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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  Yaris Rules! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Padrooga1 - May 21 - 4:03 am

  I bought the Yaris Liftback, because I needed a car. Shopping around at slightly used cars I decided I could buy a new one (Yaris) for the price of the used. The Yaris was just being introduced and gas prices were rising. Those were big factors for me in purchasing this vehicle. This is my first foreign car that Ive ever owned. I also choose a foreign vehicle because of the reliability. I plan to drive this vehicle for many years. The ride is wonderful, I fill the tank 2 times a month. It rides smoothly for a small car and you really feel like your riding in a big car. I also like all the airbags and saftey options this car has!

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  Commuters Dream Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By iota84jrock - May 20 - 8:13 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that was fuel efficient for the commute to work (75 miles rd trip). I put a deposit on my sedan around the beginning of August. Prior to that, I went to about 5 dealerships and could not find a sedan that had the power package. After narrowing my focus down to one dealership. I had them search for a sedan with the power package. They located one coming into the port of NY that had everything I was looking for in addition to side/curtain airbags and keyless entry. They informed me that it would take about 4 weeks to arrive. My Yaris was delivered to the dealership in about 3 weeks. After declining all the dealer-installed options, I happily took possession.

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  Bought our car a week ago!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Angelique - May 19 - 3:33 am

  We have wanted to buy a toyota for years, but being on a fixed income, and having 2 children, the Yaris is great and affordable for us, and finally, we were able to purchase one. Gas is great with this car and has a lot of nice options.

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  Love it... - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By tony - May 12 - 7:46 pm

  I will recommend a Yaris, fun to drive, good on fuel economy and the sedan has more interior space along with trunk space. I was lucky to get my car with a body kit and alloy wheels at a low selling cost. I do miss a few more interior storage area for the back seats. A big Toyota fan!!..also have a Tacoma pre-runner..love it too.

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  Great! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By RT - May 3 - 12:50 am

  Being my first car, I first decided on buying the Yaris for its great price, cute looks and awesome mileage. I drive ~26 miles/day and have been averaging 36mpg. The acceleration is a little sluggish while raising from 0-20 but after that no complaints! It took me a day to get used to the centered dashboard, but now..I like this better that the conventional behind-the-steering placing. I feel that this way, my eyes are not completely off the road while glancing at the speedometer.

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  Hybrid-like gas mileage. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike C. - May 2 - 8:26 pm

  This is the closest youre going to get to a hybrid, without an electric or diesel motor. Right now Im averaging about 36 mpg with aggressive 60/40 city/hwy driving. And get over 40 mpg hwy. Its an amazing car, with the room and comfort of some mid-sized vehicles. I also drive a Tacoma, and have found the Yaris more comfortable. Contrary to other posts, I have found my Yaris auto to be quite peppy. It wont set speed records, but its very practical. I got a feeling that this will be a keeper for a long time to come.

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  As Much Fun As My College Convertible - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ByeByeHonda - April 23 - 12:20 pm

  I havent had so much fun in a car since I owned a cheap European convertible in college. But this car in no way feels cheap. My seats are fabulously comfortable, I love the interior (fantastic fabric & spacious for 5!!), it handles like the little convertible I so dearly loved, and its as quiet and smooth as any car Ive ever owned, including the $27k gas-guzzler its replacing. Ive put 265 city & highway miles on it in 2 days and the tank is half full! Love it, love it, love it!! I call it my little red "Toy"!! It is everything I was looking for. It is the perfect commuter car!

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  Solid! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By KK - April 21 - 4:03 am

  I needed to buy an economy car and Id read a lot of good things about the Yaris (I did a lot of car research!), but I was concerned about getting something solid and safe; I didnt want to drive a "tin can". When I finally tried the 08 Yaris sedan, I was happily amazed. Surprisingly solid for an economy car! Has all the extras (side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, power everything) which pushed up the price but still was a great deal. Gas mileage is the best I ever had on a car. Ive driven it almost a week and the tank level has barely moved. Im surprised this car doesnt get more attention.

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Rafael - April 18 - 1:10 am

  This car has completely met my expectations. I love the body style and exterior design. It is very roomy inside (I am 62" / 210 lbs and fit perfectly inside). The gas mileage is great. The lowest I have ever gotten is 37mpg but I am averaging about 40mpg most of the time. I thought I was not going to feel safe inside of such a small car, but I was wrong. I feel really safe. The only bad thing about it is that is really light so the car gets shaken by the wind if it is too windy. However, as long as you keep both hands on the wheel, theres nothing to worry about.

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  LOVE MY YARIS!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Dawn - April 15 - 12:43 am

  Looks are deceiving, you can comfortably fit 5 adults in this thing! I chose the Yaris because of MPG and price, and when I got to the dealer I bought it because of looks and ride. The manual tranny is super easy to shift, and I love the way it turns on a dime.