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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  Good enough for me... - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By rodnreel - March 8 - 1:16 am

  Fun to drive, good on gas, the doors slam like a big car. :-) What more could you want?

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  Love it! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Art Adams - March 1 - 3:03 pm

  I have only owned this car for 3 weeks so I cannot comment on reliability but I have driven a friends Camry extensively and I am impressed with Toyota in general. The Yaris is a ball to drive and my only problem is that I want to be traveling all the time and that could eventually get expensive. The car is, for its size powerful, comfortable and attractive. The gas tank is only 11.1 gal and I am accustomed to a 20 gal tank but it will go twice as far on a gallon as the Cherokee I traded in so the smaller tank is OK. All in all I am delighted with it.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Marian - February 29 - 10:40 pm

  Ive had my 2007 Yaris for a year, and I love it. My drive to work is 65 miles round trip per day, so I really needed a fuel efficient car, and this is the perfect fit! Initially I was drawn to the car because it was cute and small and reminded me of the SmartCar, however I was pleasantly surprised by all of the perks! Ive been stopped on multiple occasions by strangers intrigued by the car & can do nothing but brag about it. The backseat leg room is unbelievable, the amount of storage (including all 3 glove boxes) is amazing, & the gas mileage is wonderful. My only complaint is how sensitive the car is to wind on the highway. I love the car!

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  Great MPG for half price of Hybrid - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By WantMPG - February 29 - 9:56 am

  I bought this for MPG but got so much more. Great stereo also plays MP3. I am getting 37 city & 46 highway because I drive really S L O W. If I wanted to, I could cruise at 80 miles per hour in silence & comfort & still get great MPG. Absolutely nothing to complain about after 4 months. Quality of construction is like a Rolex. I am so lucky to save so much money with the purchase & mileage. I expect for gas to hit $6 per gallon or more & I am so lucky to be ready.

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  4 yr. ownership review - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By hborgaonkar - February 27 - 5:36 am

  After 50000 miles and four years the car has been great. lot of people still ask about this car. great value. its not great in acceleration but smooth at 70mph. Got a new 6 in. touchscreen kenwood stereo with bluetooth audio and telephone, ipod integration, and pandora to bring it to todays AV standard. It does great with snow tires in Minnesota winters. My wife prefers this car in snow over her new Sienna and Acura TSX. Thats says something about this car. Just another great Toyota

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  After one year of Yarising - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By OKJoe - February 23 - 9:30 pm

  Pros: mileage still great at 37mph highway though I lost 2-3 mph when ethanol is added. Easy to park, and get in/out of. Adequate storage. A/C excellent. Dash layout excellent. Cons: seats are uncomfortable for long haul. Door arm rests are VERY hard! Also no standard middle console arm rest. Repairs: Rear view mirror disengaged from window. Cruise control disengaged two times for unknown reasons. Overall: We both still love the car and would buy again.

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  Just Got It! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jennifer - February 22 - 6:46 pm

  I have had my Yaris for a week now! I got into a car accident so was forced to get rid of my Saturn Ion. I love the Yaris. The mileage is much better, it runs smooth. I have broken 100 in this car and it never felt faster than 50. The turning radius is wonderful. I opted for the leather interior. I drive over 100 miles a day to and from work so this car is wonderful with gas prices soaring. The only thing I dislike is the cup holders but I do like the extra ones in the doors. Way to go Toyota!

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  Love my Yaris. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By luvmyyaris - February 15 - 9:26 pm

  I have to say that I love my Yaris. It is sharp and economical. The gas mileage is good and the car has been very reliable thus far. Very reasonable price.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris S - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By RayC - February 14 - 1:40 am

  As someone whos had every imaginable vehicle, this was quite a radical move. My very first foreign car! What a life change this has been. From an overhaul of my driving experience to reducing my monthly gas bill by 60%, its been quite a ride. I love this car.

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  Small car with the speed - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By marti - February 13 - 5:23 am

  I was really surprised at the pickup and go this car has. Great on gas especially when you can only use regular. It sits up high so great when wearing dresses and great for seniors to get out of too. Very comfortable. Surprised at how fast it does go. It has a lot of room inside for my senior parents to get out with ease and comfortable for them. I love this car and so does my wallet when it comes to the gas. And it has a place for my coffee to sit that does not spill.