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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  Pleasantly Pleased - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mike - July 9 - 1:03 pm

  I bought the Yaris because since I wanted Toyota quality and fuel efficiency. It seems to work well and has good performance. I drove the 07 Camry CE manual and did not notice a significant difference from the Yaris manual sedan. I believe its the power/weight ratio... which is approximately the same. A little pricy compared to Korean competitors... I would have paid extra for the side impact airbags and antilock brakes but was told they may never ship the side impact airbags... if so for at least 5 months.

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  90,000 miles in 3 years - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By jacksinn - July 8 - 10:32 pm

  Its no secret by how many miles are on this car that I bought it because of the great gas mileage. A little pricey. $17,000 and it doesnt have power ANYTHING. Friends make comments about that and they have a point. Still love the great gas mileage 35-40 highway. No problems with this car so far.

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  So far, awesome! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By stephen portier - July 1 - 12:16 am

  I have only had this car four months and I already have 20,000 miles and nothing has gone wrong. I am in my car all day for about 175 miles on average and I have nothing to complain about. Sure its not the fastest thing in the world but who expected that? And everything else about it is perfect. Mine stays in a straight line for hours. Not to mention perfect gas mileage for not even being hybrid. I may not know everything but I love this car.

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  Love It, Great Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kenc9 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car, this is the Bug that VW should have built. Low price and high mileage. The gauge area was a concern at first BUT a few days later and this layout is fantastic. All the compartments in the dash, the MP3 jack the huge inside of a small appearing car. I should be hating driving a cheap car like this, I bought it for my daughter that is going to college soon. I am 52 and it is a solid car that gives me the feeling that this little car will tick away forever. Everyone stares at it or smiles when I pass them. Nobody did that even in my BMW X5. Everyone I have sit in it and sees the room inside says WOW!

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  A Wonderful Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Efficient - June 28 - 3:26 pm

  This car has everything one would desire. The build quality is equal to cars costing $30,000+. I have had it for 3 days and the gas gauge has not moved after 100 miles of driving. This car is the answer to all the price manipulations by the oil industry. With this car you do not have to give up comfort and good acceleration. The build quality is similar to a Camry. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Fits people of all sizes - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Canuck366 - June 26 - 3:13 am

  This car is cheap in cost terms but extremely good quality for the price. I was concerned about buying it because Im a big guy, but it is much more comfortable than a Nissan Sentra, Chevy S10 Pickup or Ford Mustang. The headroom and leg room was impressive in both the front and the back seats. The seats sit much higher than one would expect from such a small car. If you are looking to buy one, make sure it is a Manual Transmission or it will not be any fun. Others have asked for these fancy features like iPod holders and other advancements, it sounds like you need to spend the extra money if you want those features and go with the Matrix.

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  2009 Sedan automatic - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By dadinfo - June 25 - 3:44 am

  We have had this car for 2 years now the only thing I do not like is the Hard dash the layout is great once you get used to the cluster position

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By jduplesses - June 18 - 1:50 am

  I love zipping around in my little Yaris! Havent had any problems with it yet. It gets me where I need to go. I drive around town, have gone on a 8-9 hour road trip and the car performs wonderfully. I have heard some Yaris owners complain about the placement of the cupholders (in front of the heater), but where the cupholders are doesnt bother me one bit. I love my car.

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  Small but mighty! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Scott - June 13 - 4:56 pm

  The Yaris is a dream for long-haul commutes. I get over 40 mpg on the highway, and well over 30 mpg just tooling around town. Although small, I never feel cramped inside, and I love the control of the manual transmission. This car has zip when you need it and is sporty for such an inexpensive car. I commute 50 miles per weekday, and find I am filling up about once every 8-11 days. And thats a $30 fill-up! You cant beat this car for price, economy and style. I love it!

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  Fun to Drive...Youre Joking?? - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Peter - June 1 - 10:16 am

  Great mileage,good fit and finish. Ends there. Clutch and drivability the worst of any small car, wish I took a longer test drive. Those who say fun to drive, best test other small vehicles. Will be trading soon. First and last Toyota experience. This is my 6th small car experience and most disappointing in many ways.