Used 2008 Toyota Yaris Consumer Reviews
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Feels like it was just built at 108k
Calvin Luchs, 05/18/2016
updated 11/18/2016
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
102 of 103 people found this review helpful
A hand full of these had intermittent water pump failure. this was pretty rare, but if you're looking used inspect near the water pump for pink crust, it's a dead give away. That out of the way, I am a regular sized college student. I got this to be reliable, hearty, and get good fuel economy. I have slammed 15000 miles on it in the year I've owned it, and It has had literally nothing wrong. No squeaks, rattles, nothing. I put oil in it. That is it. If you're a guy living in america, your buddies may jag you off about this car at first but the fact of the matter is I drove to my friends house to help him fix his Lincoln in my little Toyota. Another friend with a jeep attempted to join us but his car caught fire. You will outlast anything but perhaps old Honda motorcycles with this car. For some anecdotal stuff: -I have driven in one pittsburgh winter and with half life all seasons I had no trouble getting up steep, 4 to 5 inch deep snow packed gradients. AWD cop cars were sliding down the hill past me, but the yaris kept on going. -I put my girlfriend, her dog and it's crate, and a week and a half worth of food in the back (Seats down) and drove 790 miles to Maryland and averaged 39 mpg doing it. coming back i actually got 42. On a straight highway drive at 60 miles per hour i can actually get 49 mpg reliably, with the 5 speed manual. -I learned to drive stick in this car, and even with me buggering the clutch repeatedly while learning, The shifts are quick and easy, and the clutch is a little on the tighter side when new, but it wears nicely and lasts a long time. There is nothing difficult about working on this car, and usually i don't need to jack it up for routine maintenance because it sits rather high on it's wheels, which also gives good visibility. The suspension isn't sophisticated, but it works pretty well, and the seats are awesome. You can take some pretty serious bumps without suffering in this car. Had one minor accident, sun got in my eyes and I lost sight of the road and at about 15 miles an hour slammed into a lady in a big old saturn station wagon. No damage whatsoever. Tires are cheap as dirt, and so is just about everything else for this car. Overall I love it. and If you're worried your more "Merica" friends will give you garbage, they probably will, but by the time their dodge has eaten it's 9th transmission in 45k miles, they'll come to love the car of the person who's repeatedly bailed them out and helped keep their scrap on the road :) Comfy, reliable, cheap and easy to fix and run, and everything is bolted together to a german- like standard of build quality, with a toyota- like standard of precision and engineering. Fantastic car.
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The Most Reliable Car Ever
teamyaris, 07/20/2014
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
41 of 41 people found this review helpful
First, a little about myself. I am a 55 year old male who has owned more than a dozen cars in his lifetime, including trucks, SUVs, minivans, and a variety of small cars including Hondas, Toyotas, and Fords, dating back to the 1970s. Without a doubt, this is the most reliable and lowest cost of ownership car I have ever owned. I bought it new for $12,000 and it is now nearing 100K miles. Other than oil changes and topping off the fluids, and changing tires, it is maintenance free. Manual transmission has been fun to drive, easy to keep up with the traffic flow at speeds up to 70 mph. Mileage is 38-42mpg. Who needs a hybrid? Headroom is fine and the hatchback is convenient.
2008 sedan still going strong
Bob, 07/24/2015
updated 07/24/2016
2008 Toyota Yaris S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
37 of 38 people found this review helpful
Bought it new in 2008. Coming up on 195,000 miles. Most reliable car I have ever had. Just routine things like oil changes and tires. Replaced the belt at 150,000 miles. It has a timing chain, not a belt so as long as you change the oil on schedule that will never be a problem. My Mechanic says its in excellent shape, it will last me several more years. I am retired, so I drive it on vacations a lot, it has been in 45 of the lower 48 states. Engine is amazing for a 1.5 I regularly cruise at 80 to 85, and you dont even feel it. Regularly gets 40 mpg combined. Only thing I do not have that I should have gotten is cruise control, and you can get one with it. Great little car, was only 13,000 brand new. I am a big guy, and what sold me on it was the great drivers head room.
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Worth it.
Elaine, 11/01/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
28 of 29 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new and I must say I have not been disappointed. For $13,500 there is no way I could have gotten a better new car than this. It is fun to drive (had a 00 Volvo before this) and you get great gas mileage. Makes great U-turns and I can actually parallel park with this car. As far as built quality, well that is where it really could do better. Too much cheap plastic and the inside cloth on the driver's door is fading for some reason. As far as reliability goes, I see it lasting forever. I've put 17K miles on it and have done only the oil changes.
