It Is What It Is Supposed to Be: The 2009 Toyota Corolla LE

The Toyota Corolla has been one of the best selling small cars in the United States for a very long time. It one of the most fuel efficient small cars on the market. While the Corolla used to be a cheap, no-frills basic transportation, it has evolved into a larger, nicely styled (it looks like a smaller version of the Camry), better appointed, and more economical mode of transportation. It doesn't have the crude feel that small cars of the past had; however, you still know that the Corolla is meant to be a reliable economy that does everything alright--not exceptionally, but alright.

My Driving experience in the 2009 Toyota Corolla LE was unexciting, to be frank (if you have read my review of the 2007-2008 Camry, or will read my next review of the 2008 Toyota Yaris, you will see a definite pattern here). Acceleration in the 132-hp, 1.8 liter four cylinder, 4-speed automatic transmission-equipped Corolla LE was fair; I reached 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 10.6 seconds. I expected a better time than that. However, I did average about 30-32 miles per gallon in mixed driving--and that was superb fuel economy.

Handling was fair and safe enough, but uninspiring. Steering was okay, but more feedback would have been nice. The brakes worked very well; stopping distances seemed to be short and crisp. Side curtain airbags, along with anti-lock brakes enhance the safety of the car. The Corolla LE was also equipped cruise control, a nice feature I like to use when I'm driving long distances.

The interior was generally good. The seats were decently supportive and fair comfortable; I had a good view of the road from the driver's seat. The ergonomics were also good. AM/FM CD stereo controls (as well as the climate control knobs are large and easy to use (there is an auxiliary jack for MP3 players and IPODs). The bi-level glove boxes are a very nice touch, adding extra storage for those who need it. The gauges are easy to read, but my only gripe is the LCD screen in the tachometer that has too many functions.

It's a clock, outside temperature gauge, and fuel economy computer. A separate temperature gauge and a separate clock is desperately needed, because attempting to use it while driving is needlessly annoying and a bit distracting. Interior plastics were decent, Trunk space is very good, and split-folding rear seats help increase cargo capacity.

The 2009 Toyota Corolla isn't the most exciting car to drive, but it is what it is supposed to be: a solid, reliable, economical car that gets the job done for people on a tight budget.

The Car Exam Grade: B