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2010 Toyota Corolla Review

September 26, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A lower, wider, sportier look to compete with Honda's Civic
Kelley Blue Book

One of the handsomest pieces of sheetmetal in Toyota's U.S. lineup
Autoblog

Attractive and ergonomic interior design
Edmunds

The Toyota Corolla has always featured safe styling, but the current generation is certainly a little more daring than previous ones.

Exterior styling varies depending on what 2010 Toyota Corolla model you pick. Of the five trim levels on the 2010 Toyota Corolla, which Edmunds lists as "base, LE, S, XLE and XRS," the XRS is by far the most noticeable on the road.

All versions of the 2010 Toyota Corolla include what Kelley Blue Book calls "a trio of character lines" running from front to back, as well as a "low front air intake" that helps add "visual width below the Toyota signature mesh grill." Motor Trend finds that the new Toyota Corolla is "a longer, lower, wider" car than the outgoing model, which helps improve the car's appearance.

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com find the cabin of the 2010 Toyota Corolla to be designed for practicality above all else. Cars.com observes that the "cabin seems affably tidy" and most everything about the interior of the Toyota Corolla "tailored for straightforward usability." However, this usability detracts from overall styling, which ConsumerGuide feels is "a noticeable step backwards from the previous-generation Corolla." According to Edmunds, "the 2010 Toyota Corolla's cabin is pleasant enough, but it doesn't stand out in any particular way." In addition, reviewers decree the sedan's 12.3 cubic feet of cargo space is lacking compared to the highly configurable cabins of the Honda Fit.

Conclusion

The 2010 Toyota Corolla is never going to be the style setter for the mid-size sedan segment. It’s dull, but it works for those with expectations of anonymity.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:A lower, wider, sportier look to compete with Honda's CivicKelley Blue BookOne of the handsomest pieces of sheetmetal in Toyota's U.S. lineupAutoblogAttractive and ergonomic interior designEdmunds The Toyota Corolla has always featured safe styling, but the current generation is certainly a little more daring than previous ones. Exterior styling varies depending on what 2010 Toyota Corolla model you pick. Of the five trim levels on the 2010 Toyota Corolla, which Edmunds lists as "base, LE, S, XLE and XRS," the XRS is by far the most noticeable on the road. All versions of the 2010 Toyota Corolla include what Kelley Blue Book calls "a trio of character lines" running from front to back, as well as a "low front air intake" that helps add "visual width below the Toyota signature mesh grill." Motor Trend finds that the new Toyota Corolla is "a longer, lower, wider" car than the outgoing model, which helps improve the car's appearance. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com find the cabin of the 2010 Toyota Corolla to be designed for practicality above all else. Cars.com observes that the "cabin seems affably tidy" and most everything about the interior of the Toyota Corolla "tailored for straightforward usability." However, this usability detracts from overall styling, which ConsumerGuide feels is "a noticeable step backwards from the previous-generation Corolla." According to Edmunds, "the 2010 Toyota Corolla's cabin is pleasant enough, but it doesn't stand out in any particular way." In addition, reviewers decree the sedan's 12.3 cubic feet of cargo space is lacking compared to the highly configurable cabins of the Honda Fit. ConclusionThe 2010 Toyota Corolla is never going to be the style setter for the mid-size sedan segment. It’s dull, but it works for those with expectations of anonymity. 2010 TOYOTA COROLLA STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "A lower, wider, sportier look to compete with Honda's Civic" Autoblog: "One of the handsomest pieces of sheetmetal in Toyota's U.S. lineup" Edmunds: "Attractive and ergonomic interior design" The Toyota Corolla has ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2010 Toyota Corolla is competent in most areas, but strong rivals like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda3 are similar in price and perform better overall. The Hyundai Elantra is an especially good value compared to the Toyota, as is Hyundai's larger Sonata when compared with the $22,000 Corolla XRS. The Nissan Sentra has better style and a better backseat, while the Mazda3 is the zippiest of all, especially as the MazdaSpeed3. Other vehicles worth a look include the Mitsubishi Lancer and the Honda Fit.

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See the Toyota Corolla in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By dontpostifudontknow #1, Posted: 10/16/2009

    "Upgrade to the premium XRS model and you get a 2.4-liter four-banger with 158 horsepower on tap. This engine is happy to rev, and a sweet shifting six-speed automatic is available as an option."
    I don't know what planet your Corolla XRS is from, but there's no 6-speed automatic, it's a 5-speed.
    "The 2010 Toyota Corolla features a fully independent suspension system..."
    Rear torsion beam suspension is semi-independent, not fully independent.
    Don't post wrong information, any 16 year old on toyota.com could give you more accurate information. This is just shameful.

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