2008 Toyota Yaris Consumer Reviews

Better fuel economy than a hybrid!

Written by: R. on 10/19/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I get 40-41 MPG, mostly freeway commuting. Zippy and fun to drive around town, but not a great ride on the freeway (the car is very light and doesn't seem to hug the road well at high speeds). Definitely go for the manual - you'll get a lot more juice out of it AND better gas mileage. I test drove the automatic, and it was sluggish. The base car comes pretty stripped of amenities, but that's probably why the car is so low priced. I put a simple spoiler on mine, and I think it really helps the style.

Favorite Features

Aux-in jack, MP3 CD player, GREAT gas mileage, Toyota reliability

Suggested Improvements

More storage compartments, move the cup holders (they're in front of the air vents).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Close to Perfection

Written by: Joe on 09/28/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

The longer I have this car, the more I love it. As much or more than anything it is just plain fun to drive. It handles like a go kart around the corners. It gets around 35+ mpg in town. I love the 2 door hatchback because the doors are longer than they are on a 4 door and easier to get in and out of. It is short enough to walk around to the hatch to put things in very easily, especially with the flat floor. If you want cruise, make sure to get if from the factory, as an aftermarket unit is clumsy to reach and it is more expensive since the car is not pre-wired for it like most other vehicles.

Favorite Features

Handling is great. Gas Mileage is great. Most fun car to drive. Super easy access to rear cargo area. Turns around in very small spaces, very maneuverable. Did I mention how fun it is to drive?!! Easy to wash and wax. Neat looking car!! I love this car!!

Suggested Improvements

It might be nice to have the rear hatch window go down for quiet ventilation. The steering should adjust in and out. The stock tires are fine for summer but worthless in the snow, get Michelin Harmony's if you live where it snows. Put cruise on all of them at the factory.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Overall not bad

Written by: Ian on 09/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This month is my Yaris' first birthday and being my first new car, it has been a pretty decent experience after 15,000 miles. Very reliable car, no engine issues, manual is almost... fun sometimes. Air works well, and stereo is not bad. Only issues I've had are the easily scratched panels, very annoying... also the panels where seat belts are get gauged. My Camry had a more resilient interior. Gas mileage is excellent, best I got was 360 miles to one tank on the hwy, and for an 11 gallon tank, that ain't too shabby. The exterior damages way too easily also. Bumpers on this car are horrible and expensive to repair, try not to back into anything, its going to be over 500 to fix. Good car overall.

Favorite Features

Peppy, good gas mileage, reliable, good basic transportation.

Suggested Improvements

better interior materials for less scratches, better bumpers that don't cost an arm and a leg to fix, more tech options: bluetooth, volume controls, real ipod connection, etc.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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One year in review...

Written by: arice on 08/25/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

After months of research last year between the Yaris, Versa, and Fit, I chose to get a Toyota Yaris, and I am so glad that I did. I am on the road a lot for work (both hwy and city), so when purchasing a car last year, my main concern was reliability and gas mileage. When I first purchased the Yaris, it got around 36 mpg, but now that it is broken in I have gotten up to 41 mpg. I am very pleased with my purchase, and would recommend the Yaris for anyone wanting an economical car to zip around town in.

Favorite Features

mpg, comfortable and roomy, reliability

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders are in front of the heat and air vents.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Why rate the milage so high?

Written by: Rob on 08/24/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I'm not sure why everyone rates the mileage so high. This is a 1.5l 4 cyl engine that should get at least 35 mpg in mixed driving and 40-45 for highway cruising (50-55 mph). I have been very disappointed that in 50% highway driving at reasonable speeds I can only get 30 mpg when going downhill with a tailwind. Otherwise I'm happy with my Toyota. I'm 6'2" and have plenty of headroom and decent legroom. No problem loading the family of 4 (2 car seats) with all the necessary gear in the spacious trunk to head out for the weekend. The trunk is also large enough for 4 sets of golf clubs (barely), however the back seat passengers need to be less than 6' or there's complaints about the headroom.

