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2008 Toyota Yaris Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
Also in the 2008 Toyota Yaris Review:
5.
6.
Toyota Yaris Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Toyota Yaris Review
The 2008 Toyota Yaris roster gains a sport-themed hatchback model. This is Toyota's smallest car. It's offered as a 2-door hatchback or 4-door sedan, each in Base and S trims. The S hatchback is new for '08. The sole powertrain is a 106-hp 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It teams with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hatchbacks are available with a split folding rear seat that reclines and slides fore and aft. Other options include remote entry and power windows, locks, and mirrors.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The subcompact class is made up of the smallest hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons on the market. These are generally considered economy cars.
Our Best Buys include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4. Our Recommended pick is the Honda Fit.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Scion xD and Smart ForTwo.
Our Best Buys include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4. Our Recommended pick is the Honda Fit.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Scion xD and Smart ForTwo.
News
Yaris is barely a yearling, so don't expect much change for a while. However, there's a rumor that a 5-dr hatchback model will migrate from Canada to U.S. dealers in the next year or two. Stay tuned.
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2008 Toyota Yaris Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration |
| Interior storage space | Engine noise |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
More than spry enough for commuter duty. Yaris is liveliest with manual transmission. Adequate around-town go with the automatic, but these versions feel overmatched in fast-moving traffic and hilly terrain. A Base sedan with automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds in our test, which was more than 1 second quicker than rivals Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
More than spry enough for commuter duty. Yaris is liveliest with manual transmission. Adequate around-town go with the automatic, but these versions feel overmatched in fast-moving traffic and hilly terrain. A Base sedan with automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds in our test, which was more than 1 second quicker than rivals Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, Base sedans with automatic transmission averaged 30.6 mpg in mostly city driving, 36.6 in mostly highway driving, and 28.6 including gas-eating acceleration runs. Test base hatchbacks averaged 34.8 mpg with manual transmission, 31.6 with automatic. Yaris uses regular-grade gas.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Base sedans with automatic transmission averaged 30.6 mpg in mostly city driving, 36.6 in mostly highway driving, and 28.6 including gas-eating acceleration runs. Test base hatchbacks averaged 34.8 mpg with manual transmission, 31.6 with automatic. Yaris uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Yaris absorbs bumps and rougher pavement impressively well, better than most rivals, including Honda Fit. Generally stable at highway speeds, too, but big dips prompt some float and wallow.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Yaris absorbs bumps and rougher pavement impressively well, better than most rivals, including Honda Fit. Generally stable at highway speeds, too, but big dips prompt some float and wallow.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Responsive and secure, even fun, if not quite as sporty as Fit. Grip in turns is limited by narrow tires. The steering is nicely weighted. A tidy turning radius aids in tight maneuvers. Some testers detected wander in gusty crosswinds. All models tested had ABS and showed good pedal feel.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Responsive and secure, even fun, if not quite as sporty as Fit. Grip in turns is limited by narrow tires. The steering is nicely weighted. A tidy turning radius aids in tight maneuvers. Some testers detected wander in gusty crosswinds. All models tested had ABS and showed good pedal feel.
Quietness
Slightly more isolated than Fit. Some wind rush is evident from the base of the windshield. Engine noise intrudes at all times, and road noise is prominent at highway speeds.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Slightly more isolated than Fit. Some wind rush is evident from the base of the windshield. Engine noise intrudes at all times, and road noise is prominent at highway speeds.
Controls
The instrument cluster is mounted in the center of the dashboard rather than in front of the driver. It isn't canted toward the driver, and some testers find its location diverts attention from the road. Climate controls are easy to use, but have flimsy movement. Upgraded audio system displays settings on a screen some testers find hard to read.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
The instrument cluster is mounted in the center of the dashboard rather than in front of the driver. It isn't canted toward the driver, and some testers find its location diverts attention from the road. Climate controls are easy to use, but have flimsy movement. Upgraded audio system displays settings on a screen some testers find hard to read.
Details
Yaris's upholstery is oddly synthetic, and most interior panels are made of hollow plastic. Nothing looks cheap, though, lending an air of impressive substance at this price level.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Yaris's upholstery is oddly synthetic, and most interior panels are made of hollow plastic. Nothing looks cheap, though, lending an air of impressive substance at this price level.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Hatchback has nearly 1 inch more headroom than sedan, but both body styles have plenty of clearance for all but the very tall. Sedans have seats that adjust for height, for a slight advantage in driver positioning. Long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel, and some testers say the steering wheel is mounted too far away, with the pedals being too close for best comfort. The seats are not generously sized but provide good support.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Hatchback has nearly 1 inch more headroom than sedan, but both body styles have plenty of clearance for all but the very tall. Sedans have seats that adjust for height, for a slight advantage in driver positioning. Long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel, and some testers say the steering wheel is mounted too far away, with the pedals being too close for best comfort. The seats are not generously sized but provide good support.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Spacious for the car's compact exterior dimensions, though taller riders will want more headroom and legroom. Three people will fit in the back, but the cabin is too narrow for long trips. Hatchbacks are available with a sliding and reclining rear seat. That's a versatility bonus, though the hatchback's 2-door body style taxes entry and exit.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.1 |
Spacious for the car's compact exterior dimensions, though taller riders will want more headroom and legroom. Three people will fit in the back, but the cabin is too narrow for long trips. Hatchbacks are available with a sliding and reclining rear seat. That's a versatility bonus, though the hatchback's 2-door body style taxes entry and exit.
