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 - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Toyota - October 5 - 6:06 pm

  Ive had my Yaris for 20,000 miles and love it. I do highway driving and have never gotten below 37 mpg, with a personal best of 45 mpg. I travel on the highway at 75-80 mph with no issues or fears. Im 61" and am very comfortable in the vehicle. No issues at all.

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  Peppy, economical, cute, and fun! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By David H - September 29 - 2:46 am

  I have owned my Yaris for 6 weeks. So far, there are no problems whatsoever. The car is a lot of fun to drive. Due to the variable valve timing, the engine is very flexible. It pulls, no matter what gear you are in or where you are in the rev range. Have no fear about this car being under powered. It is not. It is best described as peppy. The fuel economy is fantastic! I average 33 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. I am 6 2" and find the front seats very comfortable. I really like the center gauges. When I get in a "normal" car, I wonder why the gauges are hidden behind the steering wheel. I love the cute styling.

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  Awesome in so many ways! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By sconlogue - September 28 - 10:16 pm

  I am used to small cars so a Yaris Sedan is not unfamiliar territory. What amazes me every time I get in it is how it has all the things I love about small cars without feeling small. All my other cars felt cheap and cramped. Not the case here. The performance on the manual is impressive for a 1.5L! You get plenty of pep. Now is a great time to buy too, got my 2008 used for almost 2,000 below TVM and I admit, I am no negotiator. I went with base model and I dont miss anything. Nice radio, solid handling, great styling, VERY comfortable. So I have to lock the doors and roll my own windows. Big deal. What a value.

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  Amazing - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Casey - September 1 - 2:16 pm

  This car is just amazing. Thats all there is too it. It has the pep that I wanted along with the style. Rush hour? No problem! This car can squeeze into little spaces. It also handles well on winding roads. I also have take this car off road on a 4-wheel trail in the woods somewhere in Illinois, it got muddied up and performed well. The engine has a lot of kick to it! If you want a cheap new car that is reliable, this is it! Plus the gas mileage! I get around 36 city and 42 highway. I just love the look on peoples faces when a little 4-cyl zips by them. You would never expect so much spirit from such a little car. It is really worth the price!

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  Great value - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By MadJen - August 30 - 11:13 pm

  I really wanted a Toyota because of their resale value and I managed to get this totally bare bones car and does not have any extra features AT ALL, not even power locks or windows. Having said that, I now have a very affordable Toyota that is holding its value, especially with gas prices going up. Gets 36 mpg in the city and over 40 on the highway. The lack of a tachometer has never bothered me. My main concern with the car is that in the winter on snowy roads (we had a doozy here this year) it is like driving a go-kart on ice skates. I plan to get new tires before this winter to see if it helps.

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  My Wife Loves It! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Rick S - August 30 - 1:13 pm

  This car is a great little car! We sold her 2004 Prius to get this one. She was not getting to take advantage of the gas mileage on the Prius for the payment we were paying. So I sold it on ebay for $3000 more than we owed and bought the Yaris. What a deal. The payment was half and the mileage is about the same as she was getting. And the insurance is less. Plus, in 48 months the car will be paid for, just in time for our youngest to take it to college! The oldest get my Prius. lol The Yaris is very fun to drive I like to drive it when I get the chance.

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  So Far So Great - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Happy Yaris Owner - August 20 - 9:06 pm

  Granted, I have owned this car for less than a week, but after a decently long trip for the holidays I feel I can give some helpful insight. For me the performance has been very acceptable. For a 1.5 liter engine it is peppy, quiet and smooth. The layout of the interior is not that quirky, but I do admit I like the sedans interior better than the hatchback I tested - seems to be higher quality. The sound system is excellent and this is with the standard single CD AM/FM stereo. I got 40 mpg on my trip and think my opinion of this car will only get better with the miles.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Mark R - August 14 - 3:33 pm

  Have the 4 door Hatchback with 4 cylinder. Can only go about 40 until the car warms up. Ice and snow build up between the frame and the tires, the scissor jack needs to be replaced

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  Gas and money savers delight - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lyle - August 12 - 2:20 am

  This is a great vehicle for people who want to have a solid commuter which does not cost them money. I do drive a lot on the highway and I also do drive the speed limits and accelerate at a modest rate, but any driver can achieve great fuel mileage on this car. After 5000 miles, Im averaging over 44 MPG. I use the air conditioner whenever its warm. The Yaris is made for economical driving and is not meant to substitute for a sporty car. For the price, you get a little more than you pay for if legendary Toyota reliability is present and Ill know that in a couple hundred thousand miles. I highly recommend this car for responsible people who keep a budget and are environmentally aware.

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  39MPG - Im still waiting :) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ivan - August 8 - 7:30 am

  Replacement for my 88 Corolla FX HB after it blew up. This automatic 2 dr LB is a perfect commuter car for me - point A to B with no nonsense. Plenty of room-I take it to Costco. Parks almost anywhere and turning radius is awesome. Although pricy,$16K out the door, but I really wanted auto windows & doorlocks. Im 64" and there are very few cars, even full size, thatll accomodate me. In this car my head, legs, knees, and elbows have room to spare. Major complaint - rated at 39MPG yeah right, at 1500 miles Im only averaging 34 which is great but I only drive freeway with very little stop and go & follow all the recommendations to get better mileage but havent gotten to 39MPG as others.