The 2010 Toyota Corolla features a fully independent suspension system, but with the lackluster power output from the base 1.8-liter engine, performance remains dull. Moving up to the Corolla XRS adds rear disc brakes and a tighter feel, but the electric power steering still lacks adequate feedback.
Safety is the Corolla’s strong suit, with anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitors, active headrests, and front, side, and curtain airbags all standard. Stability and traction control are now standard across the range as well.
The 2010 Toyota Corolla comes well equipped, with standard air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and CD player. Optional features include a navigation system and XM Satellite Radio—rare features in this segment. However, it still misses out on power windows or power locks in the base model.
There has been no price increase for the 2010 model year Corolla, despite the addition of electronic stability and traction control as standard across the range.
For 2010, the Toyota Corolla is available with two different engine options, as well as several different transmissions that deliver only average driving performance and adequate fuel economy.
Powering every version of the 2010 Toyota Corolla, with the exception of the XRS, is Toyota's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which Car and Driver points out "has 132 horsepower.” Edmunds finds that this power plant "delivers respectable acceleration in normal traffic situations."
The Toyota name goes hand-in-hand with strong build quality and good reliability, and the 2010 Toyota Corolla is no exception. And for a compact sedan, the 2010 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a relatively roomy and comfortable passenger cabin. ConsumerGuide feels that, up front, "the seats are generally comfortable," and the back features "good legroom and foot space." Edmunds refers to the back of the 2010 Toyota Corolla as having "plenty of space for children and just enough room for adults."
Storage space in the 2010 Toyota Corolla is abundant, especially inside the cabin. Edmunds remarks that "storage is more than ample up front, particularly with the addition of a double glovebox, though the provisions are a bit stingy in back." Lift the trunk lid and it’s a different story, with ConsumerGuide finding that "trunk volume is less than in most compact sedans," thanks to a "tall bumper lip, small opening, and intrusive lid hinges."
Fit and finish in the 2010 Toyota Corolla is a strong point, and the quality of materials is nice, especially on the upper-end models. Edmunds asserts that "fit and finish is consistent with Toyota's historically high standards." Cars.com also notes that the dash on the 2010 Toyota Corolla has "consistent, if not outstanding, quality." However, ConsumerGuide contends that this consistency inside the Corolla Toyota is not necessarily a good thing, since “many interior panels have a hollow, plastic feel to them.”
The Toyota Corolla is made even safer for 2010 thanks to the addition of electronic stability and traction control as standard.
When it comes to safety, the 2010 Toyota Corolla should boost confidence levels, as the car scores highly both in crash tests and available safety features.
Aside from commendable engineering, there are a number of safety features that work together to improve occupant protection. The 2010 Toyota Corolla comes standard with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints.
During independent crash tests, the Toyota Corolla scores very well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal government's testing agency, gives the 2010 Toyota Corolla four out of five stars for most impacts, and a full five stars for front side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards the Corolla its highest rating, "good," for the frontal offset impact test.
