2011 Toyota Yaris

Nowadays, with the economy being in the state it is in, practicality over style must be practiced when it comes to buying a new car. This is where affordable small cars come in. Not only are they practical, they can be quite sleek and stylish as well. An example of a sleek yet affordable car is the 2011 Toyota Yaris.

The 20ll Yaris sets itself apart from other small cars like by having a unique exterior. Despite having an old fashioned sedan design, the Yaris is a contemporary hatchback model. Although not as angular and visually intimidating as the Mazda2, it is stylish enough to catch the attention of even the most discriminating car enthusiast.

Unfortunately, the interior of the 2011 Yaris is not as impressive as its exterior. Just like other small cars, the Yaris has cramped rear seats. Thankfully, the reclining function makes the seats slightly more comfortable. Another flaw in the car’s interior is its center-mounted instrument panel. The gauges are not readily visible and require the driver to look away from the road just so that he or she can read them.

These observations on the 2011 Yaris is made up through its upholstery which looks more refined and classier compared to other small car models. Also, for the price of the vehicle, the interior is relatively comfortable.

The car is reasonably priced. Like most other Toyota brands, it has a three year warranty.

Economical & Functional

In terms of the performance, the best thing about it is that is has extremely good fuel economy. It is not a designed to be a sports car. It offers a 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower, ensuring a moderately fast yet smooth ride. The car is ideal for city driving with its light and quick steering. If all that matters to a consumer is to get from point A to point B safely and on time, it will most certainly deliver. Another great thing about the performance is that the handling and braking is crisp and responsive. Also, its steering is solid and light.

Like other small cars, the Yaris’ safety features include side curtain bags and antilock brakes. Although it is yet to be crash tested by the government, the trusted, independent crash testing group, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it a the highest mark of “Good” for frontal and side impact protection for all its passengers.

The Yaris is most ideal for first time car owners (i.e. students and teenagers) and senior citizens as well. Because it is compact, parking and backing up will be a breeze. Moreover, its moderate and smooth ride won’t overwhelm drivers who are not used to high speed traffic.

In a nut shell, the benefits of driving a 2011 Toyota Yaris include the following: it is fuel efficient, safe, easy to drive, and extremely affordable. On the other hand, its drawbacks are that it can be quite cramped; it has limited features, and is not up to par compared to other small car models. Having said all that, it is still a good buy. It does not pretend to be a flashy sports car. It is extremely upfront. It is simply a small, affordable car that is easy to drive, practical, and affordable. As mentioned earlier, if the goal of the consumer is to find a car that will get him/her from point A to point B safely and on time, then the 2011 Toyota Yaris is a smart investment.

The SuperCars Overall Rating = 60/100

What others say:

“On the surface, the Yaris has much to offer people looking for an inexpensive subcompact. It rides fairly well and is easy to maneuver and park. ”Consumer Reports

“The 2011 Toyota Yaris is a great city car for cost-conscious commuters, though those who expect a top-notch list of connectivity features will be disappointed.”The Car Connection

“The four-cylinder engine of the Yaris has Toyota’s variable valve-timing system (known as VVT-i) and dual overhead camshafts and is rated at 106 horsepower.”KBB

“Frugal with gas; comfortable ride; attractive interior; hatchback’s available multifunction rear seat.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Small Economy Car Base Price: $ 13,155.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.1 gallons Miles Per Gallon: 29 city / 35 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 150.6 in.(383 cm) Width: 66.7 in.(169 cm)
Height: 60.0 in.(152 cm) Weight: 2311 lbs (1048 kg)
Wheel Base: 96.9 in.(246 cm) Ground Clearance: 5.5 in.(14 cm) (unladen)
Luggage Capacity: 9.32 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 1.5 Liter DOHC 16 Valve VVT-i 4 Cylinder Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 106 hp Torque: 103 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Max RPM: 6000 rpm Transmission: 4-Speed ECT Automatic
0-60 mph: 9.6 seconds 1/4 Mile 7.3 seconds
Available Trims
Option:Yaris 5-door Liftback MSRP: $14,255; MPG: 29 city / 35 hwy
Option:Yaris Sedan MSRP: $14,515; MPG: 29 city / 35 hwy

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