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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  A Nice Practical Vehicle - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By gwscheil - April 12 - 8:36 am

  Actual mileage in the first three tanks is 31-36 mpg under less than ideal driving conditions. Comfortable to drive, controls are easy to use. It was easy to adjust to the center mounted instruments. Have not yet needed to fold down the rear seats for more cargo space on short trips, city errands and shopping. Better visibility than in the Matrix or Scion Xa.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lori - April 11 - 6:10 am

  Ive had my car now for 2 months and I cant believe the great gas mileage I get. Its fun to drive, small yet roomy (NOT for big people though) so far, Im loving it! Im a bit anxious to see how it handles in the SNOW!

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  Well worth the investment - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kevin Sheldrick - April 7 - 12:36 am

  I purchased my Yaris hatchback in April 07. Have put 7500 miles on it already. Have had four people in it comfortably. Love it. My wife cannot wait for the Toyota Ractis, a very similar car to the Yaris, to be offered in the U.S.

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  Yaris S 18 Wheels - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By barja2008 - March 22 - 6:30 am

  Great car for the money. The upgraded interior and exterior in the S package was worth the extra money. My car gets a lot of looks especially with the 18 wheels. I was getting 38 mpg with the stock wheels, after the 18 wheels were installed the car dropped to 33 mpg. I am ok with the difference because i was driving a 97 4x4 4runner that was getting 16mpg before the Yaris.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mailman37204 - March 17 - 3:30 pm

  I love this car already. The gas mileage has been excellent so far (38 mpg), and its a real head turner in traffic. There are a few things that take some getting used to, including the center-mounted display, but after about 2 days I began to wonder why all cars dont have it. For a pretty small car, the Yaris sure does have plenty of leg room. It will whip in and out of traffic in the city, and when you take it out on the interstate, it will absolutely fly down the road with suprising comfort. Overall very fun to drive, good looking, and a smart move considering the price of gas these days.

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  Best highway mpg - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By J - March 4 - 6:06 pm

  We purchased this car to park the silverado in hopes to achieve 37 mpg from everyone elses reviews. keeping the car at 70 mph or less we maintain 35-36 which is very impressive. took a highway trip and set it on cruise which was added, at 65 mph and at 280 miles we did get 46 mpg. i have no complaints for the compromise of mileage. if I did not have cruise control added i would not enjoy highway trips. overall if driven with a light foot and 70 or less mph good result await you. enjoy

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By RogerW - March 4 - 12:43 am

  I have been a Toyota customer since 1983 and most recently owned a 2000 Camry until it was totaled in an accident. I wanted another Toyota and was looking for better gas mileage than my 25 mpg Camry. I have 3,000 miles on it now and havnt gotten better than 28 mpg. I am so disappointed that I am thinking of getting rid of it and buying another Camry. My driving habits havent changed and it only gets 3 mpg better than my bigger 2000 Camry. Not happy!!

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  The one you are looking for - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Amy - February 27 - 2:43 pm

  I purchased this car 2 days ago. I love it. Its a great economical solution to a new car. The engine is capable compared to the competition. The cabin is small but adequate for its size.

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  Yaris Kudos - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Jim Mc - February 23 - 2:20 am

  I recently purchased a new 3 dr Yaris and I am very happy with its overall quality and performance. I love the additional cargo space compared to my trade in Corolla. Compared to the Matrix which I drove as a rental for a few days the overall driver visibility is superior. It more than adequately gets up to the speed limit and as a technician it looks very easy to work on. Great price and quality. If it has the same dependability as my old Corolla I will be very happy in years to come. Jim Mc

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  What a fun car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jjrigadoon - February 22 - 10:56 am

  We wanted an economical 2nd vehicle; my daughter had purchased a Yaris sedan and loved it. We checked it out (high cute factor) and went with it for the great Toyota reputation and the fact that it won "Car of the Year" in Europe one year. It has turned into our 1st vehicle, not the 2nd. My husband and I both love to drive it, so the SUV sits in the driveway a lot. We got the 5 speed, manual. It has plenty of power... a requirement of mine for getting on the interstates.