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2010 Toyota Corolla Performance Review

September 26, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Offers pleasantly predictable, pushy front-wheel-drive handling
Car and Driver

Perfectly acceptable if not outstanding
Kelley Blue Book

XRS has more than adequate power with the manual
ConsumerGuide

For 2010, the Toyota Corolla is available with two different engine options, as well as several different transmissions that deliver only average driving performance and adequate fuel economy.

Powering every version of the 2010 Toyota Corolla, with the exception of the XRS, is Toyota's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which Car and Driver points out "has 132 horsepower.” Edmunds finds that this powerplant "delivers respectable acceleration in normal traffic situations." On all four lower-end models of the Corolla, Toyota offers one of two transmissions, which Motor Trend lists as either a "four-speed automatic" or a "five-speed manual."

The 2010 Toyota Corolla XRS, which Car and Driver says boasts "the Scion xB's 158-hp, 2.4-liter four cylinder engine," is offered in either the five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Kelley Blue Book reports that on every 2010 Toyota Corolla except the XRS, "performance is adequate with the five-speed manual, less so with the automatic." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com appreciate the Toyota Corolla XRS's additional power.

For the 2010 Toyota Corolla, Edmunds claims that the EPA estimates fuel economy for the 1.8-liter engine to be "27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway" regardless of the transmission. The 2.4-liter engine understandably suffers, posting EPA estimates of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Driving impressions of the Toyota Corolla vary depending on the type of driving involved. Edmunds notes that the Corolla Toyota "excels as a commuter car" with its "comfortable, controlled ride." More spirited driving yields disappointing results, with ConsumerGuide describing the XRS as unlikely to "excite enthusiast drivers," while "other models suffer copious noseplow in fast corners and react sluggishly to rapid turns of the wheel." Earning positive reviews are the brakes on the Toyota Corolla, which Kelley Blue Book feels are "strong and fade-free," although handling is "not up to some of the best of the competition."

Conclusion

There’s no mistaking the 2010 Toyota Corolla for a performance sedan; however, the XRS offers some excitement—at the cost of fuel economy.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Offers pleasantly predictable, pushy front-wheel-drive handlingCar and DriverPerfectly acceptable if not outstandingKelley Blue BookXRS has more than adequate power with the manualConsumerGuide For 2010, the Toyota Corolla is available with two different engine options, as well as several different transmissions that deliver only average driving performance and adequate fuel economy. Powering every version of the 2010 Toyota Corolla, with the exception of the XRS, is Toyota's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which Car and Driver points out "has 132 horsepower.” Edmunds finds that this powerplant "delivers respectable acceleration in normal traffic situations." On all four lower-end models of the Corolla, Toyota offers one of two transmissions, which Motor Trend lists as either a "four-speed automatic" or a "five-speed manual." The 2010 Toyota Corolla XRS, which Car and Driver says boasts "the Scion xB's 158-hp, 2.4-liter four cylinder engine," is offered in either the five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Kelley Blue Book reports that on every 2010 Toyota Corolla except the XRS, "performance is adequate with the five-speed manual, less so with the automatic." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com appreciate the Toyota Corolla XRS's additional power. For the 2010 Toyota Corolla, Edmunds claims that the EPA estimates fuel economy for the 1.8-liter engine to be "27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway" regardless of the transmission. The 2.4-liter engine understandably suffers, posting EPA estimates of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Driving impressions of the Toyota Corolla vary depending on the type of driving involved. Edmunds notes that the Corolla Toyota "excels as a commuter car" with its "comfortable, controlled ride." More spirited driving yields disappointing results, with ConsumerGuide describing the XRS as unlikely to "excite enthusiast drivers," while "other models suffer copious noseplow in fast corners and react sluggishly to rapid turns of the wheel." Earning positive reviews are the brakes on the Toyota Corolla, which Kelley Blue Book feels are "strong and fade-free," although handling is "not up to some of the best of the competition." ConclusionThere’s no mistaking the 2010 Toyota Corolla for a performance sedan; however, the XRS offers some excitement—at the cost of fuel economy. 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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