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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  LOVE IT SO FAR - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By tezra - June 24 - 8:53 am

  I have only had it a day, but I live 25 miles from the closest city and going back home is all up hill. I didnt have the least bit of problem climbing the hill. I am suppose to break it in at 70 mph. Having trouble keeping it from 80 mph, an thats going up 4000 ft elevation from sea level. Handles well, radio sounds good. Gas is barely off top end of gauge, and I have driven it close to 80 miles already. It is comfortable to sit in. Plenty of leg room and head room for me at 56. The engine purrs. Very quiet. A little wind noise but not much. Sporty looking.

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  Excellent car that is underestimated - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By cdig - June 20 - 6:56 am

  I feel like Im driving a much larger car than it is. It feels solid and smooth. It handles more like a sedan than a hatchback. I dont feel like Im driving a tiny plastic toy like the Honda Fit that my wife drives. It has good acceleration for passing on the highway, but not as sporty as a Honda Fit. Stability is excellent on slick pavement. There is very little engine noise while cruising on the highway. The acceleration is smooth and quiet without any jerky gearing.

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  I heart yaris, I hate cupholders - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By michelle in valencia - June 18 - 1:06 am

  When I see another Yaris owner driving nearby, I just want to "high-five" them. The gas mileage is great, and it is NOT sluggish on the grapevine (you know what I mean) and the cupholders and aux jack are terrible but forgiveable. My friends all love it. However, if youre in the wind, just BE EXTRA CAREFUL. I came from a huge suv to this little car so just be aware that you cant drive it the same. U-turns are the best now. Parking? Yeah, buddy! Racing? Not so much. Toyota, if youre reading this, change a bunch of stuff!! Then give me another one! I heart Yaris!

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By bill - June 9 - 3:00 pm

  The Yaris has been an excellent purchase from the start. 38 mpg in town using the air, 42 on the hwy. Fast and comfortable, it is a great value for the money.

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  Finally, a car you can love - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Joanne - June 9 - 11:40 am

  Ive had it a week and I like it more every day. Fantastic for anyone who has to commute, great on gas, comfortable, and cute, cute cute. A joy to drive, handles well, and has everything I need. No money wasted on un-needed stuff, just good basic value. I plan to stick with this one.

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  Great Milage Vehicle - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Tommy - June 8 - 4:00 pm

  I have been driving my 2007 Yaris for 2 years. I bought the vehicle for mileage and I get 38 to 40 MPG without an exception. I drive 50 miles round trip daily. I will soon be driving 90 miles a day round trip and look forward to the gas mileage and savings. I have actually gotten 42 MPG on road trips. I bought this vehicle after my stepson purchased his Yaris. I was told it would take 4 weeks to get the vehicle, but the dealer had one in 3 days. I think this is a great car for commuting, but I will take my F250 truck when I am going on a long trip.

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  Too Americanized - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By viztor - May 26 - 8:13 am

  Great car except for driving. Poor handling, steering imprecise at highway speeds, shifting into 5th is clunky, visibility out of vehicle poor (thick door posts, headrests block lines of sight), bigger blind spot than my old car. Our old 1978 or 1981 Civics would eat the Yaris alive and spit out the pieces. Driving is now a chore, not an enjoyable experience. No ash tray (good for storing insurance card, etc.), no external antenna (degrades reception), speedometer needle hard to see when wearing sunglasses, have to check proper operation, but rear seat seat belts seem to be obstacles when the seat is down.

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  Great for the money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kevin sheldrick - May 25 - 9:46 pm

  Excellent small car for back and forth to work and on trips . Great on gas. I get a lot of ribbing from co-workers but laugh all the way past the gas stations.

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  Yaris scores a "10"! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By MAG47 - May 20 - 4:20 am

  Last year we were in the market for a car and we bought the Yaris as a reliable, affordable mode of transportation. In little time we realized what a great investment we had made. The Yaris offers great gas mileage without sacrificing comfort.

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  Never thought I would like a compact - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By HuntingtonBeach - May 19 - 11:56 am

  I always had SUVs or mid-size sedans and thought I would never get stuck in a compact as small as the Yaris. I did so, for the mileage only. After driving it for a week, I love it. The stress of paying at the pump is gone. Before my daughter saw the car, she suggested that I get tint, so people wouldnt see me. After I got it, she thought it was pretty cool. I went to a major public event, when I came driving out of the parking lot and my window was down, people walking by started asking me questions, about the car. All the other cars in the lot were Mercedes and BMWs. It seemed as if everyone was more impressed with the Yaris. I havent paid so little for a vehicle, since 1980.