The Toyota Yaris has earned a good reputation for reliability over the years and Toyota hopes the 2011 model, with its excellent fuel economy, comfortable drive, nice interior and multiple body styles, will have small economy carshoppers coming back for more ... a pretty good bet.
The Yaris is one of a growing number of subcompact economy offerings that have stepped-up the traditional (and rather low) expectations for a vehicle in this segment by including a longer list of available features via personal customization choices for those who really don't want a stripped down car as well as a drive that's more refined than most. The 2011 Yaris makes an attractive case for itself with its pleasant road manners, well-designed cabin, available premium features such as satellite radio and Bluetooth, and an impressive list of standard safety features.
And while its four-cylinder, 106-horsepower engine isn't engineered for getting checkered flags at the track, it's certainly capable enough to meet most transportation needs around town and on the freeway, while getting excellent gas mileage of up to 36 mpg on the highway. But this is a crowded segment as well and those shopping it may want to check out other worthy rivals to help them make an informed final buying decision. Other solid choices among similar vehicles would include the Ford Fiesta, the Honda Fit, the Mazda 2 as well as the Nissan Versa.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Yaris is a subcompact economy car offered in three body styles: a three-door hatchback, a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, each coming in just one trim.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Yaris Prices:
Car sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now. And Toyota has recently been offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. It remains a buyer's market right now, resulting in an excellent opportunity to get the lowest price.
The bottom line? Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons to get the best price. Here's an article on the best negotiating technique to take advantage of the current sluggish car market (definitely read before ever going to a dealership): The Trick To Buying A New Yaris At The Best Possible Price
Standard features on a hatchback model include air conditioning, four-way-adjustable front seats, intermittent windshield wipers, a tilt steering wheel and 14-inch steel wheels, while the sedan adds a height-adjustable driver seat, a remote trunk release and a tachometer. And while the speakers are pre-wired, an audio system is not included as standard.
Stand-alone optional features include cruise control and foglights, but most options are offered in packages. The Convenience package adds a radio with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack, 15-inch wheels, 60/40-split rear seats (which also slide and recline in the hatchbacks) as well as a rear-window wiper for the hatchbacks. The Power package adds all Convenience package features plus power windows, power doorlocks, power mirrors and keyless entry, while the Sport package includes all Power package items along with sport seats, iPod integration, front and rear spoilers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Also available are many dealer-installed accesories such as Bluetooth, suspension modifications, a sport exhaust and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the front-wheel-drive 2011 Toyota Yaris is a 1.5-liter inline-4 that produces 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic.
One of the Toyota Yaris' top selling points is its outstanding gas mileage performnce, EPA-estimated at 29 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway with the manual and a nearly as good 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with the automatic.
Safety:
And the 2011 Yaris certainly doesn't skimp when it comes to standard safety equipment, featuring stability and traction control, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, brake override technology and side curtain airbags on all models.
In government tests, the Yaris sedan earned four out of five stars for both frontal-impact and side-impact occupant protection. The hatchback earned five stars for driver protection and four stars for passenger protection in frontal-impacts and five stars for the front passenger and three for rear passengers in side-impacts.
Interior:
The 2011 Yaris has an interior which is on the frugal side but still attractive and unique with its center display. The seating is generally comfortable and supportive. The sedan is over 18 inches longer than the hatchbacks and is reasonably roomy for a subcompact. The hatchbacks rear seats, however, are on the tight side, but the optional slide-and-recline version improves things considerably.
In terms of cargo capacity, the sedan's trunk can handle 12.9 cubic feet. The hatchbacks have a storage capacity of just over 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 26 cubes by lowering them. The hatchbacks also offer three convenient gloveboxes to the sedan's one.
Drive:
The 2011 Toyota Yaris has capable-enough and pleasant road manners for an economy car. Not designed to be sporty or particularly lively, the power is still adequate enough to meet the needs of most drivers both in the city and passing on the highway. It has an overall solid feel and its quick and light steering is an advantage around town and in parking-lots. It's basically a solid performer for those seeking a dependable daily commuter that's more affordable at the pump.
Price:
2011 Toyota Yaris Three-Door Hatchback:
Manual: list price: $12,855, invoice price: $12,212
Automatic: list price: $13,655, invoice price: $12,972
2011 Toyota Yaris Five-Door Hatchback:
Manual: list price: $13,255, invoice price: $12,497
Automatic: list price: $13,955, invoice price: $13,257
2011 Toyota Yaris Four-Door Sedan:
Manual: list price: $13,615, invoice price: $12,934
Automatic: list price: $14,415, invoice price: $13,694
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