2010 Toyota Corolla - Reliability and Affordability at its Best

The Toyota Corolla has been a long standing reliable model for Toyota and for 2010 the Corolla comes with an electronic stability system and traction controls as standard equipment. With a total redesign in 2009, the Corolla is now in its 10th generation as one of the world's most popular passenger car. More than 30 million have been sold in more than 140 different countries.With five distinct models there is something for everyone.  The Toyota Corolla is among the best of the compact sedans: reliable and economical yet refined and comfortable. It is available in Base, S, LE, XLE and sporty XRS trim levels. Competitors for 2010 include the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Honda Civic. The Toyota Corolla was completely redesigned for 2009, and so for 2010, is considered to be a rollover.  The Corolla is an affordabel vehicle in every way, even down to its simple design lines, which keep collision repair prices down, which in turn means lower insurance rates.

2010 Corolla Power

The Corolla's base engine is a 1.8-liter dual VVT-I engine four-cylinder, paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The XRS gets upgraded to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, which can be manually shifted when placed in the "S" position.

Driving the Toyota Corolla

The XRS model comes with a sport-tuned suspension, which includes a front strut tower brace. Four disc brakes are standard on the XRS, while other Corollas come with a front-disc/rear-drum setup. The manual shifter is good, not as slick and precise as the Honda Civic but far ahead of the Chevrolet Aveo's rubbery arrangement. Although the Corolla XRS five-speed automatic has sequential shifting on the console lever, it would benefit from wheel-mounted paddles.  As wheel diameter increases so does handling crispness and the potential for ride degradation. The Corolla is much improved for the tautness of ride while maintaining some semblance of comfort, but you won't want anything firmer than the XRS and its 17-inch tires; with a simple torsion beam rear suspension and firm springs it comes back down fairly hard after a bump. The pedal offers good feel without any sponginess.  The electric power steering system which matches effort to speed but does not telegraph information from tire to steering wheel as well as some systems like the Honda Civic or Mazda3.

Corolla Design

The Corolla is a sedan that offers a smooth look, with the S and XRS models marketed as sport-oriented Corollas.  They have additional design features such as a chin spoiler, rocker panels and a trunklid spoiler. It's a look that works better on the XRS by virtue of its larger wheels. Fit and finish both appear to a high level for such an inexpensive car

Inside the 2010 Corolla

The Corolla has room for five people with its front bucket seats and a three-place rear bench. It gets standard air conditioning and tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Also available are cloth or leather seat materials, simulated wood or metallic trim, and power windows. Navigation is available; however with the navigation option you can not get the top-of-the-line JBL sound system in conjunction with it, and it lacks voice recognition and Bluetooth. Front seats mix comfort and ease of entry and egress nicely.  Outward visibility from the driver's seat is quite good, the narrow pillars paying dividends in lane-change over-the-shoulder glances. Storage spaces are well thought-out, even to details like a cord slot so your personal electronics connection doesn't get pinched. A remote trunk release opens trunk lid, which springs from the top of the bumper and bisects the taillights for a wider loading space. Space of 12.3 cubic foot is about average and isn't hindered by black boxes and big speakers hanging down under the back window. A temporary-use spare is under the floor.

2010 Corolla Lineup

 The standard model of the Corolla includes fabric upholstery, air conditioning, CD/WMA/MP3 XM-ready radio, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, six-way manual driver seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat, outside temperature gauge, power mirrors, and engine immobilizer. Six airbags and ABS are standard.   

The popular LE is the next step up, and adds power windows, door locks, and color-matched outside mirrors.Options are the same as the Standard, plus 16-inch alloy wheels and remote keyless entry. XLE is the upper Corolla, and builds on LE with 16-inch steel wheels and covers, wood grain trim, Optitron instruments, variable intermittent wipers, sliding lid center console, keyless entry, seatback pockets and better radio.

XRS is the top of the line. It's upgraded with the 2.4-liter engine, wider, 17-inch tires on alloy wheels, electronic stability control, trunk spoiler, rear disc brakes, strut tower brace, Optitron gauges, cruise, leather shifter and steering wheel, and chrome interior accents. Heated mirrors, two radio upgrades, navigation, power locks/windows, moonroof, and leather upholstery are among the options.

Summary

Toyota Corolla is an practical sedan that by way of its myriad configurations can be used for virtually any application.It keeps up with urban traffic, offers good maneuverability, delivers decent fuel economy, and makes a strong argument in any non-emotional automotive purchase. All models come standard with front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, ABS with brake assist, and whiplash protecting front seat active head restraints. New for 2010 is standard Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control on all models. The Corolla succeeds in its task of being an inexpensive vehicle without feeling like an economy car.   It offers straightforward controls, minimal distractions, and standard passive safety equipment.  No matter the model, the Toyota Corolla is a hop-in-and-go kind of car.The control layout logic is multi-generational and quick to master. Visit the official 2010 Corolla site for more research.  Younger and older buyers alike appreciate low purchase and operating costs, and previously Corollas have proven reliable and not an expensive insurance proposition.