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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  New odd car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Dale - September 7 - 11:30 pm

  Well, I just bought the odd car 2 days ago so the above evaluation is probably premature but accurate for as long as I had the car! I traded my Tacoma in, and Ive always had a truck, and at age 56, this is a new experience! I wanted the smallest, ugliest great gas mileage vehicle I could afford... and bingo... heres the Yaris! Roomy inside, plenty of pep, and fun, yes, fun to drive. I have the 5 speed, and its a riot to drive! Only drove it approximately 125 miles so far, but it looks like that will cost me around 10 bucks to fill up. Whew! I was getting tired of always looking at the gas gauge. And the Tacoma was a 4 cylinder getting around 20 mpg! Dont like the daytime driving lights, though.

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  4 Years and 125000 Klms - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By skipper22 - August 24 - 6:14 am

  Ive had my Yaris for nearly 4 years now and sadly I just sold it as I didnt need it any longer. But I can attest to great fuel economy, fantastic quality, and a terrific resale. I have 125000 klms on this baby and never once in the dealer for ANY problems whatsoever. Regular oil changes 8-10000 ks etc., and never a moments problem. So much so, I now have a 2011 Corolla.

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  128,000+ miles and counting - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By BrilliantName - July 28 - 3:13 pm

  Bought my Yaris 4 years ago for combination of $$$, MPG, and proven Toyota reliability. Today, the car owes me nothing. Ive driven over 128,000 miles including two-month long cross-country car-camping trip last year that included 2 weeks in Alaska. Car still has original brakes, shocks - everything. Great car and simply cannot beat the value.

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  My new Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Pat - June 18 - 3:56 pm

  I just bought a hatchback Yaris because it was a Toyota and I wanted a small car w/good mileage. I previously owned a VW beetle which I loved but it was getting too costly to own - so I went w/a Toyota mainly because of the reliability of the company. I owned Toyotas in the past and a Honda - I wouldve bought a Honda Fit but it was more expensive than the Yaris

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  It was simply the best car for the money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By maximapitko - May 5 - 12:33 am

  My wife and I were on the market for a new vehicle for over a month. A long story short - we bought the Yaris and although my wife says she had a little buyers remorse, I had NONE. My impressions so far: it was sluggish at first but 5000 miles later its a different car. The mpgs are between 37 and 43. It seems like the AC doesnt affect the fuel consumption at all. At first the car seems a little cheaply made but it grows on you tremendously. 1st, 3rd and 5th gear are EVIL! The only thing I would change is firm up the suspension and put slightly wider tires - the car doesnt like to take corners fast. Advice - always break in your new car (3000 rpm MAX for the first 5000 miles). Thks.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By radu - May 4 - 5:26 pm

  This is a nice looking car, it looks somehow like a sports car. But don’t get misled. The Yaris driving is less inspired than many others. Driving position is simply wrong: the steering is too far for taller drivers compared with any other car on the market, therefore driving pleasure and feeling are much reduced. Good front visibility but dangerous blind spots on the sides. Excellent build quality, however the paint chips easily. Very poor clutch conception, hard to engage smoothly or quickly, automatic transmission it’s a must for this car. Gas mileage is less than expected, especially in city driving.

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  Solid little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By BrushDog - April 12 - 12:46 am

  I bought this car mainly for its fuel economy and of course Toyota reliability. It has met all my expectations. I get a consistent 41 mpg on 90% highway driving. It has a surprising amount of interior room for such a small exterior and a huge trunk to boot. I dont understand how Edmunds and other "supposed" car experts review this car so harshly. It was designed to be a solidly built high MPG car without compromising economy. Ill skip the bells and whistles for reliability and a low windowsticker price.

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  Poor Yaris gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By vtrans - March 8 - 5:46 pm

  The car got upper 30s when we first got it. Two weeks into owning mileage dropped to 30 mpg. I was after a go-cart for the street but the manual door locks and sub-par gas mileage are annoying

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  Great Car for Great Price - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Charles - February 23 - 2:43 am

  I purchased this car as a third car for my commute. I have a Tacoma but the gas was killing me. My wife drives a Prius but we did not feel like spending 24,000 for another car. We got the Yaris for 13,000 out the door and it has been great. No problems at all. Fun to drive, first few tanks of gas has been averaging 36- 39 mpg. Very fun to drive.

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  almost hibrid - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By volvos60t5 - February 8 - 4:23 pm

  for me this is the car for this hard times,in the future all cars will be electric ,for not be a hibrid make an amazing millage. and is fun to drive. the car for the moment.