Can Toyota Still Manage to Build an Awful Car? - LA Times Article

[GTSRacer]

I own a Red RS 3dr Hatch. The RS package replaces the silver trim inside with glossy black plastic trim. The white vents are replaced with black vents. The seats are made of a sporty black fabric, and it has the fold flat seats in the back. I believe that if Toyota USA sent all of these reviewers an RS model, they would have little to complain about. The materials feel much better, and the little chrome trim on the door handles give the feeling of sporty luxury. In addition, I believe that Toyota USA made a huge mistake by not offering ABS as an option. IMHO Toyota USA was trying to bury this car, because of the poor reception for the Echo, and had little need for the Yaris except to fill a price point. They then saw the demand for this great little car, and still don't know how to market it.

Compare the reception that the Yaris got in Canada. Toyota Canada launched a full media blitz on the Yaris, with smart ads, making the Yaris cool to young males such as myself. They gave the Yaris a sport package and made options such as ABS available to multiple trim levels.

Toyota USA could learn a bit from Toyota Canada's marketing of this fine car.

TM