Designed to appeal to younger drivers seeking an affordable, economical, and fun-to-drive car, Toyota celebrates the Yaris's second year in production by adding a new trim, the Yaris Liftback S. A step up from the base Yaris Liftback, the Liftback S comes equipped with unique amber-illuminated Optitron instrument gauges, sport seats, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, as well as S trim body panels and badging. It joins a lineup that also includes a Base Sedan and Sedan S, both of which are slightly better equipped but lacking a bit in the fun factor.

Overall, the Yaris has differentiated itself well in the subcompact car segment, which will only become more crowded in the years ahead, as automakers continue to add smaller, more fuel-efficient cars to their lineups. The Yaris also does a good job of targeting its prospective audience with such features as an MP3 input jack for the AM/FM/CD audio system (standard on S trims and available as a package add-on for Base trims), as well as plenty of places to stuff all kinds of stuff, including center pockets, console trays, center cup holders, and map pockets. Then, of course, there's the Yaris's great gas mileage, which averages in the mid-30s on the highway.

That fuel economy comes courtesy of a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, which serves as the standard powerplant for all four Yaris trims. The engine links to a five-speed manual overdrive transmission, which is standard, or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

For the most part, drivers and reviewers agree that the Yaris is a great little around-town car, suitable for quick commutes and running local errands, with adequate acceleration and a surprisingly roomy interor for a small car. But they also note that the Yaris can be noisy at times and can be rough on drivers and passengers when driven over long distances. Still, fans of the Yaris show a loyalty to the car that hasn't been seen since the days of the VW Beetle, so for the most part quality, reliablity, safety features, and a great "personality" have kept the Yaris popular with drivers.