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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  WOW :) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Elsie - April 23 - 11:00 pm

  Im so glad I decided to buy a new car and not a used one. The car is super nice and comfortable. I personally believe its a young womans car. The experience of driving and owning this vehicle has been great. All my rides are smooth and comfortable... totally recommend it.

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  Fun Car to Have. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Daniel - April 16 - 2:06 am

  I love my Yaris. It has all the equipment I wanted in a new car, gets great gas mileage, its a blast to drive and its a freakin Toyota so I can rely on it for years and years to come. At first I was skeptical of the Yaris and never thought that I would own one. I kept thinking that I could never go back to a little car, especially coming out of a 95 Olds. sedan. But the more I complained about the gas mileage my tank of a car was getting, the more appealing the Yaris became. Not to mention the price point is just as attractive as the styling.

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  Wheelchair Accessible - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By ducatidave - April 11 - 8:57 am

  I love this Car! Its is by far the easiest car to transfer into from a wheelchair.

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  Great Second Car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By D.B. Ginther - April 3 - 11:00 am

  I have owned my Yaris for a year. Its a great second car with all the features necessary to get around town.

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  I Want to Marry My Yaris Hatchback - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By HawthornWoods - March 29 - 1:23 am

  Well, not quite, but I do love it! My brother got one last year cuz he was tired of filling up his Suburban. We poked a lot of fun of his Yaris -- mainly because you could fit three of them inside his Suburban -- but then we drove it and thought it was pretty cool. When gas prices started climbing, we went to Toyota to buy either a Prius or the Yaris hatchback (the sedan is ugly). We got the Yaris and we love it. It looks tiny from the outside but when youre inside, its big! A day after we got it, we put on cool rims. Week later, had the windows tinted. People stop me all the time to ask what it is. Many think its a SmartCar. I say No, its a Smarter Car cuz it doesnt need premium gas!

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  Absolutely Fabulous - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Robert - March 23 - 9:30 am

  Great car! I am a very frugal (okay, cheap) shopper who goes over everything with a fine tooth comb. This car is great. I owned a Geo Metro for 5 years and considered an Aveo. The Yaris is the best of the three with the most power performance, the most room, and the best at making me smile when I drive. IF I get rid of it before I retire, Ill looking to get another!

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Liz - March 22 - 11:06 pm

  Ive always had small American cars. I was tired of throwing money away after 60K. Everyone I know that has a Toyota, loves it. I thought it was about time I owned one. I love my mothers Rav4 but it was too pricy for my budget. My Yaris has every single upgrade except a spoiler & is still a better deal than a basic Corolla.

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  Update on Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By OKJoe - March 22 - 8:13 am

  After just over 1000 miles, we took a trip to OK City on Friday. We got 330 miles out of exactly 9 gallons of gas for a total of 36.7 miles per gallon, all highway on cruise control, going about 74 MPH. Everything is great so far. I have the same complaints as my first review. I have to agree that the seats are not as comfortable as Id like on long trips. They might break in though after a while. A minor complaint is that the turn signal auto shut off could be more sensitive. I seem to have to shut it off manually on slow wide turns. Otherwise we both love the car!

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  I would buy 2 more today! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - March 22 - 1:36 am

  Over age 45 driver. I drive 70 miles a day rt. WOW-what a fun car to drive. Getting 34+mpg on mixed highway and city driving weeks after about 1500 mile break in period. Getting 40.4 mpg on pure highway driving trips now! Car has plenty of get up and run! No car is perfect..but I promise you will enjoy this car

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  Long Term Review - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By CJH - March 16 - 5:20 am

  Ive owned the Yaris since it first came out in July of 2006. Mechanically speaking, this car has been perfect. Never had a problem with 45k miles on it. That being said, this car has serious faults in other aspects. 1) The interior quality is abysmal. Ive had a dash rattle for 3 years now that 3 dealerships have been unable to fix. My window roller broke within 3 months, and the trunk has had issues with sounds and closing. 2) This car failed me in the snow, spinning out and nearly getting seriously wrecked. 3) Over time you feel claustrophobic in here. 4) Jumpy acceleration is unpredictable from a stop, sometimes hurting my neck, or almost hitting other cars. 5) Serious lack of power.