2009 Toyota Yaris review

[Steve]

My guess is that few people can deny that the unveiling of the Toyota Yaris was a vast improvement over the outgoing Echo. Among the greatest automotive eyesores of the last century, the strangely disproportioned Echo emerged in 1999 as the tired Tercel took a much-needed bow from the Japanese manufacturer's lineup. Remaining in Toyota's fleet until 2005, the Echo had a significant following, thanks to its favorable price tag and fuel sipping sensibilities.

Evidently, however, my opinions do not unanimously represent those of the general public, as there are countless fan websites and community forums dedicated to this visually horrific automobile.

Few can argue that the Yaris, unveiled in 2005, is a superior vehicle on all accounts. Surprisingly, or perhaps thankfully, this updated subcompact isn't hard to look at either.

More: 2009 Toyota Yaris on AutoGuide.com

[Zembonez]

Cars like Yaris and Honda Fit are perfect inner city cars. Great fuel economy and quite a bit of interior room for their size.

I would not like to try one out on the open Texas highways here though... SCARY!

[Yaris Hilton]

The Echo was a terrific little car! I thought it was cute. One particular way that it was superior to the Yaris is that it had an inch and a half more headroom, which I sorely miss. Although only 48,000 Echos were imported to the U.S., I see them frequently here. They're holding up well, and their owners like them.

Two entirely different cars are sold under the Yaris name in the U.S. The liftback is what's called a Vitz in Japan, and the sedan is a Belta. (The Echo was the Platz.) The Yaris sedan/Belta is more comparable to the Echo/Platz than the liftback/Vitz is. The Yaris sedan is a lot bigger than the Echo, or the Yaris liftback for that matter. Part of Toyota's general upsizing trend of recent years. But it's also why I bought a Yaris sedan. I can carry a lot more in it than I could in a liftback. It's also safer having stuff in the trunk than loose in the back of the passenger compartment.

My family currently has 3 of the Yaris sedans, and we had a 2001 Echo.

The Yaris sedan is handy around town, but not as easy to parallel park in tight spots as the Echo. It's quite a nice car out on the open highway, in Texas or anywhere else. I didn't realize Texans were so timorous.

[middleoroad]

I I've owned 2 Tercels,a 79 sedan and a '83 hatch(the 2000 lb predecessor to the echo).I traveled around the midwest and southwest with these cars and they both performed pretty well on the open highway,but a solid wind or a semi could push you around a bit.The Yaris is pretty steady on the highway,although i've heard the Fit can be easily pushed by winds.
I like ther extra weight in my 07 Corolla(2600 lbs)when i'm passing semis but feel my wifes 09 Corolla is a little too heavy(2750 lbs) losing some of tossability of a small car. I am hoping the 2011 Yaris is a little heavier than the current 2340 lbs.If Toyota utilizes the new 124 hp Valvematic 1.6 they can up the weight to 2450-2500 lbs,quiet the ride out a little and improve highway stability.My other wishes for the 2011 Yaris are independent rear suspension, 4 wheel discs,side airbags and power windows standard.Currently the XD is looking closest to my liking.

[Yaris Hilton]

I think the Yaris sedan's plenty big. It's as big as a Camry was, not that long ago. The trend definitely is to upsize.