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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  Echo Lovers Come On Over - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Carol - July 27 - 2:23 am

  I owned a Toyota Echo, and drove it for 8 years with excellent satisfaction. I was hoping to drive it 8 more but was hit by another vehicle running a red light. Even so it handled beautifully and stayed upright. I searched to replace it and couldnt find another Echo. I looked for the closest thing..a 2009 Toyota Yaris. I love it. I recommend it. Gas mileage highway miles about 43 mpg. Plenty of pep and handles well. Try it, youll like it:)

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  Certified machanic (own business) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sully - July 24 - 2:06 am

  Turns on a dime. Better gas mileage than window sticker states. Great transmision, holds its own going up hill,and down as well. No need to hold brake pedal burning up brakes computer senses need to down shift from lock up mode (torque converter). Easy to park. Awesome factory add ons. Im 61" and have plenty of leg room. Kids have plenty of room. Awesome interior set up.

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  An impressive small car - 2013 Toyota Yaris
  By jscion - July 12 - 10:33 am

  I just replaced my Scion xA with a Yaris L 5-door in Classic Silver and I have to say that I really like this car a lot. Im so glad that Toyota did away with the awful center mounted gauges. I had those in my Scion xA and grew to hate the whole setup after a few years. The interior in the Yaris is extremely well designed with easy to use controls, nice materials and very good fit and finish. It feels like a much larger, more expensive car than it actually is and drives great in the city, on the thruway, and even in the snow and ice. Out the door with tax and everything, the Yaris was a very reasonable $17,700. The Yaris is also one on the most reliable cars you can buy.

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  Yaris 2007 4 dr sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By JPR - July 11 - 8:10 pm

  The Toyota Yaris had turned out to be the best car that I have ever purchased. My wife was hesitant at first however she now thinks it is a great car. The mileage is hard to beat. It now has over 30k miles and if it is driven right, I can reach 44 mpg on 1 tank of gas.

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  Yaris 2010 - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By pmm - July 10 - 4:06 pm

  Found the car tracking and seems to veer to the right on freeway speeds. Actually got motion sickness twice on trips over 100 miles. Would not buy one again and dealer let alone mfg bad on trying to help seems they really don`t care about customers as they say.

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  Cheap Car, But Not a Cheap Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By DavidinWisconsin - July 4 - 7:56 pm

  I tried all the small fuel sipper cars before buying a Yaris Sedan. The price/performance/features won the battle for my dollar. Although the Yaris is a very inexpensive auto, it is by no means cheaply made. Im totally enjoying it!

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  I Love my new Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Deca - July 3 - 2:40 pm

  This little Yaris is the coolest car on the planet. I just am amazed with it. People look at me more than when i drove my Xterra . The gas mileage is awesome. My only concern is how this car will take the winter and sleet/snow. The S package does come with bigger tires so you do lose some gas mileage but the handling is better. The AC is great. The interior room is plenty. I do give Toyota lots of credit for making a peppy 1.5 16 valve . The Yaris should pass every test possible that my BF will put it through. I look forward to the east coast winter and see if it really is all that. Oh I did add my own GPS and Sirius and tinted the glass. Lets rock this Yaris.

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  Best car in its class - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By atlantikia - July 3 - 1:50 am

  So far i have about 8k miles on my 5 speed Yaris, and I have to say I love it. Nice pick up off the line and a smooth ride. It wont perform like a camry, but its also half the price. Its the best car youll find at this price point.

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  Finally got one with a cruise control - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By daf62757 - July 2 - 4:46 am

  My daughter bought a 2007 Yaris and I fell in love with her car. I would have bought one much earlier, but they didnt come with a cruise control. Finally, the liftback came with a cruise control and I bought one. The ride is great. I drive from Indy to Chicago every week and have gotten 34 MPG in mixed driving. This is a fun car to drive and has a really smooth ride. It isnt a Lexus so you have some tradeoff, but overall, great value for the money and since it is a Toyota, I know it will last a long, long time!

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  This little guy is a champ! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By J - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought the base automatic all the options. It is a perfect second car. Has a ton of interior space and clever storage. This car is way more spacious than the Lexus IS I downgraded from. The backseat is fine for two average sized people when needed. I consistently get 36-38 mpg driving mostly highway at 70-80 mph. Also great in the snow with the skinny tires. This car shines as commuter car. It has plenty of go and decent handling. That is noticeably reduced with two passengers or heavy cargo. Still, 95% of the time, this car meets my needs like a champ. I just cant understand driving a huge 6-7 seater for only one person. Its great for road trips too. What more do you really need!?