The
2010 Toyota Corolla is a compact economy sedan that is available in five trim levels: Base, S, LE, XLE, and XRS. The XLE comes with a 1.8-liter four cylinder, 132 horsepower engine and a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The XRS is powered by a 2.4-liter four cylinder, 158 horsepower engine and a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Considered a stable, competent car since it entered the market in the late 1960s, the Toyota Corolla provides a comfortable ride and is equipped with high quality safety features that earn it top safety ratings. The Corolla boasts good fuel economy with EPA ratings in the 26 mpg city / 34 mpg highway range.
New for 2010
Since the Corolla received a major upgrade in the 2009 model year, the 2010 Toyota Corolla is basically a carryover, except for the addition of standard stability control.
Essentials
Engines: 1.8L I-4, 2.4L I-4
Transmissions: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Body Styles: Sedan
Trims: Base Sedan, S Sedan, LE Sedan, XLE Sedan, XRS Sedan
On the Outside
The Toyota Corolla was restyled for 2009 model year but it doesn't look significantly different. The XRS trim provides a body kit, sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch wheels.
From the Inside
Standard options on the Toyota Corolla include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, four-speaker audio system, two 12-volt power ports, and two cup holders. Both the back seat and the trunk are spacious for a car of this class. While cruise control is standard on the XRS, it is optional for the rest of the trims.
Driving Performance
The Toyota Corolla XRS's 2.4-liter engine gets it from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 7.8 seconds, and it's also gets good gas mileage. However, the XRS has sport-tuned suspension, which creates a rougher ride than the other trims. What's more, there is also some amount of body roll, and the stability/traction controls are a little restrictive.
Safety Equipment
Standard on the Toyota Corolla are dual front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.
Gas Mileage
Base, S, LE, XLE: 26 mpg city/34-35 mpg highway
XRS: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway
Plusses
- Spacious interior
- Good value
- Roomy trunk
Minuses
- Numb steering
- Good gas mileage
- Nondescript style
Rating
Economy car with good gas mileage and reputation
People Who Like the 2010 Toyota Corolla Also Like
- Honda Civic
- Ford Focus
- Mazda3
- Nissan Sentra