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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  Little Workhorse - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By JAD - November 3 - 10:43 pm

  I work in TV in LA and this car has been a great worker. I love zipping around in this little car in the city.I say little but it doesnt feel that way until you go to park it.Its built tall so it feels as spacious and has all the cup holders & storage space of a large car, but with the ease of parking and turning of a small car. Ive read complaints about the center mounted dash...all I can say is "Get back on your rascal Grampa!" This car has great storage, great gas mileage, and can comfortably(YES) fit 4 adults (5 in a a pinch). It even handled admirably on snow when I went to Mt High today.I wish I had the 40/60 seats and cruise control but otherwise the Yaris is perfect.

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  Best econo car Ive ever driven - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By balls_mckenzie - November 2 - 9:14 am

  Lately Ive been able to drive my gfs 2010 Yaris sedan auto and I cannot understand why this car ever gets a bad review. The turning radius is so tight, its insane. The room up front is fine, a little tight in the back, but its a subcompact. What blew me away most of all is this cars gas mileage. Ive found it to be much better than 32 or 33. She has had the car for nearly 3 years - 0 problems. She still gets free oil changes, spent nothing on the upkeep. The ride is comfortable, we drove it on trips - no problem and like I said, the mileage is unreal. I own a 06 Xb with the same exact engine. 100K plus miles - zero problems. Its the reliability, thats why people buy it.

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  The Yaris is Great!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Nicole - October 19 - 2:46 am

  I love my Yaris. I cant believe how much power this car has. It immediately gets up when I drive on the freeway and is truly amazing. This little vehicle has so much power!! It does have a little noise when I drive it, but that is one of the things I love about it. I feel like I am in a race. I nicknamed my Yaris, I call it a "Bullet" because it gets up and shoots out of nowhere. I am glad I purchased it before more people catch on how great this car really is.

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  Got to loooove my Yaris! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By mcgoulkin - October 18 - 6:06 pm

  I love this car! Unbelievable gas mileage. You cannot get any better value for the money. I regularly get stopped by people who are curious about the car and I tell them all the same thing . . . BUY IT! I was a little concerned when I first bought it regarding the size. We are a family of four and we all fit easily and comfortably. Even for long trips. And at 40+ mpg we can actually afford long trips.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By tacoma200 - October 13 - 7:16 pm

  I wanted a simple, reliable, comfortable, economical auto. The Yaris is perfect for the job. Great looks, Toyota dependability, excellent fuel economy and I think it handles well. Im not comparing it to models with lots of options so my rating reflect this. I didnt want abs or electronic stability control (ESC). That doesnt take the place of a good driver.

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  Great mileage, 41mpg and zippy too! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Clare F - October 11 - 2:10 pm

  My old car died, suddenly, so I had to buy a car quickly. I did not think I could afford a new one, but saw the Toyota Yaris. Wow, this car is HOT! I called many dealerships to find one, as soon as these cars arrive on the lot they are sold and I can see why. This car gets unbelievable gas mileage. The first tank full I got 40.2mpg the second tank full 41mpg and I dont live anywhere near a highway. It is a fun car to drive, quite zippy, but obviously lacks power on the big hills. It is comfortable to drive and has nice seats. I am delighted with it. I cant believe the price of it, rich or poor, this is a great car to buy and drive!

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  This is a great car. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By scb - October 8 - 5:40 pm

  I bought this car just over two weeks ago and wanted to write an initial review. I replaced a Honda Accord because I wanted something smaller for the city and because I wanted better gas mileage. I am really impressed with how safe I feel in this car. It is also very fun to drive - it wont win any drag races, but its perfect for me.

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  Yaris is a GREAT buy! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By katherine Weikle - October 7 - 3:10 am

  I love my Yaris! It is metallic blue on the outside and has a black interior with metallic blue dots. Although it looks small, the Yaris hatchback is very roomy in the front and in the back seats. The Yaris is very convenient with its 20 compartments, 7 different cupholders and laydown-able back seat. You get used to the speedometer being in the middle of the dash quiet fast. The ride is smooth and the car is quiet. The power locks, windows and mirrors just adds to the experience. You are sure to love it as much as me!

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  Fun little car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By harshad - October 4 - 6:13 am

  I traded my 2005 Rav4 (manual) because my arch was hurting after daily 60 mile commute. I opted for a automatic with fuel efficiency and still fits my bike. This one is perfect. I got 35 mpg on first 2 tanks. It drives smooth. Sitting position is excellent. Ingress and egress is better than my Acura. Lots of safety features and a good stereo. I saw a car like this hurling down autobahn at 110 miles an hour last week. My girls call it a little blue jelly bean and prefer to go in this car than our Acura TSX or Toyota Sienna. There is a lot of leg room in the back. Just a fun little car. Toyota should also offer the diesel with this one.

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  New 2007 yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ben - September 29 - 2:16 am

  It does not have the handling and performance of the 2003 Dodge Neon that I traded in but the fuel savings are about 40 dollars a week so far. I have put about 300 miles on it this week and should average about 400 or so a week. It is a lighter car than I am used to and the only plus so far in this car is the economics. I have yet to take it on any long trips but would rather have this Yaris than the Neon when it come to gas prices. I am saving about 5 or so miles a gallon so far in the city and should save 10 on the highway. I would say that this is an average car and does what it was built to do. Save on fuel, not on style or personality.