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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Liftback Lover - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By No Regrets - June 10 - 5:06 amI purchased my Yaris liftback about 2 years ago, and its the first car that never gave me buyers remorse. Ive owned luxury cars, 4x4s, station wagons, sedans, and sports cars. Every one of them forced me to compromise. Im in a band, and I can fit a Marshall half-stack, 2 JBL monitor cabs, 4 guitars, a bag of cords, a change of clothes, and my girlfriend in my Yaris. Usually, five can ride comfortably. Its so good on gas, I sometimes forget which side the gas caps on. This car is the perfect blend of economy, utility, and style. Complete strangers are so fascinated by it, they strike up conversations with me in parking lots. With rising fuel costs, this car is the way to go.
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Dont Have a Fender Bender! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Broken hearted - June 7 - 5:23 amI rear-ended another vehicle that left a dent on their bumper and did $3500 damage to my Yaris! Why so fragile? And the airbag didnt even go off. I love the car. I put the back seat down and use the hatchback/space like its a pickup truck for building and garden supplies, etc. Its amazing what you can get in that little car. My manual transmission and reasonable driving practices result in >40 mpg IN TOWN! I love this car, I just wish it werent so fragile.
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Great Little Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
By Scott - May 21 - 3:33 amLast fall while gas prices were on the way up I traded my Mazda MPV. I told the salesman I wanted automatic transmission, air conditioning, CD player and great gas mileage at the lowest price possible. He pulled up a Yaris. After a test drive I agreed it fit the bill. Now 1 year later after going thru $4.00 plus per gallon gas prices and rough Michigan roads the car is holding up amazingly well. I consistently get 37-40 miles per gallon, and all I do is get the oil and filter changed at 5000 mile intervals. Now gas prices are under $2.00 per gallon I can fill up for $10.00-$15.00. The car hauls four full size adults in reasonable comfort and we always get comments.
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Surprise - 2008 Toyota Yaris
By iammead - May 19 - 5:36 pmTraded a Hyundai Santa Fe because of the gas prices. Stunned by the room in the back, better knee room than the Santa Fe. We were drawn by the looks and the Toyota reputation for high quality. Love to drive this car. No intimidation feeling on the highway around semis. No load road noise. Parking is wonderful. Control is like a larger car. Interior layout is brilliant. Simple 2000s style transportation.
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Great small car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
By hwbucky - May 14 - 1:06 amWe recently bought our Yaris and are very pleased with it. It is important to get the armrest as an accessory though. The fuel mileage is great so far. About 38 mpg. This car does not feel crowded on the inside though, but it fits nicely everywhere. If you are looking for a fuel efficient, economical car, this is a great choice.
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I love my new Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By trisarahtops22 - May 6 - 8:40 pmAbout 2 weeks ago I got my new red Yaris! I know I havent had it that long, but so far I love it. It handles really well, its fun to drive and it looks great! I love the design.
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Gas saver - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Brian - May 1 - 6:40 pmLove this car, first tank from dealer, got 401 miles, wasnt sure how many gal they had put in, but with a 11.1 gal tank I knew I was close to 40 mpg. Let the last bar start flashing before I filled tank, drove 5 miles while it flashed, stuffed 10.6 gal in the tank and took off, I work a midnight shift which is an advantage with traffic, as in I rarely have to stop. 100 mile round trip, lite traffic, and this tank I did not use this A.C. keep that in mind, kept it as close to speed limit as possible, very rare to go over 70 mph, this car love to go 60 mph, anyway I made one tire pressure adjustment from 29 lbs (dealer) to 35 lbs. Drove the 10.6 gals for 449 miles for 42.3 mpg. Love it!
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This Yaris Wont Quit - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Jesse Kennedy - April 26 - 6:00 pmI bought this car with around 50,000 miles. It now has 235,000. The only maintenance Ive done is oil changes and one serpentine belt. Clutch doesnt slip. No issues at all. Not fast, not quiet, not all that cool... but you couldnt find a better A to B car.
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2009 Toyota Yaris Sedan Manual - 2009 Toyota Yaris
By Jack Santos - April 26 - 4:50 amIf you are looking for a cheap, reliable car, the Toyota is the way to go. My family has been using Toyota for 20 years and never has had problems. The Yaris is no exception. The styling of the car catches glimpse even more than the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa. The center mounted climate control, radio, and odometers create a very nice V look. Not the fastest car out there, but one that will get you from A to B at a decent pace. Acceleration is slow however buyers are not looking for a fast car.
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Best Value Among Its Competetiors - 2009 Toyota Yaris
By Austin - April 23 - 2:43 pmAfter my research & comparison on Toyota Yaris & Honda fit, I decided to get Yaris because it wins in most category & fit my needs for daily use. For two fill-ups, I got 41 MPG ( 40% city/ 60% highway) by driving it gently. Its amazing & almost as good as a Prius. The finish is excellent & the dashboard & charcoal fabric are nicer than others. The ride is smooth & relatively quiet. It accommodates 4 adults comfortably. The power & acceleration is outstanding for this small 1.5L engine. There is nothing to dislike.The only thing I dont like is that the power door lock/keyless entry is not standard.
