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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  Best car and so reliable - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By marie - March 13 - 3:56 am

  I have been so happy with this car especially the fantastic mileage that I am getting. On long distance trips, I have figured that I get 50 miles to the gallon. I feel very safe and secure in this car and the maintenance has been insignificant. Just changing oil and the basics. I drive a great deal and it is wonderful in the winter weather. I will definitely stay with the Yaris.

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  wow - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By leanne_ - March 10 - 6:26 am

  I am so in love with this car. I drive an hour back and forth to work five days a week and only spend about $25/week on gas. Its comfortable, reliable, snazzy, and perfect for city driving/parking. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Why rate the milage so high? - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Rob - March 6 - 1:00 pm

  Im not sure why everyone rates the mileage so high. This is a 1.5l 4 cyl engine that should get at least 35 mpg in mixed driving and 40-45 for highway cruising (50-55 mph). I have been very disappointed that in 50% highway driving at reasonable speeds I can only get 30 mpg when going downhill with a tailwind. Otherwise Im happy with my Toyota. Im 62" and have plenty of headroom and decent legroom. No problem loading the family of 4 (2 car seats) with all the necessary gear in the spacious trunk to head out for the weekend. The trunk is also large enough for 4 sets of golf clubs (barely), however the back seat passengers need to be less than 6 or theres complaints about the headroom.

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By DeereToy - March 3 - 12:16 am

  Very good vehicle, doesnt look like a inexpensive car. Fun to drive. Very good mileage, worst 39 mpg high 43 mpg. Built very solid, when you shut the doors feels like you shut a car door not a beer can. Visibility excellent. Not the quietest but its not a $50,000 Cadillac either. Low insurance premiums, low property tax. All in all one awesome car. I love it!

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  I hate my Yaris - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By lilliann - February 25 - 10:35 am

  It is the most boring car I have ever driven and I have driven many cars. I traded a 2007 Mini Cooper for this dreadful vehicle. Its a huge effort to pass a car in front of me - it doesnt want to; its automatic transmission shifts first up, then down, then up again around 30 miles per hour on an un-level street; it has terrifying brakes that lock up; it wont track over 60 miles per hour (constantly fighting the steering wheel to keep the car in a straight line - very tiring); no comfortable place for my feet. I absolutely hate everything about it, except for the gas mileage - and yes, thats very good. I recommend new car buyers to steer clear of this one. Get a Mini Cooper instead.

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  Decent enough car, really slow. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Alex - February 22 - 8:30 pm

  This was my commuter that I bought a few months ago. On the good side I average about 34 MPG with around 70/30 city/highway. Another plus is the design, cute and well made. Unfortunately, the car has quite a few downs... such as the acceleration. It truly feels economy car like. If you really want any type of hustle from this car, you need to darn near floor it. It is also not that great to drive. The small thin wheels and comfort tuned cheap suspension dont make for very exciting backroads adventures. It is decently comfortable for front passengers and has a reasonable amount of space in back. But that driving position is just weird. Bottom line, it makes a good commuter/city car thats it.

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  Great little runabout - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By sig - February 21 - 10:56 pm

  I bought this car as a second car for around town driving. I love the looks, inside and out. What surprised me was how well it drives and handles. (My other car is a 2008 BMW 335 coupe). It is fun to drive and the gas mileage - regular gas - is phenomenal, up to 42.8 mpg. What made me buy this particular model are the looks and the price. Another factor is the build quality. This car was built in Japan, and no shortcuts were taken in material and paint. A super little car!

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  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By John - February 20 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car (had about 18 miles on it) and the very same day drove about 800 miles in a single day. I think a lot of the posters here exaggerate a bit on the gas mileage as I am getting roughly about 32 mpg before the fuel gauge starts blinking. Not bad but that was mainly highway driving. Drove it back another 800 miles and getting the same results. Of course, I had the AC going on the entire time which can affect the mpg. The interior did not have really nice quality materials but what do you expect from a $13k car. The engine was great and very zippy but also at the same time, extremely loud. You can feel the bumps and roaring of the engine. Overall, a great car.

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  My 2011 Yaris - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By mark_s3 - February 13 - 9:01 am

  I just purchased this car a few weeks ago (53 miles) and I have to say this is a cool little car! I got 40 MPG on the highway (top speed 60MPH non interstate roadways) and 36MPG on the Interstate (Top speed 70MPH). Comfort? Not sure why Edmunds said what they said about the car, but I find it quite comfortable to operate. The car seems higher off the road, more visibility out the front. I have not yet ran into any of the issues the other reviewer has, but its good to kmow about the air filter. Am now using it in consert with my ZX2 (using it every other week).

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  Bert the traveler - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kathleen Williams - January 31 - 12:29 pm

  I just bought the car and I already love Bert! Hes dependable and fun. Everytime I drive him we cracks me up. I love the gas mileage! So far no maintenance and I believe it will stay that way. If I ever have to replace Bert it will be hard to for the price. Bert is a 5 speed manual. Ive never driven around standard (Im 54), but Bert was a breeze to learn to drive. Ive driven and had other cars that I thought were great. Bert delivers! Hes not fancy or high tech. I got him with 131,000. Hes a good road tripper. My son bought a 2009 that he loved. I helped him pick it out. Berts 9 years old and he looks amazing and he drives great. I wasnt buying a Ferrari, but Bert is my favorite car Ive ever known. Dont expect expensive technology with whistles and bells. Do expect to have fun everytime you go. I got more than I paid for it. I love Bert and I will replace him someday with his family of Toyota. Plus he was made right here in the USA. I love America and try to buy from this great country. Shame on you if you dont!