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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  Unique Styling, Outstanding Mileage - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By micweb - October 11 - 7:20 am

  This is the type of car I expected from VW - compact, highly efficient, well made, and innovative. Well, I had to go to Toyota to get it, but at least there are a ton of Toyota dealers to get it serviced at! :-) I gave up some creature comforts that I hardly miss - like power windows etc. - but got a great price. This puppy accelerates FAST with a 5 speed. It is more sporty than my old VW Golf! At the same time I am getting 35-37 mpg during this break-in period on my freeway commute. Quiet when cruising. Engine noise when accelerating, but thats the trade off for a sub-2500 pound car that does well in NHTSA, NCAP, and IIHS crash tests. Im a happy new owner!

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  When driving became fun again! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Michael - October 5 - 2:03 pm

  I cant recall the last time I found myself looking forward to driving; my Yaris makes my being on the road a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I can only echo others comments regarding the Yaris handling, fuel economy (Ive been averaging 34 MPG as a city driver) and its inescapable head-turning likeability. I adapted quickly to the center-mounted instrument panel. Variety is the spice! I definitely recommend the Power Package if only for the power-lock amenity. The standard stereo setup thats included in this package is robust enough for me. Friends have all commented on the Yaris deceptively roomy interior. It seats five, but four seems a more realistic number to expect.

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  Absolutely the BEST MPG! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Aviator - September 29 - 1:33 am

  In 75 to 85 mph on the freeway and a/c on I consistently get 41 to 43+ mpg!! And this is an auto transmission. The very best was two weeks ago in Yellowstone National park. We fueled up in Jackson Hole WY and drove to Moran junction and entered the park and later that night arrived to West Yellowstone Montana. Our speed was between 30 and 50 mph and our mileage was 60.11 mpg!! No a/c, lower speed obviously contributed to the mpg. Three other vehicles in our party and we double checked all of the figures. Before you doubt, please know that I am a pilot and do know how to calculate mpg and a whole lot more. If you want reliability and mpg, go buy the car. You will not regret!

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  Best Car Yet - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By dsutt - September 28 - 11:43 pm

  I am very please with my Yaris. It is a manual tranny, and like others have said, get the manual if you want to make the car fun to drive. Mileage is awesome. I get 47 MPG in the warm season. It drops to about 41 in the winter. I do not baby the car to get that MPG. I accelerate to keep up with others, and usually drive +7 to 10 MPH over the limit. The brakes are solid, the electronic steering is solid, the suspension does not roll when taking corners at 30 MPH! The radio sounds great, the lights are very bright...I cant really find a fault with the car. The one thing that could be better are the front seats. My lower back tends to sink into the backrest too far.

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  My New Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - September 23 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car several weeks ago. I check other economy cars, and found the Yaris to offer the most in comfort and drive. The cup holders are not good, they are not where they belong, but the rest of the car, fit and finish and drive is suberb for a tiny car.

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  The more I drive it, the more I like it. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Al - September 23 - 10:06 pm

  I originally planned to get a used Camry or Accord but found that vehicles 2 years old with 40-60k miles cost more than my new Yaris. When I first saw the Yaris I almost laughed as I am 64" and I thought "No way will this work". I got in and was quite surprised at the room for my legs and head. I also had tried out a Scion HD and my head was touching the ceiling. And to be honest, I really liked the Honda Fit....but not for $3,000 more. First tank I got 37 mpg and I have had it a month now and have filled up twice. Dont miss the weekly visits to the gas station. The manual trans is smooth and fun and the center instrument panel and controls are just fine. No regrets!

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  Adult-Sized Slot Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lou & Sue - September 22 - 8:33 pm

  We now have 600+ miles on our loaded liftback. Both wife and I are impressed with its comfort, handling and design. We have mostly stick-shift cars over last 35 yrs, including 3 ALFAS & a Ford Fiesta. This car is similar to the Fiesta, and gets thru the turns as good as the Alfas, maybe better. Have not pushed the engine or brakes yet, but appears they will do quite well. Only 1/2 way thru 2nd tank of gas; got 35.5 MPG on first tank. It gets lots of looks on the road.

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  YAR FOR KAR!!!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Karla - September 20 - 4:20 am

  I am so happy with this car!!! There are tons of compartments for storage, and 5 cupholders! There is no front seat console unfortunately, but I found a website where I can get an aftermarket one that will fit my little car. I got the hatchback SPORT edition, and although that wasnt what I initially set out for, Im so glad I got it! Its so fun, and people are always smiling at it and saying things like "sweet"! The hatchback is great for a single person like me, or just a couple, but if you have kids, the hatchback really isnt as practical as the sedan would be. This car has a lot of pick-up and power, it can climb steep hills with the best of them, especially with that 3rd gear.

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  Theres no competition. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Twistoffate0817 - September 16 - 5:56 am

  The price, the MPG, the style... this car has it all! There is no other car out there that can come close to competing with the yaris. This is overall an amazing car and you have to check it out before buying a new car.

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  Pleased with auto. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ed - September 15 - 1:43 am

  Center gauges are quickly obtained, fully visible. Overall quality seems impressive for entry level auto. Chosen for quality, fuel economy, not price. Responsive, actually fun to drive. Full complement of airbags. A city car, not really large enough for constant high speeds.