2008 Toyota Yaris Review: Very Dependable and Comfortable Compact Car

Jul 30, 2022

The 2008 Toyota Yaris lasts around 300,000 miles with only some minor paint and A/C issues. At $4,594 to $5,750, it’s a good value for a small car built to fit into big cities.

The Good

The front seats are very comfortable, the hatchback has great storage space and the suspension is smooth.

The Bad

It’s very weak at highway speeds, the transmission is slow to shift between gears and the gauges in the center are difficult to keep an eye on.

Is the 2008 Toyota Yaris a Good Used Car?

Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Yaris. Owner reviews praise the efficiency, long-lasting engine, and compact size which fits well in compact parking spots.
Interior quality is average for an economy vehicle, but there is a lot of hard plastic trim and cloth seating. Technology is basic, and missing features found on some rivals.
Reliability ratings are above average. There are quality improvements from the 2007 model, and the 2008-2020 are all excellent choices.
Performance is poor and downright boring from the standard 4-cylinder engine.
The 2008 Yaris is reasonably safe given its size, earning an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, but it only gets 3 stars in the side barrier test.
Fuel economy is excellent, averaging around 31 MPG, and owners can expect to get about 344 miles of range out of the 11.1 gallon tank.

Positive Owner Reviews

J C

The car is very reliable. It is great on gas mileage.

Good vehicle. Great on gas mileage. It have worked out for me and my family. I plan on giving the car to my daughter when she turns 16.

Tony M

Reliable car for the bachelor.

After 10 years of driving all over, it is showing some wear and tear. It has been reliable. The gas mileage was the reason I had gotten this vehicle. However, these days has become more the standard. However, it isn't ideal for a growing family or a lot of hauling of stuff.

Laura M

It's a great high-mileage, low-maintenance vehicle.

I've been driving this car for ten years. I bought it "used", but it was a dealership loaner car and only had about $1500 miles on it. The only work it has needed, outside of regular maintenance and an airbag recall, was brake pad replacements. I have almost 200,000 miles on this car and I expect to be able to drive it for at least a couple more years. The only thing I do not like about this car is the placement of the cup holders in front of the vents, which can heat cold drinks in the winter and chill hot drinks in the summer.

Autumn C

Toyota is a very good brand.

I don't like that it's not automatic. I love it because it's small and compact. I love that its very good on gas.

patrick A

It's gas efficient and does not pollute much.

My yaris is made in Japan and I always try to buy Toyota vehicles made there. It's very gas efficient and nothing ever goes wrong - nothing!

Justin E

It's Small and has a lot of stickers on the back too.

I love how It's small. It has good mile system. It's gets me to my destination.

Rachel P

It gets great gas mileage.

It gets great gas mileage. Even after 10 years, it is still reliable and has not had many issues. It is adorable.

Lauren D

Amazing gas mileage and extremely reliable

My car runs great. It has It's troubles and I have had to spend a lot on parts but it's definitely worth it. It has great gas mileage and is great for long distance trips. My vehicle has always been reliable

Negative Owner Reviews

Jennifer W

Why I Must Consider Toyota When I Buy My Next Vehicle

I have to admit that this car will never die it is totally reliable and gets great gas mileage. I totally trust the Toyota brand and will look to buy a Toyota in the future because we believe that they have taken the greatest steps to lead the future in hybrid and alternative energy resources to run your vehicles.

Joshua S

Only buy out of necessity.

Great on gasoline. Its small no leg or head room. Very loud inside, road noise and wind noise. The radio is not very good. Body is very cheap. The seats are uncomfortable. A very lackluster car. Strictly a work car and not much else. Cant think it would hold up in any way in an accident.

Dana K

It's not made properly for safety issue it should be recalled and fixed

Car has safety issues that should be recalled and fixed at their expense as it stems from the way the car is structured.

Rebecca H

That the speedometer is in the center between the windshield and dashboard.

My vehicle runs good, is good on gas and mileage and for the most part very reliable for getting me from point A to point B. It's a cute vehicle. I paid 3, 900 for it and have had my vehicle for 3 years. I have changed some parts while I have had the vehicle.

