2008 Toyota Yaris

Reviews almost unanimously rank the Toyota Yaris behind the Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070) and Nissan Versa (*est. $12,880 to $15,980), two very similar 2008 subcompacts. Critics say the Yaris is the least comfortable and doesn't provide the same cargo flexibility or handling dynamics. The Yaris does offer the least-expensive base price of this trio, but some reviews indicate that the base price is artificially low, because the Yaris doesn't carry as many standard features (like side air bags and a radio) as the other two models. Without the optional side air bags, the 2008 Toyota Yaris did poorly in IIHS crash tests. The Yaris' fuel efficiency is excellent, however, as is its historical reliability. A sedan variant also provides some versatility.

The Toyota Yaris is one of three buzz-worthy subcompact cars introduced since 2006; the Nissan Versa and Honda Fit hatchback round out this trio. Excellent comparative reviews are available from a variety of sources. Editors at Consumer Reports magazine and ConsumerGuide.com conduct comprehensive, up-to-date performance evaluations and rank the 2008 Toyota Yaris against other subcompacts. Road tests by experts at Car and Driver, Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and Cars.com compare the Toyota Yaris with most newer subcompacts. We also uncovered a helpful standalone review at Edmunds.com. Less-detailed coverage from U.S. News & World Report and Money magazines focuses on issues such as affordability and ownership costs.