2009 Toyota Yaris
- 2008 Toyota Yaris
- Used Toyota Yaris
Based on analysis of 60 Yaris reviews and test drives.
Toyota Yaris - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Toyota Yaris ranks 26 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 60 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 an odd but appealing design. But its great fuel numbers compromise its power, and its cabin is one of the barest of either the small car or hatchback classes.
The 2009 Toyota Yaris' sub-$15,000 price tag and compelling fuel economy continue to be its strongest attributes in these penny-pinching times. Although the Yaris lacks the interior features and quality even expected for the affordable small car or hatchback classes, nor does it have enough sportiness to provide even marginal excitement on the highway, experts still recommend it for its undeniable value.
But if you can't find anything to love with the Yaris, you should know there are other small cars that make good economic sense and have more personality. Although purchasing a Honda Fit is generally more of an investment than the Yaris, the Fit is the 2009 U.S. News Best Car for the Money in the subcompact class for its good value over time.
Toyota has capitalized on the Yaris' new-found popularity by adding an additional trim to its lineup. In addition to the two-door hatchback and four-door sedan, the 2009 Yaris also comes as a four-door hatchback.
Be sure to check for current Toyota Deals that may be available on a new Yaris.
- "This is an urban/suburban/go-to-the store car. And that's not a bad thing." -- Boston Globe
- "A Honda Fit is more exciting and the Nissan Versa is bigger, but the Yaris has a low price on its side." -- Car and Driver
- "Having replaced the slow-selling Echo two years back, the Yaris has gained in popularity and, although it remains the smallest and least expensive vehicle in the Toyota brand line-up, it is still packed with value." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "Since a gazillion are sold worldwide, you'd expect Toyota's subcompacts to shine, and the Yaris sedan doesn't disappoint." -- Austin American-Statesman
- "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
- "The 2009 Toyota Yaris boasta a variety of body styles sand a solid track record for reliability, but there are better choices for an economy car." -- Edmunds
Yaris Performance - 7.0 (Good)
With a mix of struggling acceleration and responsive handling, reviewers like the Chicago Sun-Times sum up the Yaris' driving performance as merely adequate. But the 2009 model does have great gas mileage for the class. The EPA rates the Yaris at 29/35 mpg city/highway with an automatic transmission, and 29/36 mpg city/highway with an optional manual. continue
Yaris Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
From the Boston Globe's "peanut on wheels," to the Los Angeles Times' "it kind of looks like a bug you'd pin to a corkboard," there are several creative descriptions of the Yaris' micro dimensions. For 2009, the Yaris increases in size -- but just barely. Toyota has now added a four-door liftback option to the line up. continue
Yaris Interior - 7.2 (Good)
The 2009 Toyota Yaris has one of the starkest interiors of the class, and some say the driving position is awkward. U.S. News' Rick Newman says "the base model is truly a bare-bones vehicle," but adds, "the interior, spare as it is, is well designed and practical." continue
Yaris Safety - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 Toyota Yaris now has side curtain airbags on its standard feature list. In addition, it receives high marks in federal government crash tests. continue
Yaris Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2009 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). The 2009 Yaris' basic comprehensive warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles. Toyota's powertrain warranty is offered for the first five years or 60,000 miles, and corrosion protection is provided for five years regardless of mileage. continue