Felicia S

Small, durable and reliable.

My car is small, so it is great on gas and easy to find parking spots. However it is outdated so there's no Bluetooth access.

Cecilia D

The Yaris is a very reliable car. It does well on gas but slow acceleration

The car has slow acceleration which is made even slower when the AC is turned on. It is reliable, very light, and very good on gas; however, turning on AC makes the car shake, and brakes are not sensitive at all. The sound system is fairly good. The car is very compact and makes U-turns very simple

Sarah R

For a small car it gets good gas mileage and has decent power.

Overall I like the car, my biggest issue us it is too small for my purposes at this point in my life, and it is terrible in snow. It is just not heavy enough and slides all over the place. It also dents easily and is chipped in several places.

Collin O

It's good, kind of small but on the whole it gets me to where I need to be

Smooth controller, but with some odd shifting for an automatic. I like the mileage it gets even though it doesn't take in a ton of gas. I have not had it for very long, but for a 2008 car it runs pretty nice. The room in the front is kind of small for me, but I am also fairly large so other people would probably not have as much of a problem as I did.

What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Yaris?

Consumer Reports says the Yaris offers excellent efficiency and a good ride, with high owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Yaris a 4.8/5 and praises the comfortable ride, but Edmunds doesn’t like the awkward driving position.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Yaris 4.7/5 and enjoy the outstanding reliability, but owners don’t like the weak engine.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Toyota Yaris Have?

The most common problems found on the 2008 Yaris include clear coat failures, an odor from the A/C system, and loose steering feel. Overall, the problems are not as serious as other compact cars from 2008.

Clear coat failures are the most widespread issue reported by owners at around 65,000 miles. When the paint is not properly cared for, it begins to fail and peel. Repainting the affected areas costs around $1,000 per panel.

A bad odor from the A/C system is another complaint from owners at around 30,000 miles. The smell is usually caused by a clogged condensation drain line. Clearing out the line is fairly simple to do, and most shops can handle it for under $50.

A loose steering feel is another issue mentioned by owners at around 65,000 miles. Toyota vehicles tend to have lighter steering than some competitors. If the steering is extremely unresponsive, it could be a control arm problem, which cost about $1,000 to replace.

There are 10 recalls, which is more than other cars, but most are for airbags and not a concern once they’ve been replaced. The most serious recall is for a rear spring which can fail, increasing the risk of an accident.

How Long Will the 2008 Toyota Yaris Last?

A well-maintained 2008 Toyota Yaris should be able to last around 300,000 miles, which is similar to rivals like the Honda Fit. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than rivals, at only $256 per year, according to data from Repair Pal.

Most used 2008 Yaris models will have over 100,000 miles so buyers should be prepared to replace items including the A/C condenser for $500, starter motor costing $350, and the radiator fan relay which costs around $100.

Daniel G

It is reliable, I have only had one issue with a repair place when I needed to service my breaks after 8 years and they messed up my cooling system. Do not ask me how.

Henry R

The main problem is a defective evaporative emission system that costs over $1000 to fix. It has been repaired once and it failed again. A serious defect as it will cause the car to fail a smog test. The electric power steering is another problem. It seems to have a sticking point when you ride on a seam of a road. You can feel it when you turn the wheel.

Rachel P

It is very reliable. There have been very few problems, and most of those have been minor issues and cosmetic.

Sarah R

I haven't experienced any problem with this car, other than it is not very reliable in bad weather conditions, it is just not heavy enough.

Destiny W

Is has been very reliable. This is the first year that I have had to have any major work done. I had to have the radiator replaced and also have some issues with the shocks and struts which should be replaced. Additionally I replaced the brakes on the front and the back but I had to do very little in the past ten years.

Kenneth K

I have had surprisingly few problems. My car is still doing great after ten years with no expensive repairs at all.

Corey J

It is very reliable for everyday driving. I haven't had any problems with it besides crummy whippers, but I think that is just because it is old.

