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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  Excellent Economy Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By karrat - January 1 - 3:13 pm

  I had an Accord for a while, but rising gas prices ($3.50 at the time) pushed me towards a more economical car. I settled on the Yaris for the fuel efficiency and cost; I get around 37 mpg on average, mostly highway driving (35 mile commute each way to work). It is a very basic vehicle, but it suits my needs just fine. I opted for the MP3/CD player which was well worth it. The AUX jack in the center console is very useful, but the placement (right below the shifter) is a little awkward. The car looks quite small on the inside, but my friends comment on how much room there is on the inside (more than they expected, at least).

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  Good car (just good, not great) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By New york city gal - December 25 - 9:23 am

  So my last car was a Honda Accord. I know its not fair to judge this car based on my past vehicle but Im pretty sure that is why Im not wholly astounded. I find this car to be quite bumpy on the road (as expected from such a small lightweight car), & I truly hate the brakes. I feel like the car is almost out of control when braking. When driving on a bumpy road I feel like Im riding a bike on a cobblestone road. Maybe Im not used to it but Ive been driving it for 2 weeks already. Car sounds like a tank when accelerating, and really cant keep up with other cars. Overall, I expected better but its still not a bad car. And for the price & toyota name I really cant complain.

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  Love the Yaris Liftback - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By bws2 - December 24 - 9:50 pm

  This is a terrific small car that is fuel efficient and easy to handle... great for parking in snug spots. Has lots of hidden storage and is very roomy for its size. This car turns heads and is fun to drive. The negative to this car is the engine runs loud, especially at about 45-60 mph ~ but then at higher or lower speeds it has a nice comfortably low engine sound... it just takes getting used to. The seats are very comfortable and made to be supportive. I love the instrument panel being in the center and often wonder why it being behind the steering wheel never bothered me all those years ~ it is actually very user friendly. This is a great affordable car IF you can find one on a lot!

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  GO YARIS! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By nickac - December 19 - 9:09 am

  I traded an Infiniti G35 for a yaris, which might seem like a huge difference, and it was. However, I been very happy with this decision. I constantly am averaging 31.5 mpg in the city and about 39 highway, which is fantastic. The reliability I cant say much about yet because my car only has 4300 miles, but it starts up in sub zero temps and hasnt given me trouble yet. The car feels solid for a cheap car. I hate how all the reviewers knock this car because it really is not that bad. It is affordable, practical, reliable, and excellent on gas. Despite toyotas recalls, I still think they are far superior than many other brands. For example, Nissan, GM, Ford, and mazda. Yaris is a great car!

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  Extraordinary Well-Built Tiny Efficiency - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Annette Keller - December 17 - 12:50 am

  This car is tiny - head-turningly so. People gawk as if its a toy car. But the interior is so well designed, with many cup-holders, compartments and the hatchback, that I feel as comfortable in it as I did in my 4Runner SUV. Its been years since I had a hatchback, and the accessibility is a wonderful convenience. I have a manual and know how to drive it efficiently. I get between 36-45 mpg, depending on whether the gas station sells 100% gas or an ethanol blend. Can reach anything from the drivers seat except the very back (trunk) part of hatchback. Gets in any parking space. Never had such a convenient, easy access car.

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  A 2CV for the new millenium :-) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Scott - December 15 - 11:40 am

  I bought my Yaris Liftback after selling a new 2007 VW Rabbit which was not a good fit for me. The Yaris is everything the Rabbit is not: fun, light, thrifty, nimble, and solidly built. Im 50, and I grew up driving basic cars so the simple nature of the Yaris really appeals to me. Great visibility, light and intuitive controls, roomy (Im 65" & 175 lbs), practical, and very frugal with fuel. So far, Im a very happy new owner.

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  Love my new Yaris!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By harlanddjogger - December 13 - 6:10 pm

  I love this little car. There is more interior space than what it first appears. I had three adult passengers in it last week and all were amazed at the comfort and room. Also the gas mileage is phenomenal! I am getting between 39 and 40 miles per gallon, mixed driving - highway and city. I have no complaints thus far. Ive had my Yaris for a month now. It replaced my Saturn Vue V-6 AWD which only got 18 miles per gallon. I am saving a ton of money on gas.

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  Good value for money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Belmont - December 7 - 3:00 am

  Its comfortable and fun to drive. I love the mileage I get.

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  Love My Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Love My Yaris - November 23 - 11:50 pm

  I have never owned a Toyota, all Chevrolets except my latest which is a Jeep. I bought the Yaris to park my Chevy truck because gas was killing me. Roomy car appears small until you sit in it. Very peppy and fun to drive with the manual transmission. I am thoroughly impressed.

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  OK Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By TAMPA OWNER - November 20 - 5:46 am

  This car is fun to drive and handles well. I dont suggest pulling out in front of any cars, it does not have a lot of get up and go power. The look is good the ride is nice. I am only getting 30 mpg in city driving, would like to have seen a little better.