Favorite Features

Large trunk, decent sound system, very good A/C unit (works quick), ample storage around cabin, stylish exterior.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder for right handed drivers (we do make up the majority) and two instead of only one in the back seat, automatic trunk release on the key fob, more than one power outlet (at least one not wired to ignition)

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fun Yaris

Written by: Sharon on 07/31/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I have had my Yaris for 10mns and I love it. It is the most fun car to drive and you can make a lot of U turns. The gas mileage is wonderful, I get 33-35 except when running the A/C then it drops to around 25. There is more power than you would expect from this little 4cyl. My 6'4" friend has plenty of head room. I can't say anything bad because as far as I'm concerned it's the perfect car!

Favorite Features

I had a remote starter installed.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My 2nd Toyota Product - another winner!

Written by: Steve Z on 07/28/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased this car used in April 09 after my roommate's 94 Grand Am finally 'died'. He LOVES the car and uses it on weekdays and I get to use it on weekends. Mileage average is 30MPG with mostly short trips. Plenty of trunk room. My other car is an 08 Camry Hybrid and while the ride/performance are not in that league, the Yaris is a competent, safe performer. Radio reception is weak and it's hard to read the LCD screen for the radio settings - the CD sounds adequate. If you drive conservatively and like to get good MPG - this is a great car for you.

Favorite Features

The doors have the most solid feeling when they are closed of any car I've ever owned. The power windows are quiet/quick. Tight build quality, no problem getting used to center gauges, excellent steering feel, cold AC and adequate headroom for this 6 foot 250# driver. Much quieter than expected.

Suggested Improvements

Use the 1.8 Corolla engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Better radio displays. The speedometer is difficult to read at nite.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Much more than I thought

Written by: Chuck on 07/08/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought the four-door hatchback, 5-speed (Mexico). Ordered the "base model" - got 15 inch tires, CD, ABS brakes, A/C, Tach, rear window wiper; which seems more than the base model in the US. I wanted to buy American made but could NOT beat price, quality, economy. Broke- in on Mexico-Florida-Michigan-Mexico trip. At 65 mph I averaged 39 mpg. Replaced back seat with carpeted 3/4 inch plywood, so it's a mini-minivan: the hatch and back doors are a dream for access. I really baby it around town and love its eye-catching good looks. It is FUN to drive; stable, peppy, stylish. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I do. It is satisfying, even after over one year.

Favorite Features

Special attention people give you. The versatility of the four-door hatch. Reliability and great economy. Good handling and fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Higher 5th gear on tranny; telescoping steering wheel; water temperature gauge.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Some Issues

Written by: sandi on 06/20/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought the Yaris mainly for reliability and gas mileage and so far the vehicle has been good for this. BUT there are some issues that I wish I had known about before purchase. They are significant enough that I may have chosen another vehicle. 1. You cannot drive with the windows open because of a strange sound effect that hurts your ears. 2. The sounds system is TERRIBLE. 3.Cup holders in TERRIBLE places. 4. Air smells like dirty feet when you turn it on. On last oil change they found NO cabin air filter. 5. Just plain too small. My teens cannot sit in the back seat so we have to take TWO cars on trips. There goes mileage savings.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Change cup holders, sound system and a BIT more backseat room even at the expense of trunk room. SLIGHTLY taller ceiling would go a LONG way. Figure out why windows open are so awful noise wise... something in the engineering is off.

3 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Awesome in so many ways!

Written by: sconlogue on 04/14/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I am used to small cars so a Yaris Sedan is not unfamiliar territory. What amazes me every time I get in it is how it has all the things I love about small cars without feeling small. All my other cars felt cheap and cramped. Not the case here. The performance on the manual is impressive for a 1.5L! You get plenty of pep. Now is a great time to buy too, got my 2008 used for almost 2,000 below TVM and I admit, I am no negotiator. I went with base model and I don't miss anything. Nice radio, solid handling, great styling, VERY comfortable. So I have to lock the doors and roll my own windows. Big deal. What a value.

Favorite Features

Manual trans zips along. Love the styling in and out. Roomy interior for the class. Comfort way beyond most compact sedans I've ridden in. MPG!

Suggested Improvements

Centered gauges take getting used to.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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