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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  Be Wary with Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By aesthetitican1987 - April 17 - 1:36 am

  I had a 2 door hatchback for almost 2 years. First off, I describe it as driving a Pepsi can on wheels. I got so many dents from the littlest of things with this car. I had an accident from sliding down a hill of ice and hit someone from behind. The car handled well in the accident, but was expensive to fix. The worst part of having this car, was when it was windy. I had an issue where the wind hyper-extended the driver side door and it wouldnt close afterwards. It was raining at the time, ergo, the interior got soaked, which led to an interior odor, and even after the door was "fixed" by the body shop it still never worked properly. Very noisy interior.

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  Great but needs more front legroom - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - April 15 - 12:50 pm

  I bought this so I could put my bike in the back which I can with no problem. I can also put in a diswasher in the box that I picked up at Sears. A large dog crate also fits in the back without a problem. If you have long legs you might be a bit cramped.

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  Good car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jason Lynch - April 3 - 5:10 am

  I really am enjoying my Yaris. It is all I expected. I am getting great gas milage, I do mixed driving, getting 34-38 MPG. It is fun to drive and is cute. I first saw this car in Ireland about 2 years ago and was excited to see it State side when I needed a new car. I dont think it well sell well in America do to our lack of logic when it comes to cars. I love the car.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Dorman - April 1 - 1:03 am

  Great on gas. I heard some people dont like the looks or its shaped like an egg. Well, think less wind resistance, equals better gas mileage. Its by far the best car or any other vehicle I ever purchased. The money I am saving on gas from driving my Ford E150 is paying for this car. I got the 4 door sedan with power locks/windows, cruise, a/c and they all work great. You cant go wrong buying one.

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  My cyclops - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By fred lowe - March 31 - 8:26 am

  Really enjoying my 2009 Yaris liftback. Very quiet inside cabin while driving in town or on highways. Getting about 400 miles per 11 gallon fill up from 50/50 city and highway driving. Very responsive handling and without bending my neck do not hit my head while getting behind the steering wheel. Im 60 tall. Car seems much larger sitting inside than when looking in from the outside. This is the first time I was able to get 2 vehicles inside my 2 car garage and with plenty of room to spare. The lift back door does not hit my garage door when both are fully opened and I can still stand up straight underneath the lift back fully opened with a couple inches to spare.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Shana - March 24 - 6:03 am

  I am so happy with this purchase. After reading literally hundreds of reviews and doing my research, I finally settled on the Yaris Hatchback. I think its a great size - one individual driving to school or work fits extremely comfortably. There is so much room. The car is very tall, and fits groceries so well. The higher clearance works great for living in Fargo, ND. So far the handling has been awesome. Its been such a pleasure this winter since its so reliable, gets so warm, and is overall so much fun to drive. Im beyond happy with my purchase. Ive been raving to everyone I know.

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  My Pimp Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Toyota Yaris - March 24 - 12:03 am

  Very fun to drive. No other car can match the price with as much as the Yaris offers. I disagree with the reveiws of the Yaris in respect to the reveiw says and I quote "Yaris has a slow-off-the line acceleration." For there only being 106 horses under the hood the Yaris is extremely powerful for a 4-cylinder. Anyone looking for a car that is reliable, comfortable, fuel-effiecient, and last but not least a car that will last a long long time. An interesting side note: Toyota has the highest resale value of any auto manufacturer.

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  2008 Toyota Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Moonlighter - March 22 - 1:13 pm

  Japanese build quality is scarily worth considering over any other country, YES that good. I drove a 2008 4 door automatic during a service visit and got 40 mpg. After driving the hatchback, I purchased it instead due to a more sporty demeanor, again getting 40 mpg. The build quality and quietness of this car has shocked many of my skeptics. I am 6 foot 2 inches tall, weighing in at 235 pounds, plenty of room and love the front seats.

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  Great starter car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By mking - March 16 - 4:30 am

  Ive had my Yaris for about 3 months now, and have had absolutely no problems. I love it. I live in DC and it handles like a dream and is easy to park in a notoriously hard-to-park-in city. True it doesnt have a ton of features, but I wasnt looking for that. This isnt a starter car for me, but I would recommend it as a first car for anyone. I wanted something economical, but didnt want it to look or feel that way. My friend got a Honda Civic the same week I got my Yaris, and all of our friends like riding in my car better. :)

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  Yaree or DottaBug - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By robinjane - March 7 - 6:20 pm

  I really love my Yaris. I had to replace 97 Chavlier and went looking for a truck and bought a 2 door, (3 if you count the hatch), small car. I like the way you can get into the car without feeling you about to sit in a well. Im only 5 even and that was one selling point is that I could get in and out without fighting gravity. The dealer thought I was crazy when I said that the Yaris had a small "growl" like a Mustang I test droved. I didnt realize till two days later that I had it in Drive 3. Duh.