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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  2007 Toyota Yaris Reliable & Efficient - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric - June 24 - 12:56 am

  We bought this car new, our first car, when we just got married. The car has served us well. We have not had one single issue with the car in 42,000 miles. Have not even had to replace the brakes. This car returns mpg numbers up to 39 on the highway, 36 in mixed driving, 34 city in warm weather. In the winter, we avg 33 mixed. The interior design and quality are good, but the seating position front and rear are very upright, which on trips an hour or more becomes quite apparent. It is also very narrow inside. Automatic transmission has been flawless. This car basically needs no major maintenance til 100,000 miles, not even spark plugs or tranny fluid change. A great first car.

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  Great on gas, cramped on space. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Pati - June 16 - 5:06 pm

  We bought the car for gas mileage and thats the best feature about this car. Im a long time Toyota owner and wouldnt own anything else. However Id buy a little larger car next time, since its kind of cramped in the Yaris, but if you are small, like me and not tall, then this is the car for you!!

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  Better fuel economy than a hybrid! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By R. - May 27 - 12:36 am

  I get 40-41 MPG, mostly freeway commuting. Zippy and fun to drive around town, but not a great ride on the freeway (the car is very light and doesnt seem to hug the road well at high speeds). Definitely go for the manual - youll get a lot more juice out of it AND better gas mileage. I test drove the automatic, and it was sluggish. The base car comes pretty stripped of amenities, but thats probably why the car is so low priced. I put a simple spoiler on mine, and I think it really helps the style.

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  Lowered Expectations - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kirk Ryerson - May 6 - 7:10 pm

  I researched about 15 cars in this segment. The only thing that motivated me to purchase the Yaris was the promise of no scheduled maintenance for the first 120,000 miles. That was the deciding factor. EPA ratings are off, I average low 30s in town and mid 30s on the highway. The brakes are terrible. It struggles to take turns. The electric steering (at highway speeds) is frightening. My S didnt even come with a remote key fob. Be careful driving the S on a windy day.

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  Its a great little car for the money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eva Alice - May 5 - 10:01 am

  I drove my Yaris, Barney, for five years. I bought him used in 2011 with about 45K miles and he has been a very reliable car for me. The only repair I have had to make the entire five years is the serpentine belt, which cost me about 60 bucks. The fuel efficiency has been great, the oil is super easy to change yourself, and other repairs are easy as well. The car is basic, it does not have a bunch of bells and whistles, but anyone who is shopping for this car should know that. It is cheap to drive and it gets you where you need to go. I had no problems with it in the snow, it drove really well in snowy weather, although I could not get it all the way up my driveway in snowy conditions unless I put on chains. The seats are a little uncomfortable for long drives, and even though the car seats five, it really is only comfortable for four. Ive taken this on road trips with the family, and it is a tight squeeze. The backseat is very roomy thought for two people, lots of leg space. It does have a lot of plastic on the interior, and it is a little annoying, but super easy to keep clean. The AUX jack is finicky, and sometimes it takes some fiddling with to get it to work (it doesnt recognize that a cord is plugged in). This part is easy to replace yourself though, but it costs about $80 for the part! The headlights are a little tricky to replace, the manual will tell you to try to reach in behind the headlights under the hood to replace the bulb, but that is impossible unless you have the hands of a newborn baby. What I ended up doing was pulling the front bumper partially off, which was surprisingly simple (it just snaps on!). And I do not agree with the other reviews regarding it feeling unsafe. I felt perfectly safe on the freeway in this car, and elsewhere. The only issue I had in regards to ride was when it was windy, the car got pushed around a little, and also the road noise is really loud. Overall, for the price and the cost of maintenance, this is a great car! The only reason I have decided to give the car up is it is only a two door and I need something bigger to haul the family around in.

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  Fun/Zippy/Money saver - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By whatswhat1 - April 19 - 5:28 pm

  I have a 4 door hatchback and have driven it over a year. I also opted to add leather seats-great idea. Fun to drive, very zippy, can park anywhere, great turning radius (it still surprises me at times), wonderful to haul things in because of the back seat options, reliable and cheap to drive. I average depending on my driving style between 28-31 mpg city and 32-40 mpg highway. You will only get the 40 if you go 65 or under on a non windy day. Cons are that you hear the road noise and engine a lot, feel bumps because of stiffer shocks and the inside is more plastic than I would like...but this is not a sedan so what do you expect? A great, fun ride for the average cost conscious driver.

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  What Fun!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jenny - April 6 - 5:03 pm

  Got my baby a few weeks ago. Getting over 40 miles to the gallon, mixed freeway and town driving. Fun, fun, fun, cute, cute, cute. Surprisingly, lots of space inside, feels very roomy. It is very zippy, corners well. Sound system is great, very handy to plug my MP3 player in. No more carting around my CD case. I got a red one. I actually wanted blue, but the little critters are so hard to find. Plus, they sell the moment they are put on the lot. Great buy for the money, plus the Toyota name. I highly recommend this car.

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  Amazing on icy roads - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By BIll McCabe - March 9 - 11:26 pm

  Ive always driven big cars like caddys, Lincolns, and even a 24 Lincoln stretch. The vehicle I turned in off lease to buy my Yaris was a 2005 Saturn Vue with a 3.0 6cyl and all the bells and whistles. I bought a baseline 2009 Yaris and was skeptical as to how well it would handle the roads and weather where I live. Today we had ice everywhere. In weather like this my Vue was useless but the Yaris handle the ice and the hills like a plow I swear never slipped once or even felt like it was going to. I will recommend this car to anyone who will listen I still think its a shoebox but man what it handles like a half track in bad weather.

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  2007 Yaris 4-door Sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KbJay - December 19 - 7:33 pm

  A cute, basic car. I got it for the gas mileage, as I was looking for something comparable to my old Echo (poor thing was totalled last month). Its relatively inexpensive in comparison to its counterparts on the market. The interior design needs improvement here and there, but it drives smoothly.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - October 22 - 11:23 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in May, 2006. I have received mixed reviews from friends and family regarding the looks and size of the car, but my intention was to purchase a car that was good on gas with the reliability of a Toyota. I average approximately 36 miles per gallon, mostly freeway with some in town. I am 6 feet tall and have plenty of leg and head room. Anyone sitting behind me is cramped. My complaint, is the positioning of the steering wheel. Because I have to have the seat all the way back, the steering wheel is too far away and I find myself constantly shifting steering hands because of the discomfort. Would be nice if the wheel telescoped. Truly annoying!