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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  What you see..... - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kevink - September 9 - 12:23 am

  Yaris is exactly what you see is what you get. The power is impressive for a 1.5L 4 cyl and trans is smooth shifting. I average 33.7 mpg; coming from a Tundra V8, I cant complain. Seats are a little tight for my middle aged expanding backside, but this car is aimed at the skinny youthful set. Center mounted instrument pod stinks!

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  This is a great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lauren - September 8 - 6:00 pm

  I bought one for my daughter in college. I liked it so much I bought another one for my daughter in high school. The combination of the low cost, fuel efficiency, design, build quality, and Toyota reliability made this choice a no brainer.

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  Great Fun - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By atsena - August 25 - 8:16 pm

  This car is a joy to drive. Nimble with a very tight turning radius. While many reviews complain about the lack of performance, I am totally delighted with it, and dont expect better in a car with this good a fuel economy. I am 63" and weigh over 200 pounds, yet the driving position, the seat, and getting in and out of the vehicle are all extremely easy and comfortable. Also love the instrument panel in the center, which I thought I would hate. The rear seats are comfortable, and folded down give me a great cargo area. And the clean design of the interior is great looking. Love the all manual windows and door.

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  They Are So Cute! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By wendy - August 19 - 12:03 pm

  I just bought my Yaris last month. I bought the upgraded pkg. with power, so I do have cruise and power windows and locks. I had a rear spoiler and keyless entry installed locally for much cheaper than Toyota offered. I am only 5 ft and this car fits me perfectly. It is also easy for me to get in and out of. The drivers seat raises and the speedometer is not in my way either. The gas mileage is great and the pep is super. I bought the pacific blue 4 dr sedan. I really love all the little compartments through out and that spacious trunk. No complaints from me!

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  GREAT CAR! Does what is expected - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Nick a - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car , I have had this car for 2 years and bought it with 50k and it now has 71k , Not a single problem whatsoever, besides changing oil and other basic maintenance that is ALL, this car lives up to its legendary Toyota reliability

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  Mark C - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By 55idive - August 13 - 9:13 am

  Love It! The red is red, drives great in the wind, cool add ons, My wife loves it!!

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  Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By BCN - August 4 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased my Yaris last year for a number of reasons, one of the main ones being gas prices. The 4-door sedan I chose can seat 4 adults more comfortably than some larger cars Ive had, and Im averaging 44-45 mpg highway. Its a great little car for the money. I looked at several other cars of other makes, but the Yaris had everything I wanted. With my commute being mostly highway, a hybrid wasnt necessarily the best answer for me.

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  small car, but so roomy inside. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By i like driving now - August 4 - 5:23 pm

  I just got my Yaris and I couldnt be happier! My explorer was only 2 years old, but the gas prices were killing me and it was just too big. I enjoy driving now. I never have any backseat passengers anyway, so i put the backseats down and its like a mini-suv. I even fit a desk and chair back there. I love all the cubby and stash places. I dont like things loose in my car. The doors are big its alot easier to get in and out than I thought it would be. Didnt realize it tells you what gear you are in on the computer screen. Mom drove it in 3rd. Now we got it figured out. It has a great turn radius so 3 point turns are a cinchOutside. They put a lot of thought into this little car!

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  My Jigger bug the Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By joanne - July 30 - 5:06 pm

  This car was built for me. I love it. It handles well and go when I need it. My hubby call it the jigger bug because of it size but inside it not so small. It handles well and rides like a dream. Would I buy a second one you betcha.

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  The Yar-mobile - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jsmale - July 24 - 2:33 pm

  Dubbed "The Yar-mobile" by co-workers, everyone including myself is surprised by the amount of room in this hatchback. Going from a Ford Explorer to the Yaris I feel quite comfortable, however my hauling days are over. After my first fillup I get 35.2 MPG city only driving. This car has met all my expectations! I couldnt imagine spending less than $20K (CAD) and getting more bang for the buck in any other vehicle. This is my first Toyota and I am very impressed.