2009 Toyota Corolla Consumer Reviews

Overall good, honest transportation

Written by: JMG on 10/20/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

The Corolla is a good commuter car that will retain its value and last for years. It's cheap, honest transportation with a few bonuses like standard side impact airbags. The biggest drawback with the '09 Corolla is the steering. It's incredibly vague and drifts on the freeway. Looking back, I wish I would have leased the car with a manual transmission. At the time, there weren't that many on the lot. I love Toyotas in general. We also have an '87 Camry in the family. Service has been very good at our local dealer.

Favorite Features

Great fuel economy, standard side impact air bags, external styling, Toyota reliability, overall quiet ride, easy-to-use controls, funky green color makes it easy to find in parking lots.

Suggested Improvements

Clock in speedometer cluster, very vague, awkward steering, interior gets dirty easily, cheap plastics are prone to rattling.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Steering Issues and the FIX

Written by: heiliner on 10/17/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My 2009 Corolla LE has about 23000 miles on it and steers great and handles great. That wasn't always the case. The car used to steer like the front was toed in. The problem issues were that the car was out of alignment in the rear and the Goodyear Eagle tires. The rear axle of an LE is a "stamped axle" and has no alignment adjustment. I had to have an alignment shop modify the rear axle bolt position to bring the car into a correct factory assignment. Once that was done the car steers as you would expect and it gained about 2 miles per gallon in fuel economy. I also replaced the Goodyear Eagle tires which are not safe on wet pavement with Yokohama Avid Tour S tires. Now a very nice car!

Favorite Features

The fuel economy is remarkable. I get between 33-39 mpg at 70 miles per hour. The inside cabin noise is very low, much quieter than a Civic. The purchase price is very reasonable. The car has great resale value and looks nice.

Suggested Improvements

Never purchase a Corolla LE without first having it placed on a Hunter alignment machine. If the car is out of alignment, make the dealer align the car to factory specifications. The "stamped rear axle" is a major flaw in the product. It is the cause of most steering issues.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Okay, but needs some improvements...

Written by: vtnc85 on 10/07/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I have owned my 2009 Toyota Corolla LE since May 2008. I purchased it right after they became available at my local dealership, and traded my 2004 Corolla, which I loved. I fell in love with the redesigned body style of the 2009 model, but that's where the love ends! The biggest complaint I, and many other owners that I have talked to, have with the 2009 Corolla is the Electric Power Steering. I cannot, for the life of me, keep the car in a straight line when traveling over 50mph. I think that it is a design flaw that should get looked into. Other than that rather annoying and potentially unsafe aspect, the build quality is comparable with the 2004 model. Gas mileage is about 35mpg.

Favorite Features

XM Radio inside the dash, Aux input for iPods, good gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Improve or redesign the Electric Power Steering so the car travels somewhat in a straight line on the highway and as the steering is not so over- sensitive, better quality interior fabrics, move the clock to the radio, tilt the front seat headrests back a little bit.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Boring!!!!!!!!!!!!

Written by: Ugh! on 10/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is absolutely the most boring car I've ever owned. I've owned everything from sedans, to coupes, to convertibles, and trucks - this is the least inspiring car I could ever imagine to own. I drive a lot for work, and I just wanted something with good fuel economy and a reputation for reliability. I suppose it has that in spades, but that's all it has. In a practical sense, there is nothing wrong with the car. It does what it's meant to do, but I hate driving this car. I can't wait until I get rid of it. The engine is lifeless, and the steering and handling are non-existent. Boring, boring, boring, boring!! I will probably never buy another Toyota, and would never buy a Lexus either.

Favorite Features

None. It has an aux input, moonroof, alloys, etc...but those things are commonplace now-a-days. Again, nothing exciting. I really regret this purchase. I wish I would have bought a Civic or Mazda 3.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the electric steering! So what if you lose a fraction of one mpg. with a hydraulic setup. The feel of that setup is far superior. I hate electronic throttles too. Nothing wrong with manual linkages. Add 20-30hp. It'd be worth the mpg penalty. Engineer in some semblance of handling!

