CTC Review: 2010 Toyota Corolla XRS

[Blueprint]

On the CVT topic...my Sentra is a 6-speed manual, but I recently rented a CVT Sentra, base ("midsize" surprise at National  ), and found the CVT horrendous.

Had I wanted a slushbox, the Sentra would have been out of the game.  It is more frugal than the stick version though in the real world.

I actually wanted the SE-R Spec-V, but the 2.5's thirst for premium scared me off.

Wing : the Corolla XRS' 2.4 is the Camry's base engine, so no wonder it doesn't want to play.  I wonder if the slight power bump that engine got in the Camry SE for 2010 makes a difference (and if it will trickle down to the XRS).

Agree on the brakes : they scared me on the 1.8 car I test-drove.  Sentra's are solid.

[Thinking Out Loud]

I drove a 2.0 SL and the 2.5 SE-R both with the CVT, found the SE-R better of the two but that could be because of any one of a number of differences between the specs of the two vehicles.

I've not compared CVT's between manufacturers, so I can't say if Nissans is any better or worse than another....

I have heard good and bad about CVTs in general - mostly subjective in feel - and the only issue I found (for me) is that, like any new technology, is that the car drives 'differently'.

Compared to the 4 speed auto in the Mazda 5, I'm looking forward to both more fun and better economy, a win-win!

[Canada Stig]

I've driven CVTs in Nissans, Ford, and Mercedes.  The Nissan CVT is very disppointing in both the Murano and the Sentra (rented them).  Holds revs too low and is sliggish to raise them when you need power.  In the Freestyle, Ford's is quite good and very responsive, and one that I would consider buying. 

Not surprisingly, the CVT in the B class Mercedes is outstanding, as it has an economy mode (revs lower), sport mode (revs higher) and a "7 speed" manumatic function where you shift it yourself and it feels like a real transmission.  We actually chose that over the 5 speed manual, and I am a dyed-in-the-wool 3 pedal driver.

Also, the sludge issue that was addressed in late 90s/2000 Toyota and Mercedes engines can be solved by using Synthetic oil.  Mercedes will actually void your engine warranty if you don't use it, but recommends a 1 yr/19,500km oil change interval using Mobil 1.  Having drained my own oil after about 18,000km of driving, it looked brand new, and was replaced with Mobil 1.  Yes, it cost me $60 for the oil and filter (Mercedes filter as well) not including Labour, but that is cheaper than 3 LOF's per year on older cars.

[Mitlov]

I have to admit that I really don't get the Corolla XRS.  Want traditional Corolla practicality, efficiency, etc?  Get a Corolla 1.8.  Want something that's actually fun to drive instead of something that's "almost fun to drive" (see article summary in top-right corner of screen)?  Spend just a teeny bit more for a Sentra SE-R Spec V or a Civic Si.  I can't think of a buyer where I would recommend the XRS as the perfect blend of practicality and sportiness for them.  For the little sportiness it gains, it gives up too much practicality IMO.

The Corolla is perfect.  It's a smaller version of the Camry which is perfect.  Perfect in the sense that they are on top of the sales charts year after year after year after year. 

First off, that's not even true.  Civic has topped the charts for years, and Mazda3 is now doing so.  http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/02/26/mazda3-canadas-best-selling-car-in-january.htm

Second, that's such a lame argument for a driver's forum (like CanadianDriver outside of the "Sales Reports & Industry News" forum).  Do you even drive cars anymore or do you just look at sales numbers and profit sheets?  If you like the Corolla because of the car itself (like johngenx), more power to you.  I'd agree to disagree with you, but I'd respect that opinion.  But jeebus, try to find a better argument for a car you like than "Perfect in the sense that they are top of the sales charts."

[chrischasescars]

Wing : the Corolla XRS' 2.4 is the Camry's base engine, so no wonder it doesn't want to play.  I wonder if the slight power bump that engine got in the Camry SE for 2010 makes a difference (and if it will trickle down to the XRS).

Agree on the brakes : they scared me on the 1.8 car I test-drove.  Sentra's are solid.

Actually, the Corolla/Matrix 2.4-litre is last year's Camry's base engine. The new Camry four is a 2.5-litre, with more power and slightly better fuel consumption numbers. To the question of whether the 2.5 will make it into the XRS, my guess is no, if only to keep the "better" engine for the bigger/more expensive car.

