• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Toyota Yaris - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Toyota Yaris ranks 25 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 67 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Yaris, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

From its excellent fuel economy and eccentric appearance to its comprehensive package of safety features, the 2010 Toyota Yaris is a good value.  Nonetheless, with a painfully bare cabin and an awkward driving position, it has a hard time competing with class leaders.

Although little has changed about the Toyota Yaris for the 2010 model year, the big news is the new list of safety features -- part of the Toyota Star Safety System -- that will now come standard. The Yaris will now be among only a precious few vehicles in its class to offer as standard such driving aids as vehicle stability control and traction control.

In addition to its impressive safety package, the 2010 Yaris has other strengths.  Its quirky appearance is received well by the automotive press and its excellent 29/36 city/highway fuel economy tops most rivals. Moreover, despite its minimal engine power, many reviewers maintain that the Yaris is reasonably fun to drive.

Despite these high points, the Yaris certainly has a few failings as well.  Its cabin is among the barest in its class and the enticing base price can inflate quickly since features that come standard on most other cars -- like power windows and doors -- have to be added in package upgrades. Reviewers also complain about the awkward driving position in the Yaris and its distracting, centrally-located dashboard.

Consumers interested in the Yaris should definitely also check out a few of its class competitors.  The Honda Fit, for example, may have a starting price of about $2,500 more than the Yaris, but it offers an interior features list that rivals that of some upscale small cars. Also worth a look is the Volkswagen Rabbit, which costs about $4,000 more than the Yaris but boasts one of the most opulent cabins in its class with interior comfort to spare.

The 2010 Toyota Yaris is offered as a three- and five- door hatchback or a four-door sedan. Be sure to check for current Toyota Deals that may be available on a new Yaris.

• "Shop elsewhere if you want lively acceleration at highway speeds, but Yaris is a relatively refined subcompact with a driving position high enough that you won't feel dwarfed by surrounding traffic. Base prices are tempting, but add optional amenities and stickers climb to the level of larger, more powerful cars that come with convenience features that cost extra on the Yaris." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Toyota Yaris proves that inexpensive should not be confused with cheap. Agile and zippy, the Yaris excels around town and works well for commuting." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Although it remains the smallest and least expensive vehicle in the Toyota brand line-up, it is still packed with value." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The...Toyota Yaris boasts a variety of body styles sand a solid track record for reliability, but there are better choices for an economy car." -- Edmunds

Yaris Performance - 7.2 (Good)

Reviewers admit that Yaris is no sports car when it comes to performance, but it has a good feel to it and can actually be somewhat fun to drive. "With its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 106 horsepower...we still can't call it a rocket ship," says Left Lane News, "but toss in a standard five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic, and we can agree with the axiom that it's more fun to drive a slow car fast, rather than a fast car slow." Read More

Yaris Exterior - 7.9 (Good)

With a few exceptions, the automotive press seems to like the unusual shape and exterior styling of the 2010 Toyota Yaris, regardless of whether it's in sedan or hatchback forms. "The Toyota Yaris has an appealing look to it, especially the Liftback," says New Car Test Drive. "All were designed around themes of simplicity, design elegance that avoids unnecessary decoration." Read More

Yaris Interior - 7.4 (Good)

The 2010 Toyota Yaris has one of the starkest interiors of the class. Although reviewers enjoy its overall interior design, they still have a lot to complain about. Says Edmunds; "The interior is not without its foibles. Those center-mounted instruments pull your eyes away from the road, while tall drivers will find the driving position akin to sitting atop a stool. Also, the tilt steering wheel cheaply drops like an anchor when its lever is released." Read More

Yaris Safety - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 Toyota Yaris is now among only a few vehicles to include traction control and an anti-skid system on its standard safety features list. Moreover, although the insurance industry has not yet had a chance to test the 2010 Yaris, it receives high marks in federal government crash tests. Read More

Yaris Reliability - NA

The 2010 Yaris' basic comprehensive warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles. Read More