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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The Best - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By testdrive - October 26 - 3:13 pmI searched for months for the best new small car. This Yaris is even better than the professional ratings. This car is energetic, maneuverable, gutsy, cheap to run, responsive, fun, good looking, quiet. Combines economy and power. Runs forever on $10 of gas.
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Excellent! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By MangoMan - October 24 - 11:46 pmIm quite happy with the Yaris. Excellent design with lots of room for adult passengers and a huge trunk. I avg 31 mpg in-town commuting. Overall, I m very pleased with the car but the interior needs some re-design. Toyota forgot to put somewhere to hold change! No ashtray, no console tray or pocket. Come on, guys. My only other complaint is the car is overly susceptible to crosswind. Maybe some suspension or tire/wheel change could improve that. To me those are the only deficits in an otherwise well planned and executed entry level automobile.
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THE Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Candice - October 22 - 6:00 pmI love my Yaris. It looks like a small Corolla. It handles well and has that extra power that you need for the freeway. I am getting 350-400 miles per tank, WOW!!
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You cant buy better - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By joek - October 15 - 6:43 pmI got this for my wife loaded it up with 15 alloy wheel every thing they could put on it. I had lots of cars from top of the line to putters. Nothing can touch this one . After 10 years still the same As the day they brought it to her.Oil changes tires brakes new Hipo struts cold air induction plus chip up. I took over after buy her a Camry in 2009. Still have it never sale it my daily driver. I treat it hard It begs for more.
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Small but Unbelievable! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By zippyaris - October 13 - 8:03 pmThe Yaris has the looks and then some. For 106 hp, this car has pick up. I have gone 100 mph on it, and it feels very stable (except when theres a lot of wind the car feels like its floating and not on the ground). Do not be scared to drive it on the highways. I have gone on multiple road trips with it and it is so much fun, especially driving through windy roads. I could not imagine driving any other car on highway 1 (of course except a Ferrari).
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I love my Yaris!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Monika - October 9 - 10:33 pmI bought my Yaris 2 years ago, I was probably one of the first customers. Everyone kept asking me questions about my car, people rolled their windows to ask me about my car. And after 2 years I have not had a problem, in fact I love it more, as it is reliable and very comfortable! I drive about 90 miles per day, and school at least 2 times a week, so as you can see I spend a lot of time in my car! I definitively recommend this car for everyone! it is known as the "green car" in Europe. In our last trip I was very pleased to see my car in every corner at least 5 different countries in Europe! Honestly, I can not wait for the 09 as my husband is getting one, good bye trucks! I really love it!
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Excellent economy car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
By Common_Man - October 2 - 8:00 pmWe have owned our Yaris for about a month and love it. We thought about buying a Prius, but the 10k price difference made us change our mind real quick. The Yaris sedan looks small from the outside, but is more than sufficient for daily use like commuting to work and running errands. Even at highway speeds (75+), the vehicle is pretty smooth with no vibrations/noise. Seems to handle snow driving (northeast US) pretty well, compared to my previous bigger cars. Fuel economy is excellent (38+ on mixed driving). 20 bucks fills up the car. Leg room is very adequate both in the front and rear. Recommend that everyone buy the power package that includes power windows, mirrors, locks and remote key.
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Almost 2 Years, and Im Still Loving It - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Nancy - October 2 - 6:06 pmI bought my Yaris S in August 2006 and it has been a great car. I thought the slow acceleration speed would bother me, but I take the interstate every day and it has never been a problem. Its a fun car and I couldnt be happier with it. My family is in the car business, so Ive seen (and driven) all kinds of cars, and this one is the nicest under $30K Ive found.
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Great Little Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
By Steve - September 30 - 5:30 pmWell, Ive only had the Yaris for about 3 weeks, but so far so good. It has great interior room, handles well, and has good power for a 1.5L engine. The gas mileage is really good as after 4 fill-ups Im averaging about 34-35 mpg. Most of my driving is highway and the Yaris has no problem going highway speeds and has plenty of acceleration to get up I-70 in the mountains outside on Denver. Given the looks, performance, comfort, and gas mileage that Im getting for the price I paid, this car was an unbelieveable deal.
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Not a race car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
By yoski - September 16 - 7:20 amThe Yaris is definitely not a performance car. If you want to burn some rubber, look elsewhere. Highway miles going 60 - 70 I got 42 mpg while running AC. City only I got mid 30s with AC and driving conservatively. Comfortable and handles well. Had a Tercel before that was still running well @ 177K miles. Tercel gave me no headaches ever, hope this car will be as reliable. Stereo system is so-so but does the job. Radio reception is poor. Interior is roomy, seats are nice, instruments are clearly visible. Everything is manual (windows, locks), so theres less stuff to brake. If youre looking for a reliable economy car that gets great gas mileage and doesnt brake the bank look no further.
