2008 Toyota Yaris [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 49 Yaris reviews and test drives.
Toyota Yaris - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Toyota Yaris ranks 23 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 49 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Yaris, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Yaris delivers a pleasant drive with good storage space and the Toyota reputation for quality, but doesn't match the performance or upscale design and features of others in its class.
According to our analysis, the Toyota Yaris is an improvement over its subcompact predecessor, the Echo. However, despite its European-based design, increased storage space and roomier interior, the 2008 Yaris lacks the refinement and driving performance now expected of even budget-class cars.
The 2008 Toyota Yaris was a new model last year, and as such is virtually unchanged. It comes in either a liftback (Yaris-speak for hatchback), or two trims of a sedan. If you're in the market for an affordable compact, also consider the Honda Civic.
- "A surprisingly routine and summarily undelightful B-class subcompact that feels as mailed-in as if it had a stamp on it." -- Los Angeles Times
- "Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability will help sell the Yaris, which has the style, economy and utility to be a strong contender." -- Chicago Sun-Times
- "This is an urban/suburban/go-to-the store car. And that's not a bad thing." Boston Globe
- "The Yaris felt fully up to the task of every day urban life. It has good interior room and utility, drives nicely and there's just enough power to keep complaining to a minimum." -- AutoWeek
- "Throw some sixteens on the car along with performance springs, dampers, and engine mods, and you'd have yourself a peppy little econobox. Or you could just buy a Honda Civic coming off lease." -- Automobile Magazine
Yaris Performance - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Like others, the Chicago Sun-Times finds the Yaris' driving performance merely "decent." The steering is fairly crisp and the stopping power is good, but acceleration and maintaining high speeds were more difficult. Our full Performance Review gives more insight into test drivers' road experiences with the Yaris. continue
Yaris Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
Reviewers were creative when trying to describe the Yaris' outer appearance. The Boston Globe uses "a peanut on wheels," while Car and Driver says, "Its lunging dung-beetle shape is frumpy cool." Check out the Toyota Yaris Photo Gallery to view the Yaris sedan, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn about design differences between the sedan and liftback. continue
Yaris Interior - 6.4 (Mediocre)
The Yaris' interior is bare bones in design and features, resulting in a mediocre interior score. U.S. News' Rick Newman says "the base model is truly a bare-bones vehicle," but comes back with, "the interior, spare as it is, is well designed and practical." Check out the Toyota Yaris Photo Gallery for views of the Yaris' dash and gauges, or read our full Interior Review to learn about the Yaris' four-speaker CD player with MP3/WMA playback. continue
Yaris Safety - 8.2 (Very Good)
In crash tests by the government and the insurance industry, the Yaris sedan receives good 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. Our full Safety Review gives more information on the Yaris' crash test ratings and available safety equipment. continue
Yaris Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2008 Toyota Yaris reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Toyota provides a basic comprehensive warranty for three years or 36,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review for more on the Toyota Yaris' corrosion protection and powertrain warranty. continue
