Overview & Reviews

Looking for an inexpensive, entry-level new car at a Toyota dealership? In years past, you would've likely walked right by the Yaris' oddly proportioned predecessor, the Echo, and opted to shop for one of its worthy subcompact competitors. Thankfully, the Toyota Yaris is a better vehicle in just about every way.

Still, the first-generation of the Yaris was passable at best in what has become an increasingly competitive subcompact segment, as rivals offered more refinement, greater utility and a more enjoyable drive. But the latest version of Toyota's entry-level car boasts improvements in those key areas that, although still not making it a class leader, at least put it in the hunt. Further bolstered by Toyota's solid reputation for low ownership costs and stellar long-term reliability, the latest Yaris should prove appealing to those looking for practical and economical transportation.

Current Toyota Yaris
Toyota offers the subcompact Yaris as either a two- or four-door hatchback. There is no sedan version. Base L and uplevel LE trims are offered in either body style, while a sporty SE trim is offered only on the four-door. Standard highlights on the L include power door locks, air-conditioning, four-way-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a CD player, USB/iPod connectivity and satellite radio. The LE adds power windows, remote keyless entry, a six-way-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and an upgraded sound system. The SE trim gets a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a unique grille, foglamps, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and upgraded cloth upholstery.

For power, the Yaris comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. Fuel economy, while not class-leading, is still very frugal.

In reviews, we've found the new Yaris easy to like. Although its four-speed automatic would seem to be a major downside alongside some rivals' six-speed units, it manages not to feel archaic. With its timely gearchanges it makes the most of the available power while merging onto fast-moving freeways or dicing with city traffic. Handling is also respectable, with a reassuringly composed demeanor when tackling a twisty road. The SE provides a sporty feel with its quicker steering and additional grip. However, its ride quality isn't as good, and its turning circle is noticeably wider as well.

Used Toyota Yaris Model
The current second-generation Toyota Yaris debuted in the 2012 model year. Compared to the first-generation model, the latest Yaris is about 3 inches longer, and that stretch has been utilized to provide more luggage space. With this Yaris you also get a restyled interior, improved driving feel and additional convenience and safety features. Since that 2012 debut, only minor changes to feature content have taken place.

The first-generation (U.S. market) Toyota Yaris was sold from 2007-'11. It came as a two-door hatchback, a four-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. Toyota made a serious effort to differentiate the sedan from the hatchbacks. As such, it features a different instrument panel, was almost 20 inches longer and has a longer wheelbase. This meant more room for rear passengers, though the hatchbacks did offer an optional adjustable rear seat, which slid fore and aft to increase passenger or cargo space as needed.

All these Yaris models were powered by a 1.5-liter, 106-hp four-cylinder engine that drove the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic. Either way, the Yaris delivered excellent fuel economy. Apart from air-conditioning, standard equipment was fairly sparse. Option highlights included a Sport package that added styling tweaks, 15-inch wheels, foglights, iPod integration and sport seats.

These Yaris models offered an adequate driving experience. The steering was light for easy parking maneuvers, and the turning circle was tight. The engine was peppy enough, though off-the-line acceleration can be sluggish with the automatic transmission.

Changes throughout the years were very minimal in terms of styling, features and powertrains. But anyone considering a used Yaris should note that models prior to '09 may not feature side curtain airbags and antilock brakes, as they were optional for the first two years. For 2010, stability control became standard and the S trim level was eliminated in favor of the optional Sport package.

User Reviews:

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  Rented ford yaris for road trip - 2016 Toyota Yaris
  By Michael - July 17 - 7:53 pm

  If you are driving this car more than 20-30 min. at a time, then you are going to be hurting! Last weekend I drove to Kansas from Colorado and back in a day, and it was killing me. After driving the car for 5 hours and a little over 400 miles I was limping at the gas station. 300 miles later I got out to walk around and was limping from the pain of my foot the entire time. I switched out with the co-driver and she said after just driving for an hour her leg and thigh was killing her. The foot peddle is small and really hard to keep at the right speed, there is no cruse control and the speed gauge goes in increments of 10 so you dont know how fast you are going. Having to keep looking at the speed gauge every 10 seconds to see that you are speeding or not makes this unsafe because YOU ARE NOT WATCHING THE ROAD! which makes this an unsafe car to drive even in the city. When we finally got back to Colorado I could barley walk to the front door of our house and 3 days later my foot still hurts.

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  Death Mobile! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Teenage Driver - July 28 - 6:30 am

  Hi this is my second review the Title I used before this one is "I like mine". Since my last review I have experienced an episode of Unintended acceleration. After school was out I started my car my car was in neutral since its a standard when my engine revved up like I was pressing the gas pedal So I turn it off & start it again & its normal again so as I was heading home I was using the cruise control when out of no where it started accelerating so I pushed the brakes because usually it deactivates the cruise but this time it didnt. It got up 2 the speed of 95 MPH when I shift it to neutral I was able to stop but the engine kept revving. Stay away from toyota yariss they are defective as well.

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  Terrible little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Abbie - June 29 - 5:49 am

  Needs a specific kind of coolant/antifreeze. Cannot use universal. Can build up blockages in engine.

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  Rent-a-wreck - 2016 Toyota Yaris
  By Robert Enox - March 7 - 10:07 pm

  Toyota should be sued for putting a "glorified go-kart" on the market and calling it an automobile. It is the most uncomfortable "autos" I have ever driven.