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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  Got YARIS? - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Joanna - February 11 - 4:00 pm

  I just got the car today straight from Japan, and loved it so much inside and outside that I was not able to part from it and went without food for 7 hours. I was chosing between Chevy Aveo, Nissan Versa and Honda Fit. After long and careful research, Ive decided that Toyota Yaris is the most economical and best looking option. I got my Yaris absolutely red, with power package, all weather guard package, keyless entry, ABS, automatic transmission, 60/40 split. I originally ordered blue, but aparently those are harder to get, but once I saw the red I never looked back. I am looking forward to the excelent gas mileage!!

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  Fun and Pratical - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ran Kizama - February 9 - 11:46 pm

  I traded in my 200WHP Mazdaspeed MX-5 because I was getting out of drifting and needed and fun yet practical daily driver. The Yaris was the best car to fit the bill. Fun to drive, excellent wheel response, and great MPG made the Yaris a prime choice. While it doesnt have quite as many bells and whistles as other cars such as the Nissan Versa or Honda Fit, its not a 5-door station wagon like they are either. This 3-door compact has been nothing but fun since I got it and Ive already began throwing on a variety of TRD Performance goodies that will keep my warranty intact.

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  Awesome little car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Sean - February 7 - 2:10 pm

  I did a lot of research on this car before buying, and love it! It is fun to drive around, cheap on gas, and with Toyotas name, Im sure it will be very reliable. I get compliments on it everywhere I go.

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  Bigger inside than out - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cosado - January 31 - 8:33 am

  My other vehicle is a Land Cruiser and this is the perfect complement to it. I am constantly thinking of reasons to run errands so that I can drive it. I ordered the liftback without even driving it because of its looks and my confidence in Toyota build quality and it didnt disappoint. Ive driven almost 350 miles and Im still waiting for the gas meter to reach the bottom bar. A very nimble car with good power, whether Im alone or with my wife and kids. By the way, the Yaris was a hugh success with my 8 and 9 year old kids!

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  A great buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Alley123 - January 26 - 11:30 pm

  I love this car! Had it for over 2 years with no troubles. Routine oil changes are only required every 5000 miles instead of the usual 3000. My tires will need replacing soon (currently have 37000 miles on them.) I love that its a small car, yet the seats feel more like that of a van in that you sit straight up instead of the laid back/stretched out position of many cars. And I havent found anything that doesnt fit in the back when the seat is folded down. The back seat is very roomy for a two-door car. You dont hit your head on the ceiling and enough leg room for an average person. Great gas mileage, although Ive never gotten what other people have reported (I get 33-36 mpg).

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  1 year of driving - Love this car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - January 26 - 9:10 am

  We bought our Yaris in April, 2007. Love it more everyday. Great car, better mileage. Never below 36 in town, 38 on highway at 75 mph. Had cruise control added at dealership. I LIKE the cupholders. They are up and out of the way. Front seat is very comfortable for adults. We took 5 12 hour trips from Wichita Ks to El Paso Tx in 2 month period. If you have a lot of driving to do and want to do it economically, buy a Yaris, you wont regret it. We dont.

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  Too Cute for Words - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By tempron - January 23 - 7:46 am

  Having weathered the past 3 years in an expensive German car lease (including $4.75 unleaded premium), I am a good example of the change in trend of consumer behavior. Bought my Yaris after a quick test drive and am in love with this cute little car. I obviously wanted (and needed) a car that was both inexpensive to own and operate, but also stylishly quirky and fun to drive.

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  Superb Economy Car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Stephen - January 22 - 10:16 am

  My 2008 Yaris recently totaled in accident. Did what it was supposed to, protect my wife and me while taking the damage. Four days later I had a 2010 identical Yaris with even better safety features. I cannot tell you how peppy, compact, fun to drive and SAFE this small car can be. Gas mileage is great, interior and exterior features and looks are sleek and very Euro style, and the cargo room is outstanding for what basically looks like a cute Tinkertoy. Small wife (411")loves the view driving it. Great choice for many reasons.

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  Small Car, Big Performance - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Handymanron - January 21 - 2:53 am

  This small gas-sipping car is really a sleeper. It doesnt look fast, but considering it has only a 4 cyl. engine, it is QUICK. My wife and I both have marveled at how quickly youre doing more than the speed limit. Good thing we got cruise control!! Lots of legroom, more than a Corolla or an Accord. Headroom is a bit tight if youre over 6 tall. Just a fun, zippy little car with great gas mileage. Youll feel like youre driving a sports car.

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  I love my Ladybug - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Manuela Inman - January 20 - 2:26 am

  I went to Germany to visit some relatives and they had a Yaris. I fell in love with it over there. When it came out over here I just had to have one. I love that it is roomy, and easy to handle. You can get in just about any parking space. It is very fuel efficient and good looking. People even stop and look.