yaris owners?

Question

Hi! Are there any Yaris owners out there? I'm interested in buying the automatic liftback model, and was wondering if it's worth it. Your input's appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm considering buying a Yaris myself. It gets 34 mpg city and 39 highway, and with a 5-speed automatic, the one I test drove had no problem zipping over hills and through traffic. Don't let the small engine fool you – because it is a smaller car, it has great pickup. I don't understand why the Money magazine reviewers thought the Yaris' limit was 70 mph; when I drove it the car had no problem hitting higher speeds (maybe it's because they're used to test driving Corvettes). I would recommend giving one a thorough test drive and deciding for yourself. I, for one, think it's well worth the low sticker price and combined fuel economy, the best of any non-hybrid car. If you absolutely need the creature comforts, the sedan can be outfitted with a tachometer, cruise control, power everything and premium sound system. The liftback can come with a folding rear seat to allow for cargo flexibility, but no matter how many options you get for some reason Toyota doesn't let you get the cruise or tachometer on the liftback model (my only gripe). Both models also offer a keyless entry system for easy coming and going. Perhaps the Money magazine reviewers were complaining about the base model.

Answer 2

there is an interesting article in this month's Money magazine
(July 2006)
that compares the three japanese car makers sub compact car offerings. the yaris was the least impressive of the three, according to Money. Here are some excerpts: "unashamedly thrifty, maybe too thrifty. cabin surfaces range from harsh gray plastic to harsher darker gray plastic. Creature comforts save a/c and CD player are nonexistant. In other cars tested, low sticker prices come via creative packaging. With Yaris you feel that toyota left a lot of stuff out of the car. .......You will wind up flooring the car's accelorator to merge into traffic and at around 70mph the car starts to feel its limit". For the record, they picked Nissan Versa #2, and Honda Fit #1. Personally, I love the 2007 Chevy Aveo. I can't wait til its available. It's a much nicer car than the 2006 Aveo, which I did not like. So be sure to check the new Aveo out, as well.