Review of the 2009 5-door and 3-door Yaris Liftbacks

[MadMax]

Cruise Control is also now available for the liftback models (why it wasn’t available before is beyond me.)

Not true, my 2008 LB has factory cruise control.

Also, you can get the MP3 player (auxillary jack) on the non-S models. Your article makes it appear you have to get the S to get that option.

Also, what do you mean when you say the "3-door hatchback design is controversial?" Nothing controversial about it, it is just rare as most hatchbacks in this class are five-doors.

The center instrument cluster is not only to save costs for lefthand-drive countries. It is also more practical as most cars the steering wheel obscures the instruments. This is the first car I've had were I can see the complete speedometer. It was a drawing point for the Yaris for me, I drove a rental sedan in Florida for a week and almost instantly preferred it.

But overall it is a pretty positive article. The Yaris is an economy car, and anyone who is looking for a spirited ride out of it is looking in the wrong place. The Yaris is a great handling sub-compact car and the one thing I love most about it is the fact that unlike the Beetle, Mini, Mazda 3s or even the Fit; you just don't see a many of them on the road. It is still a unique car with personality, and mine still draws much attention wherever I go in it.

Cheers! M2

[csburdick]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Not true, my 2008 LB has factory cruise control.

Also, you can get the MP3 player (auxillary jack) on the non-S models. Your article makes it appear you have to get the S to get that option.

Also, what do you mean when you say the "3-door hatchback design is controversial?" Nothing controversial about it, it is just rare as most hatchbacks in this class are five-doors.

The center instrument cluster is not only to save costs for lefthand-drive countries. It is also more practical as most cars the steering wheel obscures the instruments. This is the first car I've had were I can see the complete speedometer. It was a drawing point for the Yaris for me, I drove a rental sedan in Florida for a week and almost instantly preferred it.

But overall it is a pretty positive article. The Yaris is an economy car, and anyone who is looking for a spirited ride out of it is looking in the wrong place. The Yaris is a great handling sub-compact car and the one thing I love most about it is the fact that unlike the Beetle, Mini, Mazda 3s or even the Fit; you just don't see a many of them on the road. It is still a unique car with personality, and mine still draws much attention wherever I go in it.

Cheers! M2

Same thing here, are the differences a regional thing?

Thanks for the positive note. I actually thought the Yaris was fun, which was something I didn't expect out of it. I'm impressed, and can easily recommend it.

Regarding the central instrument cluster, I found it really annoying, and something I never got used to after 2 weeks of driving it. I understand it makes sense logically, but it's something that consistently bothered both me and my photographer.

What I meant by "controversial" was that it seems like people (I've talked to about it) either love or hate the styling. I've heard things such as "cute," "European," "bug-like," "fugly," "adorable," etc. Seems both ends of the spectrum are included. Being a sports-car guy, I was surprised to actually like the design of the 3-door.

[PreciousPups4U]

Some options may be regional. Like no cold weather package necessary here in the South. But the other stuff is the same everywhere. Not sure what specifically you were asking if it's regional.

Also, that 60/40 split sliding/folding seat for the hatchback is only available with the power package. Without the power package it's just a bench seat that folds over, in other words it does not fold flat. That's the main reason I had to have the power package. Had to have the fold flat seat.

I think most of this info is available on Toyota.com. Certainly the options, transmissions and length stuff (yes, the 5 door and the 3 door are the same length and have the same wheelbase). The other stuff is just a matter of perspective and opinion. Good basic review though.