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 gas mileage & fun to drive! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By MC - November 18 - 1:33 am

  I expected the great gas mileage (Im getting 35 pretty routinely and 38-40 on long trips), but the advertising doesnt tell you how much fun it is to drive! You sit up high - feels a little like an SUV in this regard - so road visibility is great. This thing turns on a dime, so you can zip in and out of really tight spots. Mine is a standard (5 sp) transmission, so pickup (even with the AC running) is a non-issue. Good passenger room (I have the 4-door.) Safety issue: there is a HUGE blind spot between the rt. rear passenger window and the back window - you really MUST use the passenger-side mirror to see whats coming up behind you on the rt. side.

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  2008 Yaris - great gas mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By luvmyaris - November 9 - 3:50 pm

  I have only had the auto 10,000 miles since February. Great gas mileage, I have gotten over 40 MPG. Great initial quality, No problems. Have only had 1 oil change to date, that and gas and it is good to go. GREAT CAR, best bang for the buck.

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  Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Natalie - November 9 - 3:20 am

  I have had my Yaris for about a year and a half and I have had no problems with the car. I used to own a small car so I am used to the small engine so this may have an effect on my review.

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  Loving the fuel mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Brian Young - November 8 - 11:13 pm

  My wife and I really enjoy our Yaris S 5-speed. The lowest mileage weve gotten is 44 and the highest almost 49. Have driven it nearly 7000 troublefree miles and are impressed with the ride and quietness for such a small relatively inexpensive car. There is plenty of passenger room and the trunk is amazingly large.

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  Buy one - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By denny - November 8 - 8:03 pm

  I have 1200 miles so far. Fuel economy is 39 to 41 mpg, mixed driving. Storage space is great, handling & comfort is great - I have found no downside to this car. 5 speed is smooth as silk. All the controls are easy to reach & you have full control of your choices. No computer changing things for you. Feels roomy inside, seats are firm & comfortable - air conditioner vents have full range control. Everything is easy to use & easy to reach. Buy this car for fun, buy it for economy or both. I am 61 - this car makes me smile. Change nothing on it.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lindsey - October 27 - 9:06 pm

  I just got my new Olive Mist 4dr Yaris. I just got to 200 miles and have no complaints, it is the cutest thing, people think its a Volkswagen. Since having this I wouldnt trade it for anything; it has great pickup and turning corners is a blast. I like the cupholders where they are, its kinda different. Gas is also GREAT, like I said, made it to 200 miles and still have over half a tank left! Get one!

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  Yaris is Impressive - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Wboytowers - October 12 - 3:13 am

  Best efficient and comfortable sedan that is a non hybrid. Very good at the pump and fun to drive. Very remarkable stability on the highway for its size. Very weird the car appears small from the outside but very roomy from the inside. Trunk space is good. Smart engineering when it come to dimensions.

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  Toleckias Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Toleckia - October 11 - 10:36 am

  My experience in the 2007 Yaris is great. I love my new car. It is a stylish, comfortable, and affordable vehicle. It drives smooth which makes it fun to drive. If anyone ask me how does it feel to drive a Yaris, I will tell them it feels great. I would recommend anyone who wants a car thats afordable and comfortable to buy a Yaris.

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  Great Little Everyday Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By testguy - September 30 - 10:23 pm

  Ive had this car for almost two years now and I have been throughly impressed with it. It was my first new car and it has held up extremely well, minus a small ding (my own fault), when it is cleaned it looks like it did the day I drove it home. The interior is much larger than you would think (Im 285 and have plenty of room, and my best friend is 365 and we fit with no issue). The only thing I have replaced so far have been the wipers.

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  Better Than a Prius - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By DB - September 26 - 4:46 am

  My Yaris gets 42 mpg on average and no problems. I have 20k miles on the car. The bad thing about the car is my wife loves it so much because its fun to drive, carries all her stuff, its zippy around town, easy to park and she looks great in it. I have to plan the time when I can use it. We are purchasing a 2009 5 door in January.