Ashton H

It’s reliable, I have a couple hundred miles on mines and it’s still running. I believe a few were recalled due to airbags but I haven't had that issue.

How Much Is the 2008 Toyota Yaris Worth?

Blue book values range from $4,594 to $5,750, making it more expensive than a Nissan Sentra or Volkswagen Rabbit. When new, the price range was $11,550 to $14,650. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 8% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Toyota Yaris?

There are two models of the Toyota Yaris offered for the 2008 model year. It’s also offered as a 3-door hatchback or 4-door sedan. The second generation of the Yaris was introduced for the 2005 model year, and the next generation was launched in 2013.

Base is the entry-level model with:

14-Inch Steel Wheels
Air Conditioning
Cloth Seating
Adjustable Front Seats
4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo

S is a step up and adds:

15-Inch Steel Wheels
Premium Cloth Seating
Exterior Body Kit
4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack
Cruise Control

Base

106 HP 32-32 MPG

View Details

106 HP 32-32 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Toyota Yaris?

The engine found in the Yaris is a weak 1.5L 4-cylinder which only makes 106 horsepower while getting up to 31 MPG combined. Performance is weak, taking 10.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Toyota Yaris Come In?

How Big Is the Toyota Yaris?

The 2008 Toyota Yaris is a compact car, available as a 3-door hatchback or 4-door sedan, similar in size to the Mazda3 and Nissan Versa. Passenger space is average compared to other compact cars, with limited rear legroom in the relatively small cabin.

Cargo space is smaller than rivals in the sedan, with 12.9 cubic feet of room in the trunk, and the hatchback offers up to 25.7 cubic feet of room. That’s enough space for 2-3 suitcases in the sedan and up to 6 in the hatchback.

How Does the Toyota Yaris Compare to the Competition?

The 2008 Yaris is a great compact car with a dependable engine, but some people find the exterior dimensions to be a bit too small.

The Honda Fit is another rival which costs about $700 more. Passenger space is a bit better in the backseats of the Honda Fit, but the Yaris offers more nimble driving. We recommend the Honda Fit since it’s a bit more practical, but both are very long-lasting cars.

The Toyota Corolla is another competitor, which costs $500 more. Power and performance are both better in the Toyota Corolla, but the Toyota Yaris has more cargo space in the hatchback. We recommend the Toyota Corolla, you haul more cargo, but both are very dependable.

Ranks #5 Small Cars by Owners

2008 Volkswagen R32

2008 Honda Fit

4.56

Tie

2008 Toyota Yaris

4.33

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Yaris?

Daniel G

Yes, fuel efficient and we'll made. It is comfortable to drive and has a high trade in value even after 12 years.

Henry R

There are problems with the car. The evaporative emissions system fail repeatedly and is really expensive to fix. Will stop you from passing a smog test. The car is reliable otherwise and comfortable.

Rachel P

It is a great car! I have had it for almost 12 years now, and it is still in wonderful condition without many problems.

Sarah R

I have been pleased with this car over all. It is spacious for a compact, and gets good gas mileage, and has decent power.

Toni S

Yes when I buy a new vehicle it will most likely be the same type. It is performing very well for being over ten years old with over 95000 miles on it.

RaB G

Yes, it has lasted well for 10 years with minimal maintenance and repairs. Good size and gas efficient.

Amber B

I believe it is a dependable everyday vehicle, but isn't made for lengthy trips without constant check ups. Currently just use it to drive to and from work and it does the job, but highway miles is tight.

John L

Yes, get me to point a and b, it’s pretty compact for people who like to have a smaller vehicle. I use it for work and other personal uses and it hasn't failed me yet. I was worried about the size and it getting me through the winter but it got through it way better than I expected.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

johnny d on March 23, 2021

Do you want an efficient car in both gas and maneuverability? Then the yaris is for you!

One thing I like is that I get great gas mileage out of my vehicle. I don't like the size much because I am tall. It's pretty reliable though.

Suzanne K on March 21, 2021

Benefits of a 2008 Toyota Yaris!

