09 Toyota Corolla By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net Summer of 2008 will be remembered by car enthusiasts for exorbitant fuel prices.  Vehicle buyers are taking second and third looks at smaller vehicles, whether the reason is mileage, affordability, or some other aspect in their thinking.

The 2009 Toyota Corolla is right there in the middle of the pack, with dealers unable to keep them on their showroom floors for much longer than a few days.  The new Corolla is certainly a competitive and affordable small car, but it is not considered the best looking or even the best performing small car by most measures.

Toyota engineers have taken a dependable, reliable, proven vehicle and made a major effort to renovate it.  There is a little more style, a little more power, better looks, and some more options.  Obviously, the biggest drawing card for the Corolla is the mileage.  Overall, it averages about 32 mpg, with 27 for city and 35 for highway.   It is powered by a 132 horsepower 1.8 liter four cylinder gasoline engine.  The engine is matched with a four speed automatic transmission that is responsive and smooth.  A five-speed manual is available.   This is not designed to be a peppy or spirited little car, but is definitely a dependable, comfortable, and affordable ride. 

The interior of the new Corolla is roomy and comfortable.  At least, for a small car it is roomy.  The front seats are comfortable and fit average size adults without a problem.  If the driver or passenger is taller than average, this are some complaints about the front and back seats not having enough height.  Otherwise, the seats can be raised up for shorter drivers, which has received positive reviews.  The steering wheel tilts as well as telescopes, allowing the driver to be comfortable in the driving position.  The trunk provides adequate space for most luggage or other cargo.  The rear seats do fold down easily, with a 60-40 split, which does allow additional room for carrying items.

The 2009 Corolla is a front wheel drive small sedan.  It is offered in five styles.  The LE is the base model; XLE has a few more upgrades.  The S and the XRS offer more options to make the Corolla more customer friendly.  The base Corolla is a simple style, but does have quality and fuel economy it its favor.

I liked a quote from Motor Trend magazine which said, "The 2009 Corolla is what you'd expect from Toyota… It's the perfect carpool-commuter and ideal for small families willing to ride in an efficient alternative…"    I am not sure that everyone will be enamored with the new Toyota Corolla.  Drivers have different tastes in their vehicles.  But it certainly is attracting attention with its great mileage.  Check it out yourself at a Toyota dealership, if you can catch one on the showroom floor before it is sold.