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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  2 DR Hatchback first 1000 - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Dale - December 15 - 6:46 pm

  Well I hit the 1000 mile point in two weeks. The car I bought is a bare bones unit with an upgraded radio and cruise control. No power locks or windows. The car has plenty of power to get you down the road. This is not a rocket, but does good. My mileage over rural / highway has been 34.7. I have a heavy foot and my daughter found that she was driving around in 3rd instead of Drive. Very roomy feel in the drivers seat. There are several things that take some getting used to, like the position of the steering wheel. The seats are a bit stiff, but should soften in time. This is a good lower priced car, but it seems demand is driving the price up. Wait to buy when the price comes down.

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  Cool little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Phil - December 12 - 12:30 am

  This is an exceptional little car. Nimble, smooth, comfortable and quiet. Peppy at city speeds and adequate on the freeway. Engine noise typical for the class, but road and wind noise are hushed. Front seats very comfortable, though steering wheel a bit too far from driver. Large trunk. Adequate leg room in back seat for a 6-footer. Center gauges not a problem. Stylish interior. We liked the Honda Fit, but thunderous road noise and slow acceleration were deal breakers. Yaris somehow felt more solid and substantial. Professional car reviewers are enthusiasts and write reviews from that perspective. We found many of their complaints to be exaggerated or bogus. Give this car a test drive.

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  Ecomonical and reliable - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By toyota fan - November 30 - 10:30 am

  If you want reliability and economy, you choose the right car. If you want a luxury car with bell and whistles - forget it. I love this car for the gas mileage and reliability. I get anywhere from 33 to 36 miles a gallon 50/50 city and hwy driving - mostly no air conditioner. The car is noisy with hwy driving. I recommend getting the power package for the four door sedan (I have manual doors). It can be a hassle unlocking and locking all the doors when you have passengers. I use this car for work, so I needed a reliable car with good gas mileage. The seats are OK, not very comfortable, but good enough. The engine is peppy, but going up steep upgrades is a little difficult.

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  miles heating up! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By batman - October 23 - 9:00 pm

  So far this car is adding up to the reason why I bought it - great gas mileage. I am constantly told how classy this car is. It is pretty roomy inside and the dash is great. So far I am averaging between 30-34 mpg. The only criticism I have is the compartments or lack of near the driver side. They are hard and even impossible to reach when standing still let alone driving. Overall so far a great car that drives nice on the highway.

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  Well built, "fun," economical car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By harddrivin1le - October 7 - 2:13 pm

  I feel the greatest value in this car is found in the base models and that people who want more options would be better served with the Honda Fit. That being said, I love my Yaris. Mine has the dealer-installed TRD suspension parts (springs, shocks and rear sway bar). The package utterly transforms the cars ride and handling and gives it a Mini-like feel. The TRD package yields a very well balanced, fun to drive car and Il highly recommend it to any enthusiast. I also installed the leather wrapped TRD shift knob, which flexes less than the factory rubberized plastic knob and yields a more direct feel to the shifter. Nice brakes, nice steering, acceptable seats, lots of storage, MPG!

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  Bulletproof - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By AaronDetroit - September 19 - 11:20 pm

  Ive had this car about 2.5 months now. Its a 2008 3dr. hatch, 5 spd. manual. Has air conditioning, but not many other options. Got it with about 31k miles, and only 1 owner before me. Paid $8950. To me thats a crazy good deal. Build quality is excellent. Reputation for reliability is basically bulletproof. Gas mileage is great, especially if you dont drive it hard. Drives, handles, shifts, and brakes very well for an economy car. Has an overall feeling of quality that is hard to find at this price range.

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  Yaris 4 door - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By limee925 - September 7 - 3:43 am

  Bought this vehicle as a second car that would be ideal for parking in the city. It fits the purpose there. Surprisingly sprite for a small engine and find that Im more than able to keep up with the larger vehicles on the road. It needs more input from the driver than larger cars, but that makes it more engaging and does add a little to the "fun factor!" Its a good car for what it was built to do. Cheap commuting and relatively comfortable with it. Throttle tip in can be a little aggressive and sudden, but have gotten used to it after 3000 miles.

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  Great little car!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By TSABOMBDOG - August 8 - 5:53 am

  After buying old cars that I can fix my own, (old VW,and fords) until major jobs (transmission, etc.), I have gotten tired and bought this car. The first thing I looked for was fuel consumption. I wanted a hybrid, but at my federal wages it was out of my sight. Then I found 07 yaris 2 dr, 5sp M. It has the feel of my old bug, but more room for storage, great fuel consumtion and great price range.

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  Great for town, bad for highway - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By yarisdriver - July 26 - 7:16 pm

  I have a conflicting experience with this car. We made 2 long trips in this one, one was 4000 miles/5 days long to a remote area in TX. If you live in a city, have 55 MPH speed limit–it is a great car. Roomy inside (I’m 6’4”–have plenty of space), nice MPG. If you have to operate it daily above 65 MPH–dont buy it. The car has a horrible problem with oversteering. It is not a defect, it is a design issue. Electric buster is too sensitive, so on a high speed forget about your cell phone–a small bump can be deadly. My wife got into an accident after trying to honk when doing 70 MPH: couldn’t hold the car with one hand, lost control and went into a ditch. The car is OK, but it tells a lot.

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  After 5,000 miles - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - July 5 - 11:46 am

  The 2 reasons I bought this car is reliability & economy. After 5,000 miles Im getting 41.6 mpg, the a/c put our 40 degree of cold air today when the outside temp was 107. Back in Jan. this cars heater put out 182 degrees when the outside temp was 45 I am very pleasantly surprised at how efficient the a/c is on a very hot day here in Phoenix, Arizona. My only complaint is the lame squeak that is the HORN & the multiple reflections off the rear window from headlights behind me, at night.