[67 Piston Slap]

The "Perfect Corolla" is the CE model, 1.8 with 5-speed manual transmission and the so-called "Enhanced Convenience Package" on a color choice that is as neutral as Switzerland.

Good luck finding one though. Will probably have to be a factory order and the local Toyota sales guy will roll his eyes when you say you want to place a FO for a Corolla CE.

[Ontariodriver]

The CVT seems to have the engine ALWAYS ready to jump plus the xtra horses from the bigger motor

LOL. You brought a SE-R With a CVT. 

Well, when that is the only way they MAKE them....and it is "bought", not "brought".       

Quick, Ontariodriver........impress us all with your intellectual insight on which car the Sentra reminds you of as a blatant copy, and supply a picture. It's been about 5 hours since your last observation.... 

Owww how shirtee. 

Should opted for the V spec. 

The Civic has a much nicer interior than the Corolla. I also feel it drives significantly better.  It is also significantly more money.

DX-A is not much more than Corolla CE with air.

[Spec5]

The mother-in-law was looking last year and we drove the '08 Corolla CE. Even drove a couple of used '07s. They all seemed "loud" - lots of road noise - you could hear the exhaust "buzz" if you were sitting the back seat. She knew based on CR that you can't go wrong but she couldn't justify spending the extra cash (poor finance rate as per usual when compared to the competition) for something that sounded "tinnier". The Mazda3 was also off the list as it was too expensive when compared with her ultimate purchase of the Sentra 2.0S. In the end it came down to the Sentra and the Elantra - monthly payments being only something like $5 apart. She figured for what it was worth the resale of the Nissan would be better when it comes time to sell it.

As for the CVT - I forget who it was that said it but they were right when they said it was like any new technology - its just "different". There's very little throttle tip in before the vehicle starts to move away and jumping between her Sentra and my Tucson doesn't help either. Other than that I think its plenty responsive - certainly as responsive as any slushbox I've ever driven.

Like most have said though I don't think you can really go wrong in this segment anymore. All manufacturers are doing such a good job these days that it basically boills down to preference and "where your loyalties lie" - as evidenced by a lot of heated exchanges in here. I know my dad just bought a new Alty 2.5S just because his experience with our local Nissan dealership was so good. I made my mother-in-law try out the Elantra because we too had such a good experience at our Hyundai dealership. I mean granted we're still checking JD Power and CR to see how reliable these cars are - but they're so close that it really doesn't matter. Are there going to be problems?! Probably - but you could say the same for any manufacturer out there. They are all collectively getting better though and that only means better cars for us and probably lots of more heated discussions.

[DKaz]

Compared to the 4 speed auto in the Mazda 5, I'm looking forward to both more fun and better economy, a win-win!

Ha ha, ha ha, I had an 08 Corolla that I had to mod to make it fun to drive. Lowered with stiffer springs, sway bars, strut bars, rims, the whole works. When I got my Mazda 5, I was surprised that the STOCK Mazda 5 was just as fun to drive as my previous MODDED Corolla. Of course I drive stick so maybe it's the slushbox that's the problem for you.

[johngenx]

Mazda3 sales have the advantage of combining the sedan and hatchback into one number, as they carry the same name.  Combine Corolla and Matrix sales, and the 3 is no longer the champ.

[Thinking Out Loud]

Compared to the 4 speed auto in the Mazda 5, I'm looking forward to both more fun and better economy, a win-win!

Ha ha, ha ha, I had an 08 Corolla that I had to mod to make it fun to drive. Lowered with stiffer springs, sway bars, strut bars, rims, the whole works. When I got my Mazda 5, I was surprised that the STOCK Mazda 5 was just as fun to drive as my previous MODDED Corolla. Of course I drive stick so maybe it's the slushbox that's the problem for you.

Mazdas generally do come with fun staight out of the box.  The 5 was a 'fun' car for a tall wagon.  Driving a stick is my preferred method for trannying, but with Traffic in T.O., it's not worth the hip replacement.   

[Greg B.]

Do you even drive cars anymore or do you just look at sales numbers and profit sheets?  If you like the Corolla because of the car itself (like johngenx), more power to you.  I'd agree to disagree with you, but I'd respect that opinion.  But jeebus, try to find a better argument for a car you like than "Perfect in the sense that they are top of the sales charts."

