DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD
WITH CAREY RUSS

2009 Toyota Corolla S

Gasoline prices, if dropping slightly from recent record highs, are still expensive. And vehicle sales reflect that. For many years the best-selling vehicles in the US were full-size pickup trucks. Now that honor goes to compact sedans, and the Toyota Corolla among the most popular.

That should come as no surprise. In the time since its debut in 1966 and American introduction in 1968, more than 30 million Corollas have been sold. It has a solid record. But, as is the Toyota Way, the Corolla does not rest on that record. It keeps improving, as evidenced by the nearly all-new 2009 example I've driven for the past week.

2009 marks the debut of the tenth generation of Corolla to the American marketplace. It is most changed in looks, with sleek and sporty Italian-influenced lines, but the structure underneath has been strengthened, too. Once-upscale technologies, like multi-layer acoustic glass in the windshield, vibration control for the side glass, and other soundproofing techniques once expected only in a Lexus help make the new Corolla much quieter and more refined than expected of a small, inexpensive "economy car".

Toyota has gotten to the top in the auto industry by making cars with wide appeal, and there is a 2009 Corolla for every small car desire and budget. The base Standard, sporty-looking S, well-appointed LE, and junior Lexus XLE have an economical 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine driving their front wheels through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. For customers who want power to back up the S's looks, there is the XRS, with a 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower four with a choice of five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Toyota's VSC electronic stability control system is available in all models, and standard in the XRS.

In contrast to the usual press-fleet specification - which would have resulted in a fully-loaded, leather-and-nav-system-appointed XLE or XRS - my test car was an S model with the automatic, the moonroof, and the upgraded JBL audio system. The "Sport" package here is merely for appearance - for more than looks, see the XRS - but it does look good, and as-equipped is a comfortable and economical all-around car as well-suited for travel as for shopping or commute duty. There is more room inside than you might expect - the rear seat is not necessarily the penalty box so four-person carpools should work fine. At 30 mpg overall, yes, there are cars more frugal with fuel. But they are generally smaller and less comfortable. The latest iteration of the Corolla formula looks posed to continue success.

APPEARANCE: A sportier shape was desired for the new Corolla, so Toyota Design collaborated with an Italian design studio. The base of the windshield was moved forward and the base of the rear window was moved back, for lower aerodynamic drag and a sleeker look. With the Toyota "T-face" grille, wide, low headlamps, and a strong shoulder line, the Corolla has the look of a current Toyota sedan and fits neatly in size and proportion between the smaller Yaris and larger Camry. Its taillights echo the headlight shape. The S's "aero kit" of front chin spoilers, side sills, trunk-lid spoiler, and rear bumper extension visually lowers the car.

COMFORT: The new Corolla's enlarged passenger cabin does more than improve looks and aerodynamics. More importantly to passengers, it feels larger inside, although key measurements haven't increased appreciably. Which is a non-issue as it's roomy for its size and more comfortable than expected of a small car. Styling is sporty compact, with high-quality synthetic materials for upholstery and trim. Much attention was paid to seat design, and it shows. The driver's seat is even adjustable (manually) for cushion height. A tilt-and-telescope adjustable steering wheel, unusual in the compact class, further improves driver comfort and so safety. Instruments are shielded from glare and easily seen. Those in the Standard, LE, and S are the regular type, while the XLE and XRS use backlit Optitron gauges. The silver-trimmed center stack has the audio and climate controls, and, if fitted (not in this car) the first-ever factory navigation system in a Corolla. Controls are all simple and self-explanatory to use. Useful storage abounds, with the usual door pockets (in all doors, with bottle holders) and console box supplemented by dual glove boxes and an overhead sunglasses/garage door opener holder, with a compartment for tolls and such to the left of the steering wheel and a small tray near the driver's right knee. The contoured rear bench will hold two adults for carpool duty, but is a little narrow for three. Three kids should be fine. The seatback folds 60/40 if oversize cargo needs to be carried, and the trunk is reasonably large.

SAFETY: The new Corolla's unibody structure surrounds passengers with a strong cabin and outlying sections designed and built to absorb crash energy or channel it away from passengers. Front, seat-mounted front side, and side curtain airbags are standard, as are antilock brakes. The VSC electronic stability system is available in all models, and standard in the XRS. The `09 Corolla has received four-star ratings by NHTSA for its performance in frontal, rollover, and rear-seat side impact crash tests, and five stars for front seat side impact protection.

