The Yaris delivers a pleasant drive with good storage space and an appealing, if odd, design. But its high gas mileage means performance is compromised, and its cabin is one of the barest of either the small car or hatchback classes.

The 2009 Toyota Yaris' sub-$15,000 price tag and compelling fuel economy continue to be its strongest attributes in these penny-pinching times. Although the Yaris lacks the interior features and quality even expected for the affordable small car or hatchback classes, and doesn't have enough sportiness to provide marginal excitement on highways, reviewers still uphold its undeniable value at the dealership and at the pump. Recent car sales show that shoppers are also aware of those awards, as Yaris sales have increased by 20.5 percent since the summer of 2007, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Toyota has capitalized on the Yaris' new-found popularity by adding an additional trim to its lineup. In addition to the two-door hatchback and four-door sedan, the 2009 Yaris also comes as a four-door hatchback. But the newest model still lacks the refinement and driving performance now expected of even the economy class. If you're shopping for a small car, consider the Honda Civic or Honda Fit, both of which are long on quality.

• + "This is an urban/suburban/go-to-the store car. And that's not a bad thing." Boston Globe
• + "A Honda Fit is more exciting and the Nissan Versa is bigger, but the Yaris has a low price on its side." -- Car and Driver
• + "Since a gazillion are sold worldwide, you'd expect Toyota's subcompacts to shine, and the Yaris sedan doesn't disappoint." -- Austin American-Statesman
• - "A surprisingly routine and summarily undelightful B-class subcompact that feels as mailed-in as if it had a stamp on it." -- Los Angeles Times

Read the full U.S. News meta-review of the Toyota Yaris