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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  Yaris Hatchback is FUN & Amazing on Gas - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kandice Kartchner - June 27 - 8:50 am

  Yaris is a car that originally was introduced in Europe a few years ago, where I rented one and tried it out. I fell in LOVE with it, and wished that I could have one here in the states. Alas, the US had not approved them. (Perhaps the competition was just too much - so safe, fun, and amazing on gas.) Anyhow, when they came I had to see what they had done to them. It was utterly amazing! They are priced very reasonably. The hatchback has tons of space inside, innovative ideas & design features like three glove boxes, lots of safety, amazing handling & control, and nice interiors. I love driving it! It is really fun to drive, and very comfortable. I love the gas mileage and small size too!

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  2007 Toyota Yaris Reliable & Efficient - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric - June 24 - 12:56 am

  We bought this car new, our first car, when we just got married. The car has served us well. We have not had one single issue with the car in 42,000 miles. Have not even had to replace the brakes. This car returns mpg numbers up to 39 on the highway, 36 in mixed driving, 34 city in warm weather. In the winter, we avg 33 mixed. The interior design and quality are good, but the seating position front and rear are very upright, which on trips an hour or more becomes quite apparent. It is also very narrow inside. Automatic transmission has been flawless. This car basically needs no major maintenance til 100,000 miles, not even spark plugs or tranny fluid change. A great first car.

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  Yaris fun - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Skip - June 23 - 7:26 am

  Great price, great fun to drive, great MPG worst I have gotten 33 best 46. spartan interior could use a little upgrade there on base model missing pop out back windows on 2 door hatch back. I love the absolutely red "Scarlet" Yaris

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KWS - June 23 - 4:33 am

  I just purchased this car a week ago and first tank of gas got me over 400+ miles averaging 38mpg. Only miss cruise control of which I will probably have dealership install. Im 61" and the leg room needs a hair more for me but other than that this is a great car.

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  Great on gas, cramped on space. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Pati - June 16 - 5:06 pm

  We bought the car for gas mileage and thats the best feature about this car. Im a long time Toyota owner and wouldnt own anything else. However Id buy a little larger car next time, since its kind of cramped in the Yaris, but if you are small, like me and not tall, then this is the car for you!!

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  BEST SUBCOMPACT PERIOD. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By scottytoohotty - June 15 - 12:06 am

  I purchased 2 Yarises. I knew better from previously owning Toyotas that the Yaris would at least be reliable and fuel efficient, and to my surprise, refined (for a $15k car!) Ive owned them for 6 months and so far no problems. Overall Im extremely satisfied with my purchases.

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  Car of my dreams - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By ilovemyyaris - June 11 - 12:13 am

  I am a student that uses this car for commuting Since I live in San Francisco I have to parallel park all the time, or find small places to fit in. Almost every single time I have a hard time finding parking the yaris has always come in handy. Another good part is how I can make quick U-turns pretty much everywhere (without having to reverse) The only thing that sucks is sometimes I can be a speed devil and Im on the freeway hitting the gas to the max and it takes like 20-30 seconds for it to actually start to kick in a speed up to 85-95mph Ive come to very close calls crashing into other cars, but Ive always hit the breaks and theyve never failed me. I love my yaris!!

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  My 1st NEW car - EVER @ 48yrs old - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Rex - June 4 - 6:06 pm

  I have always been the 3rd/4th owner of every vehicle Ive ever had. Finally decided to get a new car (thinking of gas mileage), researched the Yaris hatchback. Well I have had it 1wk ago today. Awesome mileage, 175 mi thus far - and only used a 1/4 tank.. I love my car! I went from a gas eating 81 Ford f150 to this Yaris. And Im completely satisfied!

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  EURODATACAR - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eurostar - June 4 - 6:53 am

  I got this car in Oct 06,, ever since just loving it, Im upgrading a lot of parts to this car, the car was built to be a tuner, lots of aftermarket parts for it. Its very easy and fun to drive, great performance and MPG for its class, and the best of all is that it looks very nice, stylish, European and sporty.

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  Excelent Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cesar - June 1 - 6:00 am

  I took the car to Las Vegas and San Diego almost brand new; the car gave around 43 miles per gallon going 65 MPG average. It is very comfortable considering the size of the car. My wife uses the car to daily commute to work and she loves it.