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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  amazing car!!!!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By stephanie - July 16 - 3:30 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 years now, and all Ive had to do is change the oil. Ive put 32k miles on it. I used it for delivery driving for a while. It was great. I pretty much love everything about this car. I do miss not getting the power package. I get usually 28-37 mpg on average. I love driving it around town!

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  I Like My Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Greg Warmoth - July 14 - 1:06 pm

  My Yaris is the 2 door hatchback, red with the 1.5 liter engine. It drives nice and smooth with little road noise. It seats 5 but more like 4. Dont expect to haul a lot of baggage but this is more for the commuters than hauling anything. Fuel economy is around 39 on the road, about what Toyota shows it at. The stereo is simple but works well. The gauges are in the middle of the dash so if anyone doesnt like the instruments being to their right to look at the speedometer than this wouldnt be the car for you. This is an economy car, no bells and whistles, but its reliable at a cheaper price. Price of the car and gas mileage.

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  weird smell - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By giulia2 - July 13 - 2:01 pm

  Interior smell is awful! People say that it is mold issue but it is not! It seems that dashboard, rubbers, etc. made of crappy materials and driver undergoes chemicals exposure. We bought this car in Toyota Ancaster Canada dealership and paid all together CA 22K . We hoped that that smell will be gone in awhile but it is not! When its hot outside the cabin smells like hell. Another issue is the radio. The audio system is just horrible! Never buy this car , folks, even its a fuel efficient car. In a long term you may get seriously sick.

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  More money left for beer and pizza! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By The_Dude - July 7 - 10:43 am

  I recently replaced my 05 Saturn Vue with this car. I just like the idea of being able to travel more than 300+ mi. in 11 gallons of gas as opposed to +/- 300 mi. in 16 gallons of gas in my Vue. That is 5 gallons less and 100 more miles. My last fillup, I got 38 mi to a gallon. You cant beat that for a reliable, inexpensive non hybrid fuel efficient car. It drives pretty decent, acceleration from 0-60 is sub par (under 10 sec) but I bought it for its fuel efficiency in mind. Since I installed an SGII, I am more conscious about how I drive and how much fuel I use. It can be fun to drive with the manual but the automatic is not bad once you got it going.

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  Beware of inherent problems - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lonnie Thibodeaux - June 28 - 5:16 pm

  Only fairly fun to drive. Dissatisfied with the way it is affected by slight wind which destabilizes the car. The steering wheel is to short and the car reguires constant redirection to maintain a straight path. As an owner of a Yaris, I would not recommend it.

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  Saved my life - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Yaris - June 27 - 10:40 pm

  Two days ago I blacked out while driving in my 2008 Yaris and rolled it twice, landing on the roof. The jaws of life were used to cut me out. I walked out without a bruise. This car body may be small but it is sound. True, it may have some tendency to roll, that could have been part of it, but in the end the car served me.

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  Economical for rising gas prices - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mel - June 26 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased the Yaris for my daughter attending a near by University, pay her car, gas. etc. Its a great first car OR a great fuel economy car. As long as you take care of the maintenance with dlr, drive easy youll love the Yaris. Its easy to park, easy to maintain, maintenance is minimal (if you take care of it) and with rising gas prices how can you not want a great economical car. I love everything about it, Im sure as newer models come out the Yaris will only improve and become a strong Toyota car. I love the options and yes, there are somethings that need to change or ad (cup holds not in good locations and would like keyless entry) other than that its a great car.

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  Good ECONOMIC car - 2012 Toyota Yaris
  By thatdude2 - June 5 - 1:22 am

  Good car economical. It could use a middle consold but overall exellent reliable keeping the Toyota high standarts.

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  We love our Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ToyotaOwner - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! We traded our 2002 Tacoma for the Yaris, and so far we have no complaints (we just had our 10,000 mile service yesterday)! The car is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and for the engine size and fuel economy has decent power. The car is roomier than it looks, and is a head turner wherever you go. The price is not too high considering it is a Toyota and it will last forever. Anyone in the market for a new car should test drive a Yaris.

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  Awesome little car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Jen - April 29 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this car when ending my senior year in high school. I was looking to get a fuel-friendly affordable car and I got just that! I recently brought the car to NH and I was averaging 45 mpg on the highway. The car is big enough inside where I dont feel cramped and it is usually the car my friends and I take to the beach because its great on gas and the trunk is huge. (My cousin and I can both fit in the trunk together!) The car can definitely hold its own on the highway and definitely makes for a comfortable ride. I would highly recommend this car! I love my Betty Boop =)