But that's all the Toyo fanboys like Stevie have to hold onto now, given that the traditional bulletproof Toyo quality has gone down the tubes and they are living on their past reputation for as long as that lasts, until the public catches on.

[TopGun]

The Corolla is perfect.  It's a smaller version of the Camry which is perfect....

And the Toyota X...is perfect...and the Toyota Y...is perfect...and the Toyota Z...is....perfect!!!

[articsteve]

I have to admit that I really don't get the Corolla XRS.  Want traditional Corolla practicality, efficiency, etc?  Get a Corolla 1.8.  Want something that's actually fun to drive instead of something that's "almost fun to drive" (see article summary in top-right corner of screen)?  Spend just a teeny bit more for a Sentra SE-R Spec V or a Civic Si.  I can't think of a buyer where I would recommend the XRS as the perfect blend of practicality and sportiness for them.  For the little sportiness it gains, it gives up too much practicality IMO.

The Corolla is perfect.  It's a smaller version of the Camry which is perfect.  Perfect in the sense that they are on top of the sales charts year after year after year after year. 

First off, that's not even true.  Civic has topped the charts for years, and Mazda3 is now doing so.  http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/02/26/mazda3-canadas-best-selling-car-in-january.htm

Second, that's such a lame argument for a driver's forum (like CanadianDriver outside of the "Sales Reports & Industry News" forum).  Do you even drive cars anymore or do you just look at sales numbers and profit sheets?  If you like the Corolla because of the car itself (like johngenx), more power to you.  I'd agree to disagree with you, but I'd respect that opinion.  But jeebus, try to find a better argument for a car you like than "Perfect in the sense that they are top of the sales charts."

First off, that's not even true.  Civic has topped the charts for years, and Mazda3 is now doing so.  http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/02/26/mazda3-canadas-best-selling-car-in-january.htm

Sorry Mitlov, posting one month doesn't change the Corolla/Matrix dynamic.  So far this year, period ending Sept/09 as per SirA), Corolla/Matrix has out sold CivicSedan/Coupe in USA and Canada.  Mazda 3 not even in the running in the USA.  Mazda 3 still a distant 3 in Canada.  Canadian Corolla sales will hold solid by years end with 2.9%/60.

Do you even drive cars anymore or do you just look at sales numbers and profit sheets?


Mostly interested in the sales and future models. 

If you like the Corolla because of the car itself

It's not my thing, but for a great many ppl it serves the purpose supremely. 

[articsteve]

I had an 08 Corolla that I had to mod to make it fun to drive. Lowered with stiffer springs, sway bars, strut bars, rims, the whole works.

Whatever for 

[articsteve]

But that's all the Toyo fanboys like Stevie have to hold onto now, given that the traditional bulletproof Toyo quality has gone down the tubes and they are living on their past reputation for as long as that lasts, until the public catches on.

Only in your mind.  Hear that GM is giving their 'mild Hybrid" another kick at the can. 

[johngenx]

First 9 months of 2009, Civic sales were: 48,483 for sedan and coupe.  Add the Fit (Honda's HB offering) with 6,895 and the total is 55,378

Same for Corolla: 40,284  Matrix: 15,675  Total: 55,959

Mazda3: 36,794

Honda wins the sedan sales, it's a dead heat between Honda and Toyota in the compact class including sedans, coupes and hatches.  The Mazda3 is selling VERY well (way better than the Protege ever did) but is firmly in third place.

[articsteve]

First 9 months of 2009, Civic sales were: 48,483 for sedan and coupe.  Add the Fit (Honda's HB offering) with 6,895 and the total is 55,378

Why add the FIT to the Civic total 

Although my statement still holds true in both countries; Perfect in the sense that they are on top of the sales charts year after year after year after year.

[gosteelerz]

I really want to like this car, since the latest model Civic is such a disappointment.  But I can't seem to shake the image of a "typical" Corolla driver - that tiny middle aged woman doing 70km/h in the middle lane of the QEW, gripping the steering wheel for dear life.  Could this XRS change this image burned into my brain??

So true.  I try to avoid being stuck behind them.

[articsteve]

 But I can't seem to shake the image of a "typical" Corolla driver - that tiny middle aged woman doing 70km/h in the middle lane of the QEW, gripping the steering wheel for dear life.

and bless every one of them.  Service customers for life.  A critical component that is overlooked by most.