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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  Cute Car with Fantastic Mileage!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Stephanie - October 25 - 4:53 pm

  At first, I wasnt keen about losing my sporty convertible and exchanging it for the Yaris; but gas was a major problem and the Yaris mileage was the most influential factor for choosing it. However, I love my Yaris! Although its an economy, four door, I think its bubble look is cute along with the metallic red color I chose. Mileage is amazing! I commute 80 miles every day and find Im averaging around 40 mpg while dirving 80 mph! I think the stereo is great and highly recommend the power package option. The Yaris responds well for a 1.5L and definitely keeps up with the other cars on speed - it just needs a little oomph at first to pick up speed. This is the best economy car for 2008!

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  Econobox - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Johnny Boy - September 24 - 10:00 am

  For the price, I really cant complain. Have had some build quality issues, but they are all minor. It does make a lot of engine noise, and tire noise is also annoying at times- but then again, it is an econobox. I hope to get at least 200,000 miles on it before any major repairs have to be done. I sense that Toyota has slacked off on some of its products, but I think the Yaris is worth the buy.

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  Love my 1st Toyota - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By tincup23 - September 19 - 3:39 pm

  I have owned a 2011 4dr hatch back since mid July 2011 had 20miles on it when i got it. I will say with out a doubt the best car i owned in 24 yrs. I travel to work 1 way 35 miles and the mpg on this car does what it says, meaning i pay no more then 7$ a day round trip. I`m 6`6 235 yes it`s a clown car for me :) BUT this car works exactly what iu wanted MPG!!! period... O btw this is my FIRST "non-american" car and IF Toyota and their warranty hold hold it wont be my last.. Toyota baby wow i`m impressed

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  Great for zipping around town - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sharon devenney - September 4 - 11:50 pm

  I might not want to go on a long trip in it, but it is great getting around town, especially when trying to avoid the interstates. Parking is a breeze anywhere downtown.

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  Two happy years of driving - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By "S" - August 24 - 2:10 am

  Above all other niceties the mpg- factor is tops by far. After six round trips from Florida to NJ and one 4,500- mile trip to NE, the average highway mph is much better than advertised: 44 mph on mostly interstate driving, using regular (10% ethane) 85 octane gasoline, air conditioning on constantly. Local efficiency is steady at 33/34 mpg. Long distance driving is comfortable, surprisingly large baggage room. However, the center mounted instrument panel is irritating now as is was the first day I drove this otherwise wonderful little car!

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  Good First Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Trippmatic - August 9 - 6:30 am

  While I havent had my vehicle long enough to warrant an in depth review, thus far it has been a pleasure to drive and very good on fuel. I will not remark on its reliability except to say that it has 26000 miles on it so far and no reported maintenance other than tire repair and replacement. It is a great economy car, perhaps the best, when considering cost of maintenance, cost to drive, looks, ease of operation, and the fact that it is a Toyota.

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  Great Commuter Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Wes - June 27 - 5:06 pm

  I moved to San Diego in April from Connecticut. Left my 2000 V6 F150 pickup to my son and picked up my Yaris the day I arrived in California. Ever since then I enjoy driving it. I am 62" and about 250# but fit in this vehicle just fine with plenty of head and legroom. Ive tested the gas millage and on average city/hwy combined with some AC use it does between 35 and 37 mpg. It provides a comfortable ride, relatively quite interior and smooth going over bumps. 1,500 cc motor is just perfect size for this vehicle. European version is 1,300. The weak spots is lack of power to accelerate on the spot (AT, manual must be better), weak AC, and small trunk area. Amazingly roomy for a small car.

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  2 yrs review - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By hborgaonkar - June 6 - 8:13 am

  after 2 yrs and 29000 miles the car has been a great commuter car. I consistently get 36-38 on my 56 mile daily commute. It did great in a very snowy minnesota winter with snow tires. I am happy with this $14k vehicle that has great value.

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  Im waiting for it to die - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By luvmyyaris - May 31 - 12:22 pm

  I have my eyes on the 2012 Audi A6, but I cant conscionably take the leap when my 2006/2007 Yaris just refuses to die! I have 113K miles (7.5 years) and its running like a champ. Sure I cant beat all the Audis and the BMWs off the green light, but I can zip and zoom around everyone else, and only pay $26 every 5K miles for servicing. No repairs whatsoever, other than new tires every 50K, and a belt change at mile 100K. I have a feeling the little Yaris is going to hang on for another 7.5 years, but deep down Im hoping that it wont because Im itching to get into a nice car that doesnt "rattle" when traveling at 80 mph.

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  Piece of Art - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By veewhitehead88 - May 21 - 9:43 pm

  I bought my Yaris a year before it became the model year, it had 19 miles on it. The car is reliable, Ive never had a problem with it running. It is unbelievably peppy for such a small engine, the car climbs to speed easily on the road. Gas mileage is fantastic. Its all the hybrid mpg without the hybrid price. The only cons against it is that there is no rpm or battery gauge, and it does not handle well on turns at high speeds. The dashboard is all plastic, and while it has tons of storage room up front, my two glove compartment doors do not line up properly with the dash for whatever reason. I would recommend this car to absolutely anyone in the market for a small, hybrid-ish car.