2003 Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVTI from Cyprus

Summary:

Skoda Fabia or a Seat Ibiza would be a better choice for me

Faults:

The 2nd gear is very under-powered below 1500 rpm. At low speed you either have to push hard or stop completely and engage 1st gear. Noticed this also on my Corolla that I had before this Yaris. Maybe it is the gear ratios that Toyota has adopted.

When pushing 2nd gear hard at low RPM car may stall.

Engine too noisy > 2500 rpm.

Economy poor if using the A/C a lot like we do in hot countries. Otherwise as claimed by the manufacturer.

General Comments:

Despite the above disadvantage, good engine performance for its 1.0 L size > 1500 RPM.

Suspension improved over previous editions, good for the motorway, but stiff for the city on bumpy roads.

Sitting position very comfortable.

Instruments very ergonomic, but I would prefer an analog temperature indicator, rather than the cold /too-hot indications.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th November, 2003

23rd Dec 2004, 03:36

I fully agree with your comment on second gear. I have been experiencing similar problems. In addition to that the rear brakes make a squeaky noise when braking at low speeds. I shall have the dealer see to that. Otherwise the car is superb in its class with a really good mileage.

26th Jun 2006, 23:01

So what did you expect from a 1.0L car? a yaris.. of cource it will stall in second gear at 1.500 revs, also I'm looking for a used yaris 1.5 rs in Cyprus preferably automatic if someone could reply to this and give me some advise on how 2 get hold of one.. thank you.

3rd Dec 2006, 12:02

I totally agree that the 1.0 ltr is way too under-powered in second gear at a low RPM. You're lucky if you have an auto transmission because then you can down-shift to first gear and floor it. The engine is a bit on the noisier side, but bearable.

Besides that, it's a wonderful car, the best I've ever owned. It's comfortable to drive, fuel economical, zippy and its road grip is tops. It doesn't even feel like you're driving a hatchback. Since no one's mentioned it, the ability for a Yaris to come to a complete stop is phenomenal, the ABS works very well!!!

My advice is: go out and buy one quick!!!

2003 Toyota Yaris GS 1.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fine handling, economical little gem of a car

Faults:

Nothing at the moment.

General Comments:

At the moment I'm still running it in. However, it seems to be improving all the time; performance especially.

The suspension provides a firm ride, particularly through bends. Although this can be a little firm over some of the bumpier roads.

I have one minor niggle concerning the selection of reverse gear. This is OK when the engine is cold, but can take a couple of attempts once the engine & gearbox are up to normal operating temperature. I assume this is one of the cars little quirks.

If you are looking for a nimble & economical runabout then I can strongly recommend this car to you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th May, 2003

24th May 2003, 10:54

You comment on difficulty engaging the reverse gear once the engine is warm. This is not a quirk, but a design feature of the Yaris. Facing the same problem, I referred to my owner's manual, and found this has been done on purpose to keep you from accidentally engaging in reverse gear during normal driving on the road. You should be able to reverse with no trouble after releasing the clutch for two seconds, though it admittedly sometimes takes longer, at least in my car.

2003 Toyota Yaris S 1.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great package at £7000

Faults:

No faults to date.

General Comments:

Exceptional performance for a one litre engine. I have read previous reviews of careful owners obtaining 60 mpg, this figure is obtainable at a constant 45 mph on a motorway. Unfortunately I drive considerably faster, at a steady 4,500 rpm in 5th the car still returns 40 mpg!

The build quality is good apart from a minor dash rattle and a surprisingly noisy front wiper action.

The interior is ergonomic, comfortable and spacious (I'm over 6 feet tall and there is more headroom than than the Volvo V70 I also drive)

BUT...I have one criticism of the car... The gear change. After 2000 miles the change is still notchy and sometimes refuses to go directly into reverse, I often have to resort to selecting first then reverse to make the change. I believe this is not an isolated case and other drivers have found the same problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd April, 2003

24th Apr 2003, 09:05

I completely agree with that statement on noisy wipers and rattling-squeaking dashboard. I also do not like the Goodyear GT2 tires supplied with vehicle. After their remount on alloy rims the tiny bulges appeared on sidewalls. Also some noise-killing materiel should be used on the bottom of the car and inside the back wheel-arches since during the winter time (when the roads are gritted) you feel deafened as sitting yourself inside the drum, nothing to say about the paint damage. Otherwise a perfect town car, usable even for the larger trips. I am satisfied. It's spacious, nimble and the engine is the best in its class.

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