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10 Most Popular Cars of the Year

Meet the top 10 contenders for the Yahoo! Autos Excelerator Award.

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By the Road & Track Staff

Toyota Corolla

2009 Toyota Corolla

While the larger Camry is the most popular car in America, Toyota’s economical Corolla is among the top-selling cars in the world. Toyota has sold more than 30 million Corollas globally over the past 40 years and this year introduced its 10th generation of the fabled nameplate. Building on that reputation, the all-new model sticks to what it knows best with a conservative look that is evocative of preceding models. That’s not to say the new look isn’t contemporary. The three-box sedan has sculpted details around the front fascia and lower body sides to give it a fresh appearance, while still paying homage to previous models and its larger Camry sibling with a face that is unmistakably Toyota. Slightly taller and nearly 2.5 in. wider, the new Corolla looks leaner and sportier, thanks to its stretched A- and C- pillars.

With a 102.4-in. wheelbase, the Corolla gains increased cabin and cargo space, two new engines and a redesigned chassis and suspension. Base, S, LE and XLE models have a 132- horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine fitted with dual VVT-i for improved performance and economy. That engine offers buyers a choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The new XRS model features a 158-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 17-in. alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes and Optitron gauges. It’s also the first Corolla model to offer a 5-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable sequential shifter. The top-line XLE is equipped with a moonroof and stability/traction control. JBL audio and a navigation system are optional. With a fresh new look, upgraded drivetrain and pricing largely under $20,000, Toyota’s string of sales success with the Corolla is likely to continue unbroken.

Up Next: Toyota Prius

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