Edmunds.com full test
Ten years ago the Corolla was the standard against which every other subcompact was measured. These days, however, it's clear the competition has looked to a higher standard than the Yaris.
For $2 grand less than the price of our test car, you could get a similarly equipped Hyundai Accent with a better warranty, an equally spacious interior and decent cupholders. Or for $16K you could go with the loaded Honda Fit Sport, which is more fun to drive and has a better stereo, superior ergonomics and a more flexible interior.
Any way you look at it, the 2007 Toyota Yaris is average. And when you're trying to save the world, average doesn't cut it. Even people who wear hemp socks know that.
New Car Test Drive.com
The new Toyota Yaris proves that inexpensive should not be confused with cheap. From their well sculptured exterior lines to the tailored, upscale look of their interiors, little about the Yaris hatchback and sedan suggests the cutting of corners. This is a great time to be shopping for a subcompact, with the brand-new Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa and Honda Fit hitting the streets, facing strong competition from the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent. The bottom of the market is now crowded with upwardly mobile competition.
The Auto Channel
Forget about the cheap econoboxes of the past. The 2007 Toyota Yaris Liftback combines excellent fuel economy with space, comfort, and decent performance, all for a low price.
About.com -5 stars out of 5
I invite all you folks who remain unconvinced that any sub-compact can satisfy your space requirements to take a long, careful look at the Yaris. This one is a lot bigger inside than it looks.
There is a large storage space behind the rear seats and the rear seatbacks can be folded down to accommodate large or awkward objects. My friend’s wheelchair fit easily back there.
The flat cabin floor means three people can ride in the rear seats in reasonable comfort provided none are too broad of beam. And when they’re back there, they’ll have a great view of what’s going on outside. Tall doesn’t matter. I’m close to 6 ft and I had at least 4 extra inches of headroom.
By the time I returned the car to Toyota at the end of the test week, I had made up my mind that this is the car I will buy for myself if – God forbid – I should ever lose this gig and actually have to put down my own money on a set of wheels.
The Yaris is everything I need or want in a car. It’s attractive and it’s compact enough to tuck into almost any space. Yet it’s roomy enough for four full size adults plus their overnight bags and a weekend’s worth of groceries. It’s cheap to buy and economical to operate. And because it’s a Toyota, it’ll run forever.
