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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  I traded my "Cadillac" in for my "Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Portia - September 22 - 3:50 am

  Its the most fun car to drive and the fuel economy is amazing. I gave it a 9 in comfort because power locks and windows should be standard. This is my first Toyota, and I will buy another when this commuter, is done. I drive an average of 30K a year, and it was my parents, Toyota Camry with 340K miles that made my decision to look at the Yaris.

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  Frill Free, But Utterly Dependable. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Arkahoma - September 18 - 8:00 pm

  We were interested only in dependability and economy, this car met all expectations, and more. Has surprising zip and a turning radius so tight we almost forgot how to make 3-pt-turns. We regularly go on rough dirt roads to hiking spots, but still zero problems after 40,000+ mls. Fuel economy is as advertised. With our rough driving, we get 28-30mpg city and 34-36mpg hwy. But when we try to drive for fuel economy we get 42mpg hwy. First, we hated the center-mounted display, but now we love it, and hate normal cars where the steering wheel can block displays. This is not a Prius - its an economy car! Its noisy, has firm seats, and power windows are optional for us cost conscience buyers.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By BlueLiftback - September 9 - 10:56 pm

  All around awesome car. Easy to park, tons of positive attention everywhere, averaging over 35MPG combined, surprisingly stable at speed, nimble, inexpensive, unique, Toyota build quality... etc...

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  Here it is! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - September 9 - 12:43 am

  I was looking for a commuter car that was well built, comfortable, good on gas, and I wouldnt be ashamed to drive. I went looking for a Corolla, but when I saw the Yaris, I had to drive it; when I drove it, I had to have it! Good on gas, comfortable, peppy, great visibility, stylish, and fun. Love the five speed. The optional 15 inch tires make for a smooth, stable ride. WIth the AC and a CD player, its everything I wanted and more! And the price . . . :)

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  the best little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By yaris4 - August 18 - 1:17 am

  This car drives smoothly in the front seat. Long drives in the country are comfortable with no back ache. Averaging 32-36 combined mpg. Great commuting car to the downtown core and easy to park. Auto transmission smooth and only repair made has been a new alternator. A/C runs cold still. Great little car.

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  Another weekend road trip success - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By dadinfo - August 16 - 4:49 am

  Just did 400 miles I-70 Colorado mountains averaged 70 plus mph 39 to 40 miles per gallon!

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  08 Yaris, the future of cars - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - August 14 - 5:43 pm

  Ive had my 08 Yaris, 5 speed for a little over a year. I drive conservatively and average between 37-40 mpg. There is nothing fancy or luxurious about this car, and if you rely on your car to impress your fellow man, this is not for you. But, if your desire is to have affordable, economical, and reliable transportation, image be damned, then you want a Toyota Yaris. This car just keeps running, requiring only gasoline and the 5K mile routine maintenance (oil change, tire pressure check, etc. This is an excellent car and I heartily recommend it to anyone who asks. Buy this car, and you too will have a hard time keeping a straight face when passing the Escalade, Hummer saps.

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  Perfect College Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jess - August 8 - 2:30 pm

  This car is the perfect car for college students. It is reliable, low maintenance, affordable and has great gas mileage. Im currently a student in college who lives four hours away from home, and I find this car to be very reliable.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric - August 7 - 6:33 am

  I really appreciate the maneuverability of this car. (Its great for parking.) Its fun on curves and stable on the highway. I havent had any bad experiences with wind gusts, etc. Its not a sports car, and Im fine with that. The reliability and economic fuel consumption are what I was after. I couldnt be happier.

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  Very smart purchase - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By LCPA - August 2 - 11:03 am

  I bought this car for fuel mileage and Im 100% satisfied. Mileage so far has been different every time. Lowest mileage so far was 31 mpg city. City with limited hwy has been around 34-36. My friend told me that I drive really hard but I told him its the cars fault, its hard not to not race around in it. So I tried easing up on my "hard driving" and my last mileage check came in at 42 mpg. Maybe he was right or maybe its just starting to get broken in. Either way the price of gas isnt controlling what I do or where I go like it does with some of my friends. What a great feeling to not have to spend half your paycheck whenever you jump behind the wheel.