2008 Toyota Yaris

Last year, the Yaris replaced the Echo inToyota's lineup as its least expensive new vehicle. As in the 2007 model year, two Yaris body styles are available for 2008: a three-door liftback and a four-door sedan.

The sedan rides on a longer wheelbase (100.4 inches vs. 96.9 in) than the Liftback model, and can be viable transportation for small families while the hatchback is ideal as a commuter that can also handle longer trips when the need arises.

Standard under the hood of both vehicles is a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 106 horsepower — adequate for a small, light car of this type. Buyers can choose either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. All models come standard with 14-inch wheels and air conditioning; major safety features such as anti-lock brakes and side-impact airbags may be ordered optionally.

The 2008 Yaris Liftback Sport model is a new addition to the lineup. The Yaris Liftback Sport gets body-color bumpers and side rocker panels. In addition it adds sport seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter knob, 15-inch wheels, a rear defroster, a rear wiper, and an audio system with MP3 capability and an auxiliary jack.

For 2008 all Yarises get standard tire-pressure monitors, but are otherwise unchanged.

• Styling

It's gimmicky but relatively clean.

• Performance

Fuel economy is great; acceleration, not so much.

• Comfort and Quality

The back seats can really be rough.

• Safety

Three-star performance in front crashes is nothing remarkable.

• Features

It's no luxury car, and the base Yaris gets roll-up windows.