2008 Toyota Yaris Base Reviews

I didn't expect this new Yaris 1.4 D-4D to be so good. It behaves well and does everything nicely. The handling is solid and fool proof. The thing brakes well with a nice pedal feel. The Toyota build quality is preceded by its reputation which it does honour. I quite like the futuristic virtual dashboard, although the rev counter readability could be improved in my opinion. Then we come to the engine: a 1.4 diesel. I know this engine from the Mini One D first generation where it produced a sluggish 75bhp. The evolved engine in the Yaris is a day and night difference from what I can recollect from the Mini. It's lively, powerful in the low & mid range and actually revs up without stepping on its breath too soon. I didn't feel underpowered at all. Very well done Toyota!

The Toyota Yaris is one of the more common Japanese cars I drive at work, fortunately it is a good one. The Yaris hatch and sedan both drive exactly the same, their only differences are size, options and practicality. The sedan is longer but has no equipment in base form. The hatch is shorter in length, the 3-door is also poorly equipped but the 5-door is well equipped.

The Yaris is a surprising car from Toyota, its a fun car to drive from a company normally slammed for producing boring cars. The Yaris handles quite well and is fun despite its slightly overboosted power steering. Fuel economy on this car is excellent, most efficient car I drive at work. Power is really its biggest weak point on performance, the 106 hp engine does move it well in city speeds but is lacking on higher speed highways.

Interior on the Yaris could be better. Its not the nicest interior but its also not the worst in its class. Both Yarises have good interior spacing for passengers despite being small. The dash indicators are all located in the center, this does disturb some people. Overall you get what you paid for, one of the most economical cars on the market that happens to be fun with a good badge.

This was the worst car I've ever driven. I strongly urge anyone wanting this car to reconsider. It had no power, and if one gets hit by a truck in this car, one should just dig a hole in the ground and bury the car. It is a mobile coffin.