My Initial Review -- Long Version

[Lewis]

I am a new owner too with 2000 miles under my belt. I agree with the above comments but with one important (for me) addition. The straight ahead highway stability (on both windy and still days) of the car really leaves a lot to be desired and cries out for improvement.

I know they'll be many here who'll tell me the car is light, high, and has a short wheelbase and very hard tires- but all those things can be said about the Honda Fit and it did much better on the highway than the Yaris in my test drive(s). I went with the Yaris because of it's intended uses- for me it's a commuter/errand/station car so the price difference was important because I didn't plan to drive it on the highway very much.

I am basically very happy with the car - it certainly has a lot of value for the price I paid.

Ways I'd improve it:

1. adjustable intermittent wipers for the front w/intermittent wiper on the hatch.
2. internal hatch release
3. needs stability control and front knee airbags for safety
4. rear anti-sway bar should be standard
5. split rear seats should be standard
6. ALL manual trans cars should have a tach

These features are standard in many markets where the Yaris can be considered a family car- we in the US are basically sold a decontented model- which would be ok if you could buy these things separately but many of them require purchasing packages and/or are not even available at all (foremost of which is stability control which is so important for safety it will be required in all new cars in 2012).

Above all I would say- Straight line stablity MUST be improved!

What the above improvements would add to the price is anyone's guess but it would make the car a much better every day proposition thereby justifying a higher price which I'd be ok with based on the extra utility the car would thereby offer.

[Astroman]

Um, he can't get a manual with the 5-door in the states. My NST pulleys have remedied most complaints I have with the auto tranny on my '07, improved acceleration and no more "gear hunting" up hills.

[wooverstone8]

I'm an 09 Yaris owner myself. I've only put 3200 miles on since I bought in February. I choose the Yaris over the other cars in its class due to better fuel economy and price. The best value of owning Yaris is that its fun to drive. So far I have been completely satisfied with my purchase.

[auxmike]

My car came stock with Goodyear LS tires. They are real nice....

[CtrlAltDefeat]

Originally Posted by Lewis

Above all I would say- Straight line stablity MUST be improved!

I must say that I've had little problem with stability except on the windiest of days. I had a bit of emergency after my lowering springs and before my rear sway bar. I hit 115mph on the highway and it was rock solid. Every car I've driven before my Yaris felt floaty and nervous at anywhere close to 100mph. It was surprising, really. Maybe you need to be lowered?