New 2007 Toyota Yaris Safety Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Toyota Yaris Safety Review
Safety - 7.3 (Good)
In crash tests by the government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Yaris sedan receives high marks in all areas except side-impact crashes in models lacking the optional side air bags. Paying extra for the side curtain air bags and an anti-lock braking system is strongly recommended. About.com relates the consensus opinion on the Toyota Yaris' safety by saying the car "proves that all you folks who think the only safe car is a big car are wrong." However, most auto experts recommend upgrading to the side curtain air bags and an anti-lock braking system options.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Yaris sedan 4 out of 5 stars for its protection of occupants in government frontal impact tests. However, the sedan without the optional side-impact air bags only received 3 stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Yaris its highest rating of "good" in both frontal and side crash tests, but its lowest rating of "poor" for side impact tests without side airbags.
Accident Avoidance
To avoid fender benders, all 2007 Toyota Yaris models have power-assisted brakes with front ventilated discs and rear drum. Reviews like Auto Mall USA say these brakes are able to "haul the 2,300-pound car to a halt with confidence. Pedal feel is direct, and even though the rear brakes are drums and not discs, stopping power is more than sufficient."
Nonetheless, there are several reviewers who encourage drivers to add the four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution option to assist in emergency situations.
Crash Protection
To protect its passengers, both the liftback and sedan versions of the 2007 Toyota Yaris provide driver- and front-passenger air bags as well as an Advanced Airbag System. In terms of seat belts, the driver and all passengers receive three-point seat belts, while the driver and front passengers also have pretensioners with force limiters. Seat belts in the 2007 Toyota Yaris feature also feature automatic emergency locking retractors for the front and rear passengers' seat belt, and emergency locking retractors for the driver's seat belt. The Yaris is also designed with front and rear crumple zones as well as side-impact beams.
Like many cars in its class, front-seat-mounted side air bags and front- and rear-side curtain air bags are an optional feature for the 2007 Toyota Yaris, something most reviews note as a minus for the compact car class, but not the Yaris specifically. However, reviewers tend to agree that buyers should opt to purchase the extra safety features the 2007 Toyota Yaris offers as options.
