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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  Great Commuter Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Wes - June 27 - 5:06 pm

  I moved to San Diego in April from Connecticut. Left my 2000 V6 F150 pickup to my son and picked up my Yaris the day I arrived in California. Ever since then I enjoy driving it. I am 62" and about 250# but fit in this vehicle just fine with plenty of head and legroom. Ive tested the gas millage and on average city/hwy combined with some AC use it does between 35 and 37 mpg. It provides a comfortable ride, relatively quite interior and smooth going over bumps. 1,500 cc motor is just perfect size for this vehicle. European version is 1,300. The weak spots is lack of power to accelerate on the spot (AT, manual must be better), weak AC, and small trunk area. Amazingly roomy for a small car.

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  I love this car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Geoff - June 26 - 6:13 pm

  I love this car. People in my area of New Jersey look at me weird because of the SUVs they drive. Give it a couple years and these cars will be hard to come by. I love the performance of the car, but what I really LOVE is the gas mileage. 117 miles and the bar finally went down once from full. It is very comfortable and fun to drive. It is also great for our environment. Ultra low emissions. I have nothing bad to say about this vehicle. Do yourself a favor and buy one now. You will smile at the gas pump.

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  Believe It! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Commuter - June 13 - 2:50 pm

  Yes, the gas milege everyone is talking about is correct. I use this car for commuting and drive stop and go rush hour traffic along with 20% city/80% highway. Overall gas milege after 2500 miles is 39 mpg. The lowest was 34 the highest 43.5. Fun to drive and you can feel the quality.

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  The Yaris is great - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By jd6102 - June 10 - 10:03 pm

  I went from driving a full size trick to the Yaris and I am perfectly happy with the size my kids actually have just as much if not more room in the Yaris. And my gas bill was cut at least in half.

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  2 yrs review - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By hborgaonkar - June 6 - 8:13 am

  after 2 yrs and 29000 miles the car has been a great commuter car. I consistently get 36-38 on my 56 mile daily commute. It did great in a very snowy minnesota winter with snow tires. I am happy with this $14k vehicle that has great value.

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  Im waiting for it to die - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By luvmyyaris - May 31 - 12:22 pm

  I have my eyes on the 2012 Audi A6, but I cant conscionably take the leap when my 2006/2007 Yaris just refuses to die! I have 113K miles (7.5 years) and its running like a champ. Sure I cant beat all the Audis and the BMWs off the green light, but I can zip and zoom around everyone else, and only pay $26 every 5K miles for servicing. No repairs whatsoever, other than new tires every 50K, and a belt change at mile 100K. I have a feeling the little Yaris is going to hang on for another 7.5 years, but deep down Im hoping that it wont because Im itching to get into a nice car that doesnt "rattle" when traveling at 80 mph.

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  Great little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ucmoyaris - May 30 - 5:50 pm

  I am going to write this for what it is, one of the least expensive cars on the market. I am really impressed for the price. With the first fill up, got 42 mpg. A/C, AM-FM stereo/CD with MP3 plug in. ABS, 15" wheels, drives nice, plenty of power to weight. I bought a car that is much quieter then my Ranger XLT, gets better mpg then my RAV4 and is fun to drive. Unlike those who want all kinds of standard features, I am happy that they arent loaded as I had a lot more choice in the price. I understand that I didnt buy a Lexus, I bought an economy car and am very happy with it. I look forward to years of Yaris miles.

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  great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By LINDIE - May 27 - 10:00 pm

  I love my little car, it gets wonderful gas mileage. I have taken it up the mountain passes many times, and it cruises nicely up them all.

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  Thats what Im talking about!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jewell - May 22 - 2:56 am

  I bought a 2007 Toyota Yaris 4 days ago and could not be happier- the money Im saving on gas is fantastic. The MP3 jack is huuuge for me. The seat is comfy and the car is quite stylish for an economic vehicle. I would recommend this to anyone.

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  Piece of Art - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By veewhitehead88 - May 21 - 9:43 pm

  I bought my Yaris a year before it became the model year, it had 19 miles on it. The car is reliable, Ive never had a problem with it running. It is unbelievably peppy for such a small engine, the car climbs to speed easily on the road. Gas mileage is fantastic. Its all the hybrid mpg without the hybrid price. The only cons against it is that there is no rpm or battery gauge, and it does not handle well on turns at high speeds. The dashboard is all plastic, and while it has tons of storage room up front, my two glove compartment doors do not line up properly with the dash for whatever reason. I would recommend this car to absolutely anyone in the market for a small, hybrid-ish car.