When gas prices soared, the public discovered the Toyota Yaris, and it has been true love ever since! People found out there is a lot more to the Yaris than fuel efficiency. The 2009 Yaris is the best ever with more standard features and a “fun-to-drive” quality reminiscent of the VW Beetle.

One look at the Yaris and you have to smile. And you know what? A lot of people think it smiles back! New Car Test Drive captured its personality perfectly. "The Toyota Yaris has an appealing look to it, especially the liftback. The liftback was designed around the theme of 'powerful simplicity,' but our first impression was that it's as cute as the proverbial bug. ...The sedan's theme is 'Simple is Cool,' which is based on the Japanese art of flower arranging where unnecessary decoration is shunned in place of a single, simple design."

The 2009 Toyota Yaris adds a five-door liftback model to the lineup. Toyota’s smallest car is offered as a three-door Liftback, a five-door Liftback or a sedan, each in Base and S trims. Power is provided by a 106-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Liftbacks are available with a split/folding rear seat that reclines and slides fore and aft. Other options include remote keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors. The three-door Yaris Liftback starts at a budget-friendly $12,205 (MSRP). The five-door Liftback goes for $13,305, and the Yaris Sedan stickers at $12,965.

Every Yaris trim feature standard antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, front, side and rear curtain side airbags, a level of safety not found in Yaris rivals. Yaris' Liftback and Sedan S models feature available upgraded interior trim, aluminum alloys, color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers, foglamps, a rear deck spoiler, a leather-wrapped shiftknob and steering wheel and a CD/MP3 audio system (with satellite radio and a universal mini-jack). Cruise control, satellite-capable audio systems and aluminum alloy wheels are optional.

For those whose driving consists of local commuting, errands and short trips, Yaris is the perfect runabout. "It would be hard to come up with better inter-urban transportation than the Toyota Yaris, price considered or not. Forget the entry-level label. The Yaris feels and performs much better than its MSRP would suggest," said New Car Test Drive.

The Yaris 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb/ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Notice that second figure because it is the key to the quick launches and overall spunky performance of the Yaris. Toyota has equipped this engine with Variable Valve Timing, a bit of engine management that enables a small displacement engine to have responsive torque in the middle of the powerband. Test drivers agree that it makes the Yaris a surprisingly lively car to drive.

Much of the fun-to-drive factor comes from the nimble and agile handling of the Yaris, something the reviewers universally praise. U.S. News Rankings & Reviews says the Yaris “handles comfortably on the highway and is quite maneuverable in tight turns.” Car and Driver adds, "Handling is estimable for a car of this class, particularly the feel and response of the steering, which is electrically assisted to just the right degree." MotorWeek says the Yaris stops just as well as it goes. "Braking runs averaged a straight and stable 125 feet, thanks to our car's combination of standard front discs and rear drums, plus ABS."

Of course, the Yaris’ current claim-to-fame is fuel efficiency, and it really gives you a hand at the gas pump! The EPA rates the Yaris at 29/35 mpg city/highway with the automatic transmission, and 29/36 mpg city/highway with the optional manual. That’s mileage you can take to the bank!

In a subcompact, packaging and interior design is critical to small-space comfort. Toyota has addressed this challenge brilliantly with a cabin that feels larger than it is and seemingly defies physics when it comes to carrying people and their things. New Car Test Drive puts it this way. "The Yaris is a marvel of space efficiency with clever cockpit packaging. Its relatively long wheelbase...makes the Yaris cockpit feel quite spacious, especially in the liftback with its tall extended roofline…Six-footers can occupy every seat except the center rear without complaint."

Slip behind the wheel of a Yaris, and the personality you perceived at a glance comes through stronger than ever. The first thing you’ll notice is the instrument cluster located in the center of the dashboard - cool! The next thing you’ll discover is that you are uncommonly comfortable and you’ve intuitively figured out the controls without a thought. In other words, the Yaris seems to fit like your favorite shirt.

Personal and personable, the 2009 Toyota Yaris is friendly, fun and frugal. Give us a call and we’ll set you and Yaris up with a date!