2010 Toyota Corolla Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Toyota Corolla overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 Corolla, and includes Toyota Corolla safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

If we were making a bet, we’d say this is a year Toyota would like to forget. Recalls have plagued the company, including one for floor mats that could potentially trap the accelerator pedal in 2009 and 2010 Corollas. Not surprisingly, the hit in consumer confidence has led to the debut of Toyota Care, a free-maintenance plan that covers every new model for two years or 25,000 miles. Services include oil changes, general inspections, tire rotations, as well as roadside assistance. However, even more important than that development is the addition of standard stability control to every 2010 Corolla.

Toyota’s popular compact sedan was redesigned for 2009, at which time the base model was given the name Standard. It’s not the most creative label you’ll come across, but it aptly describes a vehicle that features air conditioning, an adjustable steering wheel, a 132-horsepower engine, and an audio system that’s set up for an XM subscription. If you need a commuter car without the frills, the Corolla Standard is ready to serve.

Of course, some of us prefer a car with a little more personality. That’s where the Corolla S comes into play, with its somewhat sporty appearance provided courtesy of fog lights, body cladding, and tinted headlights. The interior has been upgraded, too, with more aggressive front seat bolsters, steering wheel audio controls, and some leather trimming.

Though it looks the part, the S doesn’t deliver the extra giddyup or tighter handling that it’s styling suggests. Those attributes belong to the XRS and its strut tower brace, four-wheel-disc brakes, and 158-horsepower engine. It’s not the pocket rocket it used to be, but the XRS is the liveliest of Corollas offered for 2010.

For a more coddling experience, make sure to set your sights on the popular LE model. Once the King of the Hill among Corollas, the LE was robbed of some features for the 2009 redesign, leaving it with just a few extra amenities like power locks and windows while the good stuff is reserved for the top-of-the-line trim.

That’d be the XLE, home to an upgraded audio unit, a remote entry system, and woodgrain trim, which has never been associated whatsoever with a real tree.

Buyers who select the Corolla Standard, S, LE, or XLE will be dependent upon a 1.8-liter engine to get them where they want to go. This four-cylinder powerplant features direct injection and is mated to a standard five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg around town and 35 mpg on the highway with the manual gearbox. Opt for the geriatric four-speed and you’ll see the highway efficiency drop to 34 mpg.

Fitted under the hood of the 2010 Corolla XRS is a 2.4-liter four-banger that also features direct injection technology and is paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is available. Fuel economy is the same for both: 22-mpg city/30-mpg highway.

The most notable safety-related news for the 2010 Corolla is the addition of standard stability and traction control systems. This comes on the heels of 2009’s debut of standard front-seat side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, and antilock brakes. Finally, the Corolla comes standard with all the safety technology today’s consumers expect.

As a result, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the Corolla a Top Safety Pick for 2010, an accolade reserved only for vehicles that receive the top crash-test ratings combined with standard stability control. Results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests report good scores in all assessments, with an excellent rating assigned for side impact protection for the driver.

Like an old clock that keeps on ticking, the Corolla is expected to be as reliable as ever, with above-average predictions made by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates.

Toyota’s popular compact sedan meets its objectives with little fuss. In the realm of reliable and efficient commuter cars, the Corolla is among the best. Just don’t expect much to be excited or passionate about

By Thom Blackett