For the driver who wants a suitable ride for work trips, the Yaris three-door liftback supplies the basics in an unpretentious presentation. Standard fare items include air conditioning, rear window defogger, and intermittent windshield wipers. Ride and handling is appropriately influenced by an independent Macpherson strut front suspension complimented by a hydroformed torsion beam rear suspension. With its quick-turn capability (30.8-feet turning circle) and sufficient cargo-haul capacity (more than 9 cubic feet with rear seat upright/25.7 cubic feet with rear seatback folded down), the Yaris is a likeable mode of transportation. The front wheel drive car is also sold in sedan and 5-door liftback.

On the power side of the equation, the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 106 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 103 pounds-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine mates to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. While the engine doesn’t provide zippy passing power, the vehicle image gains a zesty appeal when fitted with the $2,665 Sport Package that includes side rocker panels, rear spoiler, integrated fog lamps, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter knob, 15-inch steel wheels, and remote keyless entry. When fitted with the automatic transmission, the 3-door Yaris collects estimated mpg of 29 city/35 highway and carries a MSRP of $13,665.