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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  Good little car. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Stick Shift Driver - January 29 - 9:56 am

  When I turned 16 my parents bought a practical economy car so I could get to school and work. The car rides nice for an economy car, and it rides and sits higher than my Dads Honda Fit. The car is obviously not that fast, but it can swiftly accelerate when it needs to. I really like the center mounted gauges. The car doesnt really have much other than the power package, which I actually didnt want, but it was all the dealer had. The car has a lot of headroom for a tiny car, and the rear seats can fold down to make more cargo room. I originally wanted a truck, but I am happy with 42 on the highway, and Id recommend it to anyone who is looking to buy a practical commuting car.

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  Fun Car/GR8 MPG - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Doug - January 13 - 4:40 pm

  Fun car to drive. Three fill ups to date: 36.7, 37.7 and 38.7 MPG. Lots of room. Pretty smooth ride. Got a GR8 deal and 5 Year 0% financing. Whats not to like! An absolute winner! Wife thinks its "really cute."

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  A must in todays gas prices! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Shelbybelly - January 7 - 4:43 am

  GREAT on gas, I get an average of 37 mpg thats mixed driving. Best I get is 43 mpg, lowest I get is 34 mpg. Good pickup and stopping. I feel very safe on highways with this car. A real eye catcher. Over all, I love the car and would not have or drive anything else. Highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  after 18 months - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By harshad - December 31 - 10:00 am

  After 18 months and 23,000 miles its been a smooth sailing so far. I get 36- 38 mpg in spring through fall and 35 in winter. all the cup holders and bins are plus. automatic transmission is slow but adequate for commute. hope its reliability is as good as my other toyotas.

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  My New Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cathy t - December 21 - 11:56 pm

  I just love this car. If youve ever driven a Camry, this is just a scaled down version of one, in my opinion. With the 15" wheels, it hugs the curves and has good acceleration. I was going 80mpg and never realized it. Thats part of the Toyota experience. You cant go wrong with anything built by Toyota.

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  Greatness!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By pyscez2 - December 18 - 5:53 pm

  Being the island girl that I am, I wanted to get me a car that was fun to drive all over the island and would not use a whole tank of gas. The Yaris has been nothing but good to me. Shes a beauty and she runs like a champ. In fact, I tricked my Yaris out and Im always getting compliments about her. Its just a fun reliable car.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kilasumowrestler - December 8 - 6:03 pm

  Great first new car. Gas and insurance friendly.

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  Baby blue - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By hot in arizona - December 6 - 4:43 am

  Brought it used in June. My grandkids were with me and we named it Baby Blue. Its a great little car. Went on a 1300 mile trip to California. Baby blue performed great. Went up mountains with no trouble; A/C was great. Seats are very comfortable. It drives like a bigger car. Lots of room for luggage. The radio was best of all the small cars I have owned.

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  Little Red - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By oldguyaris - December 5 - 9:03 am

  The Yaris climbs our bluffs at a respectible 60 mph. Then again, I didnt expect a 1.5L to boil tires. My thoughts regarding room in the Yaris. I am 62" and 320 pounds. Nuff said on that. My Yaris is a blast to drive on our back roads. Other owners smile and wave at you when they go by. It has been a long time since Ive owned a car that I liked as much as the Yaris. I will recommend to any one, try this little "sports" car. Mileage to date, 29.76 city and 42.36 highway. And it doesnt even have 400 miles on it yet.

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  Great Little Commuting Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - December 3 - 2:33 pm

  I have only owned Toyotas, from including a Previa, Corolla, Rav4 and 2003 4Runner. This is a great little commuting car. I have a 30+ mile commute each way, and should save 15 MPG compared to my Rav4... which alone should save me almost my car payment. Surprisingly roomy, feels much bigger than the Corolla. We have 2 small kids in car seats and this car will allow us to take the Yaris instead of the 4Runner around town. I havent found a complaint yet with it... The Corolla in its current form is in trouble. This car is $3000 cheaper than a Corolla, feels bigger and is a heck of a lot better to look at.