2009 Toyota Corolla Lockhart TX

November 18, 2009   By Jon Alain Guzik, Editor-in-Chief



2009 Toyota Corolla
DriverSide Overview
Since its inception, the Toyota Corolla has been a benchmark of inexpensive, environmentally friendly, dependable transportation. Those attributes, combined with nearly unbeatable reliability, have made the car one of the most ubiquitous vehicles on the road, and the tenth generation has done nothing but uphold those traditions. Though earlier iterations were largely responsible for the pejorative “econo-box” moniker, the 2009 Corolla is blessed with styling derived from its big brother, the Camry , as well as its peppy four-cylinder powerplant (say that four times quickly). One of the most versatile vehicles in the Toyota line-up, the Corolla can go from a bare bones commuter to a luxury liner with any number of available options and packages. If you’re looking to replace your current car with a vehicle that has all the creature comforts of larger models but with much better fuel economy, you’re in luck.








What's to Like
With a four-cylinder under the hood, the Corolla can get up to 35 mpg highway. It looks great on the outside and has plenty of room inside – a bigger version of the economical Yaris . The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine provides plenty of scoot on the interstate or in traffic.
 
What's Not to Like
The Corolla does show its roots as base transportation on some levels. The driver and passenger seats sit up higher than you might expect, and while the vantage delivers exceptional visibility, it feels hokey. Also, the steering, while adjustable, seems to jut from the dash, giving it a golf cart feel.
 
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Behind the wheel of a gas-sipping compact car , power expectations are always at a minimum, but the Corolla serves up a surprising amount of gusto. Handling is somewhat soft, but the steering is precise, making for a maneuverable little ride. While it’s no sports sedan, it does drive well enough in traffic to make driving a pleasure, not a chore. The interior is comfortable for long commutes and visibility is good enough that you can see what you’re about to rear-end from a good ways off.
 
Engine and Drivetrain
Corolla, LE, XLE and S trims come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine standard, producing 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. The XRS model ($18,760) dishes up a more beefy 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Corolla and S trims are available with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. LE and XLE versions are only available with the four-speed automatic, while the XRS can be had with the five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
 
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
The most deluxe of all the Corolla trims, the XRS model comes loaded with a more powerful engine, leather interior, power windows and locks and a six-speaker sound system for $18,76...

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