RIDE AND HANDLING: Other than a plus-one wheel and tire combination, with P205/55R16 tires on alloy wheels replacing P195/65R15 tires on steel wheels, the S package is a cosmetic, not suspension, upgrade. For a sportier Corolla experience, see the XRS and/or the TRD catalog. No problem, as the `09 Corolla's MacPherson strut front, torsion beam axle rear suspension is tuned for everyday comfort, not ultimate performance. Its supple, quiet ride is a long way from what was once the norm in the small car class. Electric power steering varies assistance with engine and car speed, for a light touch when parking and stability on the highway.

PERFORMANCE: "Performance" for most Corolla buyers is likely to mean fuel economy as much as acceleration, and they will be pleased with the new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Of aluminum alloy construction, with dual overhead cams and VVT-i variable cam phasing on both actuating two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder, it was designed and built to maximize fuel economy and minimize friction and emissions. Its 132 horsepower (at 6000 rpm) and 128 lb-ft of torque (at 4400 rpm) are sufficient for the Corolla to deal with nearly any typical traffic situation, and while the automatic transmission is only a four-speed, the engine's broad torque band makes it perfectly acceptable. Uphill and downhill shift control minimizes unwanted and inefficient excess shifting on grades. EPA ratings are 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and I averaged right around 30 mpg for the week with a mix of both, mostly city and country driving.

CONCLUSIONS: The tenth-generation Toyota Corolla is small but capable and comfortable.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2009 Toyota Corolla S

Base Price			$ 17,150Price As Tested			$ 21,255Engine Type			dual overhead cam, 16-valve,				  aluminum alloy inline 4-cylinder with				  VVT-i variable cam phasingEngine Size			1.8 liters / 110 cu. in.Horsepower			132 @ 6000 rpmTorque (lb-ft)			128 @ 4400 rpmTransmission			4-speed automaticWheelbase / Length		102.4 in. / 178.7 in.Curb Weight			2822 lbs.Pounds Per Horsepower		21.4Fuel Capacity			13.2 gal.

TORRANCE, Calif. August 1, 2008; Toyota is adding a five-door Liftback, to its popular, fuel-efficient Yaris subcompact model line for 2009.

The versatile new five-door Yaris joins the three-door Liftback and four-door Sedan, making Yaris the only model line in its segment to offer a full complement of three body styles. Toyota projects 130,000 Yaris sales for calendar year 2009, with the new five-door accounting for about a third of those. Yaris five-door will begin arriving in dealerships in August.

Also new for 2009, all Yaris models feature as standard equipment an anti-lock brake system (ABS), front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear curtain side airbags. Cruise control is now available on Liftback models, and audio systems are satellite ready/capable. Yaris delivers outstanding fuel economy and for 2008 was awarded the lowest cost of ownership in its segment according to Intellichoice®.

The Toyota Yaris brings a high level of balanced value, safety and a fun-to-drive experience to the entry subcompact segment. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and produces 106 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 RPM. The optional four-speed automatic transmission features uphill/downhill shift logic to reduce gear "hunting" for smooth performance when driving in hills. A five-speed manual is the standard transmission.

The Yaris Sedan rides on a 100.4-inch wheelbase versus 96.9 inches for both Liftback models. The Yaris Sedan has an overall length of 169.3 inches compared to 150.6 inches for the Liftback models, and the Sedan is 2.5 inches lower than the Liftbacks, as well.

The Yaris is built around a highly rigid yet lightweight structure incorporating strategic use of high-tensile steel. Damping materials strategically located throughout the body structure reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to help give Yaris a comfortable, quiet ride. Suspension and steering are tuned to deliver responsive handling, a smooth ride and excellent maneuverability, including a remarkably tight 32.6-ft. turning radius. Both the Yaris Liftback and Sedan ride on standard P175/65 R14 tires with steel wheels and full wheel covers (Sedan and Liftback S have standard P185/60R15) and offer available newly-styled 15-inch steel or aluminum-alloy wheels.

The instrument cluster is center-mounted and high on the dash to enhance forward visibility. Generous standard convenience features on Yaris Liftback and Sedan models include air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; digital clock; a map light; intermittent windshield wipers with mist control; and dual sunvisors with vanity mirrors. All models offer 60/40 split rear seating for three with headrests in each seating position.

Sporty S models have a newly designed front and rear underbody spoiler and a new interior color scheme distinguishes Yaris Sport models for 2009. The sport-themed Liftback and Sedan S models feature color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers, sporty interior trim, rear deck spoiler, fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA capability, satellite ready, integrated iPod audio unit, universal mini-jack port and "S" badging. Aluminum-alloy wheels are available.

Pricing for the all-new five-door model will be announced later this month.

August 7, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Toyota and Lexus models have earned 11 segment awards out of a possible 19 in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS), more than any other manufacturer for the third consecutive year. The VDS is one of many vehicle surveys which continue to consistently rank Toyota and Lexus at the top of their respective studies.

