2008 Toyota Yaris Quality Review

Most reviewers praise the 2008 Toyota Yaris’s interior space and comfort relative to other cars its size, but criticize the materials used inside.

“The interior is very cleverly thought out, with a lot more space and storage than expected, and on-target ergonomics,” assesses Autoblog, while Car and Driver reports space in the Toyota Yaris Liftback’s backseat is sufficient, and “the hatchback has a clever back seat that slides forward for more cargo space and also has reclining seatbacks.”

ConsumerGuide was more critical of the driving position, saying, “Long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel,” and adding that some testers found the steering wheel too distant and pedals too close. An MSN Autos reviewer had trouble tilting the steering wheel high enough to clear his legs.

Autoblog complimented the Yaris’s ride comfort: “Bumps are absorbed, rather than bouncing the Yaris all over the place.” However, road noise can be an issue at highway speeds, according to ConsumerGuide.

Almost unanimously, testers find the center-mounted gauges bothersome. ConsumerGuide reports that the gauges aren’t canted toward the driver, and “testers find its location diverts attention from road,” a sentiment the MSN Autos reviewer seconds.

Otherwise, most reviewers appreciate the interior design in the Yaris. “Attentive interior design is what lends the Yaris a bigger feel inside than its tinytastic dimensions initially suggest,” declares Autoblog.

Autobytel reports the execution as lacking because of the materials used, describing a “hard as cardboard” headliner and “hard plastic on the door sills and armrests, hard plastic on the lower dash upon which the unfortunate knee will occasionally brush, and the stiff seats that feel more like one big piece of rigid foam rather than traditional, somewhat soft cushions.” They also note the “flimsy movement” of the climate controls. Autoblog voices similar gripes, including easily scuffed hard plastic, surfaces that don’t quite match, and storage compartment lids that feel vulnerable.

Autobytel is disappointed with assembly quality, finding “more issues than one expects from this brand,” such as irregular gaps along body panels and cup holder covers that wouldn’t sit flush, but the review praises the minimum of wind noise and lack of squeaks and rattles.

TheCarConnection.com’s editors agree that the Yaris makes good use of every bit of interior space, and verify firsthand that ride quality is quite good for a car of this size. However, they also find that though tightly assembled, the Toyota skimps inside in both seating comfort and materials.