2009 Toyota Yaris Review

Specifications

The Yaris entered the North American market in 2007, replacing the ill-fated Echo. Although it was new to this continent, the first generation Yaris was available elsewhere including the claim to fame as the best selling vehicle in Europe. The Yaris is a far superior vehicle to the Echo and as the second model year on North American soil comes to an end, the sales of the Yaris outstrip the Echo almost two to one.

As economy cars go, the Yaris offers quite a well-equipped base model that is fun to drive in the city, economical, sporty and roomy considering its diminutive size. It comes in three body styles - the three-door hatchback, the five-door hatchback and the four-door sedan. Each body comes in a base model and the better equipped S. The 1.5-Liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4 cylinder engine offers 106 hp at 6000 rpm and 103 lb-ft torque at 4200 rpm.

The three-door hatchback and the sedan come with a choice of transmission - a five-speed manual with overdrive or a the four-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive (ECT). The manual transmission propels the hatchback from 0 to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds but the automatic slogs a bit, taking 11.4 seconds to do the same test in the sedan.

The Yaris is comfortable ride for the driver and front seat passenger but the rear seat is stiff and unyielding and although there are seatbelts for three people, Toyota must mean three children as it is snug even for them. The overall safety ratings are below average for its class, the optional Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution and side air bags improve the crash test ratings considerably.

The interior is nicely finished although the center dashboard gauges are frustrating. However, it is comfortable, offers surprisingly roomy front seats with tons of personal storage and a covered center console cubby.

Standard features for the Yaris include air conditioning, four-way adjustable front seats, intermittent windshield wipers and a tilt steering wheel. The rear seat of the hatchback folds in one piece but you can opt for a 60/40 split seat that slides, folds flat and reclines. There is an optional remove keyless entry system on all models as well as cruise control, power windows and power locks.

The S models include integrated fog lamps, color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers, side rocker panels and the unique ‘S’ badge. The standard 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers are upgradable to 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, adding a better ride and a substantially more impressive overall look to the car.

There is a variety of packages available including the All-Weather Guard, the Convenience and the Power Package. What is in each depends on the body style and model.

The 2009 Yaris is a fun, fuel-efficient car for the price although it is on the high side of ‘economical’. Other small cars in the same price range include the Smart ForTwo, Honda Fit and Chevrolet Aveo. The Honda Fit comes in at the top but the other two remain either pricier to purchase or most costly at the pump.

The 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway fuel consumption of the Yaris is top for its class and you do get a lot for the base price of $11, 350. A good choice for the cost conscious consumer, the Yaris is a safe purchase.