How does the Yaris handle? Specifically, how does it handle in winter weather? Does it live up to its mileage ratings?
We haven’t tested the Yaris in the winter, so we’re unable to comment on the car’s handling on snow or ice (handling impressions from Cars.com’s expert review are below). If it’s an absolute necessity for your car to be able to handle heavy snow in the winter, however, then an all-wheel-drive Suzuki SX4 is a comparable option that would be better equipped to handle wintry conditions. The SX4 comes standard with antilock brakes as well as side-impact and side curtain airbags, while these are all optional on the Yaris.
Obviously, you have to decide whether the features are worth the money for you, but safety features like antilock brakes and side airbags are the important ones. Once you equip the Yaris with these features, pricing begins to enter the range of most other models around this size, including ones we would recommend over the Yaris, like the Honda Fit, Honda Civic or Nissan Versa.
In his review of the 2007 Yaris sedan, senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder writes:
Yaris in the Market
“My overall reaction to the Yaris is one of disappointment. It's easy to hold up the Fit as a new standard. The issue here is that Toyota, the maker of such class leaders as the Camry and Sienna minivan, isn't leading anyone in this class. The Hyundai Accent is tough competition, as are the Kia Rio and Chevy Aveo. Toyota has pulled something of a GM here: It has improved markedly over its own previous product but allowed the competition to move the benchmark with which the Yaris seems intended to compete. All-new models and complete redesigns are a manufacturer's opportunity to make major changes and improvements. Not taking advantage may mean years of stagnancy as the competition evolves further — and faster.”
Ride and Handling
“The Yaris has an independent front and semi-independent rear suspension, the normal outfit for this car class. Its ride quality is quite comfortable, especially compared to earlier econoboxes. The roadholding is decent, but there's too much body roll. This belies the Yaris' curb weight, which at 2,514 pounds (with an automatic transmission) is light, even for this class.
“This is just one of the Yaris' contradictions. It's exceptionally light, yet it feels like it's throwing its weight around. It's admirably quiet at high speed — a characteristic of weightier vehicles — yet it moves through space with more of an economy car feel than some of its recently introduced competitors. Believe me, I've driven them all. If you've had the same Yaris experience, or not, post a consumer review.”
As for mileage ratings, we’ve found the new 2008 ratings to come very close to actual mileage. That doesn’t mean you’ll get the exact fuel economy ratings, though, because fuel economy varies from driver to driver. Check out our consumer reviews section, where some owners of 2007 and 2008 Yaris models list their mileage numbers.
Learn more
The Yaris would be even better than it already is if Toyota were to give it certain options that I know some would like, especially in the Yaris "S" models...namely electronic stability/traction control, power sunroof, and a better audio system as is available in their Scion line (Pioneer).
Hopefully the '09 Yaris will have said extra cost improvements.
TOYOTA: ARE YOU LISTENING?
Peace<-AladdinSane--
I absolutely would have purchased a Yaris last year were it not for the center gauges. I want them in front of me like every other car on the market. Seriously, the center gauges were a total deal-breaker for me. I bought a Hyundai Accent instead. I'm pleased with my purchase.
I absolutely would have purchased a Yaris last year were it not for the center gauges. I want them in front of me like every other car on the market. Seriously, the center gauges were a total deal-breaker for me. I bought a Hyundai Accent instead. I'm pleased with my purchase.
I wish it had a better transmission, say a 6 speed stick or 5/6 speed automatic.
The engine could be better say the 1zr-fe instead of the 1nz-fe. More power & fun.
If Versa can have 6MT or CVT, Fit has 5MT or 5AT; why can't Yaris have at least a 5AT or 6MT as well?
I test drove a Yaris a couple of times and also had it as a loaner while getting my Camry repaired. I liked the way it handled in City traffic and it responded quickly. However, I decided to go with a Corolla since the MPG isn't that much different. Also, the corolla comes equipped with AVS brakes, side curtain airbags etc. To put it simply, its a better car than the Yaris. The problem with the Yaris is that the it doesn't differentiate itself enough to make a person buy it instead of the Corolla. If i really wanted to buy something that is a couple thousand less in cost I would have bought the Honda FIT. Toyota might have a viable option to the Corolla if it brought the Toyota Aygo to the United States (or the Toyota iQ). Those two cars are clearly differentiated from the Corolla and could rule their own niche (my research indicates that they are a much better care than the SMART).
I just bought a 2008 Yaris for fuel economy. Once again, Toyota has the vision to beat Detroit at every level. On my first post-break-in tank, I got 43.5 MPG (some city, mostly freeway). I keep the tires 2 PSI above spec pressure, and drive gently with economy in mind. With the large car feel, and mileage, I love the Yaris. Hybrid fuel economy without the potential maintenance issues of batteries.
The toyota yaris is very cheap, and has good gas mileage.
I love my yaris. Very good looking car and I commute 40 miles to work everyday so the great gas millage makes me love it more, but winter driving in this car is terrible. I feel like I'm the only car on the road having problems and slipping and I have new tires and everything. Last winter I drove a toyota Echo and it did just fine in the snow, but my yaris makes me scared to leave for work even if there is just a little bit of snow on the road. Great car, but have a back up winter car or live where there's no snow!
I bought my Yaris two years ago, and love....love....LOVE it!
The center console was almost a deal breaker, but now i don't even notice it in the middle instead of in front of me.
It's comfortable, and you can't beat the gas mileage, I fill up about twice a month. This is aggressive city driving. And this little car can get up and GO!
I just got back from a trip to Tofino on Vancouver Island, and I couldn't be MORE impressed with this vehicles handling in the snow!
While trucks were going of the road left and right over Alberni Summit, this little car just gave it! And got me over the summit in an unanounced blizzard!
I will definatley invest in some chains though.
I was thinking about purchasing a Yaris. I talked to a woman at a gas station and asked her how she liked her Yaris.She said she liked it except for two things.The mice get into the airbox and build nests and mice are running around above the headliner.
Studded tires should work well in the winter.
I love my Yaris I get 410 miles before I have to gas up again commuting to and from work. I was able to drive 70mph in 6 inches of snow last winter with bare tires. (Didn't slip or loosr traction at all) Also this car turns on a dime with ease!!!
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I own a Yaris and think it handles very well. The steering is crisper and more responsive than many Toyotas and it is very maneuverable. I've pulled U-turns in this thing that I did not think were possible. I live in western Oregon, where snow is rare, so I do not have any winter driving experience in this car.
In mixed highway/city driving, I get 33-37 mpg. The one tank of gas I drove purely on the highway yielded 41 mpg. My worst tank was 24, but it was all city driving at speeds less than 35 mph during cold weather (the worst combination for fuel economy). Our other 4 cylinder sedan gets 18 mpg during that type of driving.