I love this car! I bought a new Yaris in 2008. I have had it for the past 10 years and have driven it all over the place. It is super cute and is great! It has get up and go! It is very roomy and can not only seat 4 passengers but can haul things around because I am able to put the seats down. I have a business and need to haul a booth, camping gear, what I am selling, equipment, friends and more. I have even slept in it for car camping instead of setting up a tent when I knew my weekend camping would be rainy. People have always been amazed at how much I can fit into this car. As a driver this is a very comfortable car and the adjustable seats are great on long trips. The gas mileage is amazing! When I am going long distance I can get a good 36 miles to the gallon, maybe more depending on where I am driving. With how much I have driven and the distance I go sometimes this is very important. I have literally put 291,000 miles on this car and it is finally on it is last leg. That is a lot of life in one little car and I am grateful for how well it has done over the years. I am considering one as this one is moving toward the end of its life. I would highly recommend a Toyota Yaris.

Kevin T on March 21, 2021

Very Reliable and Gas Saver

The Toyota Yaris is a very dependable vehicle. I commute about 800 miles a week in it and it has always got me to my destination. My only complaint would be that because it is so small it can sometimes get knocked around from the big semis on the freeway.

Lindsay Y on March 8, 2021

Reliable and economic car.

Very good headlights, width and distance you can view in front of you in the dark. Wonderful gas mileage, 37 mpg on average. Comfortable seating. Dislike crank windows and absence of electric automatic door locks. Compact design makes for easy maneuverability.

Dana K on March 4, 2021

It's not made properly for safety issue it should be recalled and fixed

Car has safety issues that should be recalled and fixed at their expense as it stems from the way the car is structured.

Julie N on February 15, 2021

Reliable and Great car to Have

Knock on wood I have yet to have any major problems with my vehicle. The only issues are just wear and tear on the car like new brakes and suspension .

Theresa M on February 15, 2021

Toyota makes the most dependable vehicle around!

My Toyota Yaris is the most dependable car! I have had it since 2008, and it has 300, 000! It is still dependable! I drive back and forth from charlotte, NC to Chuckey, Tennessee. I wouldn't buy a more reliable car! If you want a dependable vehicle, with low maintenance, buy a Toyota Yaris!

Annette C on February 5, 2021

That gets good gas mileage.

I love my vehicle, gas is good, no major, problems. Hate the dash. Also that can not be towed. It has a lot room even though looks small.

Henry T on February 4, 2021

It bought the very low end, version. And I like it, because I have control over parts that are normally electronic.

I love the vehicle. For the time being, it's extremely reliable without too much maintenance.

Edward C on February 4, 2021

Small but Efficient Car for you

It's small, but the fuel efficiency is great. I highly recommend this car for people whos looking for something that they only use for work and school commute, or to go out for quick errand.

J C on February 2, 2021

The car is very reliable. It is great on gas mileage.

Good vehicle. Great on gas mileage. It have worked out for me and my family. I plan on giving the car to my daughter when she turns 16.

Joe A on January 27, 2021

That it is a reliable vehicle.

I like that it is very compact and easy to park. I like the fact that it is easy on gas. I like the fact that so far it has not given me any major trouble.

Marian G on January 25, 2021

Great Toyota Yaris 2008, in great condition, good value for your money.

I have had no problems with my car even after 10 years, it is a great car, everything is electric and working correctly. Good driving feel, compact; it fits everywhere, responsive brakes. Super reliable, it will get you to your destination every time. Comfortable, even for a subcompact.

Jessica G on January 24, 2021

Good gas mileage. My specific car though has problems with the fan belt.

Only takes $25 to fill up the take and gets amazing gas mileage! My parents live 6 hours away and I can make it there on one tank of gas. Definitely a good run around car.

Mariah L on January 15, 2021

It is a small car so it might be a little tight on space at times. It might be okay for one person like me, but if you have a lot of stuff or like to move stuff around, a bigger car would be better.

I like that it's the perfect size for me. It's easy to maintain and I haven't had any major problems with it. The only thing I don't really like is the weak transmission. It's tough to get up hills at times. However, it is a small car, so I understand why.