Still Going Strong
Cindy Sanders, 04/06/2015
2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
53 of 57 people found this review helpful
Rather than write a review of a vehicle I've had for a few months, I've waited 5.5 years. I bought this car brand new November of 2008. I love this car. For the price, this vehicle can't be beat. I consistently get around 40 mpg and that includes stop and go traffic. I'm also just over 142,000 miles with only replacing the serpentine belt and standard oil changes. I'm still using the original brakes and clutch. The paint is still in excellent condition and the interior still looks great. For a base model, no bells and whistles, great for everyday use, with great reliability, you can't get anything better.
most durable/reliable car i've ever owned
blinmachine08, 07/07/2020
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I'm 32 and work as a game programmer. My commute is about 100 miles away. I needed a car quick because my Malibu broke and I needed a car. I found a 2007 Yaris CE for $3500. I was 23 around that time. I thought this car was going to be just a regular car that would last me 2-3 years. Boy was I wrong. Mine now has 851k miles and it's still driving the day I bought it with 194k. I only did the water pump and that's it. It still has the original engine, tranny, and even alternator. I'm hoping to get it to 1 million soon. This car is just truly amazing.
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Best value in a compact car
davedietrich, 03/22/2013
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have done extensive research before buying the Yaris. Reliability is bulletproof, low maintenance costs, drives like it is a bigger car. With the right tires (Michelin Defender) the drive is very smooth and quiet. Fuel economy is exceptional. Peppy for an auto with only a 1.5 engine. Surprisingly good room in the back and front seats. The seats are quite comfortable and supportive. Only negative is the small cargo area in the hatchback. Will be driving this car for a very long time. If you need a car that does not break the bank or your budget for as long as you own it, yo really can not go wrong with a Yaris.
Solid!
KK, 09/19/2007
2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I needed to buy an economy car and I'd read a lot of good things about the Yaris (I did a lot of car research!), but I was concerned about getting something solid and safe; I didn't want to drive a "tin can". When I finally tried the '08 Yaris sedan, I was happily amazed. Surprisingly solid for an economy car! Has all the extras (side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, power everything) which pushed up the price but still was a great deal. Gas mileage is the best I ever had on a car. I've driven it almost a week and the tank level has barely moved. I'm surprised this car doesn't get more attention.
Literally the best sub-compact car available
Mtn Road, 02/27/2018
updated 12/07/2018
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I use my 2008 Yaris 2dr hatchback 5-speed manual transmission as a runner around town and for road trips. I always calculate my mileage and I get between 37-40 mpg CITY in this car. On the highway it will get 40-42 mpg if I drive conservatively. I bought my Yaris used from a private seller who treated it very well. It now has 67k miles. The main reasons I was attracted to this car was the US version with 1.3L uses a timing chain in the engine, and this will save a ton of money not having to replace a timing-belt at the stealership between 80k-100k miles. I also liked the amazing fuel mileage, the cost of ownership, and the simplicity of the car. The seats are comfortable and there are safety airbags all over inside this car. The controls are easy to use, the stick shift is awesome and the car hits the power band when you get it into 3rd gear (1st and 2nd gear it is not a performer), the a/c and heat work great. The power windows, door locks, wipers, stereo, all of it works great. One AUX input, and one accessory plug in. Three large storage compartments on the front dash. Roomy backseat, and split rear folding seats and decent cargo room. It also has a spare tire which I like...Some car manufacturers have gone cheap and just give you a canister to stop a leaky tire. I just bought four new tires for it and the Hankook 60k mile tires were around $50 each and are pretty quiet. This is not a an expensive car with fancy features. It's an affordable, sub-compact car that has road noise, and won't give you much power until you get into 3rd gear. Its not going to win any races off the line, but that's not what this car was made for. It is peppy, and fun to drive, especially when it keeps driving past gas stations. My girlfriend complains about it because its not a fancy luxury car, and that makes me love it even more (and like her even less...update: I got rid of the girlfriend). Some people just don't get what this car is about. I also own a full size Ford pickup and what car do you think I go to for regular driving...the Yaris. THE BAD: No arm rest for driver. No USB port. Road noise. No temperature gauge. Not too many bad things to complain about. ---- If you buy one, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how much it will grow on you. Regarding dealer maintenance, just today I got a text message from my local Toyota dealer informing me its time to probably come in for an oil change and check the tire pressure. Since I bought it the only thing I have ever done is an oil change at the dealer. No other maintenance recommendations were made. I am very pleased with this car, and the Toyota commitment to follow up with owners of the brand. I hope this review helped you.
