The Contenders - 2009 Toyota Corolla - 2009 Motor Trend Car Of The Year

2009 Toyota Corolla

What They Did Right: Styling and features of Camry in more fuel-efficient package

Room For Improvement: Sportiest trim level still too conservative

In the world of compacts, the Corolla, a presence in the U.S. since 1968, is automotive royalty. With every generation, the Corolla further solidifies its reputation of reliability and fuel efficiency. This year's sedan has a new look on a highly revised chassis, a new engine and transmission, and a redesigned, more spacious interior.

The new Corolla's styling is right in line with that of the Camry. But the similarities are more than skin deep; many of the Camry's interior amenities are available here, including XM Satellite Radio, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated seats, aux jack, and navigation. In addition, the highest-performance XRS, a new trim level for 2009, comes with the Camry's gutsy 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower four and five-speed automatic transmission (optional), a first for both in the Corolla. All other models come with Toyota's improved 1.8-liter four and an unchanged five-speed manual or reprogrammed four-speed automatic.

Created to compete with the likes of the Civic Si and Mazdaspeed 3, the XRS is neither as fun to drive nor as interesting. While several editors were impressed that it performed better than expected on the handling course and the high-speed oval, they also noted the transmission's Sport mode doesn't hold lower gears and is easily confused-shutting off traction control doesn't actually shut it off-and the steering is numb. From a commuter-car perspective, it doesn't hold up against the standard Civic and Mazda3 either, as its rough ride (presumably better with the standard suspension), material quality in the cabin, and lack of seat support left many wanting. In some cases, the 2009 model's fuel economy is actually worse than the comparably equipped 2008 model's. The new Corolla is an improvement over the previous generation, yet it isn't as well finished as its competitors and is pricey enough that it's entered four-cylinder Camry territory.
- Allyson Harwood