2008 Toyota Yaris Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 49 Yaris reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
Reviewers were creative when trying to describe the Yaris' outer appearance. The Boston Globe uses "a peanut on wheels." Car and Driver says, "It's lunging dung-beetle shape is frumpy cool." Despite the distinctive styling, the Yaris's exterior isn't among the best in the class.
To Kelley Blue Book, "the liftback's exterior makes the more expressive design statement." Most expressive design in this reviewer's opinion turns out to be large halogen headlamps, a creased hood and T-shaped front grille. Auto Mall USA says the entire exterior appears in one color, "but the Yaris avoids looking like a featureless blob due to strategic placement of black trim" along the length of the roof, front grilles and fog lamps. Auto Mall USA also estimates that "the rear hatch opens down to the bumper line and raises just high enough to allow a six-foot-tall person to stand under it." The 2008 Toyota Yaris sedan has most of the same design elements of the liftback, including color-keyed outside mirrors, door handles, rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels. The antenna is located on the roof.
Many auto writers mentioned the Toyota model the Yaris replaces -- the Echo -- put in perspective the vast improvements in exterior between the old and the new. Most memorable would be the Washington Post's prediction that consumers will enjoy the Yaris' looks. "The Yaris is much cuter than the Echo," they note, "but the Echo is one of the ugliest cars ever made."
The Yaris liftback and sedan come with 14-inch tires, while the S sedan features 15-inch tires and wheels.