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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  Great Car for Great Price - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Charles - February 23 - 2:43 am

  I purchased this car as a third car for my commute. I have a Tacoma but the gas was killing me. My wife drives a Prius but we did not feel like spending 24,000 for another car. We got the Yaris for 13,000 out the door and it has been great. No problems at all. Fun to drive, first few tanks of gas has been averaging 36- 39 mpg. Very fun to drive.

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  almost hibrid - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By volvos60t5 - February 8 - 4:23 pm

  for me this is the car for this hard times,in the future all cars will be electric ,for not be a hibrid make an amazing millage. and is fun to drive. the car for the moment.

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  Great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ken - February 4 - 4:53 am

  The car is fun to drive and its price is reasonable.

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  Tall person digs the Yaris S - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cpwray - January 17 - 1:13 pm

  I am a freeway/open road driver from a more rural area. Seldom (to never) are we in a rush hour crawl. The Yaris posts near hybrid fuel efficiency with out the hybrids price tag. Power windows, locks and cruise control and fairly good CD sound along with power steering and A/C make this economy model more pleasurable than the economy models of 3 and 4 years ago. I am six-three 230 lbs and enjoy riding in and driving this car. My family has four Toyotas and I do not fit in my daughters Corolla. The Yaris is a different story: it has better interior room.

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  Great Economy Car for Hard Times - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By boydoo - January 9 - 9:36 am

  This Car has everything we wanted. Reasonable price, and great gas mileage for a non Hybrid. It is a solid, well built car with Toyota reliability. My wife being short, loves the tall driving position as she can finally see the road. We adapted quickly to the center mounted gauges. Not an issue for us. I have to laugh at most of the professional reviews I have read. They live in different world than people who want cars in this segment. They test like we have the peddle to the metal from every stop light. The car has plenty of power for everyday commuting. And the ride is good, and the car runs very smoothly. Even with the Power Package this car seems simple. We love this car.

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  My Best Buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jose E. Felix - December 21 - 5:43 am

  This is my fourth Toyota car, after my Runner 95, Tercel 98, Corolla 03. Driving it is a lot of fun! Its smooth on the road, the engine is quite silent and powerful when needed. Because of its size, its really easy to park, even in the smallest of places. You can go anywhere comfortably and the seats give lots of options. Its roomy and modern.

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  Great Economy Car with a Nice Look too! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Nicole - December 18 - 3:26 pm

  Yaris Sedan was a good choice. Nice trunk space and enough room in backseat for 2 kids. Ive averaged 36.5 to 38.5 miles per gallon. Handles very well around corners etc. Although it does handle well, it is somewhat fussy to keep straight on road due to tight handling performance. I purchased this car with electric everything. Overall, I would purchase one again.

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  2 DR Hatchback first 1000 - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Dale - December 15 - 6:46 pm

  Well I hit the 1000 mile point in two weeks. The car I bought is a bare bones unit with an upgraded radio and cruise control. No power locks or windows. The car has plenty of power to get you down the road. This is not a rocket, but does good. My mileage over rural / highway has been 34.7. I have a heavy foot and my daughter found that she was driving around in 3rd instead of Drive. Very roomy feel in the drivers seat. There are several things that take some getting used to, like the position of the steering wheel. The seats are a bit stiff, but should soften in time. This is a good lower priced car, but it seems demand is driving the price up. Wait to buy when the price comes down.

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  Excellent Ride - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Pippin - December 15 - 2:00 pm

  The Yaris has far exceeded my expectations after reading lackluster reviews. It is as quiet as my wifes Mercedes on the highway, with far better gas mileage. It doesnt feel cramped at all. The stereo is decent, not great, but its all in the speakers which are easily changed. I have the pwr pkg, which has upgraded trim, well worth it. Auto has very smooth operation, and the electric steering is buttery. Very solid on hwy, no small car feel. When I walk to the garage and have the option of the Mercedes E320 or the Yaris - its always the Yaris for me. FYI - the dash lightup at night is very, very nice. The center gauges mean no reflection on the windshield in front of you at night.

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  Cool little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Phil - December 12 - 12:30 am

  This is an exceptional little car. Nimble, smooth, comfortable and quiet. Peppy at city speeds and adequate on the freeway. Engine noise typical for the class, but road and wind noise are hushed. Front seats very comfortable, though steering wheel a bit too far from driver. Large trunk. Adequate leg room in back seat for a 6-footer. Center gauges not a problem. Stylish interior. We liked the Honda Fit, but thunderous road noise and slow acceleration were deal breakers. Yaris somehow felt more solid and substantial. Professional car reviewers are enthusiasts and write reviews from that perspective. We found many of their complaints to be exaggerated or bogus. Give this car a test drive.