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My Yaris Rocks!
My Yaris Rocks, 08/30/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I loved my car from the first moment I test drove it. I think it's the cutest little car and it drives surprisingly well. It, of course, gets incredible gas mileage and I've driven in blizzards, over mountain ranges, in horrible city traffic, over dirt roads, and against 100 mph rainstorm winds, amongst other situations. The lowest gas mileage I ever got was 35 mpg. It's peppy, hardy and reliable. In fact, last month I drove it nearly 2800 miles in about 52 hours, from Maryland to southern California. It was packed FULL with half my apartment and me and my cats and we drove over the Appalachian mountains & the Rocky Mountains in Colorado & lots more, quickly and without a single problem.
'08 Yaris, the future of cars
Chris, 01/01/2009
2008 Toyota Yaris S 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Ive had my '08 Yaris, 5 speed for a little over a year. I drive conservatively and average between 37-40 mpg. There is nothing fancy or luxurious about this car, and if you rely on your car to impress your fellow man, this is not for you. But, if your desire is to have affordable, economical, and reliable transportation, image be damned, then you want a Toyota Yaris. This car just keeps running, requiring only gasoline and the 5K mile routine maintenance (oil change, tire pressure check, etc. This is an excellent car and I heartily recommend it to anyone who asks. Buy this car, and you too will have a hard time keeping a straight face when passing the Escalade, Hummer saps.
camshaft
mselder, 04/30/2013
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
I have a toyota yaris and this car is good on gas and reliable. however it went from good to bad in no time. I use my car to commute to/from work and i drove 150 miles per day. I got a oil change on april 16th and the 23rd my camshaft broke with no clear reason why. there was evidence of oil burns and foul play i don't think. I'm thinking that the camshaft was faulty and finally gave out or toyota yaris 2008 is no good after 84,000 miles. There have been many recall for yaris 2008. I seen many people complaining about break pads or something to that nature. but if you google recall there have be some recalls. My car should not be having my major engine problem especially before 120,ooo
Surprised
sonja, 05/22/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've had my car for 2 years and am extremely happy with it. I commute mostly on interstate 35 miles one way, and yes, it doesn't have the greatest punch on the gas, but it's a great zippy little car. The off ramps are great! The trunk room is surprising and with the capability of dropping the back and front passenger seats down, it is amazing at what you can put in this car. Bottom line it is what it is- an economy car - wouldn't get rid of it for the world.
BEST CAR I EVER OWNED better car then my Mercedes
Chappy, 04/05/2017
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I have 192,000 trouble free miles on my Yaris and the gas mileage is 51mpg. I put a PC chip in that enhancers the factory chip, and a K&N air filter system, all that with Mobil 1 give me the better gas mileage and gave me 26 more HP. I love my Yaris. It is like a bumble bee on steroids ! I pray it last for ever.......
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This car deserves better press!
Jon, 10/23/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
A great, well-designed little car. Very comfortable for me (I'm 6'2", 220#) with more headroom than my Dad's minivan and more knee room than my friend's Mazda 3. As a tall person who usually finds the steering wheel partially blocking the speedometer, I actually found the center-mount speedo an improvement. Have driven the car through Wyoming blizzards and ugly urban commutes and found it pleasant, sturdy and nimble. It also holds a lot, like me, my 2-man crew, 2 tool boxes, & 25 gallons of paint (never thought the Yaris would muscle in on my pick-up!). Best mileage I've had was 42mpg on a run between S.F. and Reno. The worst was 25 mpg in urban stop & go commuting (using no freeways at all).
For the value, you really can't beat it at all.
