Toyota Yaris

While other subcompacts have become more pleasant and rewarding, the Toyota Yaris remains spartan and humdrum. Efficient fuel economy of 32 mpg overall keeps operating costs low, but that's the end of the good news. Acceleration is slow, partly due to an antiquated four-speed automatic transmission. Tidy dimensions make it easy to park, but handling suffers from numb steering and excess body lean. Quick abrupt pitches disturb the ride and engine and road noise permeates the cabin. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel forces you to stretch out your arms to drive, and space for your left foot is meager.

Reliable and economical, the subcompact Yaris is Toyota's least expensive car. Fuel economy is excellent, with a tested 32 mpg overall in the sedan with the automatic transmission, and 30 in the hatchback with the manual. But that's about where the good news ends. An awkward driving position forces you to drive with arms extended and legs bent. Cheap fit-and-finish and an annoying center-mounted gauge cluster feel cut-rate. Acceleration is adequate, but engine drone intrudes, making the car very noisy inside.