2009 Toyota Corolla Road Test

Base price: $15,000 (est.)
Engine: 1.8-liter four, 132 hp/128 lb-ft; XRS: 2.4-liter four, 158 hp/162 lb-ft
Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic (base models); five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (XRS); front-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 178.7 x 69.3 x 57.7 in
Wheelbase: 102.4 in
Curb weight: 2,723-2,965 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 27/35 mpg (1.8-liter); 22/29 mpg (manual 2.4-liter), 22/30 mpg (automatic 2.4-liter)
Safety features: Dual front, side and curtain airbags anti-lock brakes; stability control standard on XRS Major standard features: Air conditioning; power steering; tilt/telescopic steering wheel; 60/40 split folding rear seat; AM/FM/CD (XM satellite ready) radio; outside temperature gauge; two 12-volt power outlets; driver vertical seat height adjuster
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

For starters, we think this new Corolla is far better looking than the near-invisible car it replaces early next year. And it steps up in power and torque to a 158-hp, 162 lb-ft, 2.4-liter 16-valve VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with "intelligence") four-cylinder engine...but only in the sportiest XRS model. The other four models, from bargain-basement base through better-equipped LE, XLE and semi-sporty S, make do with a fairly anemic 132-hp (up from the 2008 Corolla's 126) dual-VVT-i 16-valve four that pumps out just 128 lb-ft of twist (up from 122). That compares to a healthier 140 horses and an identical 128 lb-ft for the Civic's same-size four and 148 hp and a much stronger 152 lb-ft for the base '08 Cobalt's 2.2-liter four.

These new Toyota Corolla sedans roll on the same 102.4-in.wheelbase as their predecessors but sit 0.4 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower. The added width provides additional shoulder and hip room in front, though (for some reason) a couple inches less rear hip room. Leg room is increased about a half-inch in front and nearly an inch in back, but front head room is down a half-inch due to the lower roofline. The overall result is a slightly roomier, quieter and more comfortable cabin usable for four adults but very tight for five.