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 CAR! Does what is expected - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Nick a - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car , I have had this car for 2 years and bought it with 50k and it now has 71k , Not a single problem whatsoever, besides changing oil and other basic maintenance that is ALL, this car lives up to its legendary Toyota reliability

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  Mark C - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By 55idive - August 13 - 9:13 am

  Love It! The red is red, drives great in the wind, cool add ons, My wife loves it!!

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  Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By BCN - August 4 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased my Yaris last year for a number of reasons, one of the main ones being gas prices. The 4-door sedan I chose can seat 4 adults more comfortably than some larger cars Ive had, and Im averaging 44-45 mpg highway. Its a great little car for the money. I looked at several other cars of other makes, but the Yaris had everything I wanted. With my commute being mostly highway, a hybrid wasnt necessarily the best answer for me.

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  2009 Sedan automatic - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By dadinfo - June 25 - 3:44 am

  We have had this car for 2 years now the only thing I do not like is the Hard dash the layout is great once you get used to the cluster position

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  Fun to Drive...Youre Joking?? - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Peter - June 1 - 10:16 am

  Great mileage,good fit and finish. Ends there. Clutch and drivability the worst of any small car, wish I took a longer test drive. Those who say fun to drive, best test other small vehicles. Will be trading soon. First and last Toyota experience. This is my 6th small car experience and most disappointing in many ways.

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  Commuters Dream Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By iota84jrock - May 20 - 8:13 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that was fuel efficient for the commute to work (75 miles rd trip). I put a deposit on my sedan around the beginning of August. Prior to that, I went to about 5 dealerships and could not find a sedan that had the power package. After narrowing my focus down to one dealership. I had them search for a sedan with the power package. They located one coming into the port of NY that had everything I was looking for in addition to side/curtain airbags and keyless entry. They informed me that it would take about 4 weeks to arrive. My Yaris was delivered to the dealership in about 3 weeks. After declining all the dealer-installed options, I happily took possession.

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  Hybrid-like gas mileage. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike C. - May 2 - 8:26 pm

  This is the closest youre going to get to a hybrid, without an electric or diesel motor. Right now Im averaging about 36 mpg with aggressive 60/40 city/hwy driving. And get over 40 mpg hwy. Its an amazing car, with the room and comfort of some mid-sized vehicles. I also drive a Tacoma, and have found the Yaris more comfortable. Contrary to other posts, I have found my Yaris auto to be quite peppy. It wont set speed records, but its very practical. I got a feeling that this will be a keeper for a long time to come.

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  Great car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By vrod305 - March 15 - 12:09 pm

  I bought a preowned 2009 Yaris S in January with 77,500 miles on it. Have put 16,000 miles on it since. Its an amazing car. Decent gas mileage, relatively quiet and very reliable. Ive had no issues with it other than a headlight going out (which my mechanic didnt even charge to replace). Im 63 and I fit fine in it. Does have trouble with going up mountain, but with 106 horsepower, you have to accept that. Would be nice if it had automatic looks, but thats not too big a deal. I would suggest a Yaris to anyone. This is also after I had a 2000 Echo that I drove for six years and got rid of with 199,800 miles on it.

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  Fun and Pratical - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ran Kizama - February 9 - 11:46 pm

  I traded in my 200WHP Mazdaspeed MX-5 because I was getting out of drifting and needed and fun yet practical daily driver. The Yaris was the best car to fit the bill. Fun to drive, excellent wheel response, and great MPG made the Yaris a prime choice. While it doesnt have quite as many bells and whistles as other cars such as the Nissan Versa or Honda Fit, its not a 5-door station wagon like they are either. This 3-door compact has been nothing but fun since I got it and Ive already began throwing on a variety of TRD Performance goodies that will keep my warranty intact.

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  Much better design then Echo - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By N9QGS - December 27 - 12:23 pm

  After looking at the Echo and the option packages, Im very pleased to say that I really like what the Yaris has brought, nice package options, safety curtain airbag option, gas mileage better then 36 mpg. and the car has a very nice ride longer wheel base then the echo, quiet interior for the price of the vehicle. Great commuter with toyota reliablility