As an economy car, the Toyota Yaris does well, getting above 30 mpg with its 1.5-liter engine. But tech is minimal, with just a bland stereo from the factory.
Toyota's entry-level car, the Yaris, has a base price under $14,000 for the sedan. But according to Toyota's site, you have to take one of the three optional packages, which start at $850.
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Toyota's design language is apparent on the Yaris, with the badge protruding forward from the hood.
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The Yaris achieves good gas mileage because of its 1.5-liter, four cylinder engine, which uses variable valve timing to improve efficiency.
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Toyota does a good job providing adequate headroom front and back for such a small car.
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Toyota focuses on giving the Yaris as decent a ride as possible, while keeping the costs down, rather than give the car funky styling or any kind of performance character.
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All controls and instruments are placed in the center of the dashboard, making it easy for Toyota to build the Yaris as a right- or left-hand drive car.
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Toyota equips the Yaris with electric power steering, eliminating the drag on the engine caused by a conventional hydraulic power steering pump.
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The four speed automatic transmission features three low ranges, which you can use like a sequential gearbox.
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The instrument cluster sits in a pod at the center of the dashboard. Climate controls are big and easy to use at the base of the stack.
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This little LCD on the instrument cluster is a nice feature, but it doesn't have a full trip computer, so you won't see how many miles you have left on a tank.
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This stereo comes with the Power package upgrade, and features a nice, large screen. It is satellite ready, although you would need to install an XM or Sirius tuner.
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An auxiliary input jack sits in this pocket to the side of the console. The pocket makes a convenient place for an MP3 player.
