2010 Toyota Corolla Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Toyota Corolla skates into 2010 with relatively few changes, following the redesign it received in 2009. This four-door,...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers love the 2010 Toyota Corolla for its reliability, good gas mileage, and sporty look. Many appreciate its safety features and low maintenance costs. However, some drivers feel it lacks power and find the trunk space a bit small."
Reliable car. Good value. Corolla is a solid car.
May 25, 2023Performance - good acceleration, strong brakes, and handles surprisingly well Build Quality - looks and feels good, no repairs Appearance - inside is comfortable and roomy, and has everything you want and need at your fingertips, outside looks like a mini-camry Cost of ownership - great gas mileage Fun factor - can be fun if you want it to be...you just have to make it fun
June 5, 2010Fun to drive, reliable even at in off road driving, Has NEVER given any problem whatsoever. Accelerates like a racing car, handles corners like a pro and brakes are superb. It's 2.4L engine doesn't drink too much fuel as one would expect.
February 14, 2010What owners say
Reliable car. Good value. Corolla is a solid car.
May 25, 2023Performance - good acceleration, strong brakes, and handles surprisingly well Build Quality - looks and feels good, no repairs Appearance - inside is comfortable and roomy, and has everything you want and need at your fingertips, outside looks like a mini-camry Cost of ownership - great gas mileage Fun factor - can be fun if you want it to be...you just have to make it fun
June 5, 2010Fun to drive, reliable even at in off road driving, Has NEVER given any problem whatsoever. Accelerates like a racing car, handles corners like a pro and brakes are superb. It's 2.4L engine doesn't drink too much fuel as one would expect.
February 14, 2010OK, maybe the 1.8 liter engine is not as powerful as the bigger engines out there but it responds very well to both low revs as well as high revs. Smart VVTi system keeps those intake and exhaust vales open and closed perfectly to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. 16 inch alloy wheels and 205/55 are just the right blend of comfort and road handling dynamics. Sound deadening is better than most competitors. Designers spent time tweaking the looks in Italy and it shows. The S model is neither garish nor bland; well balanced.
December 23, 2009I love my car! Its a manual and it a lot of fun to drive. It gets good gas mileage and is suprisingly big for such a small car. Not to mention I picked it out and bought it myself!
September 5, 2009The car runs like a dream and we got exactly what we paid for. Great deal for what we needed.
January 14, 2023Corolla S with the sport package is a fun, easy to drive car that has a real stylish exterior, interior design is very simple, but functional, as all toyotas are. I love this car, it's been my favorite in all my years of car ownership
October 24, 2014Great gas mileage and music features in car. Very dependable, and comfortable. Large back trunk with easy drop down back seats. Have not had to do anything to it but add gas and keep oil changed. Good speaker system and six CD changer.
March 23, 2014Great compact car that has muscle and control. I feel very safe in all weather, stopping, speeding up, and general reaction. Comfortable to drive for short or long distances. It also has a nice sporty look to it as well.
February 14, 2014Had this car for about 8 months, I loved the car and I regret selling it. For being a little four cylinder it was quite peppy and the cost of maintenance on these is really cheap. Put gas in it and go and it is ready for anything you throw at it. The seats where ok and I think one of the only things that bothered me about the car was the seats where a little uncomfortable. I was averaging about 37 mpg on the highway which was right on for a little car like this. It rode great on the road, but was able to get it on in the corner when it was pushed. I would highly recommend this car to anybody in the market for cheap little gas saver. You won't be disappointed.
September 9, 2011Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,850 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 132 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $15,450 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 132 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,520 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 132 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,750 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 132 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,960 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 158 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$15,450 - $18,960
Current avg. market price
$7,831
Trending down by 0.8% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
