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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  Brand New But Its going to LAST - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mark Markgraf - February 10 - 6:10 pm

  I have only had the car for a about a month... but Im completely happy. Its very gas efficient, gets alot of looks from passerbys. Has a peppy engine. And its actually fun to drive. I love this car.

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  The best car you can buy for the money! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Formigaman - February 9 - 6:40 pm

  Weve only had this car for a week, but we already love it! Its very comfortable and extremely economical. We went almost 100 miles before it moved from the full mark. Weve driven almost 200 miles now and still have 3/4 of a tank of gas. Handling is great, and it has a tire pressure monitoring system. Controls are laid out logically and are easy to operate. Air conditioning will put icicles on your nose! The center gauges are different and take a little time to get accustomed to, but are nice. One word of warning, it doesnt feel like youre going 70 mph, so watch your speed. Great overall car with lots of personality.

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  My Little Runabout - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By N. Peddle - February 6 - 2:46 pm

  I have been loving driving my small car. Its fuel efficient and Ive already logged on 30,000 kms in just a little over a year. I drive 38 kms to work one way each day and am just as comfortable as I was in my previous car, which was slightly larger. I am so thankful I went to such a fuel- efficient vehicle now that gas prices have skyrocketed. I laugh at the gas guzzlers passing me each day. I love my little car. I made the right choice for my lifestyle.

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  Poor fuel efficiency - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - February 6 - 8:40 am

  I purchased this Yaris 2 doors liftback for a restaurant delivery use. So far fuel consumption is not what Toyota states between 34-39. Mine is average 19 MPG. Its half of what it states. This is the only thing I feel bad about it.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By TravW - February 2 - 2:56 am

  Overall the car was one of the best investments I have ever made. The fuel economy was excellent and the small design is misleading. The interior is very roomy. Wonderful car.

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  Toyota Yaris with Power Package - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Astronskas - January 27 - 2:06 am

  I just bought this car and cannot say enough how much I enjoy this vehicle. The gas mileage is truly awesome and the handling is great. The only negative I have found so far is that the gas and brake pedal are a little to close together for a person with larger feet, but I have adjusted to it. Overall I am very impressed with the value for my money.

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  Extremely Pleased! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By matt_n - January 10 - 10:20 pm

  I really do love my Yaris. I was a bit skeptical after reading some reviews from various editors, but in the end I decided to trust the consumer reviews, and Im glad I did. As long as you understand that you are not going to have the fastest car in the world, I think you will be pleased if you purchase a Yaris. I have a light touch on the pedal to conserve my MPG, but it has no problem traveling in the fast lane. I have never driven a hatchback, but now I am hooked forever! Some reviews talk about a lack of a fun factor, but trust me, its a lot more fun than handling a big truck or SUV. Its a great feeling to fill up my tank and know its going to last me the week! That alone is worth it.

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  Good car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Andy - January 9 - 9:26 am

  Overall I really like my new purchase of the Toyota Yaris. The interior could have a few more features, like a temperature gauge and other normal stats. Its small compared to the average American vehicle, which makes it extremely easy to parallel park in smaller spots and to maneuver around things. Itd be nice to have some faster acceleration, but I guess thats just a trade-off for a car with good gas mileage.

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  Best small car for the $ - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By psaw - January 6 - 1:23 pm

  Bought the car for a commuter, and it does its job nicely. No complaints at all. If you understand what a subcompact car is before you go car shopping, then, and only then will you understand that this car is worth every penny. BTW, I took it off roading a while back, not by choice, and it did better than expected. Very tough.

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  New Yaris is Great - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By yaris1 - December 24 - 9:43 pm

  I traded in my 2000 echo and im just so happy with my choice the car is great looks good [got mine in nautical blue] every where i go people ask about it i havent got to high 30s in fuel economy but been averaging 33 with ac on in closing i think the car is just what i wanted