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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  Yes! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jewls - May 16 - 7:06 pm

  I have just gotten my Yaris and I love it. It looks so stylish and is so comfortable, with all the great handling that all my Toyotas have had. My first car was a Tercel and I recently had a Tacoma. But this is way better than the Tercel. I have quickly adapted to the center console. It just makes sense.

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  Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cmoua06 - May 15 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had the car for a month now. I love the fuel economy of it. I do hear it a little wind noise but not that much of a bother to me since it is an economy car. Its much better than my 01 civic that I traded it in for. Its stylish, comfortable and roomier than I thought it would be.

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  My Wonderful Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By woele - May 3 - 12:50 pm

  I went for the 2 door hatchback, manual, convenience package only. I was looking for a cheap, brand new car, and I got more than I ever thought I would. Being the most basic package, theres not a whole lot of extra safety features, but I almost feel like I dont need them. Handling is excellent; it is as responsive as I figured for a 106 hp engine. The interior doesnt feel cheap and I enjoy all of the extra compartments. Everyone who has gotten in it for the first time is amazed at how much room there really is. Everything I brought down with me for school fit in the Yaris (bed, desks, a bike, shelves, etc). Highly recommended for someone looking for a new, cheap car thats great to drive.

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  2007, 08, 09 and 2010 40K service miles review - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By girlcarbuilder - April 28 - 4:18 am

  Last review written was on a 2011 yaris hatchback, meant a 2010 at 20K service miles. Any way, the fleet has grown and I drive them all and service them as well. At this point, the reviews are in respect to maintenance needs. All units are at or about 40K miles now and everything is holding up well with just oil changes, air filter changes, tire rotations. The 07 is a recent auction purchase. It needed new tires. It is also undergoing rebuilding from an accident. So, if you are looking for something reliable, this car is doing it. Another interesting observation is how the front end is bolt on/off components. But if you take a hit above or below that bumper bar, bad news for damage.

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  Economical Fun Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Clarence S - April 22 - 7:26 am

  The car is a lot of fun to drive, gives a big car feel on the road and handles great around town. Everything has met my expectations for the vehicle. Gas mileage has been great..

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  FUEL ECONOMY NOT WHAT THEY SAY - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By STEVE FLOYD - April 21 - 12:30 am

  I live in Iowa and only get around 26 miles per gallon -- 50% highway during the winter. i got around 35 miles per gallon in the summer. not happy with fuel economy since i am giving up safety for fuel economy

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  Team Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Britty06 - April 20 - 1:23 pm

  The Yaris Sport sedan is an excellent car! This is my first car, and Im so happy with it. It drives great, and has great MPG also. And plus its very cute. The seats are very comfortable, people are always surprised on how much room there is in this car. Im so happy with my purchase. Thanks Toyota for making a great car!

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  the perfect car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By brighterdeath - April 18 - 10:00 pm

  First, Im not a fan of the sedan, it is rather ordinary while the 3 door liftback is anything but. This is a great car! Its built beautifully. Im 6 foot 4 and have plenty of room, as much or more than most larger cars. It is an optical illusion, small on the outside, big on the inside. The center gauges make me wonder why they havent been there standard for years, now the speed easily comes into my line of view as I am scanning for traffic, rather than having to avert my eyes and see through the steering wheel. The car stops, steers and just in general, feels very good. I have a hard time referring to it as an economy car, it is cheap to run but there is nothing "cheap" about it.

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  Traded in my Mini Cooper for a Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Scott - April 18 - 1:20 pm

  Traded a 2005 MiniCooper S for this car. I have no regrets. Its not a Mini, but its alot closer than you might think. Handling is very good. Manual tranny gives it lots of pep. I LOVE all the nooks (3 glove boxes!). It looks great. Fits 4 adults, no problem (plus suitcases in the trunk). Id recommend this to anyone.

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  I do not recommend the Yaris. Buy a 9th gen. Corolla instead. - 2012 Toyota Yaris
  By caro2012 - April 4 - 4:37 pm

  Ive owned my 2012 Yaris almost one year and I regret having bought it. The only good thing I can say about it is the gas mileage (I average 33.5). The construction is shoddy. The front bumper is barely held onto the frame. There is no foam under the rear bumper. The front wheel wells are made of the thinnest, cheapest plastic Ive ever seen used in this manner on a car. The car lacks sound dampening and the noise intrusion into the cabin at highway speeds is deafening. Not even the cheap stock stereo can drown out the noise. The steering wheel does not telescope, leading to a very uncomfortable seating position. Buy a 9th generation Corolla instead. Much better quality. Same MPG.