1999 Toyota Yaris GS 1.0 petrol

Summary:

A surprise package!

Faults:

The central door locking doesn't always work.

General Comments:

Most people will laugh at the suggestion of a car with a 1 litre engine. But not any more - with the advent of VVT (variable value technology) and sophisticated engine management, the Toyota's small engine still packs a punch.

The economy is amazing - with sensible driving you can easily get 50mpg or more out of it. The downside of having a small engine is it suffers a bit with passengers or going up hills.

The gearing is precise and positive, as are the brakes. Driving the car is very easy and the power steering is a pleasure.

The radio/electronic displays are innovative. However, there are many options and it can be quite a challenge navigating all the options to get what you want.

The Yaris does well on the design front. There is ample space in the back seat for 6 foot passengers, with no complaints. The big roof gives great visibility all round. The boot is a little small, but then this is a super mini, not an estate.

Overall, it is a pleasure to drive - a quiet and economical car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2002

1999 Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVTi petrol

Summary:

A great buy with high safety factors

Faults:

Nothing has ever been wrong with this car.

General Comments:

A really economical, zippy little motor that packs in a lot more power than would be expected for it's 900cc engine.

The dashboard never fails to amaze passengers and I never tire of the sight of it.

The Yaris is so spacious inside and the driving position is nice and high without feeling like you're driving a lorry..!!

On a recent trip to Scotland when I did over 2000 miles, this car made the journey feel good. Despite being a 'town' car it cruised on the motorway with surprising zip on overtaking.

Fuel economy is excellent and I'm definitely getting another brand new Yaris as my next car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2002

1999 Toyota Yaris S 1.0

Summary:

Next best thing to a magic carpet!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong in 3 months and 6000 miles.

Dark blue non metallic paint does seem to scratch easily so it may be best to go for a metallic finish.

General Comments:

Use the car for a 100 mile commute each day using motorways and city roads, the 1.0 litre engine providing more than enough power.

Average fuel consumption for my commute is 53MPG without trying.

It does not feel like a small car inside, its not cramped at all and I like the high driving position as well as the 3D digital holographic dashboard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2002

1999 Toyota Yaris GS 1.0

Summary:

Satisfactory for its purpose, city driving

Faults:

Recalled because of a brake problem in early 2000.

Paint work seems to scratch easily, even just brushing past the car wearing a light jacket leaves scratches (and I am not talking zips or buttons here, just fabric!).

Makes me wonder if the car has only received one coat of paint.

General Comments:

Given the paint work quality, I do believe that this is a car that has been built down to a price.

The optional satellite navigation system is a bargain, however, compared to the price from other manufacturers. This sad man likes gadgets!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th June, 2001

6th Sep 2001, 05:00

5/10 for the performance?

It is a 1.0 litre! Considering that, 67bhp is pretty powerful. Also the exhaust gives a nice throaty growl on hard acceleration.

The paint-work on mine is fine, although the bonnet has a few stone chips that I've had to touch up.

24th Oct 2001, 15:27

October 2000 GS - I too have an inordinate number of stone chips to the bonnet, having read the number of similar comments I am moved to take this up with Toyota. Of more immediate concern is the persistent unreliability of the central locking, it only releases passenger door/boot about 25% of the time and the main dealer and Toyota have gone into denial mode. Does anyone else have the problem?

1st Aug 2002, 05:56

I had problems with the Engine Malfunction Light coming on - it took the dealership almost a month to get it sorted at the start - there is definitely something suspect regarding the paint work it is scratching - quite deeply - for little or no contact.