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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  Spunky little car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By robbadobba82 - December 1 - 1:27 am

  I bought this car used last year with 118,000 miles on it. It was a one-owner car. Its pretty basic but at least has A/C. I plan on pushing it over 200k miles which should be easy to do. Its a Toyota! A blast to drive with a stick shift. Enough performance to be zippy around town and the MPGs make me smile. Great car for the money. Sometimes I want something with more options but then I realize, this car is what it is. Its simple, no nonsense, it gets me from A to B and I have fun doing it. Gonna be hard to let it go if it ever dies. Love Love Love! Oh, also does great in Michigan Winters!

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  A sweet compact car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By a carpenter - November 30 - 2:46 pm

  My Tacoma was getting to be about 8 years old and my commute was averaging around a hundred miles a day. I needed to do something about rising gas prices so i bought this litte car. The MPG is absolutely awesome averaging about 41 mpg. I was concerned about the size of the vehicle but it is surprising how much room is really inside. I even have room for all my tools and equipment after I fold down the back seat. Simply awesome!

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  Glad I made the change - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Brad - November 12 - 9:13 pm

  I had an 02 Honda Accord, 4 cyl., and wanted better mileage. I did a lot of research, and didnt find a better price for the mileage. Ive only had it 3 days now, but I love the car. Small tweaks to the interior (longer arm rest/center console, and someplace to rest a cell phone) would be great. My only complaint in the rear view mirror. Im 59", and the mirror is right in my line of vision for intersection traffic. Im going to have my dealer move it up. Great ride, I have no problem with road noise.

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  Get your hands on a Toyota! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By John - November 12 - 10:23 am

  Friends thought I was crazy selling my 07 Civic Si, and perhaps I was. Yet one month later I purchased the Yaris and dont miss the Si at all! Who needs 0-60 in 5.3 seconds? The Yaris is an economical, quality, and well thought out car by the Japanese automaker. I like the aerodynamics of the car, not to mention all the nooks and crannies. Fuel economy is on a par with the Prius, and the Prius costs about 10k more. Frankly, Ill take the Yaris at 15k and 10k of free gas. The hatchback is also fun to drive. I am 63" and have plenty of head and adequate legroom. The convenience pkg upgrade is worth the price.

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  Not Just for Kids - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By deb - November 4 - 1:03 am

  Have had my Yaris for 9 months and so far all is well! Its great on gas mileage, averaging 30+ and thats with lots of short trips in town. Cute styling, comfy interior even for my 6 foot 200 pound son, and decent room for back seat passengers. Trunk is huge, too. Im 51 years old and previously drove a 1991 Toyota pickup which was EXTREMELY reliable. Had to stop driving it due to arthritis (had to give up the manual transmission, dang it!). If this little Yaris cutie is half as good as my Toy truck Ill be a happy camper!

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  Cute Car with Fantastic Mileage!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Stephanie - October 25 - 4:53 pm

  At first, I wasnt keen about losing my sporty convertible and exchanging it for the Yaris; but gas was a major problem and the Yaris mileage was the most influential factor for choosing it. However, I love my Yaris! Although its an economy, four door, I think its bubble look is cute along with the metallic red color I chose. Mileage is amazing! I commute 80 miles every day and find Im averaging around 40 mpg while dirving 80 mph! I think the stereo is great and highly recommend the power package option. The Yaris responds well for a 1.5L and definitely keeps up with the other cars on speed - it just needs a little oomph at first to pick up speed. This is the best economy car for 2008!

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  Great Car and Great Mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By djludwig - October 14 - 10:46 am

  I bought the Yaris on the strength of its reliability and gas mileage. I am pleased with the quality and for the price it is a solid car. It rides better than the larger Plymouth Sundance that was my prior car. My first 2 gas stops were 42 MPG and 38.5 MPG. I think that the mileage will improve as the engine breaks in. I bought the Sea Mist Green Metallic and the color is beautiful. I will continue to buy Toyota.

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  The Opinion - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Howards Yaris - October 13 - 3:56 pm

  Awesome ride for a small car. Comfort is quite nice. It did take some time to get used to the controls being in the center of console. The mileage is second to none... 30s in the city and near 40 mpg on the highway. For the price, it is an awesome buy.

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  Everything I wanted - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - October 5 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car because I wanted a car that will get me from point A to point B, & to do it in reasonable comfort & with 100% reliability & to do so over 200,000 miles. Ive not been disappointed in the first 5,015 miles. No problems, no surprise mechanical sounds, & the manual tranny is as smooth as an automatic tranny. I changed the oil at 600 miles & wish Id changed it at 500 miles because it was BLACK. Subsequent oil changes at 1,500 mile intervals have been relative clean. I really like the TIGHT 180 degree U- turn diameter

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  Econobox - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Johnny Boy - September 24 - 10:00 am

  For the price, I really cant complain. Have had some build quality issues, but they are all minor. It does make a lot of engine noise, and tire noise is also annoying at times- but then again, it is an econobox. I hope to get at least 200,000 miles on it before any major repairs have to be done. I sense that Toyota has slacked off on some of its products, but I think the Yaris is worth the buy.