2009 Toyota Yaris Sedan Review

With gas prices soaring last year, the automakers went into a frenzy to bring smaller cars to the U.S. market. Many automakers already had subcompacts for sale in other markets, so bringing one to the U.S. meant changing it slightly and undergoing emissions and safety tests for our market. The subcompact class of cars bring good fuel economy in a small package for a low price.

Even with gas prices back down, subcompacts make a lot of sense to commuters for traveling to and from work. They offer more than enough room for a few people and are easy on the budget both when you purchase them and when you fill them up at the pump.

A new subcompact offered by Toyota is the 2009 Toyota Yaris. This review will focus on the Yaris sedan as there is also a 3 door liftback and 5 door liftback version of this vehicle available. The Yaris sedan offers a lot in a small package and does so at a price that most buyers can afford. Don't expect premium options or excessive performance from the subcompact Yaris, but do expect frugality and Toyota build quality.

Pricing and Standard / Optional Features: The 2009 Toyota Yaris comes to market as one of the lowest priced Toyota vehicles available. The Yaris sedan starts at only $12,965. A bargain for a Toyota product. There are many options that can be added which will certainly increase the price dramatically. The base Yaris comes stripped down and certain options should be considered. Optional item such as cruise control, power locks, and power windows need to be added. Along with option packages that include a rear defroster, and daytime running lights. These options are standard on most cars and should be standard on the Yaris, so add them to yours if you decide to buy this model. The Yaris sedan is significantly larger in size than the Yaris 3 door liftback.

Performance: In terms of performance, don't expect much of it from the Yaris. The Yaris sedan is equipped with a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that outputs only 106 hp. However, the Yaris is a lightweight and the engine is not tremendously underpowered. The Yaris sedan returns 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Good numbers for any car. the Yaris is equipped with ABS and and electronic brake distribution, a rarity in a budget vehicle. Reviews on the Yaris are not always favorably. The Yaris is fine basic transportation, but lacks agility and ride quality of other subcompact vehicles.

Bottom Line: If you are in the market for a subcompact car, there are better and worse choices than the Toyota Yaris sedan. The benefits of a subcompact include great gas mileage and a budget friendly price. The downside, many subcompacts offer poor ride and isolation, poor handling, and few amenities. If a subcompact vehicle is right for you, the Yaris is a mid pack offering that requires consideration.