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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  Yaris Sedan - A great car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - July 14 - 11:46 am

  Excellent vehicle for the price! Great commuter car! MPG is in the mid 30s in Dallas traffic. The center instrument cluster is easy to get used to, and easy to read. The steering handles very well, and the car reacts quickly when needed, but initially takes getting used to. Braking is good, but clutch can be a little stiff in stop-go traffic. It rides very well, if somewhat noisy. Lots of room for such a small car, including great head clearance both front and back, and good trunk space. Sits high, which makes entry and exit easy, and gives the feel of a larger car. This car was an excellent buy; thank you Toyota!

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  My favorite car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By justrobert - June 17 - 6:03 am

  I love this little commuter. I must not be as picky as some because I love driving this car. My other vehicle is an 06 Pathfinder, the reason for this purchase. My wife needed the suv, not me I love my Yaris.

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  Fun 2008 Yaris "S" 2dr hatchback - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By podred - June 16 - 1:16 pm

  What a great car! Mine is the "Sport Model" and has very comfortable sport seats (and Im 63") allow wheels, power pkg, rear spoiler, electric door locks & mirrors. The instrument cluster on the center of the dash is great, no looking down through the steering wheel. The hatchback design provides tremendous room for hauling things, with the split seats folded down. It has a high roof line which allows comfort for back seat passengers, truly a 4 person car. I have three other cars and purchased this because I wanted something with good mileage for city driving. Little did I know how smooth and fun this car would be, freeway driving returns 45 mpg and 39 mpg in the city.

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  My car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By patty - June 15 - 4:50 pm

  What can I say I just love it. I always own a Chevy or Ford. I can say this is one of the best cars I ever owned. Is cute and great on gas. And the dealership I bought it from they were great. They pick this car out for me and I just fell in love with it let me tell you, you cant go wrong .

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  AWESOME!!!!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By maggie - June 15 - 6:33 am

  I am thrilled with my Yaris!! It is stylish, comfortable, fun to drive and economical! Of course, with gas prices being what they are these days I wouldnt mind being able to claim about 10 miles per gallon more than what I am now recording. However, 38/39 m.p.g. on the freeways and 32/33 m.p.g. in-town driving isnt too shabby considering its the summer months and Im driving with the air-conditioner on full blast! I think I got a great deal on my 2007 Yaris.

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  Not bad for a Small Car - Great on Gas! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Letgil - June 5 - 2:50 pm

  My driving experience so far has been pretty amazing, the steering is very sensitive and the power for this car seems better than average. The interior is appealling and so is the exterior.

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  A Bullseye for TOYOTA!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By AladdinSane - June 1 - 10:26 am

  I test drove a Yaris Liftback after seeing one parked near my home recently. Its "da bomb", so to speak. I liked what I saw. The one parked nearby was white on white, brand new, and I fell in love with it immediately. Im aiming to get mine, if I go with it, in Blazing Blue Metallic. My Lady dug it too. Its a winner!!!

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  Perfect - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ylime3499 - June 1 - 1:56 am

  I recently went car shopping for two cars. My first one was a Nissan Versa hatchback, and the second was the 08 Yaris S type. I got a little carried away with adding things on to it like cruise, a sun roof, tinted windows, etc., and my total came out almost $4,000 more than my brand new Versa. I found that very disheartening, especially since the Versa came stock with cruise and the features I had to add. I was even told that the Yaris S type can not have power doors and locks added on. I find that very hard to believe, but thats what I ended up with. Other than the price being more and the non auto lock/window its perfect for going around town and a little interstate.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lonewolf - May 24 - 5:53 pm

  I love this car. I have driven a Ford F150 my whole life and this is a big change for me. I drove several other cars and didnt like them as much. The Yaris looks best and drives better than its competition.

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Dave - May 24 - 1:20 pm

  I love this car! Im getting 36 mpg city and 42 hwy so far. I just moved and was amazed at how much I could stuff into the hatchback. After reading the expert reviews on this car, I was a little worried, but I went in for a test drive anyway. Handling is great, and it accelerates faster than I expected (manual transmission). Its nimble around turns and quick stops are no problem. The stereo is much better than I expected. I thought Id miss power windows and locks, but its really been no big deal. Im pretty picky about cars, but I have no complaints.