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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  Overall, a good buy for the money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Danielle Marie - August 6 - 1:36 am

  I fell in love with my Yaris from the moment I saw it. I felt so excited to be the first one in my city to have a Yaris, and they curious looks I got. I love everything about the car except two things. Be careful when it is very windy because it will blow you around like a leaf in the fall. Second, I still have not gotten the gas mileage I am supposed to be getting. I am only getting 33 mpg on a good fill up. It should be between 34-40.

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  Best value at proven reliability. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - July 27 - 3:53 am

  Timing couldnt be more perfect. In the small cars category, Toyota brought a Europe-proven model to the US market and beats the rest in the category for value and reliability with fuel efficiency, kick in the drive and my 4-door sedan Yaris is the biggest small car at this price! Even driving at my high speed average of 82 mph on highway commute, fuel efficiency is still at good 37 mpg.

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  Good no Great Car and Fun - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Joseph Campa - July 21 - 5:26 am

  I read several reviews before I bought my Yaris and I feel that Toyota has a winner. I also have a civic and the Yaris is a better car in quality and reliability. I am considering buying another one. I only wish that you could get a split rear seat and center console on the base model. Small car with a big interior is the Yaris with exceptional gas mileage. I got a little over 38 mpg with mine and that is great when you have two active girls that need to go places. Smooth ride and exceptional comfort.

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  Get one! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By jimjimmyjimjim - July 18 - 7:30 pm

  I really do love this little car. Why do people have to state the obvious in their reviews? Its not a $60K sports car, duh. That said, I think it is fun as heck to drive in the 5spd manual trans. Plenty of power and dare I say even a "sporty" feel. Great modern look, bordering on adorable (to me). I honestly like the center console that some people complain about. It makes it easier for me to read my speed and I get an extra glove box out of the deal! The interior is ridiculously large for such a small car. Ive owned many cars including expensive sports cars. Ultimately a car is transportation. Toyota proves that transportation can be cute, fun, well made, reliable AND INEXPENSIVE! :)

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  I LOVE my Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Miss Thang - July 16 - 7:46 pm

  I bought this vehicle for its fuel economy as my daily commuter. I have been getting close to 40MPG regularly as most of my driving in on the highway and that it is going to and from the mountains to Denver every day which means it would suck more gas going up "the hill" where I have to downshift to get more speed. If I was on flat highway I would imagine it would get even HIGHER! I took a road trip to New Mexico with my two children and my husband and it fit us and our small bags without a problem and we got about 39 MPG even driving 80 MPH most of the way. It was as comfortable as our other larger crossover AWD vehicle. I have been very pleased with my purchase.

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  Happy Yaris Owner - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Bob Wickline - July 14 - 9:50 pm

  I am 66" tall and I fit just fine in this vehicle. I look forward to driving it. Not only do I love this particular car but I believe Toyota makes the best cars on the road. I love the simplicity of the controls and the conveniences designed into the dash and doors. It handles extremely well. I was looking for a comuter car and this is just perfect for my needs.

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  Awsome Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Old Man - July 11 - 6:40 pm

  I bought my 07 Yaris Hatchback and never had any problems with this car. Ive owned about 13 cars now... some new and some used...Im only 28 but I love cars. Drove VWs all my life but had too many problems. Needed a new car and tried the yaris. I love this car...it looks cool ..drives great (I get about 35-42 mpgs) how can you beat that. its simple and clean...even though the windows are manual and locks.. theyll never break!.. you get used to the speed of it..its slow but fun to drive. No tachometer.. but if you know how to drive .. you never look at the tach anyways..I recommend the car in white makes it look pricier...its more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. I give it an 8/10.

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  Amazing buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By zelaya_ed - July 10 - 1:33 am

  Im in college... and the last thing I wanted to have to worry about was my car. So I decided to go with a toyota - having to be on a budget the Yaris was definitely in my price range. Immediately I fell in love with the car, it looked cool, had an ipod jack built in, power everything, and finally I got to the gas station. 20 bucks filled her up, what a buy.

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  One Great Little Ride - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By John - June 19 - 8:16 am

  I drive about 120 miles a day and I am getting 44 mpg on the highway. Blended city/hway Im getting 38... If you drive hard you will get a bit less but doing 70 and hold back on the jack rabbit starts and you should get the same. I have the automatic and the performance is fine. Its not the fastest car, but there is plenty of power to hang out and pass on the highway. Overall the car is great, it runs great, rides great, just a great price performers.

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  Drive it/buy it - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By mike - June 12 - 4:40 am

  I wanted a commuter car as my truck gets 15-16 mpg. My choice was a Honda or Toyota. The Yaris fit the bill. Good fit and finish, turns on a dime, 36-38 mpg around town/freeway and 40+ on freeway driving alone. I figured that in a few years I could drive to work -55miles daily- and purchase a new vehicle with the gas for the same price of just putting gas in my truck and wearing it out. The oil companies will make minimal off my driving. I purchased the arm rest-dealer installed for about $140. This has been great!! worth the money. Car is a blast to drive-co-workers say it reminds them of a remote control toy car. Great value, great car- Ive owned other Toyotas.