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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  You get what you buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By louie - April 18 - 2:20 pm

  Its a nice little car. Great for small family or single folks. I had to get rid of it less than two years with it. The odometer, gas reading, dials etc in the middle is just too weird. Not very strong engine. Cup holders are one size and wrong spot to have it. Auxiliary plug is on passengers side. Too difficult too reach when on drivers side. Seats are uncomfortable and hard. Miles per gallon are 33 with city and highway. Side compartment storage in front too deep and thin.

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  Solid little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By BrushDog - April 12 - 12:46 am

  I bought this car mainly for its fuel economy and of course Toyota reliability. It has met all my expectations. I get a consistent 41 mpg on 90% highway driving. It has a surprising amount of interior room for such a small exterior and a huge trunk to boot. I dont understand how Edmunds and other "supposed" car experts review this car so harshly. It was designed to be a solidly built high MPG car without compromising economy. Ill skip the bells and whistles for reliability and a low windowsticker price.

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  20K service miles review - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By girlcarbuilder - March 27 - 12:35 pm

  We usually buy 3 dr hatchbacks and use as two seaters with a lot of storage/cargo room. Even with the back seats down this model compared to older hatchback designs like the 89 Mazda 323 or the 86 Toyota Tercel lacks such in room. On the other hand, the driveline punchs quite a punch in power compared to the older models. We have pushed up the gas mileage to 40 mpg so far by reverting back to 14 inch rims with 175/70r14s by toyo. The OEM bridgestones drifted too much, but the toyos glued it to the road and bumped the gas another 3mpgs! Make sure you install an air filter in the a/c system. For some reason the car does not come with one from the factory. We also added body side molding.

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  Yaris Uber fun to drive - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Monica - March 24 - 11:16 am

  I have had my Yaris for about 1 year and a half now, and I LOVE it! Awesome mileage, although the addition of a Turbo would be even more fun. I looked at some competitors, and all things considered, the Yaris was the best bang for the buck! Quiet, *for a sub compact* fun on twisty roads, and super comfortable for someone thats 6 tall like myself. Anyone considering a small car, dont even bother with the competitors. Yaris is it!

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  Great Little Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Daryl - March 14 - 5:43 am

  I bought this car for the gas mileage and it does the job. Three fills so far and the mileage has been 39.1/40.1/41.7. It is also handles extremely well and is extremely enjoyable to drive.

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  A smart choice. - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By mkyaris10 - March 12 - 3:10 pm

  I expected a simple get-around-town ho hum experience. I have been pleasantly surprised. The Yaris wont win any drag races, but the versatility of the interior cubbies along with the great seats and good ride quality will make up for it. The gas mileage has been good, 30-36 mpg. My lowest was 28.5 mpg on an all city driving week. Id recommend the 5 dr, and go ahead and load it up with all the power options. You wont save that much by leaving them off, and theyre worth it. Edmunds exaggerates the manual vs auto transmission. The auto is fine. The gates are good, and the shifts are smooth. You cant beat the Yaris. Just go test drive one.

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  My little bubble car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jamielyn6705 - March 8 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my car last may in 2007. I saw it on line and just new I had to have it, its a fun car to drive and very reliable. The gas is great! The only bad thing I would have to say about the car is that it doesnt have great pick up, but you have to expect that because it a four cylinder. Over all excellent car!

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  Poor Yaris gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By vtrans - March 8 - 5:46 pm

  The car got upper 30s when we first got it. Two weeks into owning mileage dropped to 30 mpg. I was after a go-cart for the street but the manual door locks and sub-par gas mileage are annoying

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  Rent-a-wreck - 2016 Toyota Yaris
  By Robert Enox - March 7 - 10:07 pm

  Toyota should be sued for putting a "glorified go-kart" on the market and calling it an automobile. It is the most uncomfortable "autos" I have ever driven.

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  Excellent - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By number55 - March 2 - 2:06 am

  I am 16 years old and this is possibly the best car I could have gotten. Its reliable and high mpg. I know itll last me until Im 30. It has excellent handling and all the perks with the power package make it luxurious.