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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  Satisfied Yaris Owner - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Commuter - December 11 - 7:30 am

  I replaced a 1981 Toyota Starlet with a 2008 Yaris S Hatchback. The new car is superior to the old one in every respect. Fuel economy over my 20 mile round-trip commute in moderate-to-heavy traffic has ranged from 35 to 39 mpg thus far. The car is tremendously fun to drive, and has plenty of power for freeway maneuvers. Thus far, after 3 months -- no complaints!

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  Lovin the Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Bobbi Jones - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This little car is out performing the gas mileage that its supposed to get! Im averaging 36.8 to 38.5 miles to the gallon! Thats the AVERAGE! Its helping to make the payments with the money that Im saving. Its cute, fun to drive. If I had to list a negative, Id say the light gas pedal wont support the weight of my foot and you notice it on a long trip if you dont have cruise control. Not too much else, Im happy with my purchase!

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  Terrific Auto - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mcorbin - November 30 - 11:46 pm

  This car is dynamite! I was looking for a reliable, fuel efficient car and I got it! Driving secondary roads in VT I average between 39-41.3 mpg! You cant beat that. Exceptionally roomy inside. I expect it to serve me for many years in the future.

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  Ecomonical and reliable - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By toyota fan - November 30 - 10:30 am

  If you want reliability and economy, you choose the right car. If you want a luxury car with bell and whistles - forget it. I love this car for the gas mileage and reliability. I get anywhere from 33 to 36 miles a gallon 50/50 city and hwy driving - mostly no air conditioner. The car is noisy with hwy driving. I recommend getting the power package for the four door sedan (I have manual doors). It can be a hassle unlocking and locking all the doors when you have passengers. I use this car for work, so I needed a reliable car with good gas mileage. The seats are OK, not very comfortable, but good enough. The engine is peppy, but going up steep upgrades is a little difficult.

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  Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Iz - November 15 - 3:40 am

  Just bought a Yaris as a commuter car and just love it. Comfortable, even for those with long legs, and really zippy. Handling a long, hilly commute at highway speeds without any trouble. Already enjoying the great gas mileage and my reduced expenses!

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  Not what I Expected - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Beto Domin - November 11 - 11:00 am

  I was trying to get a car with high MPG and lowers costs with lots of fun and quality and bought the Yaris hatchback. After few weeks, I noticed that some of the interior materials are of questionable quality. Also, once Im on a highway at more than 55 MPH, I need to grab the steering with 2 hands as it feels unsecure, even worst at crosswinds. Im not getting the MPG advertised and Im not a heavy footer. All In all my expectations were high and Im ready to trade in.

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  Value and mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By dp - October 28 - 12:03 pm

  Bought this car as a commuter and delivery car for my business. Got to say going from a big crew cab diesel 4x4 to this was a big change. But once I drove it the car feels much bigger than it is inside and out. Brought a smile to my face when I filled up and was getting almost 40 mpg on the first tank. This was driving in the city for deliveries all day and my freeway commute of 70 miles. I like this little car more and more never getting below 36 mpg even got high as 42 mpg! Yes its is basically a throw away car after 5 years but what it saves me in gas for work and my drive, who cares!

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  miles heating up! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By batman - October 23 - 9:00 pm

  So far this car is adding up to the reason why I bought it - great gas mileage. I am constantly told how classy this car is. It is pretty roomy inside and the dash is great. So far I am averaging between 30-34 mpg. The only criticism I have is the compartments or lack of near the driver side. They are hard and even impossible to reach when standing still let alone driving. Overall so far a great car that drives nice on the highway.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lazybum101 - October 9 - 2:23 pm

  My wife and I purchased this car in an effort to save a little money on gas, but not have to pay so much extra for a hybrid. Turns out, its great on gas, fun to drive, and pretty reliable as well. I would recommend this car to anyone, and feel entirely comfortable putting my wife, 2 year old son and my dog in for long car trips.

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  Well built, "fun," economical car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By harddrivin1le - October 7 - 2:13 pm

  I feel the greatest value in this car is found in the base models and that people who want more options would be better served with the Honda Fit. That being said, I love my Yaris. Mine has the dealer-installed TRD suspension parts (springs, shocks and rear sway bar). The package utterly transforms the cars ride and handling and gives it a Mini-like feel. The TRD package yields a very well balanced, fun to drive car and Il highly recommend it to any enthusiast. I also installed the leather wrapped TRD shift knob, which flexes less than the factory rubberized plastic knob and yields a more direct feel to the shifter. Nice brakes, nice steering, acceptable seats, lots of storage, MPG!