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Timing, Timing, Timing: The 2009 Toyota Corolla
by Jim Corbran
You hear it over and over again in the real estate business: “Location, location, location.” In the car biz, it’s more like timing. Timing, and a huge dose of luck and/or talent. Toyota’s tenth generation Corolla couldn’t come along at a better time. The previous car, while there was nothing wrong with it, was getting a little, as the critics like to say, “long in the tooth.” That’s code for “It’s a perfectly good car, better than many of its competitors, but we’re Americans and, dammit, we gotta have a restyle every few years or we get bored!” So, enter the 2009 Corolla. Just in time for what could be record-setting high gas prices.
But first, as we like to say, a little history.
The subcompact Corolla was introduced in Japan in 1966. It made its U.S. debut in 1968, equipped with a 1.1-liter, four-cylinder engine. It has since become Toyota’s “Model T” in terms of longevity—not to mention production numbers. In 1970 it became the second largest selling import in the U.S. (behind the VW Beetle); in 1976 the five-millionth Corolla left the factory; number 15 million came in 1990. And all during this time, the Corolla was winning numerous awards, and was named on many “Best Car” and “Best Buy” lists.
Of course, Toyota isn’t the only manufacturer to recently redo its top-selling compact. Ford has introduced a new Focus, VW recently introduced its new Rabbit, and Hyundai has a new Elantra. But the Corolla’s been around the longest in its class, continuously available here since 1968. How many other cars can say that? The Mustang and the Corvette come to mind, but nothing else off the top of my head.
I recently drove a new Corolla S courtesy of Basil Toyota in Lockport. Salesman Adam Beck put me behind the wheel of the Blue Streak Metallic sedan one dark, cold night right after a quick walk around (hey, it was FREEZING out!).
This year’s Corollas come in five flavors: base, LE, XLE, S and XRS. Pricing ranges from $15,250 to $19,950. Even the base model isn’t too shabbily equipped (air conditioning—yes, cruise and power windows—no), but it’s definitely a price leader. I expect most buyers to go no lower than the LE, which will add the power windows and locks, and which also has a few more stand-alone options available.
From where I sat, it looks like the tenth generation Corolla should pick up right where the others left off—looking at the competition in its rearview mirror.
for more info: toyota.com
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