Though Toyota rarely goofs, it did with the oddly styled entry-level Echo compact, to which U.S. buyers just never took. Hoping to right things for 2006, Toyota substitutes the Yaris, essentially a new take on the Echo design. It comes as a 2-dr hatchback, unveiled in late 2005, and as a longer, roomier sedan that bowed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Each body style has its own look, with the bold hatch aimed at the youth market, the conservative sedan at mainstream buyers. Like Echo, Yaris uses a 1.5-liter 4-cyl engine, here with 106 hp, to drive the front wheels through 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel economy is a highlight, a big appeal after last fall's big spike in gas prices, with EPA city/highway mpg of 34/40 for manual shift and 34/39 for the automatic.


A low base price is another attraction. The hatchback starts at $10,950, the base sedan at $11,825, a sportier S sedan at $13,325. As you might expect with that, standard equipment is adequate but far from lavish. There are worthwhile options however, starting with ABS, front torso side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. An available convenience package, included on the S sedan, includes a 60/40 split folding sedan rear seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, wheel covers, and hatchback rear wiper. Power windows/locks/mirrors are available for all, as are alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and other goodies.