Kristina, 09/22/2015
2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2010 after I graduated college because an affordable fuel efficienct car, and that's exactly what I got. This is a commuter car that is very basic and great on gas. It cost me around $25 to fill up and that last me for weeks. It sits a little lower to the ground so getting in and out is easier. I've had this car for over five years and the only maintenance I've done to 1. Replace timing belt ($20) and 2. Replace the battery ($110). I'd like to make not here that the original manufacturers battery from 06/2008 lasted me until 09/2015 which is terrific, it was a Panasonic battery too. I've driven to car both city and highway and talk about low maintenance. My only complain is there's not enough power to it, perhaps the manual version might be a little quicker but there have been times where I've floored it, and it took a while for transmission to kick in. Also, I've had problems with visibility and seeing out of the windshield and behind me. I've driven it in all sorts of terrain, it does pretty good in the snow with all weather tires and does great in the rain. The interior is basic but it does have a few perks like MP3 port where I plug in my I phone. My 2008 has $70,000 miles and it's still going strong, no surprise though after 70k miles I had to change the battery though. If you're on a budget and want a reliable vehicle that's great on gas, this car is great for you.
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very pleased
heatherx360, 08/03/2012
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in February after my volkswagen beetle and bmw both croaked, and costed over 5500.00 to repair each. I didnt like it at first but fell in love after. The style it cute, plenty of room, better mpg than prius cost is almost half, doesnt have all that eletrical junk that seems to always fail, cheap to fix and easy to work on, cheap car but everything is built with great quality unlike volkswagens cheap plastic everything, very easy to park. Im a delivery driver and couldnt ask for a better car. Parents owned 7 toyotas and none had less than 250k miles one had 326k still running today. the yaris has everything plus the toyota reliability and it wont break your bank
Overall a nice inexpensive ride!
girlcarbuilder, 12/15/2018
updated 06/17/2019
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This particular car was purchased several years ago as a salvage unit. It had a fire inside it. Looking at it today, you would not know that. It is still missing a headliner. That is on the hunt list. The car has crossed the 100K mile mark and it still continues to perform well. It sees me for majority of its maintenance. Other than tires, oil changes, tune up, body work. The fire required replacing most of the interior over time. She has been flawless in operation. If I was to buy new, I would go with the white paint. The silver color does not seem to hold up well in the weather. Given that I have serviced years 07 to 10. The Yaris is a solid performer. I laugh when some drive reviewers call its technology boring. That just means it is reliable! It is now 2019. This car has crossed the 100K mile point. It still is in intercity use, commuting. The mileage has been as high as 40 mpg during the winter, but come summer with the trash gas we are forced to buy, it drops to less than 32 mpg. Currently we have put in a set of Ruthenium spark plugs by NGK. AS of this date with another 2009 Yaris control vehicle with fewer miles. The 2008 appears to be getting about 2 to 3 more miles mpg. 34-35 range vs the 2009 at 31 to 32 range. It seems to have a tad bit more acceleration as NGK advertises. I am looking for MPG improvements, so another set of Ruth plugs will most likely go in the next Yaris. I do not like the price of the plugs , but if they do what they say they will do......WE use the same gas pump/station and let the pump shut off. The driving styles of both drivers is conservative with the 2008 seeing hard acceleration on a short interstate ramp. So, it should have lower mpg. Not what the numbers show. From a driver mechanic viewpoint, this is a solid long term operating platform requiring low maintenance. Yet, don't ignore changing all of your fluids if you expect it to go well into 300K miles. AS of this point in time, there are about 6-7 Yaris in the family running around. One of them is a Interstate cruiser getting itself hammered a good 200+ miles a few days a week. That 2010 is now the maintenance setter. In other words, we watch what fails on it and expect the same problems on the others at similar mileage points. Would I buy another, yes! But not one made by Mazda. So 2019 is the last year for a Toy built hatchback. Check the vin tag in drivers door to see who made it.
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2008 yaris hatchback is a beast!!!
logek_aok, 04/24/2013
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
First off as a guy always driving big cars this was a change...But a good one i drove a toyota avalon but the gas was killing me.So did the research and the Yaris kept coming up.I drove every where in this car from chicago philly new york new jersey south carolina virginia and so on..Never a break down low maintenance just put gas and change oil thats it. Did a couple of up grades weathertech window vents and mats..Go on ebay and get oem parts thats don't come standard like armrest, cargo cover and cargo net..way cheaper than dealer
Great Car
jduplesses, 01/28/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I love zipping around in my little Yaris! Haven't had any problems with it yet. It gets me where I need to go. I drive around town, have gone on a 8-9 hour road trip and the car performs wonderfully. I have heard some Yaris owners complain about the placement of the cupholders (in front of the heater), but where the cupholders are doesn't bother me one bit. I love my car.
This little guy is a champ!
