2009 Toyota Yaris Review

For years, the tiny Tercel (1980-1999) was the entry step into the Toyota lineup. After a productive 20-year run, the Tercel got replaced by the subcompact Echo, but just for one generation (2000-2005). Japan's largest automaker produces reliable, compact and subcompact offerings just about as well as anyone so when the diminutive Yaris, the latest Toyota subcompact came online in the 2007 model year, momentum continued.

In and around 2007, the Big Three Japanese automakers (Toyota, Honda, Nissan) each debuted an all-new, entry subcompact (Yaris, Fit, Verse respectively) just as $4 a gallon gas prices hit the States. Call it luck or good timing, but these fuel-sipping subcompacts were in the right place at the right time.

During the first two Yaris model years, a three-door liftback and four-door sedan were the body styles of choice. In 2009, Toyota adds a third body style, a five-door liftback. Now, the front-wheel-drive, Japan-built Yaris sports a wider range of offerings than its two diminutive Asian rivals.

These three subcompacts have great appeal not only for great mileage, but for low starting prices. A base five-door 2009 Yaris liftback starts at $13,305. An up-level S grade five-door liftback starts at $15,125. Keep in mind air conditioning and automatic transmission come standard in both trims of the five-door liftback. A base three-door 2009 Yaris liftback starts at $12,205 (with five-speed manual transmission) and a 2009 sedan checks in at $15,880 (with manual transmission).

To keep the Yaris starting price low, standard equipment is rather limited while options are plentiful. The bottom line of our base five-door Yaris liftback test vehicle ended up at $17,094 after factoring in a $720 destination charge and options. Extras included a $1,970 power package (power doors, locks and windows; stereo with compact disc player and MP3; rear window defroster and wiper; satellite radio hook up and 60/40 split second-row seats). Single options included cruise control ($250), remote keyless entry ($230) weather guard package ($110), floor mats ($150) and VIP security ($359).

An entry, relatively well-equipped 2009 Honda Fit starts at $14,750 with manual transmission and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 117 horsepower and 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Nissan offers a bare bones entry model of the Versa starting at $9,990 with five-speed manual and a 1.6-liter engine posting 107 horses and 26 mpg city and 34 highway. Versa also has a second four-cylinder engine with 1.8 liters delivering 122 horsepower and 26 mpg city/31 highway with manual transmission. Both Fit and Versa offer automatic transmissions as options.

Yaris is built for fuel economy and does not disappoint. Government mileage for the all-new lift back with automatic transmission checks in at 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The sole Yaris powertrain found in all three 2009 bodies is a 1.5-liter, inline, four cylinder beauty delivering 106 horsepower. Sedans and three-door liftbacks equipped with five-speed manual transmission generate one mile per gallon better on the highway. Yaris is one of the most fuel-efficient gas-exclusive cars on the market. No gas-electric hybrid engine is sold in Yaris, Fit or Versa.

The Yaris interior layout is best described as Spartan functionality. A nice touch is a two-prong glove box with separate top and bottom door openings. Beverages may be placed in several non-conventional holders including those molded into all four side doors, single fold-out holders on each end of the dashboard and an open region on each side of the center console. As with the departed Echo, Yaris positions the instrument cluster on top of the center dash in a half-moon display with an amber backlight, analog speedometer fuel gauge and digital clock. Behind the three-spoke steering wheel (where one usually finds the cluster) resides a flip-up door presenting more storage. A center column includes the sound system on top with three vertically-arranged dials to monitor ventilation functions. The fuel-door release lever in on the floor left of the driver's bucket seat. Power lock and window switches are on the driver's door at a 45-degree angle. Power window controls are on the far left side of the dash.

Cloth bucket seats are firm. Like most five-door hatchbacks, drivers have good views with minimal blind spots. For a subcompact, headroom is surprisingly good in front and back. Second-row backrests fold down with a 60/40 split allowing access to the relatively small cargo area.

Yaris does come standard with a good list safety equipment including anti-lock brakes, side curtain air bags (both now standard in all 2009 models) front side mounted air bags and child-safety rear door locks.

All four lightweight side doors close with a tight, authoritative "thunk " In back, the hatch opens with the push of an exterior button. With the hatch open, a little bending is required as not to knock a noggin against the door. Headlight and taillight housing are both large. In front, the housing covers a large portion of the fenders and hood, a striking contrast to the short-snouted, slopping hood. Maneuvering into the back seat area requires a little twisting as the door opening is on the small side.

Yaris is a commuter car built for comfort, not speed or hair-pin turns. Acceleration, when flooring the gas pedal, is not world class; the trade off is great fuel numbers. Four riders travel in optimum comfort. Toyota's solid reputation for durability is also behind every Yaris.

The new five-door liftback is the most versatile of the Yaris trio. Each of the Big Three Asian auto brands has their built-in following of enthusiasts. Yaris will keep the faithful smiling and provide inexpensive transportation for members of the Toyota family.

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2009 Toyota Yaris

3 is the charm.

Dave Boe