The Toyota Corolla skates into 2010 with relatively few changes, following the redesign it received in 2009. This four-door, front-wheel-drive car has been a solid performer for Toyota since its introduction in 1966, becoming the best-selling model in the world in 1997, with over 35 million sold. Currently produced on the Toyota “E” chassis, the tenth-generation Corolla is available in five trim levels - Base, LE, XLE, S, and XRS.

All but the XRS receive a 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder (I4) engine that produces 132 hp and is mated to either a standard five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. This means 1.8-equipped Corollas will enjoy EPA estimates of 27/35 mpg regardless of transmission, but will also suffer the drawbacks of such efficiency. Except perhaps from a stop, the 1.8 finds itself wanting more power, forcing drivers to anticipate moves long in advance, and only then with a full weight shift to the right pedal. The manual transmission is vague and sloppy, both in pedal action and gear selection, however the four-speed seems to take up the slack nicely.

Top-level XRS trims receive a 2.4-liter, 158-hp I4 that comes standard with the same sloppy five-speed manual or an automatic with five instead of four gears. This means the 2.4 is still able to achieve 22/29 with the manual and 22/30 with the automatic. All Corolla engines run on regular-grade gasoline.

It’s no surprise to say the Corolla isn’t designed for those who put a premium on driving excitement. The steering is vague, but with a tight turning radius. Braking is adequate, and the ride and handling are both very comfortable, as long as you’re driving quite sensibly. Aggressive cornering will induce severe noseplow in all trims excepting the XRS, with its stiffer suspension.

The interior of the Corolla seems to have gone through some cutbacks recently, with cheaper materials and hard plastics with little attention to detail dominating the grandmotherly interior. Gauges and controls are intuitively placed and easy to read, and seats are neither overly soft nor disruptively supportive.

The 2.4-liter engine is the better of the two and the only one available with the five-speed automatic. That said, you’ll give up 5 miles per gallon in both city and highway driving, but gain the better suspension by selecting the XRS. It might be best to look at some of the Corolla’s competitors, who seem to have a better grip on value this year.