J, 10/07/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought the base automatic all the options. It is a perfect second car. Has a ton of interior space and clever storage. This car is way more spacious than the Lexus IS I downgraded from. The backseat is fine for two average sized people when needed. I consistently get 36-38 mpg driving mostly highway at 70-80 mph. Also great in the snow with the skinny tires. This car shines as commuter car. It has plenty of go and decent handling. That is noticeably reduced with two passengers or heavy cargo. Still, 95% of the time, this car meets my needs like a champ. I just can't understand driving a huge 6-7 seater for only one person. Its great for road trips too. What more do you really need!?
Best Car Yet
dsutt, 02/13/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I am very please with my Yaris. It is a manual tranny, and like others have said, get the manual if you want to make the car fun to drive. Mileage is awesome. I get 47 MPG in the warm season. It drops to about 41 in the winter. I do not baby the car to get that MPG. I accelerate to keep up with others, and usually drive +7 to 10 MPH over the limit. The brakes are solid, the electronic steering is solid, the suspension does not roll when taking corners at 30 MPH! The radio sounds great, the lights are very bright...I can't really find a fault with the car. The one thing that could be better are the front seats. My lower back tends to sink into the backrest too far.
Literally the best car
Chris, 04/09/2016
2008 Toyota Yaris S 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
We got the car when I was about 7 and my sister and I have grown up with if for along time. We were both small when the car was purchased but have grow to be 6' and 6' 3". I still say that I had more leg room then most other cars I have been in especially bigger cars like SUVs or mini vans. The cars that are twice the size cant't compare with the room this car has. I have been on lots of long 8+ hour car rides with it and it is perfectly fine. It was so roomy that are 6' 6" family friend got one after only riding in it once or twice.
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Yea for Yaris
Liz, 04/06/2016
2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I am short. Sight lines amazing. I get cold. Heater amazing. I drive a lot. Comfort amazing. I dont love gas stations. Mileage amazing. I love security. Locks logically amazing. I adore Yaris 2008. Truly amazing. Daily amazing. Forever amazing.
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Very good car.
Christian, 04/01/2009
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I used to drive a 1991 Firebird which got 16 mpg at best. It got totaled and I went hunting for a new car in hopes for a Civic. The same day, I drove home in my Yaris. From my studies, I severely underestimated this car. I love it to death. I get more than double the gas mileage and I'm hoping that the reliability will be on par with my grandmother's '96 Camry, which has NEVER been in shop for anything but wear and tear. Fun to drive and I love the storage. My buddy bought a 2008 Focus and he says, "I shoulda bought a Yaris" I don't regret the purchase and I can't wait to get it paid off.
Incredible car
3n2, 02/01/2020
updated 02/03/2023
2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Gave the car to my son with 289k May 2019. Unfortunately it was hit in his company's parking lot. With 312k on it wasn't much to save. This car was incredible.
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Loving the fuel mileage
Brian Young, 08/23/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My wife and I really enjoy our Yaris S 5-speed. The lowest mileage we've gotten is 44 and the highest almost 49. Have driven it nearly 7000 troublefree miles and are impressed with the ride and quietness for such a small relatively inexpensive car. There is plenty of passenger room and the trunk is amazingly large.
love it
Teresa, 06/01/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love my Yaris, and have taken it on a few long trips, did not notice it didn't have cruise till I took it on a trip and was disappointed it was not pointed out by dealer but love it anyway and would recommend to anyone for the economy of it.
YAR FOR KAR!!!!
Karla, 08/29/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris S 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am so happy with this car!!! There are tons of compartments for storage, and 5 cupholders! There is no front seat console unfortunately, but I found a website where I can get an aftermarket one that will fit my little car. I got the hatchback SPORT edition, and although that wasn't what I initially set out for, I'm so glad I got it! It's so fun, and people are always smiling at it and saying things like "sweet"! The hatchback is great for a single person like me, or just a couple, but if you have kids, the hatchback really isn't as practical as the sedan would be. This car has a lot of pick-up and power, it can climb steep hills with the best of them, especially with that 3rd gear.
