Toyota Yaris Review

2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback

Looking for an inexpensive, entry-level new car at a Toyota dealership? In the past few years, you would've likely walked right by the Yaris' oddly proportioned predecessor, the Echo, and opted to shop for one of its worthy subcompact competitors. Thankfully, the Toyota Yaris is a better vehicle in just about every way.

Though new to Americans, the current Yaris is actually the car's second generation from a global perspective -- a first-generation Yaris was available in other markets, including Europe, where it was Toyota's best-selling car. As Toyota's entry-level model, the Yaris should hold considerable appeal for the young and value-conscious consumer.

Current Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris subcompact is available as a two-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. Standard equipment is fairly sparse, though the upgraded S trim level comes with a rear window defroster, larger wheels with ground-effects styling, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and a CD/MP3 player. Most of these features are available on the base hatchback and sedan as options. Other options for the Yaris include front side airbags, side curtain airbags, keyless entry, and power windows and locks.

All Toyota Yaris models are powered by an economical 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 106 horsepower and driving the front wheels. Two transmissions are available: a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic. Both deliver excellent and comparable city/highway mileage.

Toyota has put in extra effort to differentiate the two Yaris body styles. They feature distinctly different instrument panels, and the sedan is almost 20 inches longer than the hatchback and has a longer wheelbase. This means more room for rear passengers in the sedan, though the hatchback can compensate nicely thanks to its optional adjustable rear seat, which moves fore and aft.

In reviews, we've found that when driving the Toyota Yaris around town, the word "competent" often comes to mind. Not "refined" or "sporty" or "fun"-- just "competent." The steering is light for easy parking maneuvers, and the turning circle is tight. The car feels reasonably secure and comfortable -- but nothing more. The engine is surprisingly peppy, however, with a smooth delivery even when revved to high rpm. Off-the-line acceleration can be sluggish with the automatic transmission, but all models have enough midrange pull for easy merging and passing at highway speeds.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.