2009 Toyota Corolla XLE Car Review

When you’ve got the third best selling car in the United States, you might better leave well enough alone. So here, we are with all new 2009 Toyota Corolla, featuring mainstream themes and high MPG for a low price. The Corolla has made a living of its high marks for initial quality dependability and frugality. Yet6 it ranks about as high as a Buick with those passionate about cars. Why is that? It’s likely the Corolla is anonymous styling less than enthralling reflexes and the fact that is a poster car for safe young women. Now, none of that means it’s a bad car and truth it’s far from it.

But even in this more luxury as XLE trim, the Corolla never feels like anything more than copied in transportation. But, what I call boring, could be someone else educated new car choice. Here are the facts. It ranks very high with JV power in initial quality, predicted reliability and green efficiency. Even with the standard 4-speed auto, gas mileage is rated a 27 MPG City and 35, highway. The base engine is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder making 132 horsepower and does a better than average job from keeping the Corolla feeling lifeless.

And a loaded XLE model can still be had with incentives for around $20,000. The more dynamic XRS model is back for ‘09, and steps things up both visually and mechanically from the car, you’re looking at here. In this car, you’ll pay extra for vehicles stability and traction control, alloy wheels, a sunroof and an upgraded JBL audio system with Bluetooth. The overall offering is solid but they are couple of caveats, they are drum, not these breaks in the rear, there’s no cruise control, and that’s on this XLE model.

An Elantra will get you more goodies for less and similar package. Well a Civic will satisfy those more interested in the driving experience. In my two weeks with the Corolla, I came to rely in its appliance like personality to run errands and to even take a family road trip, which is where I love meant to the absence of cruise control, gas mileage is great. The car was a little front drive bull through a snowstorm and the car’s over all usage is a mindless activity nothing is complex or difficult. So I see where the Corolla appeals to those not in enthralled by the prospects of car ownerships, and guys, leave the Capri seem metallic paint for your girlfriends. For Drive Time on Yahoo Autos, I'm Steve Hammes.