No Replacement for 2008 Yaris Sedan
Ricobop, 01/05/2018
2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2008 when gas went way up and commuting to work 60 miles round trip got expensive. I wasn't thrilled I had to get a smaller car, but the kids were older, didn't need car seats, etc. This car was great to drive. I loved the middle tach, and the left hand cup holder. Putting the back seats and front passenger seat down let me haul 15 feet of trim from the local hardware store. I gave it to my daughter when she went to college and bought a 2012 yaris hatchback and after 2 years gave her the hatchback and took my 2008 yaris back. My spouse is 6'4 and could drive it and ride in it with comfort, well nice head room. I had to get a new water pump, new tires and rim (cause my child drove it like a maniac). This car got through 2 kids and drivers ed. Gas - omg the gas mileage was around 38-40 mpg (mostly highway commute) The safety recalls on the airbags were a concern and I was soon to have them replaced. In August 2018 I had a driver rear end me into an SUV at a stop light. The driver airbag worked great. My 2008 red toyota yaris though, had the front end smashed and it was totaled. I LOVED this car.
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Close to Perfection
Joe, 09/28/2009
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
MID-AGE CRISIS?
Paul, 02/08/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris S 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought the Canadian version of the 'S', the RS, had it lowered, put 18" wheels on it, a light tint and a few subtle additions. I LOVE DRIVING IT! I never drive my large luxury sedan any more. I may be pushing 57, but in this little pocket rocket, I feel like a twenty year old zipping about in Europe. I feel so smug when I pull away from a fat, super duty truck or the like. My first (not my last) Toyota.
My car
patty, 08/09/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
What can I say I just love it. I always own a Chevy or Ford. I can say this is one of the best cars I ever owned. Is cute and great on gas. And the dealership I bought it from they were great. They pick this car out for me and I just fell in love with it let me tell you, you can't go wrong .
Great on fuel
convair580, 09/28/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I just took a trip from Spokane to Glacier and setting the cruise control at 60 mph to 70 mph with the AC I got 48 miles per gallon with an automatic transmission! On the way back I got 42 miles per gallon. On the average we get between 35-40 miles per gallon. So why buy a Prius and save money a guy a Yaris.
Great Car
RB, 03/05/2020
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought Yaris in 2008 brand new other than maintenance no problems at all fantastic little car I have 214,000 miles on it now and it runs like a top.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Surprise
iammead, 05/26/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris S 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Traded a Hyundai Santa Fe because of the gas prices. Stunned by the room in the back, better knee room than the Santa Fe. We were drawn by the looks and the Toyota reputation for high quality. Love to drive this car. No intimidation feeling on the highway around semis. No load road noise. Parking is wonderful. Control is like a larger car. Interior layout is brilliant. Simple 2000's style transportation.
Biggest little car!
Snowy, 09/12/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This has been a great car and has exceeded my expectations. I wanted a plain old manual transmission with no other gadgets and amazingly found a used one for sale. I bought this car for gas mileage and was expecting it to be a compromise in other ways but IT IS NOT! I consistently get 29 to 32 MPG without trying to maximize fuel economy and have gotten 42 on one road trip. The size of this car is deceiving and there is plenty of room inside. With the backseat down I have been able to fit anything I need and I have even transported a medium sized desk with the hatch fully closed! It's fun, smooth, quiet and handles great! I've had a bunch of cars but I couldn't be more pleased with it.
Great Car
TravW, 01/20/2009
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall the car was one of the best investments I have ever made. The fuel economy was excellent and the small design is misleading. The interior is very roomy. Wonderful car.
2 DR Hatchback first 1000
Dale, 07/28/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Well I hit the 1000 mile point in two weeks. The car I bought is a bare bones unit with an upgraded radio and cruise control. No power locks or windows. The car has plenty of power to get you down the road. This is not a rocket, but does good. My mileage over rural / highway has been 34.7. I have a heavy foot and my daughter found that she was driving around in 3rd instead of Drive. Very roomy feel in the drivers seat. There are several things that take some getting used to, like the position of the steering wheel. The seats are a bit stiff, but should soften in time. This is a good lower priced car, but it seems demand is driving the price up. Wait to buy when the price comes down.
Satisfied Yaris Owner
Commuter, 03/04/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I replaced a 1981 Toyota Starlet with a 2008 Yaris S Hatchback. The new car is superior to the old one in every respect. Fuel economy over my 20 mile round-trip commute in moderate-to-heavy traffic has ranged from 35 to 39 mpg thus far. The car is tremendously fun to drive, and has plenty of power for freeway maneuvers. Thus far, after 3 months -- no complaints!
Love the Yaris
Robert, 01/14/2009
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the absolutely red hatchback. I love the car. Great gas mileage, fun to drive. Everyone asks me if it's a hybrid. Great for city driving.
