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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  What Fun!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jenny - April 6 - 5:03 pm

  Got my baby a few weeks ago. Getting over 40 miles to the gallon, mixed freeway and town driving. Fun, fun, fun, cute, cute, cute. Surprisingly, lots of space inside, feels very roomy. It is very zippy, corners well. Sound system is great, very handy to plug my MP3 player in. No more carting around my CD case. I got a red one. I actually wanted blue, but the little critters are so hard to find. Plus, they sell the moment they are put on the lot. Great buy for the money, plus the Toyota name. I highly recommend this car.

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  Faulty seatbelts in Yaris 2007 - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Elaine - April 3 - 6:06 am

  Have been loyal Toyota person. Cant wait to get rid of this one. Had accident with frontal impact. Seatbelts did not engage. Toyota gave us the run around. Cannot continue to buy from a mfgr that will not stand behind its product. Also have a moisture leak in the interior. Dealer has been unable to find it after 3 visits. Airbags also did not go off on impact. Police gave us an affidavit regarding defective seatbelts. I dont sue people but Toyota should be ashamed! I hope any Yaris owner will have their seatbelts checked!! It could save your life!

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  Really happy with this car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By AK - March 30 - 12:10 am

  Im only averaging 42 mpg, but thats probably because I havent been driving to maximize mpg - this car is very zippy, and I cant resist! Its also very maneuverable, with an incredibly tight turning radius. Its also darn cute, like a cross between a VW Beetle and a Camry. Complaint: the transition from park to 1st gear is very jerky (and means I stall out a lot if Im wearing other than my normal sneakers). I highly recommend the manual transmission with power package and ABS brakes, giving you maximum control over the car. (That way you also get a radio.) This car will last ten years no problem, and will carry me in style all the way.

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  Yaris Lover - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Christine - March 20 - 1:36 am

  I have always had larger cars with all the bells & whistles (i.e. Pontiac Bonneville SSEI, Lincoln Town Car Signature Series). Due to my long commute to work and the cost of gas, I checked out the Yaris after seeing it on the governments fuel economy website. I bought the manual transmission Yaris S Sedan the same day. My last tank of gas averaged 42.3 mpg compared to my previous vehicles 18 mpg. No bell or whistle can outweigh those numbers! I love driving it and everyone is amazed at the room inside.

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  Amazing on icy roads - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By BIll McCabe - March 9 - 11:26 pm

  Ive always driven big cars like caddys, Lincolns, and even a 24 Lincoln stretch. The vehicle I turned in off lease to buy my Yaris was a 2005 Saturn Vue with a 3.0 6cyl and all the bells and whistles. I bought a baseline 2009 Yaris and was skeptical as to how well it would handle the roads and weather where I live. Today we had ice everywhere. In weather like this my Vue was useless but the Yaris handle the ice and the hills like a plow I swear never slipped once or even felt like it was going to. I will recommend this car to anyone who will listen I still think its a shoebox but man what it handles like a half track in bad weather.

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  Great little car. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By wolfgang - March 3 - 8:10 am

  I decided to go with a Yaris after driving a Camaro for 13 years. I love this car! It is peppy enough and sticks to the curves just fine. I am also 62" and a large guy and I have plenty of room, in fact this car has more room than my Camaro. The back seat also has plenty of room for me to sit comfortably. I am also averaging 37 MPG and that is a mix of city and highway driving. I would highly recommend this car. Go out and get on the Yaris bandwagon!

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  From a Jeep to a Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Melissa - February 24 - 7:13 am

  I love my car. I was driving an 04 Jeep Wrangler and getting about 15 mpg because of the 6 cyl and AWD. I went to Toyota and test drove the car I was destined to buy. I was out the door with the keys in my hand about 4 hours later. Have had it over a month, and LOVE it. Great fuel economy (about $23.00 to fill up) and a tank lasts about a week. Awesome car to zip all over town in, comfortable and handles well. Roomy enough on the inside considering the size. I would definitely recommend the Yaris to anyone looking for a fuel-efficient, comfortable, and stylish ride!!

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  Great little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By kernal - February 21 - 12:50 pm

  I have a 2007 Camry XLE V6 which I use for long trips. I wanted a small economical new car with good mileage to drive around locally. I compared the Chev Aveo, the Smart car and a small Kia. I felt the Toyota Yaris would meet my needs and I have not been disappointed. The mpg is very good above advertised. The car is comfortable, fun and easy to drive. For a small 2 door hatchback it has a surprising amount interior room. With the rear 60-40 rear seat down it has a great cargo space in the back. I added a few options for comfort and appearance. As with any small car it sways on the highway in high crosswinds. Overall I am very pleased with this car. It does cost a little more than similar.

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  Silverado to Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By JP - February 18 - 6:26 am

  I bought a Yaris as a commuter car. I drive over 60 miles a day and was driving a full size Chevy Silverado truck. The fuel savings over the past year and a half have been over $2000. I can get over 40MPG on the highway if I drive at 60MPH. The interior is well designed and comfortable to drive. Turning radius is awesome. MP3 jack is a great feature. The trunk also has tons of room. The car is fun to drive and quite stylish for under $15K. No need to shop around just go out and buy one.

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  Wow this thing is great - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Woodyb - February 15 - 6:23 am

  Yes its small and maybe a little drumming inside, but I expected it. Bottom line: great car. Had to make a 20 hour run for a family thing, three bad disks in my back and all. No back problems and total comfort for the whole drive. Im sold.