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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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jess - October 15 - 11:26 am

  Had mine for 6 months, and its a great car. Easy to drive, and sits high enough in the interior so I dont feel like Im driving a small car. Ive taken it on one long distance trip, and it was very comfortable for 4 people. Im averaging about 33 MPG commuting in the city. Lots of fun to drive, and parking is a breeze. People constantly stop to check it out, and Ive been surprised at the amount of cargo it can hold with the fold-down seats. I traded in my Camry for the Yaris, and dont regret it for a second. Its simply a fun little car!

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  OK car, but good value - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By TommyG - October 11 - 12:30 pm

  This car is priced reasonably, so you cant put too high of expectations on it. Its engine power is adequate, though not impressive. Road noise is quite high. So is the engine noise. It seems to be well-built, though we had a plastic engine compartment cover fall off of the bottom of the vehicle a few months after we got it. The snow level was fairly high, and since the car sits low, the snow probably pulled it off. Id consider it a design flaw. The Toyota technician said it was a common problem, but refused to replace it under warranty. The MPG isnt what it was originally rated. We have managed to get 40 mpg, but usually get about 30 (some highway, some city)

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  WONDERFUL!!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Moose - October 7 - 12:53 am

  I drove the Yaris out of pure curiosity, and ended up buying one an hour later. The smooth, quiet ride and zippy acceleration are unlike any other compact car Ive ever driven. I was worried about handling with its rear torsion bar suspension, but it handles like a sports car - Ive already had a fun day in the mountains with it. I drive 100 miles a day, and the fuel economy (38mpg so far) is saving me $80-100 a week on gas versus my old truck. I recommend this car to anyone - it surpasses any and all expectations - even for a Toyota!

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  So much FUN to drive! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By coco - September 30 - 2:13 pm

  I actually have the 5 door hatchback!! Our van was falling apart so we replaced our gas guzzling 2000 Venture van with the Yaris, and we wish we had done it earlier! The interior is clean & simple. The car is fun to drive! The many compartments are awesome & I really like the cup holders, they are easy to grab and sip. I drive each day and we really needed something that is easy on the gas, which this is. To me the Yaris is the real "smart car"... great on fuel & seats 5 people!

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  For the money, its all good. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By alfasax - September 27 - 10:53 am

  40 mpg. Easily obtainable, 37 mpg without trying all day long! Great styling. Luv this car!

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  Bad seats - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By drgagnon - September 24 - 3:00 pm

  Love the car but the seats are a problem. My wife and I never had back pain until we purchased this Yaris. But I like it enough to try to change the seats. This is an expensive proposition with minimal out of market options. Ill probably have to sell the car to save my back. However, driving the Yaris is fun and above expectations considering the price.

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  2008 Toyota Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By bradford23a - September 20 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car in June of 2008. I had a 2003 Dodge neon which was a gas guzzler in the city at 4.09 per gallon. This car is very nice. I get about 42.9 MPG highway and about 35-36 city. The ride is smooth comparable to my sisters Lexus. The design is really good.

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  Great MPG - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Roy - September 10 - 7:06 am

  I purchased my 2008 Yaris sight unseen and never test drove the model. I am pleased with the ride and build quality. This car is not a Camry, but rides remarkably well for a small car. I was surprised at the noise level in the car. I was expecting very noisy, but find the sound level to be tolerable. I have achieved 45 mpg on the highway which is amazing. The car is rated for 37 highway, but I have run thru 2 tanks of gas and registered 44 & 45 mpg. The only secret to my success is driving no faster than 60 mph. The car is quiet enough at that speed and it is also the sweet spot for MPG. If you want great MPG drive this car gently and you wont be disappointed

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  A great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By janet13669 - September 10 - 6:00 am

  Ive had this about a week and i just love it. Its so quiet and smooth to drive. The gas mileage is supposed to be 40 mpg- but I have gotten more than 40. Its so small I can park it almost anywhere and its zippy as hell.

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  I really love this car. - 2013 Toyota Yaris
  By septembersrain - September 9 - 4:14 pm

  I originally had this car as a rental. I actually felt its reliability and eager anticipation of me using the passing gear. I love how the car feels bigger than it is. The interior could use a bit more softer materials to make it easier to keep clean and scratch/damage free. It also needs arm rests, Unfortunately that isnt a standard feature. When given premium gas, This car actually gets quite perky! Needless to say, I returned the rental but bought one exactly like it with 3 doors instead of 5. I love it! The black pearl paint really glimmers in the sun....