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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  Perfect - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ylime3499 - June 1 - 1:56 am

  I recently went car shopping for two cars. My first one was a Nissan Versa hatchback, and the second was the 08 Yaris S type. I got a little carried away with adding things on to it like cruise, a sun roof, tinted windows, etc., and my total came out almost $4,000 more than my brand new Versa. I found that very disheartening, especially since the Versa came stock with cruise and the features I had to add. I was even told that the Yaris S type can not have power doors and locks added on. I find that very hard to believe, but thats what I ended up with. Other than the price being more and the non auto lock/window its perfect for going around town and a little interstate.

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  Absolutely Love It! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By louise - May 17 - 5:40 am

  I traded in a fully loaded Camry for my Yaris and have not regretted it for one moment. Not quite as powerful acceleration, but the gas mileage more than makes up for it and Im not in that big of a hurry anyway. I can still enter the freeway without causing everyone behind me to stack up.

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  08 Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Alan Buttler - April 26 - 6:00 am

  Excellent fuel economy. Have done as well as 42 MPG with 4 adult passengers and a trunk full of luggage. Nice handling. Mostly good visibility.

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  Do your research first! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Moose - April 17 - 10:36 pm

  I have a very long commute to work, and my trucks gas mileage was killing my wallet. I purchased the Yaris for Toyota reliability and the advertised fuel mileage. I got both - what I also got was an extremely uncomfortable, unsafe car. The ten minute test drive will not show just how uncomfortable the vehicle is, especially for taller individuals. Rent one first for an extended drive to make sure you "fit." Also, look at independent safety tests - the tests for the Yaris without side airbags are scary. The ride at highway speeds is extremely unstable and the vehicle is very quick to skid when braking in the rain. If safety is a concern, DO NOT BUY THE YARIS.

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  Be Wary with Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By aesthetitican1987 - April 17 - 1:36 am

  I had a 2 door hatchback for almost 2 years. First off, I describe it as driving a Pepsi can on wheels. I got so many dents from the littlest of things with this car. I had an accident from sliding down a hill of ice and hit someone from behind. The car handled well in the accident, but was expensive to fix. The worst part of having this car, was when it was windy. I had an issue where the wind hyper-extended the driver side door and it wouldnt close afterwards. It was raining at the time, ergo, the interior got soaked, which led to an interior odor, and even after the door was "fixed" by the body shop it still never worked properly. Very noisy interior.

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  Great but needs more front legroom - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - April 15 - 12:50 pm

  I bought this so I could put my bike in the back which I can with no problem. I can also put in a diswasher in the box that I picked up at Sears. A large dog crate also fits in the back without a problem. If you have long legs you might be a bit cramped.

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  Yaris is best overall buy for a vehicle - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By bfergalicious - January 27 - 10:16 am

  The Yaris is great car for someone who is going to be driving in the car 90% of the time by themselves. Excellent real world fuel economy if you do not drive with a heavy foot. Very low maintenance if you take of this vehicle, it will take care of you. the car is very peppy on the road, but the location of the beverage holders in front of the vents is annoying. Great bang for the buck. Have almost 70,000 miles and im just getting started. will keep this yaris for the next 20 years. This car is better than a hybrid because you get excellent fuel economy,dependability and low maintenance costs and dont have to pay premium to get that with yaris. i love my yaris

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  Love my Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By familyman5746 - November 27 - 1:23 am

  I run a lot of miles, over 30k last year, and love the fuel economy of this thing. With the AC on, I was averaging 42 mpg last summer. During the winter I averaged over 37 mpg. I have more leg room in this car than in my old Ford Taurus in the back seat. You do have a tighter fit in back, but have found that 2 car seats for the kids work perfectly with the pull down armrest. The controls are a bit hard to figure out initially, but now I have a hard time in any other vehicle. The cruise was a bit difficult to find, but now is intuitive. The coupe should have the same storage features that the Hatch does, but that is my only complaint.

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  The most sensible car purchase ever - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Fabian - November 24 - 10:21 am

  I got this car with 12k miles back in 2009, used and barely broken in but in top condition. I drove it pretty lightly the next few years and pretty much babied it. It has 118k miles now, with 50k of that during what was a very busy and important year for me. The waterpump, alternator, and battery had been replaced from the extreme conditions it endured. Did the spark plugs at 60 and 118k and oil changes every 5-6k. Did the brakes at 110k. All regular maintenance done myself that could be done without too much effort. Its been through a lot but every day it reminds of the reason why I got it. Yes its noisy, simple, and offers minimal comfort. However, to this day it still gets 40+ mpg easy and is roomy enough to carry tools and materials. It never gives up on me and Ill never give up on it. Update July 2016 Still going great, probably needs some work but it never chokes! Starts and runs every time :)

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  Great! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lphan - October 14 - 8:20 pm

  I was surprised at the room that this subcompact could had. The gas mileage is great for travelers and college students on a budget that live far from their hometowns.