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 little car!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By TSABOMBDOG - August 8 - 5:53 am

  After buying old cars that I can fix my own, (old VW,and fords) until major jobs (transmission, etc.), I have gotten tired and bought this car. The first thing I looked for was fuel consumption. I wanted a hybrid, but at my federal wages it was out of my sight. Then I found 07 yaris 2 dr, 5sp M. It has the feel of my old bug, but more room for storage, great fuel consumtion and great price range.

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  great car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By dean wilson - August 1 - 12:40 pm

  Its a great little car. Plenty of pickup and cruises comfortable at 75 mph. Its very responsive, great maneuverability, and runs great like all Toyotas.

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  Awesome little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ivan - July 30 - 6:43 am

  I hear people complaining about the dashboard but it really does not matter because its fully visible without the steering wheel obstructing the view as you turn, great idea, easy to get adjusted.

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  Great for town, bad for highway - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By yarisdriver - July 26 - 7:16 pm

  I have a conflicting experience with this car. We made 2 long trips in this one, one was 4000 miles/5 days long to a remote area in TX. If you live in a city, have 55 MPH speed limit–it is a great car. Roomy inside (I’m 6’4”–have plenty of space), nice MPG. If you have to operate it daily above 65 MPH–dont buy it. The car has a horrible problem with oversteering. It is not a defect, it is a design issue. Electric buster is too sensitive, so on a high speed forget about your cell phone–a small bump can be deadly. My wife got into an accident after trying to honk when doing 70 MPH: couldn’t hold the car with one hand, lost control and went into a ditch. The car is OK, but it tells a lot.

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  Only Small on the Outside - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Sean Kecskes - July 26 - 3:36 am

  Ive had my Yaris for six months now and I still love it. I get over 40 mpg on the highway and mid to high 30s in the city. It doesnt accelerate fast but that isnt what I wanted. This car the best you can get without going hybrid. I got it on a lease but if it lives up to Toyota standards Ill probably buy it out at the end.

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  my great friend in the highway! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By The traveler - July 24 - 8:20 pm

  I have this Yaris since 08/2007 and by fun and pleasure I have traveled the 48 states of USA but Alaska, so far, in this car. I am going to let you know something about this little vehicle: I cannot complain at all about it. I have made 6 trips in order to cover all the USA and, as far as mechanical problems is concerned, nothing has happened to it. It has at this point in time 75,000 mi on it, and I have not even had the need to change neither brakes or clutch. It runs perfect, so far. Since I got it (0 mi) I have been changing oil every 3000 miles, not 5000 ones like the dealerships advice. Hopefully, if you have one of these toys do not let the opportunity of enjoying it go. Just do it.

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  Yaris Sedan - Excellent value - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cheap Thrills - July 17 - 4:03 am

  Small on the outside, roomy on the inside. Material quality and fit are very good. Performance is surprising for a 108 HP engine. Brakes and handling are excellent. Fuel mileage in heavy rush hour traffic and steep hills is averaging 37 MPG. Fits four full-sized adults with comfort. Easy to get in and out of. Seating position is elevated with unobstructed view. Toyota has done their homework well and has produced a solid economy car with a styling edge. Add 17" sport wheels,a spoiler and some sport trim pieces and the car will definitely turn heads.

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  2008 yaris hatchback is a beast!!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By logek_aok - July 12 - 9:53 pm

  First off as a guy always driving big cars this was a change...But a good one i drove a toyota avalon but the gas was killing me.So did the research and the Yaris kept coming up.I drove every where in this car from chicago philly new york new jersey south carolina virginia and so on..Never a break down low maintenance just put gas and change oil thats it. Did a couple of up grades weathertech window vents and mats..Go on ebay and get oem parts thats dont come standard like armrest, cargo cover and cargo net..way cheaper than dealer

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  2010 Yaris - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Heather D - July 11 - 5:50 pm

  This is the second Yaris Ive owned. I had a 2008 that I bought in 2007. I wouldnt have bought another one if I didnt think they were good cars. My only complaint would be the cheapness of the interior and the paint job. Both of which failed me on my 2008. The gas mileage is a dream. I took my 08 Yaris from SC to MA last year and only spent $160 RT. Amazing!

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  After 5,000 miles - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - July 5 - 11:46 am

  The 2 reasons I bought this car is reliability & economy. After 5,000 miles Im getting 41.6 mpg, the a/c put our 40 degree of cold air today when the outside temp was 107. Back in Jan. this cars heater put out 182 degrees when the outside temp was 45 I am very pleasantly surprised at how efficient the a/c is on a very hot day here in Phoenix, Arizona. My only complaint is the lame squeak that is the HORN & the multiple reflections off the rear window from headlights behind me, at night.