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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  Overall fantastic traveling vehicle - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mary ann - September 12 - 1:36 am

  Handles very well, quiet engine.

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  Love My Yaris! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Cakina - September 11 - 2:13 am

  Until I got to the dealership, I had never heard of a Yaris. 2 hours and much test driving later, I would not have bought anything else! The interior space and comfort are incredible for this size of vehicle. I love the extra room with the fold down rear seat. Better gas mileage was my ultimate goal. After feeding a Trailblazer every 5 or 6 days I am looking forward to seeing the gas pumps 2 times per month! Excellent vehicle that I have an will continue to recommend!

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  2008 Toyota Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By norske - September 6 - 9:06 am

  Have had it for 2 days and love it. Wanted it solely for mpg, so bells & whistles were not a necessity. Its just plain fun to drive. Parks like a dream (no depth perception so thats important), feels bigger than it is, good interior room, shifts great, acceleration is good, great Toyota a/c, thought dashboard design would be awkward - not, will be a great commuter car (70 miles a day). Other subcompacts have similar mpg & more base options but are more money, If you can find one, buy it, most bang for $.

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  What a Great little Car!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Melissa - September 3 - 6:13 am

  I purchased this car to get me from school and work to home. Ive been driving a lot and my new Durango was killing me. This is a 3rd car for my family and I wasnt sure Id like driving a car again, but I love it. I havent driven the truck since I got it! I bought this car used, but it only had 17,000 miles and was clean. It is so fun and comfortable to drive. Peppy, handles well, rides pretty good on the freeway doing 80mph. My husband is 63" and fits well and my daughter sits behind him with plenty of room. I consistently get 39 mpg even going 80! Cant beat that!

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  Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - September 1 - 10:33 pm

  This is a good example of Toyota quality for a reasonable entry level price. In this day of increasing fuel prices this is an exccellent commuter car. My car has 15" tires and the ride is considerably better than one would imagine with a small car. The back seats slide fore and aft to create either more leg room, or more cargo room, a nice feature at any price point. A/C is standard and the electric power steering is the best yet. For those who care, you can connect your iPod to the center console. It takes a little getting used to to have a center gauge stack, but the resultant three gloveboxes are worth it. The EPA sticker is accurate, which is nice for a change!

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By A-town - August 10 - 9:10 pm

  I have had this car for a little over 6 months and have 10000 miles on her. I get gas mileage between 33-35 in mixed driving, I got up to 41 on a road trip. The car is great. It is nothing fancy but hasnt had any trouble with her so far.

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  Only one complaint - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ahviva - August 8 - 8:33 pm

  I was extremely excited to buy this car to replace my old Geo Metro. Although no fuel-driven car (and even many hybrids) comes close to Geo Metros fuel efficiency, Yaris record was good enough. Plus, I was looking to stay within the sub-compact category. I love it in every way except for two serious design flaws: 1. Theres only ONE cup holder in the whole car, and its positioned in a way that is utterly inconvenient. I have to reach quite far back, past the manual brake to be able to grab it. 2. If I adjust the seat so that I am comfortable reaching the pedals, I have to stretch my arms to reach the steering wheel. It makes it for a much less comfortable drive than Id like to.

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  Favorite Car Yet - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jordan - August 5 - 5:40 am

  This car gets excellent gas mileage, is fun to drive, sharp looking, and inexpensive even with some options. One very nice option is the MP3 player port, which was my excuse for a new iPod. Most surprising is the spaciousness of this car. For how small it is, it is very roomy, especially in the back. I was very surprised by that. This is my first Toyota, and it wont be my last. I can only say one bad thing about this car, but even it is typical of cars today anyway... it has rattling issues. This is mostly just because of all the plastic used on cars now. Its just something you will have to put up with no matter what kind of car you drive.

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  The best car i ever had - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mark kumer - August 1 - 3:16 am

  I am 41 years old. I travel over 100 miles a day round trip. I bought my yaris as a birthday present for my wife. We travel together to save on gas. Thats why I bought this fine work of art in my own words. You see its a steal for what you pay compared to the hybrids. I get 45 to 50 miles to the gallon with the a/c off and driven 55 mph with a 10 gallon tank you do the math its awesome. You know that credit card commercial. 45 miles to the gallon on a 10 gallon price

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  Death Mobile! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Teenage Driver - July 28 - 6:30 am

  Hi this is my second review the Title I used before this one is "I like mine". Since my last review I have experienced an episode of Unintended acceleration. After school was out I started my car my car was in neutral since its a standard when my engine revved up like I was pressing the gas pedal So I turn it off & start it again & its normal again so as I was heading home I was using the cruise control when out of no where it started accelerating so I pushed the brakes because usually it deactivates the cruise but this time it didnt. It got up 2 the speed of 95 MPH when I shift it to neutral I was able to stop but the engine kept revving. Stay away from toyota yariss they are defective as well.