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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  Excellent, Intelligent Choice - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jenn - November 29 - 3:06 pm

  I bought my 2007 Yaris Hatchback in the end of May 2006. Thus far, I love it. Easy to drive, and much more room than you would think by looking at it. If you are comparing this vehicles to others, dont just look at reviews, go out and test drive this car. The mileage is great and I always have people rolling down their windows and asking how many miles I get to the gallon. Overall, I would give this car a 10 out of 10.

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  Extremely satisfied - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kumar - November 29 - 8:26 am

  I was in the market for about 3 months to buy a second car. Researched almost everything! Finally decided on Yaris and now feels great about my decision. Inside space is too good for a subcompact car. Handling is super.

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  Love my Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By familyman5746 - November 27 - 1:23 am

  I run a lot of miles, over 30k last year, and love the fuel economy of this thing. With the AC on, I was averaging 42 mpg last summer. During the winter I averaged over 37 mpg. I have more leg room in this car than in my old Ford Taurus in the back seat. You do have a tighter fit in back, but have found that 2 car seats for the kids work perfectly with the pull down armrest. The controls are a bit hard to figure out initially, but now I have a hard time in any other vehicle. The cruise was a bit difficult to find, but now is intuitive. The coupe should have the same storage features that the Hatch does, but that is my only complaint.

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  The most sensible car purchase ever - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Fabian - November 24 - 10:21 am

  I got this car with 12k miles back in 2009, used and barely broken in but in top condition. I drove it pretty lightly the next few years and pretty much babied it. It has 118k miles now, with 50k of that during what was a very busy and important year for me. The waterpump, alternator, and battery had been replaced from the extreme conditions it endured. Did the spark plugs at 60 and 118k and oil changes every 5-6k. Did the brakes at 110k. All regular maintenance done myself that could be done without too much effort. Its been through a lot but every day it reminds of the reason why I got it. Yes its noisy, simple, and offers minimal comfort. However, to this day it still gets 40+ mpg easy and is roomy enough to carry tools and materials. It never gives up on me and Ill never give up on it. Update July 2016 Still going great, probably needs some work but it never chokes! Starts and runs every time :)

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  Interior Not So Great - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By MoJuice - November 17 - 9:53 pm

  Well, had to dump the 97 Mountaineer that was getting about 12-16 mpg. I drive about 60 miles a day with the wife driving an additional 44 miles (thats 104 a day). Figured we would keep the Lesabre for the family car and this cute little button for driving to work. Not a lot of horse power and wife says its kinda scary next to semi on overpasses, but overall it serves its purpose with a big ole smile.

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  Nice car but doesnt hold up in a crash - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jaye_037 - November 16 - 1:39 pm

  I loved this car when I bought it- it has a fun, youthful design, great on gas and is fun & zippy to drive. Beware though- this car does not hold up in a crash. I had a head-on collision in 2009 in a Yaris that caused $10,000 damage to the car and bent the frame beyond repair- and the airbags did not deploy. I contacted Toyota about it and got a canned response stating that I wasnt hit hard enough to set off the airbags - but it was sufficient to bend the frame beyond repair and left me with a concussion from hitting my head among other injuries. When I bought a Corolla my insurance rate dropped considerably due to the lower risk of death or severe disability in the event of a collision..

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  Great on Gas, Poor on Reliability - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mrack - November 16 - 3:43 am

  I average 32mpg in city per tank, 40mpg pure highway driving. Ample storage. Enough power to get you moving. Throttle response varies from 0.2 sec (noticeable, but on par with other DBW cars) to well OVER a second on warm days (omg what is wrong w/ my car). Variable means you cant adapt to it because it changes. This causes premature clutch wear because rev-matching for downshifts cannot be done reliably. Toyota will not warranty clutch repair no matter how few miles. Mine is still holding on, but it has developed a shudder at 20k miles... its just a matter of time. No tach available on the manual hatchback. Im on my 3rd factory MP3 stereo.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By dennis thompson - November 10 - 3:16 am

  My Toyota Yaris has served me well. I use my Toyota Yaris to go to my mountain cabin and my desert cabin. One is seven thousand feet and the other is three thousand feet. This car allows me to be able to travel to both of these places economically. I get 40 plus miles per gallon on the high way and 30 plus in town. It also has plenty of power to get me up the hills.

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  Yaris 3 Door Liftback "The FUN Car" - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Jerome K Culp - November 4 - 8:03 am

  Bottom line, the Yaris is awesome. I had auto start and window tinting installed two days after the purchase. Upgraded heater package works good (I live in Alaska where the temp drops to -45 degrees). Center gauges took a little to get used to. Great head & leg room for 6 plus drivers and passengers. Test drive one for yourself. You will love it!

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  little fuel sipper - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By bigdoglover - November 2 - 6:10 pm

  Ive had my Yaris for about a year and a half now and she is comfy and sure sips the fuel. I average about 33 mpg in the winter and about 38 mpg in the summer. I love the cupholders in my little car! I have my backseat down all of the time and my lab jumps right in for her rides. Wish it was more comfy for long trips though.