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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Driving fun!! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
By Joe V. - April 6 - 8:30 amI traded my 2005 Corolla for the Yaris 2 door hatchback w/power package. My insurance decrease, my payment dropped significantly, and I get lots of oohs and ahhs from friends and colleagues. The car is extremely economical. Im getting a tad under 34 mpg around town: I have yet to do the highway, longer drive scenario. It is roomier than the Corolla was.... has more safety features, and is just fun to drive. Its a great second car backed by Toyota reliability!
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Great Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Ben - April 2 - 10:46 amI would say that even though this car is a bit sluggish off the line, it makes up for it in second and third gear and I have to slow down to keep from going too fast at 60 to 80 mph. I do get pushed around on the interstate or with gusty winds, but laugh at the SUV drivers and their gas mileage. It is a fun car to drive and the only thing that I wished was driiferent after driving it for a month is the high beam indicator not being able to dim with the dash lights. Fun to drive and great on gas and plenty of room. I change my rating to an overall 10.
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Good choice - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By dericy - March 26 - 11:46 pmThis was what I was looking for. Good looks, good mileage, Toyota is its name. The 1989 Civic hatchback almost made it to 300k and you will certainly hear about it if this doesnt. I got a great basic car. No radio, 14" wheels, roll up windows, exactly like I am used to. I threw in an aftermarket Pioneer 6900ub with direct usb link to the iPod and I have a great commuter, even for those times when I have to sit in Seattle area traffic.
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So far I like it alot! - 2012 Toyota Yaris
By toyotafan6 - March 20 - 7:03 amIve only had my new 2012 Yaris 3 DR LE a couple of weeks but so far I am impressed. Has good visibility: sits a little higher than my 2001 Corolla LE - gas mileage pretty good, according to the display Im averaging 33 mpg, all city driving...Drivers seat very comfortable. I love the design of the dashboard/controls, all easy to reach and good-sized control knobs. The two-tone dash (black and soft grey) looks expensive and instead of being perfectly smooth it has a little bit of texture to it. Mine is the Wave Line Pearl color, a light blue. Tire are pretty good quality, Goodyear Assurance. I havent sat in the rear yet but it looks to be fairly roomy. Handling is good.
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Surprised - 2008 Toyota Yaris
By sonja - March 20 - 6:16 amIve had my car for 2 years and am extremely happy with it. I commute mostly on interstate 35 miles one way, and yes, it doesnt have the greatest punch on the gas, but its a great zippy little car. The off ramps are great! The trunk room is surprising and with the capability of dropping the back and front passenger seats down, it is amazing at what you can put in this car. Bottom line it is what it is- an economy car - wouldnt get rid of it for the world.
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Great car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
By vrod305 - March 15 - 12:09 pmI bought a preowned 2009 Yaris S in January with 77,500 miles on it. Have put 16,000 miles on it since. Its an amazing car. Decent gas mileage, relatively quiet and very reliable. Ive had no issues with it other than a headlight going out (which my mechanic didnt even charge to replace). Im 63 and I fit fine in it. Does have trouble with going up mountain, but with 106 horsepower, you have to accept that. Would be nice if it had automatic looks, but thats not too big a deal. I would suggest a Yaris to anyone. This is also after I had a 2000 Echo that I drove for six years and got rid of with 199,800 miles on it.
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Yaris Review - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By jeng7722 - March 9 - 8:36 pmI just bought my Yaris yesterday after having a ford focus for 2 years. What a difference!! I love the shape of the car. toyota has used all the compact space really well. drive is smooth and Gas milage is awesome! i love it.
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great car for me--so far 25 k - 2010 Toyota Yaris
By hrs5 - February 28 - 7:14 amI think my yaris is fantastic as I look towards long term ownership w/o problems... It might be a bit underrated if assessed from the standpoint of initial 2010 reviews of the vehicle versus longer term ownership. This car has really grown on me in every way! Im hoping that I can dime in again in another 25k with more positives.
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Design Flaw - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By TBM - February 24 - 11:03 pmThe placement of the a/c condenser, close to the ground, and very little protection from the grille can cause foreign objects to damage the condenser, especially small rocks. A very small rock penetrated through the grill and damaged the condenser causing a micro hole depressurizing the a/c system. The a/c no longer works. I took it to a Toyota dealer even though it is under warranty I still had to pay $80.00 for them to look at it because the damage was caused by an outside object and was not covered. The bill to repair it was $1200.00. Toyota should have put wire mesh in that area of the grille to protect the condenser. Positives are gas mileage and price, but you get what you pay for
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Works great for me - 2010 Toyota Yaris
By edgy - February 23 - 7:20 pmIve had the yaris for 4 months and 6,500 miles, great car but Im a Toyota owner for many years. Yaris replaced my echo that also had the 1.5 engine. Retired the echo with 200,000 miles with original battery, water pump, alternator. I feel the yaris will out do the echo. The mileage is great, highway average approx 44.5. Love this car, strong a/c which was always a problem with the echo
