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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  Lowest ownership costs of any car!! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Roger - June 9 - 6:46 pm

  Great little car. I bought it to commute to work in and it fits perfect. Best low cost to gas mileage car out there. zips around very nice.I added keyless entry for 150 aftermarket and it is now fully loaded!

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  2008 Yaris hatchback review - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By spanyerd - June 4 - 3:06 pm

  Great car for the $$. Tons of great features with Toyotas rep for quality. Xlnt int and ext styling. Gets good mpg, but less than expected @ 35 avg (likely due to 75mph hwy speed- my fault, I know). But its "pep" means mpg are wasted with high rpm. A better 5th or added 6th gear would increase the mpg without killing the power. Lack of cruise control option stinks. I commute 150 miles/day @ 90% hwy. No CC means focus is on speedo not the road. Also drops mpg. Auto daytime dash & headlights without auto daytime tailights is dumb & dangerous. As day turns to night while driving, you have to "remember" to turn on the (tail)lights. Almost rear-ended. Also pulled over by CHP.

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  Yaris Rocks - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cincy2 - May 25 - 4:40 pm

  I picked up a metallic blue hatchback this weekend. Toyotas quality and this vehicles gas mileage (39 hwy) were what attracted me to this model. I was shocked to find I actually enjoyed driving it! I know vehicle quality. My other cars are a MB CL500 and Lexus Rx300. This little car is well made, peppy and has a lot of character. Highly recommended.

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  Love my Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Tine - May 25 - 1:16 am

  I purchased my Yaris at the end of August 2006. Its given me no problems, it is fun to drive and I love the 657 million compartments. The little extras like MP3 hookup are great!

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  2007 Yaris Sedan Flint Mica - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cruiser - May 20 - 2:26 pm

  Saw a Yaris sedan drive by and was impressed with the styling. When I found out it was a Toyota and very reasonably priced I had to test drive. Hard to get but the dealer ordered in a sedan, auto, Flint Mica, and the B package. In Canada that gets you ABS, EBD, A/C, power doors, windows, locks mirrors, and keyless entry, a$2000 CAD or about $1600 US. Great little car that doesnt look or feel little at all. Looks more expensive than my dads Corolla and better equipped for less money. You do get use to the centre speedometer and tach (standard in Canada) but I hate where the cupholders are and I need a centre armrest that is not behind my arm. Still,overall its a great car, buy one!

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  "Love my Yaris" - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By josie - May 19 - 11:13 am

  I love my Yaris, Im hoping a 2009 or 2010 is coming out, because I would like to get another one.The front seats needs more padding, because on long drives it gets uncomfortable. I love the power it has to get out in traffic, and the gas mileage. It is sporty and peppy i have had people to stop and ask me about my Yaris. I also like that it holds its value very well. I traded my Echo to this Yaris. I liked the Echos placement of the speedometer better where it was turn towards the driver, but I do love it in the center of the dash instead over the steering column. Im short, so Ive always had trouble trying to see the road because of speedometer being over the steering column.

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  Go Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By love it - May 11 - 1:16 pm

  Love the gas mileage and low fuel costs! Very Comfortable on long trips for my 5ft 7 inch frame. Very quiet! I can hold Blue Tooth Cell phone conversations at highway speed. Love the small car maneuverability after years of driving a Dodge Grand Caravan. Very quick steering and short turn radius.

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  The perfect ride! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By linda jonke - May 4 - 12:10 pm

  We have several cars, a newer Corvette & a 05 Jeep. With the gas prices & my husbands long comute we went looking for a more economical car. This is the perfect car. At 62" and 215 my husband is not a small guy, he loves this car! At first everyone teased him at work, now everyone one wants one. He loves the power, the solidness & everyone knocks on our door at home & wants to know what it is! My husband wears a suit to work. The other day, 5 large guys in suits paged him to the parking lot & were sitting in the car just to prove you could fit car! He loves open window air & this is the first car he has owned that he can open the window and there is no noise or wind. Toyota has a winner.

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  Love this car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Elaine - May 3 - 3:40 pm

  Believe it or not I purchased a 2009 Corolla S one month earlier and hated it. Traded it in for this cute little Yaris and even with the loss I took am so much happier with this car. Feels tight and sturdy. Easy and such fun to drive.

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  I love my new Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Schandelle - April 22 - 7:40 am

  I just got my new Yaris today and I love it. It is taking me some time to get used to driving a new car, but it handles great. It excels much better than my old car, and very quickly for a 4 cylinder. I got the 4 door sedan. I didnt get any special features, just a radio/cd player, but it is better equipped than my old car. At this pricepoint, the payments are affordable on my part time college student income. I just cant say enough about my car.