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2009 Toyota Yaris Quality Review

December 14, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 5 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A lot more space and storage than expected, and on-target ergonomics
Autoblog

Long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel
ConsumerGuide

Surprisingly commodious, with lots of hip- and legroom
Car and Driver

Hard as cardboard" headliner
Autobytel

The 2009 Toyota Yaris boasts more interior space and comfort than other cars its size, but the materials used are perceived as cheap by more than one reviewer.

Despite the fact that the sedan is 169.3 inches long, compared to the 150.6 inches shared by both the three- and five-door Liftback models, the Liftback models still have more interior space. "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." That goes for both three- and five-door Liftback models.

ConsumerGuide is 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 has trouble tilting the steering wheel high enough to clear his legs.

In terms of both aesthetics and functionality, reviewers don't like the center-mounted instrument cluster. ConsumerGuide reports that the gauges aren't canted toward the driver, and "testers find its location diverts attention from road." MSN Autos agrees.

Fit and finish are also areas where the 2009 Toyota Yaris falls flat in the eyes of several reviewers. Autobytel points to 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 criticizes easily scuffed hard plastic, surfaces that don't quite match, and storage compartment lids that feel vulnerable.

Autobytel finds "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. However, ConsumerGuide reports, "Some wind rush is evident from the base of the windshield. Engine noise intrudes at all times, and road noise is prominent at highway speeds."

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota Yaris has more interior space than one might expect from such a small, affordable car, but the quality inside doesn't transcend the price.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 5 out of 10Expert Quotes:A lot more space and storage than expected, and on-target ergonomicsAutoblogLong-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travelConsumerGuideSurprisingly commodious, with lots of hip- and legroomCar and DriverHard as cardboard" headlinerAutobytel The 2009 Toyota Yaris boasts more interior space and comfort than other cars its size, but the materials used are perceived as cheap by more than one reviewer. Despite the fact that the sedan is 169.3 inches long, compared to the 150.6 inches shared by both the three- and five-door Liftback models, the Liftback models still have more interior space. "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." That goes for both three- and five-door Liftback models. ConsumerGuide is 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 has trouble tilting the steering wheel high enough to clear his legs. In terms of both aesthetics and functionality, reviewers don't like the center-mounted instrument cluster. ConsumerGuide reports that the gauges aren't canted toward the driver, and "testers find its location diverts attention from road." MSN Autos agrees. Fit and finish are also areas where the 2009 Toyota Yaris falls flat in the eyes of several reviewers. Autobytel points to 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 criticizes easily scuffed hard plastic, surfaces that don't quite match, and storage compartment lids that feel vulnerable. Autobytel finds "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. However, ConsumerGuide reports, "Some wind rush is evident from the base of the windshield. Engine noise intrudes at all times, and road noise is prominent at highway speeds." ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota Yaris has more interior space than one might expect from such a small, affordable car, but the quality inside doesn't transcend the price.  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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