Toyota Yaris: A Review

For years now, Toyota has been known as an economical alternative to automobiles with far less fuel efficiency. With vehicles such as the Prius, the Camry-Hybrid, and the fuel-efficient Corolla, Toyota has been a leader in the industry of saving the consumer out-of-pocket expenses. As we all know, gas prices have been climbing steadily and likely won’t fall below $2.50 per gallon for most of the U.S. for quite sometime. Toyota’s answer to high gas prices and a consumer demand for new automobiles? The U.S. launch of the Toyota Yaris.

The Toyota Yaris is economical and fun to drive, however, it’s not great for the family on the go, or those who wish travel long distances. Its size definitely limits the amount of time you want to spend in it, but the ability to go 30+ miles off of one gallon of fuel makes you want to travel in it. It’s a tough choice.

The Yaris handles rather well, and comes standard with a very zippy 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. The engine whines a little when it’s out on the highway at anything over 70mph, but otherwise, it is very solid, and performs well around town. The engine noise also subsides dramatically when under 50mph. The peppiness of the engine makes this little car fun to drive, but the off-center balance makes it feel as though the front wheel drive may slip right out from underneath you.

Safety, as with all Toyotas is not an issue at all. Standard driver’s side airbags, available anti-lock brakes and a small engine guarantees that your insurance company will love your Yaris as well. The Yaris is powered by a 106-hp in-line four-cylinder engine that makes 103 lb-ft of torque and is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, a great car for beginners and experienced drivers as well. The Yaris has an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a rudimentary torsion beam rear end. The Yaris’s base price will be low because features such as ABS, front side and side curtain air bags, and power windows and locks will be optional. Even decked out though, the Yaris is very affordable.

The Yaris is available in two main trims; the 3 door hatchback, and the 4 door sedan. While the hatchback is more appealing to the younger crowd, the sedan is where the big money is, with more available options and an overall 19 extra inches, it’s not been unusual to see the retired crowd and smaller families purchase the Toyota Echo’s replacement. The hatchback comes with an available split-folding rear seat that reclines, and slides fore and aft, great for when you need that extra cargo room.

Overall, I would recommend this car to a young couple low on cash, the older couple not looking to travel cross-country, or the college student who needs the great gas mileage and storage space. It’s fun design and nice lines make it very appealing, but it’s not the greatest buy for someone looking to invest in a quality automobile. If looking at this car, get a good test drive in, and bring some friends so you can see exactly how roomy it is. If you have small children I would recommend bringing the car seat(s) and seeing how well they fit also.

Toyota introduced this low profile, low cost, eye-catching car into the U.S. as a 2007 model in early 2006. Since then, demand has been outweighing supply month after month. Most critics claim this is in part to its low cost, starting around $11,500, and amazing gas mileage out of a zippy 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. With EPA fuel ratings as high as 40 miles per gallon, and enough options to satisfy anyone, the car you want to drive is finally the car you can afford to drive.