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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  Fantastic!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By amy - November 16 - 12:36 pm

  When driving the Yaris you feel like an ice skater gliding over the ice. I have only had the car for 4 days but I know its the best purchase Ive ever made. The gas mileage is awesome as a commuter this will come in handy!!!

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  2007 Toyota Yaris S - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jenn - November 15 - 9:46 am

  There are some things I would change, such as the manual seat adjusters and manual steering wheel adjuster (I was spoiled in my last car). My boyfriend likes when we take my car out some evenings (he has a large SUV), because we can park more easily and in smaller "parking spaces". You can hear the traveling noise at higher speeds, but that doesnt matter much to myself. Knowing that I get really good gas mileage makes up for that.

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  What a great car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kelly Robinson - November 9 - 2:06 pm

  I really enjoy my Yaris, I get great gas milage and It is a great car for anyone that doesnt want to pay that much for great quality

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  I LOVE my Yaris! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By pawsplus - November 8 - 9:36 am

  This is my 6th Toyota, and my first- ever NEW one. I have only had it a week, so I cant comment on reliability, but I fully expect to have the car through 300K miles. I have the 5-speed, and its a darn zippy ride! Smooth shifting and peppy. The center odometer/speedometer doesnt bother me a bit and its nice to have the extra glove box so close to the driver. The car is ABSURDLY large inside compared to what you would think--a ton of room for both driver and passengers or cargo. I feel as if its roomier than my Corolla.

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  All You Need - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric - November 5 - 3:40 am

  We are very happy with our choice. The Yaris ended up being exactly what we needed. This car looks tiny but has a bunch of room. A 6-ft, 160 lbs man can sit comfortably in the rear seats. Keep in mind this is an inexpensive economy car. What got that, combined with reliability, quality and somewhat surprising performance. A Toyota will hold its value far better than other competitors in this area (Kia, Hyndai) - except perhaps Honda, which costs quite a bit more.

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  Super amazing! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By aLeXaNdRa - October 31 - 12:20 pm

  I saw this car and I immediately fell in love with it just because of the looks. I got online and I saw how amazing the gas mileage is. I get around 38 MPG. Its a very comfortable car, so fun to drive. Great for the economy and handles like a dream. You can fit into any spot in a parking lot, and I have had it for about 4 months and its still perfect. I have had no problems with it. Its very roomy, not how you would think because its a small car. I just test drove it and then I knew that I was hooked.

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  Super Fun Big Little Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Holly - October 30 - 6:10 am

  I wanted a new car with great fuel economy and a 1980s-era price tag. My bright red 2-door liftback automatic is an adorable head-turner that more than doubled my previous MPG. It sits a little higher off the ground so getting in and out is easy, and the front seat area is remarkably spacious. It feels "big" on the inside. For the price I expected a "less substantial" car, but was surprised at its grippy feel of the road and responsive handling on curves. A $20 cable from Circuit City allowed me to stream my iPod through the radio. Passenger-side airbag sensor activates the airbag based on weight. Overall a thoughtful design and intelligent vehicle at a realistic price.

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  Solid Commuter - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Aunit - October 27 - 4:23 am

  The Yaris is all about cheap, reliable transportation and on that it delivers. I have seen well over 45mpg in mostly highway driving. I have had no reliability issues, all components work as advertised. The only issue I have had was that I was reversed into in a parking lot and the bumper cover cracked which may have been avoided but Toyota did not fit USDM cars with foam bumper absorbers (the parts under the cover, its essentially hollow under there). Canadian and Japanese cars have them.

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  My best car! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By CoBfan1987 - October 24 - 11:06 pm

  I bought this as my first brand new car and have not been disappointed one bit. In regards to the review by edmunds: When I test drove the automatic, I did notice more lack of power output. Its a good thing I was stubborn and would only buy a manual. Much higher power output. ;) And there is not a thing wrong with centrally placed gauges, its just different. It then allows for not 1, not 2...but 3 separate glove box storage areas.

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  TERRIBLE to drive!! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Kelly - October 15 - 6:40 pm

  This car has the absolute WORST driveability of any car that I have recently driven. This purchase is a HUGE MISTAKE and I have nothing but REGRETS!!. It DOES NOT GO IN STRAIGHT LINE ON THE HIGHWAY!!!!!! It needs CONSTANT, and I mean CONSTANT, steering corrections to keep it going straight ahead. So your arms get EXTREMELY tired in a very short time (And yes, Ive checked the alignment SEVERAL times). I had a friends 2000 Geo Metro Hatchback for a couple months last year, and that car tracked waaaayy better (and thats a $1000 car for crying out loud!!!!!!!). It is impossible to take this car on anything more than a half hour drive without feeling your arms are going to fall off!!!