2008 Toyota Corolla

Toyota | simonie | December 7, 2009 at 12:55 pm

Elements such as this are completely void on the Corolla. All trim pieces are body-colored, and that helps give this car a visual feeling of quality.

From the front view the 2009 Corolla XLE has a slanted hood, which gives the front end a sleeker and lower appearance. This hood is accented by two Multi-reflector halogen headlamps. The headlights bulge out from the bodywork and are similar to the headlights found on youth-market Scion. The bumper is large and its center dip takes its cues from its Camry sibling. It is accented by two low front air intakes and Toyota’s signature mesh grille.

Toward the side, a trio of lines runs along the XLE. Options include 17 inch and alloy wheels.

It looks lower and wider than its previous generation. It is a definite improvement from the previous generations.

It is surrounded by a wood trim, with chrome accents. The top of the center console has an AM/FM/ 6-CD changer that is Satellite compatible. Bellow is the air temperature control knobs, which look borrowed from the Scion. Like a lot of the new vehicles, the new XLE has a standard auxiliary input to plug in any MP3 player.

The steering wheel is very basic, so basic in fact, that it does not have cruise control as a standard feature. Behind the steering wheel is an instrument panel that offers a speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant temperature gauge, and an optional multi-information display that offers a clock, outside temperature, fuel-economy, range, average speed and elapsed time.

As part of this Corolla’s more sporting image, the speedometer and tachometer will give a symbolic run through its cycles every time the car is turned on. This is about the only trait the Corolla shares with Corvetts and Ferarris, but it does give the driver a little jolt of performance.

For sportier and leather seats, you need to upgrade to upgrade to the sportier XRS package. This has a starting price of $19,950 but also has over 25 more horsepower.

Test Drive

The Corolla’s ride is the opposite of its new looks. While the outside tries to say performance, the ride says comfort. One of he biggest advantages of this Corolla as a family car is the 27 city and 35 highway fuel economy. That is sure to save you in gas prices. Overall, the XLE was made to be comfortable family sedan.