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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  Love My Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By AuntieD - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased our Yaris to use as a second car. What a spacious and fuel efficient car!

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  09 Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Rob - September 21 - 3:16 pm

  I recently purchased my 09 Yaris. Dealer can, VERY LOW MILEAGE. I was lucky to find one with the 5 speed man. trans. With a combination of city/highway driving and I am able to get 47.8 mpg CONSISTENTLY. I am very impressed with the cars quality and the quietness of the engine even at highway speeds. As far as the center mounted instruments are concerned. At first I found them to be very awkward, but after just a few days I am very comfortable with the center location..

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  Great Car!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Erica3737 - September 19 - 7:00 pm

  I love this car. The only down side is the storage space on the dash. The cup holders are right in front of the vents so it melts a cold drink when the heater is on and there is only a center console and golve box but no other storage space available. Other than that I LOVE IT!

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  Love my 1st Toyota - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By tincup23 - September 19 - 3:39 pm

  I have owned a 2011 4dr hatch back since mid July 2011 had 20miles on it when i got it. I will say with out a doubt the best car i owned in 24 yrs. I travel to work 1 way 35 miles and the mpg on this car does what it says, meaning i pay no more then 7$ a day round trip. I`m 6`6 235 yes it`s a clown car for me :) BUT this car works exactly what iu wanted MPG!!! period... O btw this is my FIRST "non-american" car and IF Toyota and their warranty hold hold it wont be my last.. Toyota baby wow i`m impressed

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  Bugger! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Remus - September 16 - 9:53 am

  Got it since my MazdaSpeed3 was killing me on gas. In two months since I had it paid 815$ in gas for 7k I drove on it. The Yaris is great. Is fully loaded and also opted for the arm rest, mud guards and read bumper protector. I just love it so far.

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  Great little car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By YarisOwner - September 16 - 9:20 am

  I have had this car two weeks and have not put gas in it yet! I really enjoy this car and think it is worth the money. I have enjoyed my little go-kart so far and look forward to driving it for a long time.

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Andy - September 15 - 1:43 pm

  I am amazed about this car. I wanted good gas mileage and this car delivers! Great performance for the engine it has. It maneuvers really good. The Yaris gets in places that my Dodge Caravan could never go. I got the convenience package with a great audio system and 15 inch wheels. I am very satisfied with the Yaris!!

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  I love my car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Susan - September 11 - 5:43 pm

  I have just purchased a new car. So far I have enjoyed driving it and the gas I am saving is great. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  Fantastic for the price - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jimbo - September 8 - 2:20 am

  The fuel mileage is wonderful. Its great fun to drive. I love it.

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  Great for zipping around town - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sharon devenney - September 4 - 11:50 pm

  I might not want to go on a long trip in it, but it is great getting around town, especially when trying to avoid the interstates. Parking is a breeze anywhere downtown.