- 2010
2009 Toyota Corolla
- Used Toyota Corolla
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 a competitive 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 most consider it a positive renovation of a well-respected model. In fact, the Corolla is one of the top-ten best-selling vehicles of 2008, and a top pick among compacts for 2009 U.S. News Best Cars for the Money.
In the entry-level segment, the Corolla's strongest assets include its great fuel mileage and high-class cabin. The Hyundai Elantra is a strong alternative to the Corolla for also having good fuel economy and a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, plus reviewers like its lengthy warranty.
If you can manage a slightly higher monthly payment, the Toyota Camry might interest you. Although its larger engine does mean more investment at the gas pump, the Camry excels at the refined driving Toyota fans have come to associate with the brand. Check out this month's car deals -- Toyota may have a special that makes the Camry more affordable.
The 2009 Corolla is a front-wheel drive sedan sold in five trims. For the redesign, Toyota 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.
Be sure to check for current Toyota Deals that may be available on a new Corolla.
- "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 2009 Toyota Corolla is your classic commuter, good on fuel economy and reasonably comfortable. But its cabin tech isn't particularly impressive and doesn't go out of its way to work with personal electronics." -- CNET
- "The Corolla remains a solid economy sedan that combines Toyota's legendary reputation for quality with astounding fuel economy." -- Automobile Magazine
- "It just might be a baby Camry. ... the 2009 Corolla comes to showrooms with the exterior styling of a Camry, many of the Camry's amenities, a Camry-like interior and, best of all, fuel mileage that's better than the Camry." -- Associated Press
- "To be sure, the 2009 Corolla is likely to continue the model's grade point average full of red circles from Consumer Reports. Objectively, it's tough to top -- subjectively, not so much." -- Autoblog
Corolla Performance - 7.7 (Good)
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. Autoblog reports, "Our main beef lies with the speedy-looking bodywork writing checks that the car's dynamics can't cash, which is a bit of a letdown if you allow your eyes to set expectations." Read More
Corolla Exterior - 7.1 (Good)
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." Mother Proof states, "The exterior is nice. I don't mean that in an I-can't-find-a-better-cliche sort of way. It's clean, simple, easy on the eyes, but not flashy; it's very appropriate and friendly." Read More
Corolla Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The Corolla's interior is simply, but classy. 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." Autoblog writes, "Toyota's typical obsessiveness results in a driving environment with intuitive ergonomics, and the materials and assembly quality are good. It's not a Lexus, and everyone, even domestics, have stepped up their interior lately, but the Corolla has a clean design that's executed well." Read More
Corolla Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Toyota Corolla does well in both government and insurance industry crash tests. In addition, Mother Proof writes, "the 2009 Corolla does come with a slew of standard safety features. There are front-, side-impact and side curtain airbags; active head restraints; and all kinds of energy-absorbing beams and crumple zones." Read More
Corolla Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 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). Toyota provides a three-year or 36,000 mile basic warranty, and powertrain coverage for the first five years or 60,000 miles. Read More
