2009 Toyota Corolla Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$15,250 to $18,760

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(33 reviews)

Though it's literally the best-selling passenger car in the world (with over 30 million sold in the last 40 years), the 2009 Toyota Corolla enters its tenth generation with an overhaul of its design, engines, and trim offerings. This is perhaps an attempt to keep up with the sportier-looking Honda Civic and appeal to an even broader age-range of customers.

The platform and overall length remains relatively the same, though the four-door budget compact loses an inch in ground clearance and moves the bottom of its A and C pillars out for a more aggressive sloping profile and a more expansive interior feel. Trims have been boosted to five. The Standard, LE, and XLE don't look much different than last year's Corolla, but come with a tweaked 1.8-liter I4 that now gets 132-hp and 27/35 mpg. A 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual are the transmission choices. The same powertrain sits in the sportier S trim, but the automatic gets an extra gear. The "sportiness" in the S comes in its appearance and extra features, such as sports seats, foglights, front and rear chin spoilers, rocker moldings, larger 16-inch wheels and a leather steering wheel. For increased performance, the XRS adds the 2.4-liter, 158-hp I4 from the Scion tC, paired with a 5-speed manual or automatic. Building on the S trim, it adds a rear deck spoiler, 17-inch wheels, more chrome trim, cruise control, and scuff plates.

All 2009 Corolla trims now come standard with ABS brakes, along with dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows. Traction and stability control are optional, but standard in the XRS. Base models start plainly with air conditioning, a CD player, and tilt steering, while power features and cruise control get added up the line. Rear seats split-fold 60/40. While the less-equipped, but more affordable trims will appeal to first-time buyers, Toyota's lineup features something for every price range, and available options include a new navigation system, satellite radio, a sunroof, and Bluetooth.

Early drivers of the new 2009 Corolla report not much difference in terms of performance, and certainly nothing comparable to the sportier Mazda3 and Honda Civic Si. But the interior ergonomics, dependability, and quiet ride earn top marks, and it's likely that loyal Toyota drivers will be perfectly happy with the minor changes to its favorite car.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Toyota Corolla

Write a review
User rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 26, 2023
Great car but bit overpriced for how the vehicle isNov 26, 2023
by Kent H
Nov 16, 2022
I think this car is great by comparison to most mitsubishi vehicles in terms of comfort, control and reliability rating.Nov 16, 2022
by Andre S
May 02, 2021
Reliable brand,good features,Especially the steering.Love corollas all around. Best car.May 02, 2021

2009 Toyota Corolla Pricing

Original MSRP
$15,250 to $18,760
Price range
$7,230 to $7,487
Average price on CG
$7,230
YoY price change
$7,464 to $7,230

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all terrain

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: rear · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all terrain

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all terrain

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: rear · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all terrain

See all trims (5)