The Good
The 2009 Corolla excels in reliability and fuel efficiency, appealing to practical buyers. Its comfortable ride and straightforward design offer a sense of familiarity and ease of use. While not a performance car, its dependability provides peace of mind, a key emotional benefit for many owners. Its affordability delivers excellent value.
The Bad
The 2009 Corolla's weaknesses include a somewhat bland interior and uninspired handling. The base engine can feel underpowered, especially with a full load. Watch out for potential oil consumption issues, especially in higher mileage examples. Rust can be a concern in areas with harsh winters, so inspect the undercarriage.
2009 Toyota Corolla: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 1.8L inline-4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 132 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Fuel Economy:
- City: 26-27 mpg
- Highway: 34-35 mpg
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 9.8 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended for towing
- Trim Level Features:
- Base: Standard safety features (ABS, airbags), power windows and locks (optional), basic audio system.
- LE: Adds air conditioning, upgraded audio system, and improved interior trim.
- S: Sportier styling with body kit, sport seats, and alloy wheels.
- XLE: Leather upholstery, automatic climate control, premium audio system, and power driver's seat.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission available
- Safety Features: Standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and multiple airbags including front, side, and curtain airbags. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) was optional on some trims.
- Wheels: 15-inch steel wheels standard, alloy wheels available on higher trims.
- Interior: Cloth upholstery standard on base, LE, and S trims; leather available on XLE.
- Infotainment: Basic AM/FM radio with CD player standard. Upgraded audio systems with MP3 compatibility available on higher trims. No built-in navigation system.
2009 Toyota Corolla Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2009 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | TOYOTA CITY |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2723 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 57.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 178.7 inches |
| Overall Width | 69.3 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 102.4 inches |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Gasoline I4, 1.8-L |
| Engine Size | 1.8L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 4-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel |
| Steering Type | Power Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $15,350 |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2009 Toyota Corolla Have?
Recalls for the 2009 Corolla mainly concerned issues related to floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal, a widespread Toyota recall. Ensure any applicable recalls have been addressed. Long-term reliability concerns primarily revolve around the engine's ability to maintain its performance and efficiency over many years. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes, is crucial to mitigating potential problems. The 2009 model year is generally regarded as being more reliable than some earlier years of the tenth generation, but these issues should still be considered during inspection.
How long will the 2009 Toyota Corolla last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and front, side, and curtain airbags. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) was an optional feature.
Crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were generally good. The IIHS gave the 2009 Corolla a "Good" rating in most crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it four or five stars in various frontal and side crash tests. Optional features were limited but could include keyless entry, power windows and locks (standard on higher trims), and cruise control. Overall, the Corolla focused on fundamental safety and entertainment rather than cutting-edge technology.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2009 Toyota Corolla Prices and Market Value
2009 Toyota Corolla Cost of Ownership
2009 Toyota Corolla Fuel Efficiency
2009 Toyota Corolla Safety Rating
NHTSA
2009 Toyota Corolla Warranty
Basic
Corrosion
Drivetrain
2009 Toyota Corolla Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2009 Toyota Corolla Compare to Other Sedan?
The Honda Civic is a very similar alternative, offering comparable reliability and fuel economy. The Mazda3 is a better choice for those prioritizing driving dynamics. The Nissan Sentra offers more interior space but may not match the Corolla's long-term reliability. Overall, if reliability and low running costs are paramount, the Corolla remains a strong contender. If driving enjoyment is a higher priority, the Mazda3 is a better option. The Civic presents a very similar package.
Ranks #133 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 133 | 2009 Toyota Corolla | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2009 Toyota Corolla a Good Sedan?
UWUMASTER on May 16, 2023
DONT BUYnot that great. It would break down every single day and I was stuck with it for 3 months before I got rid of this piece of garbage.
JoseC89 on December 7, 2020
First car will see how it goes.This car is my very first. I am happy to start with something small and economic. The trunk as a lot of room, and the interior was clean.
Let’s go!!! on November 24, 2020
Commuter’s dreamThis car is a commuter’s wish come true. It’s a dependable, great running, high mpg, comfortable vehicle. The car will simply run. Point A to point B without having you question fuel or other operating costs.
Lynn on November 3, 2020
Very good car,This car meets all of our needs. Both my daughter and I will be driving the car. We both enjoy the gas mileage and not having to fill up as often as with our other car.
Magan on August 26, 2020
I've owned 3, and they have all been my favoriteMy 86 Toyota Corolla died in 2006 when I had to enter it in a monster truck rally because it wouldn't die on its own and I couldn't stomach putting it into a junkyard. 99 Corolla was just as amazing but after a castle nut fell off and the whole axle fell out because of it... I got a free Honda for a while which made me very very sad. In 2009 I bought my Corolla straight off the boat from Japan and it had none of the recalls that all of the other 2009 Corollas had. Living in northern Maine by car was like a billy goat and the battery never died.... Handling was awesome, pick up was superb, every time it ever had a minor mechanical malfunction... It would run for miles and miles and miles until the weather was nice enough for me to fix it. My Corollas were my best friends.... Especially the 86 and the 09. Resale value was very high even though my 09 got totaled in 2019 by an unlicensed and uninsured driver, the insurance company still gave me back almost four grand for it.
AlexS on August 21, 2020
Very reliable and comfortable carGreat and comfortable car. Very reliable. I have had it since 2009. It has never left me down or left me stranded. I love my car.
PirateMikey on August 10, 2020
Great Car!Excellent vehicle for my needs, upgrade by previous owner to leather interior. AC ice-cold, tires exceptional, engine and entire car super clean. While there are a few minor cosmetic things which I'll take care, of the car is exceptional and a great buy. Ask for Leo!
Sara53213 on July 31, 2020
Reliable car company, so I know it should last!We needed a used car for my daughter and this one had a lot of miles on it, but because it's a Toyota, we know that it will still be reliable and great gas mileage! I used to own one 5 years older...I should have just kept it! 🙂
Toyota Guy on July 30, 2020
The car that wouldn’t quitThis car exceeded my expectations for a commuter car. Daily drive of 120 miles per day and the car never had any issues. At 210,000 miles it still drove like new. Great on gas and did a superb job in the snow with Michelin tires. I was able to go around stuck SUV on back roads without any issues. Not the flashiest and not loaded with all the features but a solid performer and an undisputed value. Very easy to do routine maintenance. Can’t go wrong a Corolla.
Toyota Corolla 2009 on June 20, 2020
Best value qualityNot driven too much considering the age, most of the time was in parking. Selling because of urgently needing money otherwise would kept it for sure.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.