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

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I like it, but...

Written by: G on 10/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Overall I like my Corolla. I chose a Corolla base on its reputation and Intellichoice.com recommendation. Along with the Civic, it has the lowest Total Cost of Ownership. The reason I picked the Corolla it was simply because Toyota gave me more for the money, alloy wheels, power locks and windows, etc. I am intending to keep this car for a few years so I bought extended warranty and paint and rust protection. Toyota could have worked on the interior a bit. The stereo seems cheap quality.

Favorite Features

Fuel efficiency. I get a special parking spot at work because of it. I am getting 31 MPG. Rides smoothly on the Hiway. Vehicle stability control works very nicely during snowy or icy days.

Suggested Improvements

Cheap stereo, have trouble with reception and speakers vibrate/rattle at higher volumes. I have a KIA and compared to the Toyota I miss a ignition, glove compartment and power windows and power lock lights. There is a weird noise on the front axle when start car and move forward dealer says is ABS?

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Very happy with this car - no regrets

Written by: kjmurphy on 10/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We bought this car after the engine went on our 2002 Nissan Altima. Very happy with the styling, handling, etc. with the Corolla. Nice head room for my boyfriend as he is 6'2" vs. the Civic. Negotiated a great deal and even had the dealer put in leather seats and front seat heaters.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive - LOVE highway gas mileage. We avg 38.3 highway/city which is amazing!

Suggested Improvements

HATE the clock placements - it's ridiculous as I still hate it after driving this car for 15K miles. WHY IS THIS NOT INCORPORATED INTO THE RADIO?? Also, intermittent wipers could have more selections - even our basic truck has 3 levels.

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simply amazing

Written by: Mike on 09/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This was my very first purchase of a Toyota vehicle and I am simply amazed...by everything from the friendly and cooperative salesmen to the overall quality and value of this car. I was so impressed with this vehicle I actually found myself trying to find something not to like. I Thought to myself well this car cant be that good, can it? Well that is just nutty. This is the perfect car for me, in fact I look at it as a gift. I know that may sound a little strange or perhaps sappy but that is exactly how I feel, like it or not. Assuming Toyota continues with this level of quality and affordability, I will be a customer for life.

Favorite Features

Ummm...everything!

Suggested Improvements

Well I guess it could be free ;) Just kidding. I could say a little bit more roomy but then it would be a Camry

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Rattles & steering

Written by: Tony on 09/15/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Great car overall our 5th Toyota. Fuel consumption is good about 5.5 litres/100km on long runs & 6.8 around town. Very sensitive steering. This is not a problem but does require more attention while driving or the car can be in the wrong lane very quickly. Have experienced a rumble/knock in front region of car plus rattles in sun roof. Dealer changed windshield thinking it was flexing body.This didn't solve problem. Dealer has just replaced a front strut & housing which has solved problem. Now we only have minor rattles.

Favorite Features

The shape & the quietness is awesome.

Suggested Improvements

Increase quality & fit. Lots of plastic covers just are lose & potential rattle spots.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A real great commuter car

Written by: baybsea on 09/11/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Great looks at affordable price, real good on gas mileage, average 30.9 miles to the gallon rarely drive on freeway, mostly stop and go. Does lack in the power area but a real great commuter car.

Favorite Features

excellent stereo for stock, lots of people surprised by the sound quality and loudness, and sporty looks

Suggested Improvements

navigation would be nice

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Think twice

Written by: angelique on 09/09/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I'm very disappointed. I have had this car 11 months now, and my intermediate shaft has given out, my brakes replaced, rotators SHAVED, and intermediate shaft replaced. I have taken my car to the dealership 3 times and finally had them sit in car to listen before something was done about brakes. The recall is only in northern states for the brakes. Although all of the above has been done. Costing me time and no car during the days being fixed!!!

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, stereo and style.

Suggested Improvements

Good quality parts!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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