Cargo Room
The sedan's trunk is relatively roomy, has low liftover, and added storage in the spare-tire well. The lid opens wide, but its hinges intrude and its opening is too small to easily accept bulky items. Hatchback has more useful cargo space, helped by fold-flat rear seatbacks. Plenty of small-item storage throughout cabin, though open, unpadded cubbies can cause loose items to slide around and fall out at times.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
The sedan's trunk is relatively roomy, has low liftover, and added storage in the spare-tire well. The lid opens wide, but its hinges intrude and its opening is too small to easily accept bulky items. Hatchback has more useful cargo space, helped by fold-flat rear seatbacks. Plenty of small-item storage throughout cabin, though open, unpadded cubbies can cause loose items to slide around and fall out at times.
Value within Class
Shop elsewhere if you want lively acceleration at highway speeds, but Yaris is a relatively refined subcompact with a driving position high enough that you won't feel dwarfed by surrounding traffic. Base prices are tempting, but add optional amenities and stickers climb to the level of larger, more powerful cars that come with safety and convenience features that cost extra on the Yaris.
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.8 |
Shop elsewhere if you want lively acceleration at highway speeds, but Yaris is a relatively refined subcompact with a driving position high enough that you won't feel dwarfed by surrounding traffic. Base prices are tempting, but add optional amenities and stickers climb to the level of larger, more powerful cars that come with safety and convenience features that cost extra on the Yaris.
Total Score
| Base hatch, manual | Base sedan, automatic | S sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 56 | 55 | 54 | 55.2 |
Scores for all Subcompact Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 63 |
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2008 Toyota Yaris Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/18/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door hatchback, manual | $11,550 | $10,856 | $660 |
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| Base 2-door hatchback, automatic | $12,450 | $11,702 | $660 |
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| Base 4-door sedan, manual | $12,425 | $11,679 | $660 |
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| Base 4-door sedan, automatic | $13,150 | $12,360 | $660 |
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| S 2-door hatchback, manual | $13,225 | $12,431 | $660 |
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| S 2-door hatchback, automatic | $14,125 | $13,277 | $660 |
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| S 4-door sedan, manual | $13,925 | $13,089 | $660 |
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| S 4-door sedan, automatic | $14,650 | $13,770 | $660 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, emergency inside trunk release (sedan).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat (sedan), folding rear seat (hatchback), tachometer (manual), intermittent wipers, cargo cover (hatchback).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
175/65R14 tires, wheel covers.
S adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel (hatchback), split folding rear seat (sedan), tachometer (hatchback, sedan manual), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
185/60R15 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Pkg.
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||
|
Base hatchback
|
$630
|
$567
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|
Base sedan
|
$750
|
$675
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|
Split folding rear seat (sedan), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rear defogger, rear wiper (hatchback), 185/60R15 tires.
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||
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All-Weather Guard Pkg.
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||
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Base hatchback
|
$305
|
$244
|
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Base hatchback w/Convenience or Power Pkg.
|
$110
|
$88
|
|
Base sedan
|
$265
|
$212
|
|
Base sedan w/Convenience or Power Pkg., S
|
$70
|
$56
|
|
Daytime running lights, rear defogger (Base), rear wiper (hatchback), hatch/decklid protective trim, heavy-duty starter and heater, rear heat duct, high capacity washer tank w/warning light.
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Power Pkg.
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Base sedan manual
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$1,710
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$1,539
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Base sedan automatic
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$1,785
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$1,606
|
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S sedan manual
|
$960
|
$864
|
|
S sedan automatic
|
$1,035
|
$932
|
|
Base hatchback
|
$1,290
|
$1,161
|
|
S hatchback
|
$660
|
$594
|
|
Antilock brakes (sedan), cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, tachometer (automatic), adjustable and reclining split folding rear seat (hatchback), split folding rear seat (Base sedan), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player (Base), rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper (hatchback), 185/60R15 tires (Base).
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Power Pkg. w/alloy wheels
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||
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Base sedan manual
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$2,100
|
$1,851
|
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Base sedan automatic
|
$2,175
|
$1,918
|
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S manual
|
$1,350
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$1,176
|
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S automatic
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$1,425
|
$1,244
|
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Base hatchback
|
$1,680
|
$1,473
|
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S hatchback
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$1,050
|
$906
|
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Safety |
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Front side airbags and curtain side airbags
|
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Base, S
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$650
|
$559
|
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Antilock brakes
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Base, S
|
$300
|
$258
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Power windows
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||
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sedan
|
$375
|
$300
|
|
Requires Convenience Pkg., power door locks.
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Power door locks
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||
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sedan
|
$275
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$220
|
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Requires Convenience Pkg.
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Remote keyless entry
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Base, S
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$230
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$184
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Requires Power Pkg.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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hatchback
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$200
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$160
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sedan
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$435
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$348
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Base hatchback requires Convenience Pkg. or Power Pkg.
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Alarm
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sedan
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$60
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$48
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Requires Power Pkg.
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Fog lights
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||
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Base, S
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$110
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$88
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Toyota Yaris Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota Yaris 2-door hatchback | Toyota Yaris 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 96.9 | 100.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 150.0 | 169.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 60.0 | 56.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2293 | 2293 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 25.7 | 12.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.1 | 11.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.3 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | 36.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.8 | 35.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.5 /91 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 106 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 103 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 29/36 |
| 4-speed automatic | 29/35 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Toyota Yaris 2-door hatchback | Toyota Yaris 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 3 | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Toyota Yaris Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Toyota Yaris Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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