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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  sweet - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Bonnie - October 3 - 3:20 pm

  This is a sweet driving little car. I love the way it handles and the way it sips gas. Its a winner for everyone!

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  Amazing - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Will - October 2 - 11:03 pm

  Saw the commercials. Test drove it and LOVED it! This car is serious value, serious quality, and serious FUN!

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  Bulletproof - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By AaronDetroit - September 19 - 11:20 pm

  Ive had this car about 2.5 months now. Its a 2008 3dr. hatch, 5 spd. manual. Has air conditioning, but not many other options. Got it with about 31k miles, and only 1 owner before me. Paid $8950. To me thats a crazy good deal. Build quality is excellent. Reputation for reliability is basically bulletproof. Gas mileage is great, especially if you dont drive it hard. Drives, handles, shifts, and brakes very well for an economy car. Has an overall feeling of quality that is hard to find at this price range.

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  Yaris 4 door - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By limee925 - September 7 - 3:43 am

  Bought this vehicle as a second car that would be ideal for parking in the city. It fits the purpose there. Surprisingly sprite for a small engine and find that Im more than able to keep up with the larger vehicles on the road. It needs more input from the driver than larger cars, but that makes it more engaging and does add a little to the "fun factor!" Its a good car for what it was built to do. Cheap commuting and relatively comfortable with it. Throttle tip in can be a little aggressive and sudden, but have gotten used to it after 3000 miles.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Sam - September 5 - 11:00 pm

  I am very happy with my Yaris. Toyota makes the best car. I have a car that will not only save me gas but also will last for a long time because it is a Toyota:-) Very nice looking interior.

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  Fun to drive, great gas milage - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Don Thomas - September 1 - 12:33 pm

  Insurance costs lowered, handles and steering very tight and can turn on a dime.

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  Follow Up review - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - August 26 - 8:40 am

  When I bought my Yaris in 2006, I posted a quick review. I wanted to follow after 2.25 years and 40k miles. I commute 36 miles one way to work in often heavy traffic. The Yaris is great for this. It stops quickly, and starts quickly. For maintenance, so far I have changed the oil and air filters and replaced the front tires. If I keep my speed around 60 (the speed limit, btw), I get over 40 mpg; real nice when gas was $4 per gallon. When we go to lunch, my colleagues like to pile in just to ride in it. I still love the car and highly recommend it.

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  Love My Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By technadyne - August 17 - 9:20 am

  My 2007 Toyota Yaris has CA license Plates "My Yaris" if you see me, feel free to say hi! This car is fantastic. Its a fully loaded 4 door automatic sedan that connects not only to my iPod but also any other MP3 player. ITS AWESOME! This is a great car, but I cant wait for the 2010 Yaris because Im sure its going to only get better with the progression of time. I cant wait for my Yaris to have satellite navigation like the one in the UK! CHEERS!!!!

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  Toyawesome! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By MARK - August 16 - 7:40 pm

  Do you want to get at fuel manufactures? Yaris is the answer. Two days ago,i traveled 525 miles with one tank. To fill up, at fuel price $2.48 at costco. Total little less than $28.00. Wow!!!... The wife and i bought last one at the dealership. Salesman, told us, that the dealership can not order them fast enough. As soon as they come in,theyre gone. Highly recommend it. If your a camary owner, leave your camary at home. Use your camary for the weekends,and your yaris for commuting. Get yours right now,before theyre all gone. Sell your mercedes, and buy a yaris for each member of your immediate family. Have fun enjoy the savings with your yaris,and spend the extra money wisely.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Rebecca - August 9 - 9:46 am

  Excellent gas mileage, fun to drive, roomy interior (despite what it may look like from outside), great for long trips AND city driving, perfect for parallel parking. The back seats fold down easily to give extra space for groceries, luggage, etc. All in all, I couldnt be happier with this car. Other benefits are the price, and the fact that it is relatively environmentally friendly and will help weaken our dependence on oil :0)