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2009 Toyota Yaris Performance Review

December 14, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Handling is OK if the car isn't pushed hard
MSN Autos

Performance is about what you'd expect
Car and Driver

Drama-free stopping, but be sure to get the optional ABS
ConsumerGuide

Has enough snort to handle everything short of leading a police chase
Autoblog

The 2009 Toyota Yaris offers just one engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 106 horsepower. That's not much, but considering the Yaris only weighs about 2,300 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio isn't bad.

Car and Driver reports, "Performance is about what you'd expect from a 106-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine—not great, but not dreadful, either." MSN Autos calls the Yaris' passing ability "brisk" and "fairly quick," adding that the engine, although loud during acceleration, is "a relaxed, quiet highway cruiser." And Autobytel says "once its driver gets used to where the meat of the motor is and learns how best to extract the power, this littlest of Toyotas offers acceptable gusto."

Nearly all reviewers prefer the standard five-speed manual to the optional four-speed automatic transmission, although many note the engine's narrow power band. "The manual shifts nicely, but the engine calls for lots of shifting to get the best performance," says MSN Autos, who add that the automatic, though not as fast, "allows good performance." Edmunds finds the manual gives the 2009 Toyota Yaris "a peppy, sporty feel," and compliments the engine for being "smooth and vibration-free, even at high rpm." ConsumerGuide reports that the automatic works fine around town, "but feels overmatched in fast-moving traffic and hilly terrain."

Where handling is concerned, opinions vary widely (and wildly). Car and Driver says the Yaris' handling is "estimable for a car of this class, particularly the feel and response of the steering, which is electrically assisted to just the right degree." Edmunds also likes the feel of the steering, commenting, "Unlike some other systems of this kind, the Yaris' has a natural, crisp feel with even weighting." ConsumerGuide echoes the compliments about steering feel, but warns that grip in turns is limited by the narrow tires. MSN Autos concurs: "Handling is OK if the car isn't pushed hard."

ConsumerGuide also notes the Yaris isn't so stable in bumpy corners and is "prone to wander in gusty crosswinds." Autobytel lodges a similar complaint, reporting that the steering "feels a touch floaty at higher speeds," and adds that "the suspension is on the soft side and the front end plows when pushed hard into corners." Yet Autoblog observes, "Crosswinds and passing semis likewise leave the Yaris unperturbed."

Reviewers approve of the braking power of the 2008 Toyota Yaris. Edmunds cites "reassuring braking power," and ConsumerGuide points out "drama-free stopping, but be sure to get the optional ABS."

Autoblog says that "with less than gentle mixed driving, the Yaris will cheerily deliver 36 mpg, besting its EPA estimate," while Autobytel reports overall gas mileage of only 27.5 mpg, but acknowledges "a staff of heavy-footed editors."

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota Yaris does best in the city, where it sips fuel, is easy to park, and has enough pep to quickly get from one light to the next.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Handling is OK if the car isn't pushed hardMSN AutosPerformance is about what you'd expectCar and DriverDrama-free stopping, but be sure to get the optional ABSConsumerGuideHas enough snort to handle everything short of leading a police chaseAutoblog The 2009 Toyota Yaris offers just one engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 106 horsepower. That's not much, but considering the Yaris only weighs about 2,300 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio isn't bad. Car and Driver reports, "Performance is about what you'd expect from a 106-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine—not great, but not dreadful, either." MSN Autos calls the Yaris' passing ability "brisk" and "fairly quick," adding that the engine, although loud during acceleration, is "a relaxed, quiet highway cruiser." And Autobytel says "once its driver gets used to where the meat of the motor is and learns how best to extract the power, this littlest of Toyotas offers acceptable gusto." Nearly all reviewers prefer the standard five-speed manual to the optional four-speed automatic transmission, although many note the engine's narrow power band. "The manual shifts nicely, but the engine calls for lots of shifting to get the best performance," says MSN Autos, who add that the automatic, though not as fast, "allows good performance." Edmunds finds the manual gives the 2009 Toyota Yaris "a peppy, sporty feel," and compliments the engine for being "smooth and vibration-free, even at high rpm." ConsumerGuide reports that the automatic works fine around town, "but feels overmatched in fast-moving traffic and hilly terrain." Where handling is concerned, opinions vary widely (and wildly). Car and Driver says the Yaris' handling is "estimable for a car of this class, particularly the feel and response of the steering, which is electrically assisted to just the right degree." Edmunds also likes the feel of the steering, commenting, "Unlike some other systems of this kind, the Yaris' has a natural, crisp feel with even weighting." ConsumerGuide echoes the compliments about steering feel, but warns that grip in turns is limited by the narrow tires. MSN Autos concurs: "Handling is OK if the car isn't pushed hard." ConsumerGuide also notes the Yaris isn't so stable in bumpy corners and is "prone to wander in gusty crosswinds." Autobytel lodges a similar complaint, reporting that the steering "feels a touch floaty at higher speeds," and adds that "the suspension is on the soft side and the front end plows when pushed hard into corners." Yet Autoblog observes, "Crosswinds and passing semis likewise leave the Yaris unperturbed." Reviewers approve of the braking power of the 2008 Toyota Yaris. Edmunds cites "reassuring braking power," and ConsumerGuide points out "drama-free stopping, but be sure to get the optional ABS." Autoblog says that "with less than gentle mixed driving, the Yaris will cheerily deliver 36 mpg, besting its EPA estimate," while Autobytel reports overall gas mileage of only 27.5 mpg, but acknowledges "a staff of heavy-footed editors." ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota Yaris does best in the city, where it sips fuel, is easy to park, and has enough pep to quickly get from one light to the next.  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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