Road Test: 2009 Toyota Corolla
BY SHERYLL ALEXANDER
I was kinda hesitant to test out the 2009 Toyota Corolla. I mean, isn’t this a boring compact car that grandmas drive? Nope. I found the 2009 Toyota Corolla is a real fun-to-drive car with lots of perks.
| With an MSRP $15,350, the 2009 Toyota Corolla gives buyers lots of bang for their buck as this fuel efficient (35 mpg highway!) small sedan is full of luxury amenities, along with Toyota’s legendary performance, reliability and safety.
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With an MSRP $15,350, the 2009 Toyota Corolla gives buyers lots of bang for their buck as this fuel efficient (35 mpg highway!) small sedan is full of luxury amenities, along with Toyota’s legendary performance, reliability and safety. (Since 1966, more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide.)
One of the main buying points is the 2009 Toyota Corolla’s long list of standard safety features, including active front head restraints, side curtain air bags (full length), driver and passenger air bags and anti-lock brakes.
Although available this 2009 model year in a 2.4-liter engine (with built-in navigation), I test drove the basic 2009 Toyota Corolla and its 1.8 liter, four-cylinder engine. After a few days of driving, I realized why Toyota’s Corolla is so popular with millions of America’s drivers. The 2009 Toyota Corolla is just fun to drive with its rather racy acceleration, excellent handling, responsive braking, tight suspension and naturally good feel between the telescoping steering wheel and wide cozy seats. There’s just something thrilling and, at the same time, trusty about the Corolla’s zippy drive.
Outside, the 2009 Toyota Corolla exterior is a bit less boring than its previous nine model generations. But even though there’s a more sporty look, the 2009 Toyota Corolla is still a rather nondescript commuter car. It’s too bad Toyota didn’t add some chrome trim to the windows and doors to spice up the exterior and make it sparkle a bit more.
For example, the metallic teal color 2009 Corolla that I test drove definitely belongs in grandma’s garage. However, painted in more classic (black, silver) or vibrant (red, royal blue) colors, the 2009 Toyota Corolla can appeal to younger or more hip buyers.
Of course, you completely forget about the exterior when you sit down. Inside, the 2009 Toyota Corolla shines with its handsome textured plastics, ergonomic controls and shiny faux bois accents. I found the driver’s cockpit position is wonderfully tight, yet roomy. I especially love the twin doors on the glove box as I easily slipped my super cool Harmon Kardon Guide & Play personal GPS device into the top compartment each time I parked the car. Very convenient! Kudos Toyota!
The back seat of the 2009 Toyota Corolla is also roomy and comfortable, especially with its rather good leg room and in-the-door bottle compartments, The trunk is also spacious enough for long road trips or big shopping trips.
The 2009 Toyota Corolla comes in five trim levels: base, LE, S, XLE and XRS. The base model comes with air conditioning, MP3 capability, 15-inch steel wheels, CD player, AM/FM stereo with auxiliary jack, power mirrors and tilt-telescoping steering wheel. Power windows, power locks and body painted outside mirrors are added to the 2009 Toyota Corolla’s LE trim model. For the S trim model, buyers get the LE level upgrades as well as foglights, sport seats, more speakers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, underbody spoilers and 16-inch steel wheels.
The truly luxury version of the 2009 Toyota Corolla starts with the XLE trim model. The car I drove on my road test was a four-door XLE sedan that priced out at $18,609. The base price was set at $17,550 with about $400 in options (upgraded sound system and floor mats). The top-of-the-line XRS model comes with the beefed-up 2.4-liter engine, a sportier suspension and steering, chrome interior accents, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, front strut tower brace and rear deck spoiler.
Other options across the 2009 Toyota Corolla line up include satellite radio hook up, an JBL sound system upgrade and navigation system with real-time traffic. Oddly enough, leather seating is only made available on the S and XRS models only.
Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California.
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