The 2008 Toyota Yaris small-car family consists of four-door sedan and three-door liftback (hatchback) models in the U.S. The Sedan is nearly 19 inches longer than the liftback, and its wheelbase is several inches longer as well.

Both models come with a 106-horsepower, 1.5L inline four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional across the line. The automatic gets a shift logic feature to help reduce hunting while climbing/descending steep grades.

Fuel economy is very impressive; with the manual gearbox the Yaris returns EPA estimates of 29 city, 36 highway.

The Yaris has a suspension that's tuned for quick steering response and maneuverability; it has a MacPherson strut layout in front with a stabilizer bar, and a torsion beam-axle setup in back. The turning radius is a tight 32.6 feet.

Both body styles include seating for five, with headrests for all seating positions. The fixed rear seatback (split in the liftback with the Power Package) expands cargo space up to 25.7 cubic feet on the liftback.

The Yaris has a unique instrument panel layout, with the gauges mounted high in the center of the dash. Front and rear occupants get cup holders and storage spaces. Standard equipment on both models includes air conditioning, tilt steering, and intermittent wipers.

Both front seat-mounted air bags and roll-sensing side-curtain air bags covering both rows of seating are available as extra-cost options, as is anti-lock brakes.

Noteworthy options include a Power Package, available on all but the liftback S, which brings a CD/MP3-compatible sound system with mini-jack input, a rear defroster, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. On sedans, the Power Package adds anti-lock brakes, a tachometer, and cruise control, while on liftbacks it adds a 60/40-split back seat that slides and reclines.

S models add sport seats with upgraded fabric, amber-toned Optitron gauge lighting, leather trim, and larger 15-inch wheels. 15-inch alloys are an option.

Model Strengths

Low initial price; terrific fuel efficiency; compact dimensions with easy maneuverability.

Model Changes

A sporty liftback S model, featuring front and rear color-keyed spoilers, sport seat fabric, amber gauge illumination, and other extras, joins the Toyota Yaris lineup for 2008.

Model Value

The Toyota Yaris ranks as one of the lowest-priced small cars for 2008, and has especially low running costs and a longstanding reputation (with its predecessor, the Echo) for reliability. Fuel efficiency is the best in the segment, according to Toyota, and with its tight turning radius and good maneuverability the Yaris makes a very frugal city commuter.