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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  My Yaris Rocks! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By My Yaris Rocks - January 29 - 7:56 pm

  I loved my car from the first moment I test drove it. I think its the cutest little car and it drives surprisingly well. It, of course, gets incredible gas mileage and Ive driven in blizzards, over mountain ranges, in horrible city traffic, over dirt roads, and against 100 mph rainstorm winds, amongst other situations. The lowest gas mileage I ever got was 35 mpg. Its peppy, hardy and reliable. In fact, last month I drove it nearly 2800 miles in about 52 hours, from Maryland to southern California. It was packed FULL with half my apartment and me and my cats and we drove over the Appalachian mountains & the Rocky Mountains in Colorado & lots more, quickly and without a single problem.

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  Yaris is best overall buy for a vehicle - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By bfergalicious - January 27 - 10:16 am

  The Yaris is great car for someone who is going to be driving in the car 90% of the time by themselves. Excellent real world fuel economy if you do not drive with a heavy foot. Very low maintenance if you take of this vehicle, it will take care of you. the car is very peppy on the road, but the location of the beverage holders in front of the vents is annoying. Great bang for the buck. Have almost 70,000 miles and im just getting started. will keep this yaris for the next 20 years. This car is better than a hybrid because you get excellent fuel economy,dependability and low maintenance costs and dont have to pay premium to get that with yaris. i love my yaris

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  Love Our Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Al - January 26 - 5:56 am

  We really love our new Yaris! Its solid and quiet, yet fun to drive. The interior and exterior fit and finish is outstanding. Now I remember why I loved my Camry. We have driven other cars from full sized vans to mini vans and sub-compacts, this car beats them all! (except our Camry.) I was a little worried about the Bridgestone tires but they have been fine.

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  Just Right - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Toyota4ever - January 19 - 2:13 pm

  When I first saw this car, I figured there was no way my 62" son was gonna fit in it. Not only does he fit comfortably, but he has more room in the Yaris than in my Prius. This is a great car for a college kid: inexpensive, fuel efficient, and not big enough to haul his buddies everywhere. I was very impressed with the quality of this car. Unlike most compacts, it has doors with the depth of most full- size cars. When I was in college I owned a 1982 Toyota Tercel. This car reminds me a lot of that vehicle. With gas prices only going up, this car made too much sense for me to pass up when choosing a car for my son.

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  Awesome - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ben-David Kaminski - January 13 - 11:26 am

  With the proper driving you can get over 40mpg. The car is great in snow. It is a great car to customize and turn heads for little money. Toyota quality should last a long time.

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  New Yaris Owner - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - January 6 - 3:40 pm

  New owner of a 2008 Yaris. Always loved Toyotas. This one is no exception. Great handling, good gas mileage, which is so important in todays market. Priced right. It is well worth a trip to your Toyota dealer to test drive this vehicle.

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  Yuri the Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By 2007 Yaris - January 3 - 6:06 pm

  I absolutely love lil Yuri the Yaris . 61,000 miles and no problems. the light is on for abs braking system. Changed the brake pads -- guess I will need to take Yuri to the Toyota Dealer to shut off the light. there are blind spots on the post --easy to get into an accident -- but I have never been hit -- I am a careful driver. the trunk rubber seal is out whack . No big deal. this car has been fun to drive and has has excellent gas mileage since I bought it in 5/2006. When I look at other cars on the market I think yes those are cool BUT you cant beat the gas mileage

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  96,000 miles in 16 months - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Yaris Fan - December 29 - 4:30 pm

  After putting 300k on my 2004 Matrix with only having to replace the catalitic converter I bought the Yaris as a gas saver. I had the car for 16 months, drove to from San Francisco Bay to Oregon and back, and Arizona and back with no problems. The car is more fun to drive than my Matrix and doesnt drive like an econo box. For MPG, I always averaged in the mid 30s and better when I drove like most people do. After more than 96,000 on the car in only 16 month I had no problems, but then decided to drive under a Dodge Durango. Car was totaled but I walked away without a scratch. As soon as I gey my insurance check I will be back for my third Toyota! Probably another Yaris!

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  I Love my Blazing Blue Yaris Liftback!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Michael - December 19 - 3:00 am

  I fell in love with the Liftback when I test-drove it in May 2006. I ordered the 2007 Yaris Liftback automatic transmission in Blazing Blue with the All Weather and Convenience Packages. It ended up coming with an armrest and rear bumper protector too. I took almost 2 months to get here but was well worth the wait. With my first tank of gas I averaged 42 mpg (about 75% highway/25% local driving.) I find that it is zippy to drive,accelerates well to get onto highways with ease. The controls are easy to operate.The center instrument panel is no trouble.The seating is very comfortable. You sit uphigh and feel like you are in an SUV. I love my Yaris!!

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  Great Value, Fantastic at What it Does - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By StGabriel - December 14 - 4:33 am

  I had a Toyota Yaris hatchback and I loved it. I dont think there is a better value on the market. I am 65 and the car was very comfortable and could handle 3 passengers just fine (the car is way roomier than it looks). Gas mileage is fantastic (consistently 34+ mpg) and the cost-to-own is the lowest youre going to get. It wont set any speed records but I found that the car could easily get up to good freeway speeds and was fun to drive. I love the distinctive look. I got a lot of appreciative looks and positive comments. Also, I was impressed by how well the car absorbed the impact of a high speed collision.