Jennifer W on January 12, 2021

Why I Must Consider Toyota When I Buy My Next Vehicle

Sara H on January 11, 2021

It has amazing gas mileage. It is definitely an economy car but in the best sense.

I love how compact it is. The gas mileage is absolutely amazing. I love the easy upkeep. It stays clean easily and always looks cute!

Dan W on January 10, 2021

It is very small. No one will want to sit in the back seat.

The Yaris is very reliable and inexpensive to operate. I would recommend it to any commuter on a budget. I dislike that the road noise can be loud.

CINDY S on January 9, 2021

It was a great purchase. I'm still satisfied almost 10 years later. The operational cost is low too.

I like that it gets great gas mileage. It's a very reliable car. It suits me well.

MA M on December 31, 2020

I take very good care of it and hope it will last a bit longer.

I really like our Toyota Yaris. It gets great mileage. My only complaint is that it is a little loud. When our mechanic replaced the muffler he put something really loud in. It can be a little annoying.

Joe Z on December 25, 2020

Great on gas and reliable

Great on gas would be better with auto locks

Amber M on December 25, 2020

Fun small family car. Perfect for a couple or a couple and a child.

It is very reliable. Small car but gets around really well. Ita very good on gas. Usually takes about $20 to fill up. Big trunk to load and haul things. Both my dogs fit in the backseat ao that is a plus. I wish it would get speed a little faster than it does, but overall it's a great small family car. Love my car!

Andrew L on December 23, 2020

Toyota Yaris Makes Commuting Affordable

My Toyota Yaris is a great commuting car. The gas mileage is great for me since I drive 18 miles to work one-way. The size is the only issue for me.

Cary P on December 22, 2020

Easy to maneuver and with manual transmission, it has get up and go when needs.

CD player stopped working and had to replace ac/heater control $600, recalled twice. Once for seat springs and once for air bags. It is easy to drive and park. I like that I was able to get manual window opener. Hatchback area is spacious. We can get our two bikes in when traveling. Not really comfortable for long trips. I would recommend this vehicle.

Katy L on December 16, 2020

It has great gas mileage.

In some areas the paint is peeling off. On the roof the the seal is peeling off and looks really bad.

Julie W on December 16, 2020

It's a Toyota. It is supposed to last for a very long time.

My Yaris gets me where I need to go. It is the basic model. I would like to have automatic window controls.

Denise L on December 14, 2020

There is no visible engine temperature gauge on the dashboard. So, you don't know if the car may be close to overheating at any point.

I like how my car handles while driving, especially while swerving around animals in the middle of the highway. I wish the gas gauge was more accurate, rather it being more like an estimate of how much gas is left. The seat are holding up great. It would be nice if there was more lumbar support in the front seats. I have to use seat cushions and fold up blankets for enough back and hip support, since we have to drive long distances often.

Neli M on December 12, 2020

It's cheap and easy to maintain! Very budget friendly.

It's been a great car for us! Almost 200k miles, and barely any work done! Runs great, cheap to maintain, really good gas mileage. It's small enough to fit into tight parking spots, but fairly roomy inside for someone tall (like myself and my partner).

Victoria M on December 9, 2020

Great on gas apart from that there is nothing else.

What I love about my car is it is gas mileage and how efficient it is on gas. Apart from that there’s nothing else to like about a Yaris in 2018.

Abrahams D on December 7, 2020

The value that it has is very important for me since it is a vehicle that has a long time of use and has always been with me for 8 years

My vehicle is comfortable and comfortable and it is also very entertaining but sometimes it takes a little power but it is a durable vehicle

James M on December 4, 2020

It is very dependable, and it gets great gas mileage.

It is a great small vehicle, and gets great gas mileage. It is a very dependable vehicle. I haven't had any problems

Debra O on November 29, 2020

Great gas mileage goes faster than it looks.

Good gas mileage. Easy to drive. Not crazy about the look. Never has any problems with it. It's been a good car.