The VDS study tracks the number and type of problems owners have had with their vehicles over a three-year period, with this year's study focusing on the 2005 model year. Lexus was the top nameplate for the 14th consecutive year, with 120 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). In the study, Lexus received six segment awards and Toyota earned five awards.

"Of the numerous independent studies conducted throughout the year, VDS continues to reflect real-world, long-term vehicle quality and dependability," said Jim Lentz, TMS president. "In today's economic climate, consumers are considering durability more than ever as a key component to their vehicle purchase decision."

For the 14th consecutive year, the Lexus LS premium luxury sedan was the top-performing model in the industry while leading the Large Premium Car segment. With a score of 72 PP100, it was the first time ever that a vehicle achieved a score less than 80 PP100 in the VDS study. The previous low score was in 2006, with the LS 430 earning a score of 88 PP100.

The top three performing models in the VDS were all Lexus passenger cars (LS 430, SC 430 and ES 330). The Lexus LX 470 topped the Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) segment with a score of 124 PP100; it was the fewest PP100 of any truck or SUV in the study.

Other Lexus models to lead their respective segments include the ES 330 with a score of 101 PP100, which was followed by the GS 300/GS 430 (124 PP100) in the Midsize Premium Car segment. The IS 300 led the Entry Premium Car segment with a score of 122 PP100, while the SC 430 (89 PP100) topped the Premium Sporty segment. The GX 470 (130 PP100) prevailed in the Midsize Premium MAV segment, and the RX 330 was second with a score of 144 PP100. Overall, every Lexus passenger car or luxury utility vehicle either led its segment or finished second to another Lexus.

For the past 19 years (since 1990), the Toyota nameplate has consistently ranked among the top five non-luxury brands. For 2008, the Toyota nameplate placed fourth overall with 159 PP100, an improvement of 19 PP100 from 2007.

Prius, the world's best-selling gas-electric hybrid, led the Compact Car segment with 141 PP100. Prius continues to prove that a gas-electric hybrid vehicle with many cutting-edge technology features can also set a standard for long-term durability.

Other top-performing models include the Tundra, for the third consecutive year, in the Large Pickup segment with 159 PP100; RAV4 in the Compact MAV segment with 166 PP100; Highlander in Midsize MAV with 138 PP100; and Sequoia in the Large MAV segment with 198 PP100.

J.D. Power and Associate's VDS finds the number of problems an owner experiences affects their repurchase intent, vehicle recommendation, and impacts their vehicle's retained value.

2008 J.D.POWER AND ASSOCIATES VVEHICLE DEPENDABILITY STUDY TOYOTA/LEXUS SEGMENT AWARD WINNERS

VEHICLE				SEGMENTToyota Prius			Compact CarToyota Highlander		Midsize MAVToyota Sequoia			Large MAVToyota Tundra			Large PickupToyota RAV4			Compact MAVLexus IS 300/IS 300 SportCross	Entry Premium CarLexus ES 300			Midsize Premium CarLexus GX 470			Midsize Premium MAVLexus SC 430			Premium SportyLexus LS 430			Large Premium CarLexus LX 470			Large Premium MAV

July 30, 2008 - New York - The world's longest race for solar-powered cars – the North American Solar Challenge - recently completed its 2,400-mile cross-continent race with the University of Michigan as the winning team. Toyota was a lead sponsor of this year's event.

The 2008 North American Solar Challenge (NASC) was a competition to design, build and drive solar-powered cars in a cross-country road rally and race. Teams competed in a 2,400-mile elapsed-time race from Plano, Texas to the University of Calgary in Canada. The vehicles were completely powered by the sun and created by engineering students at colleges and universities throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

''The North American Solar Challenge is a vision of the future, and we are proud to support this excellent event,'' said Patricia Pineda, group vice president of philanthropy for Toyota Motor North America. ''Participants in the event have gone on to careers at top companies, including Toyota.''

The NASC is designed to promote environmentally-friendly and renewable energy and electric vehicle technology and engineering excellence. In addition to Toyota, the NASC is sponsored by Crowder College MARET Center in Neosho, Missouri.

Additional information on the NASC and race results is available at www.americansolarchallenge.org.

Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants, with another under construction in Mississippi. Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Through its corporate initiatives, manufacturing operations and philanthropy, Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. In 2007, Toyota contributed more than $56 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S. For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/community.

EPSOM,UK-June 20, 2008: It is hard to find much the British, the French and the Germans have agreed on over the years, but it seems Toyota has found the answer: They all love the Toyota Prius.

The hybrid family car has topped the rankings in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction surveys recently published in France and Germany, just as it did in the recent edition of the long running UK survey.

Aygo was also top supermini in the UK and France, while the French and Germans rated the Verso as best small MPV.