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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  New owner - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lawyerchick - February 23 - 9:50 pm

  Just purchased my new car two days ago. So far, extremely happy with my purchase. As econo-cars go, the Yaris seems to be well thought-out and engineered. There is sufficient room for passengers and the seats are plain but supportive. There are enough bells and whistles to make it feel like a more expensive vehicle. It is stable and nimble to drive, even at highway speeds. Fuel efficiency has been absolutely fantastic.

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  This car deserves a second look! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Bob - February 22 - 3:33 pm

  I mainly chose the Toyota Yaris for the fuel economy. I have averaged almost 60mpg on highway runs, and about 40mpg around town (much better than my other car)! The seating is comfortable and the interior is easy to keep clean (charcoal gray). It handles beautifully at higher speeds, even around corners! The newly redesigned headlight assembly allow great light dispersion, for improved visibility, especially if you add the Sylvania Ulta Star headlamps! Most oncoming traffic think I am running my high beams, yet I am not! The fuel tank capacity is 11.1 gallons, and I can squeeze 600 miles out of it! If you try it, you will buy it! Really deserves a second look!

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  Love - Hate relationship - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By love/haterealtionshp - February 10 - 9:53 am

  Ive had my Yaris for a little over a year and a half. Amazing gas mileage one of the things I love, its got quite a lot of oomph when you want it. I think its probably best as a tuner car. I dont recommend it as a family sedan though, unless you have snow tires on it, it slides everywhere in the winter, the cars too light for decent winter driving. Also Im expecting and am very afraid to put my child in the car, Ive seen them get totaled at 15 mph. As much as I do love this little car, I hate it at the same time, wish it was safer. As it stands with a little one on the way Im searching for something else. Itll make me sad to see it go, but I gotta do whats best for my family.

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  Yaris - 10 day owners review - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Batavia - February 9 - 9:46 am

  So far, so good. Owned for a week and a half and have put on a whopping 200 miles. It appears gas mileage will be a big plus, along with the hoot that we get driving this cute little booger

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  Smart Buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Rochester Dan - January 31 - 2:10 pm

  As gas keeps going through the roof, I keep smiling. With an average mpg of 40+ in mixed driving, I cant understand why people dont park their SUVs and get this to drive to work. What I am saving in gas is making the payment, not to mention the lower maintenance costs. The only negative is the cup holders, which is really a minor thing. The stereo is decent, the interior is roomy, and the seats are comfortable. Im not a small guy, but this really doesnt feel like a small car.

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  Would Buy Again Easily! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By SB - January 28 - 2:56 am

  After over four years of ownership, this is a great car all around. Ive driven this car through mountains, snow and floods and still after 44,000 mi, the engine and everything else still runs like it did when it rolled off the showroom floor. Acceleration is nothing special, but its ample to get on the highway and keep up with traffic. I usually average about 34 mpg with mostly city driving, 42 mpg is the absolute most in my experience. Storage is never a problem even on long trips with a dog kennel in the back and being 62 I have plenty of headroom and legroom (maybe not so for rear passengers). If youre a no frills person looking for reliability and function, Yaris is a great choice.

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  Great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By barb - January 23 - 9:20 pm

  I have had this car for four months, great buy, love the mpg. Like the small car payment. Easy and comfortable to drive. Love the stereo system and the dash.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jason - January 19 - 1:06 am

  Performance. Great acceleration for a 106 hp car. No problem keeping up in traffic and with careful driving manages 38-40 mpg in the city and 41-43 mpg on the highway. Comfort. Upright seating position is great for visibility and makes it easy to drive this car for hours at a time.

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  Excellent Subcompact - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Sean - January 13 - 8:56 pm

  At first, I was taken back by how small this car is. But, when I climbed inside I was amazed at how much interior room there is. The center console is different, but once you get used to it, its actually more convenient than peering through the steering wheel like most cars. The car corners very well and is surprisingly resistant to being blown around on the highway (for a subcompact anyway). Toyota managed to get the price down by making features optional that come standard on other cars, so expect to pay more than the base MSRP (but its worth it). Availability is limited in 2006, so you may have to be patient if youre picky about options. Great car; would buy again!

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  a perfect ten - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By tom giambra - January 9 - 3:50 pm

  I was looking at the fit and did not feel like waiting a month or longer plus paying a nine hundred dollar premium .Iam glad I bought Yaris drives like a big car 38 mpg first fill up mixed driving