The 2010 Toyota Corolla small economy sedan is available in five trim levels -- base, LE, S, XLE and XRS. Base Corollas come standard with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power mirrors and an MP3/WMA-capable CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. The LE gains power windows and locks, along with body-color exterior mirrors. If you select the Corolla S, the LE's equipment upgrades become extra-cost options, but you get 16-inch steel wheels, underbody spoilers, foglights, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an extra pair of stereo speakers.
The Corolla XLE also gets the 16-inch wheels and an upgraded stereo while adding accoutrements like a sliding center armrest, wood-grain interior trim, electroluminescent gauges, keyless entry and variable intermittent wipers. The XRS forgoes some of the XLE's standard conveniences, but it boasts a larger engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a rear deck spoiler and chrome interior trim. Cruise control is also standard on the XRS; it's optional on other Corollas.
Other than the XRS, all 2010 Toyota Corollas are motivated by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 132 hp and 128 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels is standard, and a four-speed automatic is optional. The manual returns 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined, according to the EPA, while the automatic squeezes out 27 mpg city. We recorded a 10.1-second 0-60-mph time for the 1.8-liter four-cylinder and automatic, which is about average for this class of engine.
The 2010 Toyota Corolla's cabin is pleasant enough, but it doesn't stand out in any particular way. Unlike previous Corollas, this one has a telescoping steering wheel, which helps longer-legged drivers find a comfortable position. In back, the Corolla offers plenty of space for children and just enough for adults. The control layout is intuitive, as you'd expect in a modern compact sedan. A double glovebox increases storage up front. Materials quality is adequate, but no better than the norm in this class. The trunk measures an average 12.3 cubic feet, but boasts a usefully wide opening.
The Corolla's base 1.8-liter engine should satisfy most shoppers in this segment, delivering sufficient acceleration and very good fuel economy. The four-speed automatic on non-XRS models works adequately well, but rivals are increasingly offering five-speed automatics, particularly on higher trim levels. In any trim, the 2010 Toyota Corolla's softly sprung ride is perfect for commuting, and wind and road noise are nicely quelled, even at highway speeds. Handling is on the soggy side, even in ostensibly sporty XRS trim, a natural consequence of the Corolla's compliant suspension tuning. The electric steering is so vague and numb that you may find yourself making repeated corrections simply to keep the car traveling in a straight line.
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