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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  Getting what you pay for is a good thing - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mxzebrax - July 26 - 12:30 pm

  This is a wonderful car for the price. At about 13,000 you cant expect much. The Yaris is like a a good $5 hamburger, its good, but its not a filet mignon. For the price, I feel this is the best car out there. I did a lot of shopping before buying and am very pleased with it. For a while I was a little iffy, but then I got the windows tinted and it looks way better, especially since I got a dark blue color. Dark cars need dark windows. This was my first car.

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  I love my 2012 Yaris LE 2 door - 2012 Toyota Yaris
  By binki1 - July 23 - 11:15 am

  I didnt like my 2010 Honda Fit 4 door because I felt crunched in the drivers side and looked at the 2012 Yaris and knew it was for me. I had a previous 2008 Toyota Yaris ( basic) traded it in for a 2010 Honda and now realized that I should have kept my old Honda fit, but realized that I have a great 2012 Toyota Yaris, which I will keep for many years.

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  08 Yaris - everything I wanted - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - July 19 - 12:40 pm

  I wanted a reliable, fuel efficient vehicle to get me to work, store, etc. This is it. Ive had this car 10 months, put 16K miles on it, and it hasnt given me an ounce of trouble. On an average tank of gas, combination of highway/town, I get between 39-41mpg. I run 80mph on the interstate with plenty left, handles great. The dash in the middle takes getting used to, and the corner posts are too thick, impeding vision, especially backing out of a parking place, I would like to see a tach, temp gauges. Besides that, this car is great. No regrets.

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  love it - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Teresa - July 18 - 1:33 pm

  I love my Yaris, and have taken it on a few long trips, did not notice it didnt have cruise till I took it on a trip and was disappointed it was not pointed out by dealer but love it anyway and would recommend to anyone for the economy of it.

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  Better than expected - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By MS - July 18 - 1:16 pm

  Bought 2010 5 door Yaris for the gas mileage alone given my commute, but found the car to be enjoyable overall. I can get all 3 of my kids in the back if I need too. The manual is bright and easy to shift, power even at 1500 rpm, so Im in 5th unless I am stopped or on steep hill. Nice stereo, with Ipod jack, "plasticy" interior but expected. zippy and I can park anywhere. If youre ready to save money and the environment get one. FYI Toyota does not make one without the power package so add 1k + to the price, I paid $14,200.

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  Awsome car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Cycliste1961 - July 18 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love this car. Low initial cost and low cost to maintain. I have lifetime oil and filter changes. I am a no fuss guy who wants a reliable car with the lowest possible fuel consumption. Great steering wheel response. Super maneuverability and great road feel. This is equivalent to the Corolla of the 80s. A car for those of us who cannot be bothered with vehicle problems.

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  Awesome first New Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Nate - July 1 - 1:20 am

  I bought the car for price and MPG, also because I havent seen many around. It was a must to get the S package and a must to get the manual transmission for its performance. I got the tan (bisque) interior which I think steps it up a notch from the dark alternative. I feel like Im driving a mini Camry which is my next car in a few years.

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  Terrible little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Abbie - June 29 - 5:49 am

  Needs a specific kind of coolant/antifreeze. Cannot use universal. Can build up blockages in engine.

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  Start Saving Money and Have Fun - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Gas Sipper - June 26 - 12:36 am

  I bought the Yaris as a commuter. My Dodge Hemi Pickup now is my "utility" vehicle for trips and weekends. The Yaris has completely surprised me; not only am I saving $200+ per month on gas, I am really enjoying driving it. I have the bare bones model; power nothing, not even a radio. It is amazingly peppy and handles great. It it totally simple and utilitarian, yet safe and fun. Theyre hard to find in some areas, so start looking now.

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  Reliable & good on gas - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By yoski - June 25 - 8:00 am

  I had the car for 6 month and 8K miles. The gas mileage is about 3 mpg worse than my old Tercel. Best was 42 mpg on the highway, worst was 34 mpg in heavy city traffic. I average 37-38 on my commute which is mostly city driving. The car is comfortable and easy to handle, tight turning radius, lots of space once you fold down the rear seats. So far I had zero problems with the car. Easy to work on for do-it-yourselfers.