Best Compact Yet
zeeno, 11/07/2007
2008 Toyota Yaris S 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my Yaris 3dr hatchback. It's fun to drive with an incredibly small turning circle which makes u-turns a snap. The mileage is fantastic, the automatic transmission is very smooth, plus I can choose to shift it when I want and the ride quality is great. The looks of the 3dr hatchback are very different and I like how unique it is.
Yay
plmille2, 10/06/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the Yaris to replace my 1999 Honda Civic and I can honestly say I could not be happier. The gas mileage is slightly better, but the overall comfort is amazing. The first day I drove it to work everyone commented on how small it was, then wanted to buy one for themselves when they sat in it. It is SO roomy inside, more roomy than my Civic, and drives very smooth. The body seems solid on the interstate and it hugs the roadway. I was surprised to find how high it sits. There have been many times when I am sitting at a red light and a crossover or SUV pulls up next to me and I am eye level with the driver, and I'm only 5'4". It makes me feel much safer.
Never thought I would like a compact
HuntingtonBeach, 06/04/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I always had SUVs or mid-size sedans and thought I would never get stuck in a compact as small as the Yaris. I did so, for the mileage only. After driving it for a week, I love it. The stress of paying at the pump is gone. Before my daughter saw the car, she suggested that I get tint, so people wouldn't see me. After I got it, she thought it was pretty cool. I went to a major public event, when I came driving out of the parking lot and my window was down, people walking by started asking me questions, about the car. All the other cars in the lot were Mercedes and BMWs. It seemed as if everyone was more impressed with the Yaris. I haven't paid so little for a vehicle, since 1980.
Cute and dependable
Iris, 04/07/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used in January, and I have been extremely happy with it! I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations. I regularly got around 38-42 mpg during the huge Cleveland snowstorms we had in February, and that was even with letting my car run idle for 10-15 minutes to heat it up and get all the snow off. The ABS was a godsend in those storms too. I love how solid and roomy it feels for an economy car. I did test drive the non "S" version, and the doors didn't feel as solid, which is what prompted me to go with the "S". I live in an apartment and have to park on the street, so it's easy maneuverability and folding side mirrors are great too.
Fits people of all sizes
Canuck366, 03/17/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is cheap in cost terms but extremely good quality for the price. I was concerned about buying it because I'm a big guy, but it is much more comfortable than a Nissan Sentra, Chevy S10 Pickup or Ford Mustang. The headroom and leg room was impressive in both the front and the back seats. The seats sit much higher than one would expect from such a small car. If you are looking to buy one, make sure it is a Manual Transmission or it will not be any fun. Others have asked for these fancy features like iPod holders and other advancements, it sounds like you need to spend the extra money if you want those features and go with the Matrix.
Yaris fun
Skip, 07/24/2010
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great price, great fun to drive, great MPG worst I have gotten 33 best 46. spartan interior could use a little upgrade there on base model missing pop out back windows on 2 door hatch back. I love the absolutely red "Scarlet" Yaris
Why are all the web/print media wrong
Duncan, 11/22/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got my Yaris at the end of March 2008 and have calculated mileage on every tank of gas and the MPG on every tank has been between 35 and 40 MPG. I have never gotten below 35, and I don't use the most fuel efficient driving techniques. Why has every media review, including Edmunds.com stated that the fuel economy on this car is 31-32. This is a great car. You cannot find a better car, with better gas mileage at a better price. That's it.
An excellent little commuter car.
Chris from MI, 11/22/2007
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Yaris liftback for about a week now. Just finished my first tank of gas and got 38 mpg. That is a combination of city and highway. I spent a lot of time researching all the options, including the Civic, Fit, Aveo, and Scion xD. I was mostly looking for a second vehicle that was affordable, reliable, and got exceptional gas mileage. The Yaris, I believe, provides the best combination of these things. Just like every other Yaris, it is made in Japan.
Great little runabout
sig, 10/15/2008
2008 Toyota Yaris 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a second car for around town driving. I love the looks, inside and out. What surprised me was how well it drives and handles. (My other car is a 2008 BMW 335 coupe). It is fun to drive and the gas mileage - regular gas - is phenomenal, up to 42.8 mpg. What made me buy this particular model are the looks and the price. Another factor is the build quality. This car was built in Japan, and no shortcuts were taken in material and paint. A super little car!
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