road noise, and the soft ride." The car's staid drive also translates into higher fuel economy. Read More

Corolla Exterior - 7.1 (Good)

Opinions are somewhat mixed on the Corolla's design. Some appreciate the car's simplicity, but others appear to want a more distinctive design. The Truth About Cars says, "Aesthetically speaking, there's nothing particularly kvetch-worthy about your basic Corolla. The lines are clean and understated (i.e. unrelentingly generic and utterly forgettable)." Read More

Corolla Interior - 7.6 (Good)

The 2010 Toyota Corolla has comfortable seating for four, possibly five, but some critics say the Corolla's plain design and materials are only adequate compared to the quality of some competitors. According to Edmunds, "The 2010 Toyota Corolla's cabin is pleasant enough, but it doesn't stand out in any particular way." In addition, reviewers find the sedan's 12.3 cubic feet of cargo space is lacking compared to the highly configurable cabins of the Honda Fit or VW Rabbit.  Read More

Corolla Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

Both the 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla perform well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests. In fact, the 2009 Corolla was an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" for good performance in front, side and rear tests. For 2010, Toyota provides standard Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control for all trims. Read More

Corolla Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 Toyota Corolla reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Corolla has a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More