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 Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By T wallace - November 25 - 7:03 pm

  We had a bad accident in this car. It was hit from behind while sitting still in traffic. It was estimated the other vehicle was traveling at between 40 and 50 miles an hour. While there was extensive rear end damage the cabin was not breached. My wife was injured but did walk away from the scene. If someone had been in the back seat they would have been injured but I do believe they would have walked away as well. It seems the car held up when you take into account the speed of the other car.

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  Huge Savings! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By KH 730 - November 21 - 4:13 pm

  Just purchased the 4-door Yaris a week ago as a second car & I am amazed at the gas mileage. We have a Jeep Commander but needless to say its going to take a break until the snow comes. The car is so easy to drive & pretty comfortable. I really like the radio with the MP3 cd read. Its definitely a great car and would be a nice choice for someones first car. The backseat is very spacious (for a small car) and the trunk has optimal space; I havent had to fill it up yet but it seems like itll get about 440 miles per tank, thats such a huge difference! Im averaging about 35-40 mpg only city driving, thats in comparison to 12-13 mpg. so it definitely benefits my budget.

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  Good for cheap transportation - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By John Drake - November 21 - 12:23 pm

  My 2003 Hyundai Accent 4dr got totaled in a rear end collision so I got a Yaris because it was the cheapest new car I could find. Its not a hot rod, but has good acceleration for around town and getting on the highway when I need to. Its roomier than it looks and at least for me, more comfortable than the Hyundai, and it feels more solid. Driving in daily stop and go traffic, Im getting 32mpg. The solid feel of the car combined with front and side airbags make me feel safe on the road in it. Handling is good and the car is a pleasure to drive. I hope the stories Ive heard about Toyota reliability are true, because I want to keep this car for a long time.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By winunicorn - November 15 - 5:26 am

  This has to be the best car I have even owned, from point of comfort, reliability, maneuverability, gas mileage - I got 46 mpg on a 1700 mile trip from FL through the Blue Ridge mountains and up through S. and N. Carolina, VA, MD, Penna and NY! Absolutely fun to drive. Should have ordered the power windows and cruise control. Big ticket for going too fast. Wanted to stay "green" as possible. I now get 37 - 38 mpg in town, love to drive this car, and having had two hip replacements, find it much more comfortable than my former Subaru LL Bean station wagon and my Volvo 770 wagon!

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jat - November 12 - 1:53 pm

  I have had this car for 1 1/2 years now. It has 39000 miles on it now. I have no problems what so ever out of this car. I actually average around 40 mpg. I do coast every chance I get.

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  A Quality Vehicle - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By DolphinRyan39 - November 6 - 10:10 am

  The Toyota Yaris S Sedan is a stylish, reliable, and fuel economic vehicle. For all it has to offer, along with its highly reasonable price, I recommend it to anyone.

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  Impressed by this car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mark S. - October 27 - 3:20 am

  Was traveling cross country when my 1984 Cressida broke down. Wanted a base Corolla but the dealer was out of them. Test drove the Yaris and thought it would suffice. My first fill up and I was amazed at the 42 mpg. I have been getting 42 mpg consistently rain or shine. At 4500 miles it isnt even broken in, so I expect 44 mpg or so once it is broken in. It is peppy, handles well and looks awesome from the front. Great slope on wind shield.

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  Excellent Gas Mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ToyoYari - October 22 - 9:53 am

  Traded in my gas hungry SUV for a blue Toyota Yaris Liftback. Trips to the gas station have not been as many. The little bars that indicate the amount of gas that is left move down very slowly. Inside it does not feel as small as it looks on the outside. The sound system is more than enough and there is even a jack on the lower console to plug in an MP3 player, pretty awesome. The back seat is kept folded down so there is always plenty of cargo space to toss stuff in the back. The engine is fairly quiet for a small car with plenty of pep to make it move in city traffic and on the highway.

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  The Satisficer - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - October 19 - 4:46 am

  First, lets be clear. Im a satisficer, not a maximizer. All cars are compromises, and this is expecially true at the lower end of the price spectrum. Im 62" and, ahem, lets just say over 300 pounds at the present time. I can get in and out of this car with no problem. It runs like a charm, turns on a dime, the steering and braking are silky smooth and Ive still got a quarter of a tank left with the odometer at 325+ miles, so Im heading for 40+ mpg on the first tank. Yes, the seats could be better, maybe Toyota will fix them, maybe not. The cup holders are neat - you can send the air around them - or use the AC to cool your drink. Nothings perfect, but the Yaris is awfully good.

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  WOW - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By arie - October 18 - 11:16 am

  The 07 Yaris was initially puchased as a fuel conserving alternative to my BMW. Now, I only drive the yaris. It is a pocket-rocket. Acceleration is a tad slow in the first three gears, but not enough to be noticable. This car goes 85-95 mph daily on a 180 mile a day commute. The gas mileage is amazing. the car is perfect and fun to drive. goodbye gas guzzlers! I am hooked on the yaris!