2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review

The 2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is available in either a three-door or five-door body style. With an affordable intro price and super fuel economy, the Yaris Hatchback was given the Yahoo! Autos Excelerator Award and five-star ratings for both frontal and side-impact crash testing. With a number of standard features, the Yaris Hatchback surpasses the majority of the competition. Though the modern exterior design might not be to the taste of some buyers, it appears aerodynamic with a European twist.

Inside, the 2009 Yaris is packed with amenities. The S trim is fitted with a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter knob and an iPod interface built into the stereo system. The base trim includes accessories like MP3 capabilities with the radio, four-way adjustable front seats, and two 12-volt auxiliary power outlets to recharge any electronic devices quickly and conveniently. Dual glove boxes are included for extra storage space, and a cover for the rear cargo area is standard as well. Buyers can upgrade to features like remote keyless entry, a rear spoiler, and power windows and locks.

Under the hood, the 2009 Toyota Yaris is equipped with a 106 horsepower 1.5L I4. Though the Yaris might not have the super power that a buyer is looking for, its 29 city MPG and 36 highway MPG is hard to beat without hybrid technology. Also, the Yaris is rated as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle, so it makes less of an impact on the environment. The model comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but buyers can opt for a four-speed automatic transmission. Independent MacPherson front struts give the Toyota a smooth ride, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution apply just enough force to each brake so that the model can stop quickly and drivers do not lose control.

Safety features like an Advanced Airbag System make the 2009 Yaris a great pick for families with small children. This unique airbag system can sense the angle of a collision and will only deploy the proper airbags which can help prevent further injuries from occurring. A tire pressure monitoring system, energy-absorbing steering column, and three-point seatbelts in the rear seating make the Yaris one of the safer hatchbacks on the road. The three-point seatbelts will convert to fit a smaller individual or accommodate an infant's car-seat.

In general, the 2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is a highly efficient and convenient vehicle. Compared to the Chevrolet Malibu, it certainly is not the most spacious model on the market, it can comfortably seat five passengers. Priced at an inexpensive $12,205, the Toyota Yaris gives more bang for a buyer's buck than most any other vehicle available.