2009 Toyota Yaris

2009 Toyota Yaris 2009 Toyota Yaris
Review

Introduction

The subcompact Yaris is the smallest car to wear Toyota emblems in the U.S., and with gasoline prices fluttering around $4 per gallon, it’s becoming one of the company’s most popular. The subcompact genre is a class of cars that has become more than mere basic transportation, and the Yaris is among the leaders in moving these small fries into all-around respectability.

With a thrift-oriented 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, face-distorting acceleration isn’t part of the deal here, and the Yaris isn’t the agility champ in this class. But it does deliver high fuel economy ratings (29 mpg city, 36 highway with a manual transmission), it is roomy, it carries Toyota’s rep for reliability, and it is offered in more body styles (three) than its competitors.

Verdict

The Yaris is a decent choice for the thrift-minded buyer who needs an affordable no-frills, one-size-does-all automobile, but the Yaris isn’t the best choice in the subcompact market. A seven-car comparison test conducted when the car was new saw the little Toyota finish right in the middle, in fourth place, behind the third-place Kia Rio5, second-place Nissan Versa, and walk-away first-place-winner Honda Fit, the latter of which has been completely redesigned for 2009. The Yaris could only manage to beat out subcompact also-rans such as the Hyundai Accent, Dodge Caliber, and Suzuki Reno.

Click here to read our full review of the Toyota Yaris.

Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Toyota Yaris.

What’s New for 2009

In addition to freshened front and rear styling and updated interior trim, a five-door model joins the current three-door and sedan versions. ABS and six airbags (dual front, side, and curtain) are standard features, and audio systems have been updated for integrated iPod capability.

Highlights and Recommendations

The Yaris comes in two trim levels, basic and S (for Sport). Prices start at less than $14,000. However, there is a progression of standard equipment from the basic Yaris three-door on up through the lineup, expanded for 2009 with the addition of the five-door hatch. The five-door delivers more cargo versatility than the four-door sedan, and that’s our choice, although we understand lots of folks prefer the conventional four-door body style.

Standard features in the basic Yaris are minimal. A tilting steering wheel and air conditioning come with the entry-level Yaris but not much more. However, there are several option packages that enhance livability and style. The Convenience package, which adds a rear window defogger, 15-inch wheels, and an AM/FM/CD audio system, seems like a must, and keyless entry is affordably added. The “sportier” S trim includes dressy trim bits and AM/FM/CD audio as standard equipment.

Safety

Anti-lock brakes are standard, as are dual front, side, and side-curtain airbags. Unfortunately, stability control isn’t offered.