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2009 Toyota Yaris Features Review

December 14, 2008

FEATURES | 5 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The front cupholders need some work
Autobytel

The audio system has an auxiliary input
Autoblog

Plenty of small-item storage throughout
ConsumerGuide

Yaris owners can up the ante with TRD accessories
Car and Driver

Available 60/40-split rear seat that can recline and slide fore and aft
Cars.com

The 2009 Toyota Yaris can be had in two trim levels: the base model and the "S" version. Both trim levels are available on all three body styles. Also, air conditioning is standard across the model line.

Autoblog points to driver and passenger cup holders that "cleverly fold out of the dashboard," also noting "storage cubbies on either side of the center stack, as well as two covered bins in the top of the dashboard and a conventional glovebox on the passenger side." Speaking of cup holders, the Yaris S has four of them, one of which is in the fold-down rear center armrest. However, not everyone approves of the dash-mounted ones placed directly in front of the air vents, including Autobytel, which observes, "Not only are they awkwardly placed, but they make it hard to keep the morning coffee hot while blasting the a/c on a 100-degree day, or keeping a soft drink cool while warming the interior or a frigid winter's morn."

Road & Track notes that upgrading to the "S" trim level adds "redesigned body kit, unique sport upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Yaris owners can up the ante with Toyota Racing Development accessories including suspension modifications, sport exhaust and 18-in. alloy wheels." AM/FM/CD audio also comes with the "S" trim, according to Car and Driver.

Of course, all of these add to the sticker price, moving Autobytel to remark that the bargain base price is "a distant memory if you check every box on the order sheet." ConsumerGuide agrees, pointing out that with some options, the prices "climb to the level of larger, more powerful cars that come with safety and convenience features that cost extra on the Yaris."

Cars.com observes that some options are included as standard on the "S" version, such as "rear defroster, rear window wipers on hatchback, fog lamps, CD player with auxiliary jack, and 60/40 folding rear seat." Other options include power mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and power windows/locks.

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota Yaris offers some nice features, especially in "S" trim, for a subcompact starting at around $16,000. However, others in the segment offer more for the same money.

FEATURES | 5 out of 10Expert Quotes:The front cupholders need some workAutobytelThe audio system has an auxiliary inputAutoblogPlenty of small-item storage throughoutConsumerGuideYaris owners can up the ante with TRD accessoriesCar and DriverAvailable 60/40-split rear seat that can recline and slide fore and aftCars.com The 2009 Toyota Yaris can be had in two trim levels: the base model and the "S" version. Both trim levels are available on all three body styles. Also, air conditioning is standard across the model line. Autoblog points to driver and passenger cup holders that "cleverly fold out of the dashboard," also noting "storage cubbies on either side of the center stack, as well as two covered bins in the top of the dashboard and a conventional glovebox on the passenger side." Speaking of cup holders, the Yaris S has four of them, one of which is in the fold-down rear center armrest. However, not everyone approves of the dash-mounted ones placed directly in front of the air vents, including Autobytel, which observes, "Not only are they awkwardly placed, but they make it hard to keep the morning coffee hot while blasting the a/c on a 100-degree day, or keeping a soft drink cool while warming the interior or a frigid winter's morn." Road & Track notes that upgrading to the "S" trim level adds "redesigned body kit, unique sport upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Yaris owners can up the ante with Toyota Racing Development accessories including suspension modifications, sport exhaust and 18-in. alloy wheels." AM/FM/CD audio also comes with the "S" trim, according to Car and Driver. Of course, all of these add to the sticker price, moving Autobytel to remark that the bargain base price is "a distant memory if you check every box on the order sheet." ConsumerGuide agrees, pointing out that with some options, the prices "climb to the level of larger, more powerful cars that come with safety and convenience features that cost extra on the Yaris." Cars.com observes that some options are included as standard on the "S" version, such as "rear defroster, rear window wipers on hatchback, fog lamps, CD player with auxiliary jack, and 60/40 folding rear seat." Other options include power mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and power windows/locks. ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota Yaris offers some nice features, especially in "S" trim, for a subcompact starting at around $16,000. However, others in the segment offer more for the same money.  2009 TOYOTA YARIS STYLING | [7 out of 10] Autobytel: "A bit quirky" Autoblog: "Design is deliberately weird enough..." Edmunds: "You can't help but smile at its cuteness" Road & Track: "4-door Yaris sedan looks like the little brother of the Corolla " The 2009 Toyota Yaris ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio are the most direct competitors to the 2009 Toyota Yaris. Both models come as a sedan, but the Accent is available as a three-door hatchback model and the Rio as a five-door hatchback (Rio5). Both feel a little more solid on the road than the Yaris, but their fuel economy isn't as good. The Kia Rio5 is a bit more fun to drive than any of these other low-budget vehicles. Also at the bottom of the price scale is the Chevrolet Aveo5, a small, five-door hatchback made by GM Daewoo. Even with a recent redesign, the Aveo doesn't feel competitive with the Hyundai, Kia, or Toyota; its interior is slightly more spacious and comfortable, but its performance is sluggish in comparison. The most appealing vehicle in this crowd is the Honda Fit; although it's quite a bit more expensive, the Fit is safer, more expansive inside—thanks to the wonderful Magic Seat design—and more fun to drive. A redesign for 2009 has made the Fit even better, and untouchable in this category.

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See the Toyota Yaris in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (3 total)

  1. By elfi #2, Posted: 9/30/2009

    2009 yaris sedan - customer service is poor, motivated by profit for dealer rather than customer satisfaction. our yaris is very susceptible to scratches on its poor silver skin. there is a lot of shuddering and engine fluctuation especially when idling at a light. No dealer staff seem to know what that might be. there are only 250 k on this car and it already seems old and beat-up.

  2. By Joe #3, Posted: 11/2/2009

    I have a 2007 Yaris liftback, and love the vehicle. The 29/36 fuel economy is very conservative. I drive with a moderate lead foot, and average 38.3 mpg (41.2 mpg hwy only miles).
    Considering that its an inexpensive entry level sub-compact, the car is a good bargain. You'll never turn a Yaris into a Mustang, Ferrari, SUV, or Camry-its unrealistic to expect 300 hp, heated leather seats or traction control on a new $13,000 economy car.
    I personally think that the editors of this article have become too spoiled by getting paid to drive luxury cars, sports cars, and $50,000 SUV's on a regular basis-just my opinion.

  3. By anonymous #4, Posted: 11/17/2009

    I drove the 2009 Yaris Hatchback as a rental car, and it was the worst car I have ever driven in my life. It handles horribly at high speeds, the gauges are in a very awkward place, and the seats are very uncomfortable. The gas gauge is inaccurate and the car just doesn't feel right. It felt like it didn't have enough power to pass anyone. To make a long story short, don't buy this car, ever!

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