When the 10th generation of the Toyota Corolla was launched in the US in 2008, it was clearly an evolutionary move by Toyota. Compared to the drastic changes made by Honda with the Civic and you may wonder why Toyota even bothered. Did anyone actually notice the 2009 Corolla's new look? 

But that's essentially the root of the Corolla's success -- it does the job without drawing undue attention to itself. 

Exterior

Strangely, many of Toyota's latest creations look far better in person than they do in their carefully prepped press photos. The Corolla is no exception.

At first glance my Classic Silver metallic LE looks almost identical to the 2008 model it replaced. In person, though, small details like the reflectors in the rear bumper and triangular fog lamp surrounds in the front show subtle hints of the Lexus IS. In fact, the more expensive XRS model with its body kit could be mistaken at a far glance for the more expensive Lexus IS or even the upcoming HS.

Other changes from the previous generation include a welcome return of foldable rear-view mirrors, something still missing on the Camry and Avalon, and the deletion of body-side moldings. You can squeeze into tighter spaces with former, but you may not want to park next to anyone due to the latter.

My LE has the optional 16-inch aluminum wheels. They look great, but the 10 spokes are tedious to clean between. Still, they look much better than the standard 15" steel rims with wheel covers and fill out the wheel wells nicely.

Interior

In sharp contrast to the Civic, the interior of the Corolla is traditional and functional. 

The LE features orange-illuminated gauges with a multi-information display that shows a clock, average MPG, outside temperature, and other driving stats. Unfortunately, you're forced to cycle through these one at a time by pushing a tiny button within the cluster. It would be much more useful if it displayed both the clock and one of the other stats simultaneously.

The standard 4-speaker audio includes a CD (with MP3 capability) player and aux-in jack (but no iPod or USB port). Controls are large and relatively easy to use, which is a good thing since steering wheel controls are only included with the optional JBL system. Bluetooth is also only available with the JBL. Unfortunately, the JBL system isn't even offered as an option on the LE grade. 

Fortunately the Corolla's seats are generally comfortable. The driver's seat includes a height adjustment, though I could have used a few more notches higher. Rear seat room can be tight if your front seat occupants move the seats all the way back. With some compromise, though, both front and rear seats should be capable of transporting average-sized adults.

Other useful features include a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and an in-key keyless entry system. The latter replaces the separate key fob by placing the buttons on the key itself. 

Driving

Toyota has two 4-cylinder engines for the Corolla, a 1.8L and a 2.4L. All but the XRS have the smaller 1.8L 4-cylinder. The smaller engine is still more than adequate for scooting around town or even getting onto a freeway, provided you're not pushing the maximum weight capacity of the vehicle. The 4-speed automatic shifts smoothly and uses a gated shifter. 

Bottom Line 

With the 2009 Toyota Corolla, there's no hidden agenda or mystery to unravel. It simply provides reliable and comfortable transportation. The design is purposeful -- everything has a function or a reason for existing.

For those looking for something around the size of a Corolla, but with a little more personality, take a look at the Scion xB.
Amount Paid (US$): 18125
Condition: New
Model Year: 2009
Model and Options: LE