Sarah S on November 26, 2020

Not good in snow, and bad weather. It is much too lightweight.

Not heavy enough, bad in snow, needs a bit more power. Probably will need something bigger soon. Also dents like crazy.

Beverly H on November 22, 2020

This car is good on gas, in town and on the highway.

Just the right size for me. It's blue. Good on gas. Has been a very good car all in all.

Shah M on November 18, 2020

The Toyota Yaris 2008 model is a very cool looking car for anybody interested.

My vehicle performs pretty well, as it is really old. I would like it to be a bit more new and better design but other than that it is a great car! I really recommend it if you are on a budget and need a car that will help you get around. The car seats are not leather, but still comfortable.

Breana B on November 13, 2020

It's an excellent car for both families and single people.

My car is very reliable. The cost of upkeep has been low. Great on gas.

Ryan M on November 10, 2020

Toyota reliability in a small and economical package.

Very small but economical transportation. Perfect commuter car, has trouble going up steep inclines and very basic on features but I don't need all of that stuff.

Brittany J on November 10, 2020

I hate manuals. Automatic is so much easier.

It is a 2 door, 5 speed tiny vehicle that is great on gas. It is black and runs pretty smoothly. It would honestly probably be better to have a sedan but it works well for our needs. I love the east gas mileage being as we always have to go somewhere for some sort of appointment and would blow through so much gas in a bigger car.

Melissa B on November 8, 2020

It is compact with good gas mileage, however, is cheaply made so many of the parts break.

I love my Yaris because of its size and gas mileage. I don't like the fact it seems to have been cheaply made with some plastic parts that break off easily.

Debra R on November 2, 2020

I think most people don't realize how comfortable my small car is. Very good design.

My Yaris gets great gas mileage, seats 5 and has a large hatchback. Just yesterday, I was able to bring home a tree from local hardware store. It is hard for seniors to get in the back seat. I should have gotten a 4 door.

Sydney T on October 29, 2020

I like that the dashboard is in the middle instead of in front of you.

My car is very reliable. I have had it for over seven years and it is still running good. I have only gotten into 2 accidents in it yet I do not get much trouble but regular oil checks and tire replacements.

Brittany G on October 12, 2020

Great gas mileage, it only takes about $25 to fill the 10 gallon tank.

It is lasted me for 10 years with very few problems which I love. It is also great on gas mileage. I do wish it were a bit bigger though.

Kaitlyn D on October 11, 2020

It's a very reliable car but is fragile and scratches/dents easily

I've had my Yaris for nine years and it has been so reliable. I haven't had any major issues, just routine maintenance on it. My only complaint is that I wish they were more durable, as they dent and scratch very easily.

Lindsey B on October 10, 2020

My Toyota Yaris 2008 and the benefits of having one.

There is nothing wrong with my car. I love the fact that I do not need to go and spend too much money on gas. I love the fact that I can go for a week without filling up my gas tank.

Fatmir Y on October 9, 2020

Great on gas cheap. Liable

Good on gas. Cheap liable Don't like size

Jeremy E on October 8, 2020

It doesn't have working air-conditioning.

I dislike that its a base model. Eventually everything stopped working. It's a reliable car though and good on gas mileage. It gets me from here to there so no complaints.

Lauren D on October 6, 2020

Amazing gas mileage and extremely reliable

Matthew K on October 2, 2020

It is older and has been in a couple of accidents but has kept me safe!

It is a nice small car. But It does not have ABS, Power Mirrors, Power Seats, or Traction Control.

Randle M on September 20, 2020

It very durable. I have only brought my car into the shop wear and tear issues.

I like the gas mileage and the interior of the car. I dislike the air conditioning and windshield wipers.

Bill E on September 18, 2020

I do not take my car for granted. I know that it could stop working any time.

Its a base model, and its ten years old, so it definitely has problems. The CD player stopped working, the glove box fell out, the air and heating does not work, which means no defrost either. There's a water leak somewhere in the floorboard which is making the entire floor wet and also causes it to smell. It gets you from here to there and is decent on gas, but that is about it.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.