If you are looking for a small-sized sedan that is great for regular transportation requirements, then the 2010 Toyota Corolla is a great choice. It was totally new for 2009 and very few changes have been implemented. The next redesign scheduled for the Corolla is in 2014. The XRS models will retain the current 2.4L 158hp 4-cylinder engines and the rest of the lineup will still feature the present 1.8L 132 hp 4-bangers. Both engine choices are available with a 5-speed manual transmission, although the 1.8L versions come stock with a 4-speed auto transmission. Notably, most of the competition offers a 5-speed for increased fuel efficiency and performance.

Hey, it's till a Toyota though - and that is nothing to sneeze at. Standard safety features include Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control system, electronic traction control, an impressive airbag system, tire pressure monitoring, ABS braking and more. Toyota has a solid reputation for manufacturing safe, dependable vehicles and the 2010 Corolla is certainly no exception.

Base model/manual transmission MSRPs start at $16,070. The S trims with the manual transmissions start at $17,140 and the XLE trims start at $18,370. Top-level XRS trims have a base MSRP of $19,580 for 2010. Of course, all trim levels offer a variety of optional features for safety, performance, sound and sportiness.

The 2010 Corolla from Toyota is not to be confused with a car that people drive for the fun of it. It is a small car that is geared towards being a dependable transportation specialist. It will consistently perform and get you to your destinations in adequate comfort and safety. If you really desire a vehicle that is based on lightening-quick responsive handling and powerful performance, look elsewhere. And that is a tasty recipe. It shows in the statistics that say that the Toyota Corolla is consistently among the best-selling small sedans in the US.

You are not going to fly like a jet in the Toyota Corolla, but acceleration is adequate for normal driving scenarios. If you opt for the XRS, you will certainly feel the extra power. However, even with the XRS and a manual transmission, many feel that the 2010 Corolla still misses the intended sporty mark that the automaker was going for. You just have to accept the fact that the Corolla is not intended to be a performance-based car. It is made for dependable traveling for the long run - nothing more.

The 2010 Corolla's gauges and controls are very straightforward - easy to read and properly positioned for ease of use. Steering wheel controls for wipers, turn signals and cruise control are all very convenient. The centralized dashboard column is filled with large, easy-to-read knobs and switches - all of which are well within simplistic reach for both the driver and the front passenger.

34/26 mpg highway/city fuel efficiency ratings beat out the Kia Spectra and are another plus for the 2010 Toyota Corolla. It's a machine that is designed and manufactured for practicality, dependability, efficiency and solid resale values. Explore the safe and reliable realm of today's Toyota Corolla. For those who have no need for speed and flare, it may well be the perfect fit.