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:

• 

  Yaris in the Lou - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - February 20 - 12:16 pm

  What a great little car, I have driven a hyundai accent hatchback since 2002 and this is soo much nicer, it is more comfortable, the mileage is better, it looks a whole lot cooler, the only thing that this doesnt have is all of the standard features, but overall I have no complaints.

• 

  Great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Carrie Livingston - February 17 - 8:40 pm

  My husband and I just purchased this car for me to drive all over the state for my clinicals. Ive only driven it a day and already love it. It handles very well and gets great gas mileage. This car is so roomy on the inside. I traded in my Escort for this and some how its shorter in length but much bigger on the inside, no one has to sit with their knees in their chest to have enough leg room. Its taking a little getting used to looking at the speedometer in the center, but Im sure Ill get used to it.

• 

  The best car out there! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By cad - February 13 - 2:40 pm

  I was looking for a vehicle that was great on gas mileage, reliability and safety. After two + years of test driving and research, I settled on the Toyota Yaris 4 door lift back. I have no regrets over my choice. This car is fantastic! Lots of fun to drive and peppy to boot. It wont win any drag races, but the handling is fantastic. Tight turns, gets up to speed on the highway and is very stable even on windy days. Performed admirably in recent ice storm. I commute on a heavily trafficked highway with lots of construction vehicles and not once have I felt overwhelmed in this car. My gas mileage averages 38mpg with 70% highway, 30% city with conservative driving (no speeding).

• 

  Mini Yota - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cgh - February 12 - 7:23 pm

  I like small cars and a hatchback is my favorite body style. Having done some online research and discovering that this vehicle had the same drive train as the Scion xA and xB and the same engine as the Prius, I was intrigued. I hunted one down online that was totally devoid of the overpriced options. Having previously owned a Geo Metro I was a bit apprehensive about the acceleration and hill climbing ability of an ultra high mileage car. I took it for a test drive and was I ever surprised! It accelerated and handled like a small sports car, while at the same time having an interior that was roomy with comfortable seats. It was a frugal sports car lovers dream. I bought it the next day.

• 

  07 Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lindsey - February 4 - 9:53 pm

  I got the Yaris because I needed something affordable and reliable. So far I am loving it. Feels great on the road and very fun to drive; I feel hip when Im sporting around in it.

• 

  always feel good with toyota - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cornell - February 4 - 4:43 pm

  Just to start off with this is my fourth toyota that i have driven since 1970 [my first toyota corolla hatchback}. I kept this one 7 years and sold it to my friend for 75.00 and he kept it for two more years, the only thing in all the years that i changed was a transmission because i was a new driver in 1970 and was a little rough, i had a manual trans. I have since had a tercel, echo, and presntly driving a Yaris which i adore and the style i love especialy the interior, my car is a blue royal and inside is black which looks really sleek.My car is and untill toyota shows me that that can not continue to build reliable and fuel efficient cars i will die being a toyota consumer,

• 

  My Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By AJ - February 2 - 9:36 pm

  I get pulled aside in parking lots and asked a lot about this car. Its sharp looking for a mini, much more affordable than the M-cooper, and get almost 40mpg. Peppy acceleration, great on turns.

• 

  Great little commuter car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Volocty - January 24 - 4:13 pm

  We love this car. It is everything we were looking for in a small commuter car. My wife calls it the Hummingbird, because it requires so little fuel to get around. We chose the "S" and Power package, which gives you all the features you need. My only complaint is that the Turn-signal indicator is too quiet. We choose the Manual 5-spd and have no regrets. Seats are firm, visibility is OK, center-mount dash layout takes a little while to get use to, but is very nice at night, since there is no light distraction directly in front of you. And we love the style and look of the "S" model.

• 

  Love my Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By loretta - January 17 - 4:43 pm

  Nice low price, drives great holds the road and plenty of room. Easy to park. Good on gas. Very cute!

• 

  Great Car for the Money - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Bob - January 15 - 10:06 am

  I bought the 2008 Yaris for one reason,gas prices. But I am pleased at the quality of this car. I bought the automatic which has no acceleration problems. This car is fun to drive and comfortable! I love going to the gas station. Have been offered more than I paid for it!