2009 Toyota Yaris S 5-door Liftback (753)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2009 Toyota Yaris S 5-door Liftback. It’s even more important a vehicle for the times than it was when I last reviewed it two years back, and although I’m less impressed this time around it has a lot of great points that will be obvious on your first test drive. My colleague Merkel owns a 2007 and he and his wife are thrilled with their decision to buy it. They routinely get 39 mpg and if that isn’t enough it is also a pleasure to drive. It is a real car even though some will argue it is too light and too small. “What if you tangle up with a big SUV they say?” Well I have some advice for them… drive defensively and remember those dinosaurs are being replaced by smaller ones. Anyway, what about “Big Rigs” they are a lot more intimidating than a Suburban!

Opinion:

I’ve spoken with Cal Trans and the CHP and reported on their answers to my questions about our roads and my being curious why diamond lanes aren’t used during off peak hours. Traveling on the 134 East from Glendale to Pasadena the other day I was reminded that I can’t understand why the lane is not marked for use as a HOV lane only during rush hour.

You could have fired off a canon up the diamond lane and not hit a soul. The lane was totally empty while the other lanes were struggling to avoid each other. Are Cal Trans / our legislator’s brain dead? Is it not, at best, shameful they ignore the obvious and at worse criminal that they don’t allow use of that lane by all traffic during off peak hour travel? Hello – the lights are on but it would appear no one is home!

Handling & Performance:

Well, I find the best way to get the handling characteristics of a car is to take it over a mountain range and for us in Southern California the best course is over the San Gabriel Mountains between the city and the desert. It is NOT however a road for the faint hearted, especially during commuter hours in the morning or afternoon. But if you love the hair raising rides at 6-Flags Magic Mountain type theme parks you’re ok for the “Crest” and I have to tell you the Yaris is up to the challenge.

Styling:

Well design is very subjective and some would say it’s cute and others say it is ugly.
The rear seat is roomy and will accommodate 3 passengers. They also did a nice job to allow the seat to adjust forward and backward just like the front seats. They also fold flat easily.

Fit and Finish:
Good.

Cost:

More than it needs to be because of the Toyota badge. But a good value none-the-less.

Conveniences and comfort:

I would NEVER own a car without Cruise Control and this week my conviction was renewed since this model came without cruise. The first car I experienced cruise control came out on the Cadillac in the mid 1970s. I knew then this would eventually have to be standard equipment on ALL cars. Well, it is still not standard equipment but optional and highly recommended.

Consumer Recommendation:

Look at the rise in fuel costs creeping up steadily now and consider a fuel efficient commuter like the list below. Yaris is among the best and is a 5 seater versus the Smart for example and gets nearly the same fuel economy for the same money.

Recognized Competition:

Toyota Yaris $12-16,000, Suzuki Reno $14,000, Hyundai Accent $11-15,000, Scion xD $15,000, VW Rabbit $16-19,000, Suzuki SX4 Crossover $16-19,000, Kia Rio $11-14,000, Nissan Versa $10-16,000, Honda Fit $15-19,000, Smart fortwo $12-17,000, Chevrolet Aveo5 $12-15,000.

Good News:

This is a grouping of economical cars and gives a good variety of great commuters. Yaris is among the best in fuel economy.

Bad News:

Light weight that can be intimidating to many drivers.

Standard Equipment:

1.5 liter 4-cylinder 106 horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive, electric power steering, electronic throttle control, front disc rear drum ABS brakes with brake force distribution, child LATCH and Tether anchors and rear safety door locks, tire pressure monitoring system, halogen headlights, intermittent front wiper and rear wiper, front and rear spoilers, fog lights, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD WMA/MP3 player, CD text display and iPod interface, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 4–way adjustable front sport seats, 12 volt outlet, folding rear bench seat, remote fuel filler door and hood release.

Gas Stats:

$2.29/ Gal avg. April 13, ‘09
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

29 City and 35 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $15,125.