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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  2007 Yaris Sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By stat - November 25 - 10:23 am

  Looking good. I think I like it better than my Echo.

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  Good car but others have gotten better - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By emajor - November 21 - 7:23 am

  Our Yaris is a 2008 and we are now 3 1/2 years and 36,000 miles into our ownership. Car has been perfectly reliable and exceeds EPA ratings, we regularly see 40 to 44 mpg highway, 30+ in town. Roomy up front, with lots of legroom, but narrow. Backseat has enough legroom & headroom for 6-footers and under. Large trunk. Lots of storage pockets, the center gauges are no problem, and the interior is pretty nice. Less road noise than the Fit. Problems: The engine has enough power, but the 4 speed automatic needs another gear or two. Driving position is terrible for taller drivers; the wheel is too far away, and the pedals too close. Pay attention to this during your test drive.

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By John - November 18 - 8:20 pm

  My intention was to purchase a Camry because I prefer larger cars but I took a look at the Yaris as a basis of comparison. I was pleasantly surprised with the room this car has inside. Outside it appears very small, esp. the 2-door. This is why I chose the sedan. Inside is really cavernous. It came with ABS & side airbags standard & gas mileage is AMAZING. Quality is great. If it was cheaper by $1000 it would be a perfect 10 in my book.

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  Big man, little car. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mwc115 - November 9 - 9:46 pm

  I like it. Im 67" about 270 lbs, and I truly enjoy it and fit comfortably, if that says anything about the interior. It lacks power but makes up for it in gas mileage. It is also fun to drive, gets around great, and the sedan makes you wonder how there is that much space in such a small car. It is a great little commuter car and I get everything I expected to get out of it. They are hard to find. I had to get the base model and lack of keyless entry is making me nuts, but can be added. Cup holders and speedometer placement are... different and take getting used to. Im picky so I replaced the speakers after 1 day, and it was not an easy processes.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mr driver - November 7 - 9:50 am

  Performance: The Yaris gives you the feeling that you are in a golf cart and keeping up with normal/slow traffic is tough, with 106 hp, you will not pass anyone who dosent slow down for you! Comfort: Compromised by the fact that seating 5 people will make it all but impossible to get up to the speed limit before the next stop. Ride: Smooth but the drivers seat sits awkward if youre tall because of where the steering wheel is mounted due to the cramped interior. Fuel: I havent been able to get more than 389 miles out of a full tank which is 34.5 miles a gallon when averaging between city and highway. Good fuel economy but the 1998 Corolla got almost as good about 2 miles less a gallon + 140hp.

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  Pretty Freakin Sweet - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Mattp2425 - November 6 - 9:00 am

  The 1.5 4 speed engine in this lightweight, low-to-the-ground package has all the get-up n go youd ever need for safe driving on a fast highway. Picks up from 75 to 110 w/no problem. Good performance in 3rd & 4th gear. Very little low end (duh). Nice tight turning radius, which is quite a compliment since my other car is a Wrangler. Ergonomics: cozy but Im baffled by the cup holder behind my steering wheel. I guess I could keep my phone & wallet in there. The flint mica S trim looks tight & will look better with a few inexpensive tricks. 18" chrome rims, 35% window tint & Im in the air about the bra. That almost-vertical front end is distinctive but it could eat some stones on the hwy.

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  I Love My Little Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Laurie - November 1 - 3:20 am

  I bought this car a little over a month ago, and have really enjoyed it. Its my first new car, so Ive been really careful during the "break in" process. I can tell it has gotten smoother during this time. The steering is awesome! I also have come to really like the center console design. Its easy to use and find all the controls. Sometimes I wish there were a tachometer, but its not a big deal. This is a great car for anyone who just wants a buzz-around car! It does great on the highway as well, although it has a harder time accelerating on hills (and with more than 2 adults in the car). But I still love it for what it is!!

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  Great car for the price! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kris roop - October 23 - 2:26 pm

  This is the first Toyota that Ive purchased. Its a great car all the way around. Gas mileage is wonderful, lots of extras! Peppier than I thought it would be for a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder. Neat interior design as well as the front end. A lot more attractive than the corolla! I will definitely purchase another vehicle from toyota.

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  I Love my Yaris!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Tina G - October 21 - 8:30 am

  I am having a great time adjusting from my Grand Caravan to my Yaris. The gas savings have been awesome with milage averaging 39-41 MPG with a mix of stop and go and highway driving. It is comfortable, handles great and is pure joy!!

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  I want another one - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Danno - October 21 - 2:36 am

  Just bought one for my daughter. Ive been driving it until she comes home for Christmas break. great car, fun to drive. Its a great value and I wouldnt mind having one for myself.