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:

• 

  You cant beat it! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By luckylady23 - February 8 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car new in Sept of 07 and it was the best decision I could have made. Not only is it very reasonably priced, but you cant beat the gas mileage. I average 38-city and 43-hwy. It rides very smooth, easily gets up to highway speeds, there is a ton of room on the inside, big trunk and good sound system. Not to mention, you get Toyota excellent reliability. Im pretty sure the body will fall off before the engine dies!! Id say this is one of the best car you can buy right now!

• 

  NC to PA once a month - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Andrea M - February 7 - 4:40 pm

  My husband and I were looking for a car that got good gas mileage because we travel from NC to PA about once a month. I love my car. It did take me a little bit to get used to how to roof was shaped because I felt like I was in a bubble. I like the odometer and everything in the middle because I can see how fast my husband is driving. I would definitely buy another one of these. I can get about 500-600 miles out of a tank (11.1), plus it only takes about thirty bucks to fill up. If you are looking for a manual transmission be careful I think that the clutch is really loose.

• 

  Love the car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By yaris fan - February 6 - 12:13 pm

  I bought a new Yaris 4 door auto sedan and love it. I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra but the gas mileage was not that great. I wanted a car for a commute to work and found it to be fun to drive. Now I do not want to drive the Tundra any more than I have to as I get almost 3 times the mileage with the Yaris. I have not had any trouble with the car and it runs great.

• 

  The Best I Ever Had - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Sam - January 25 - 3:00 pm

  I bought the 2008 Yaris 9-14-07 and went on vacation. 44 mpg on the interstate, 41 mpg city and interstate. 3500 miles and not one problem. Am I happy. The only thing I didnt like was when you drive on dirt roads, the rear fender wheel wells have no guards and the road noise is bad.

• 

  Awesome Car!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ondraya - January 18 - 5:40 pm

  I have had Toyotas for over 13 yrs, one had 183,000 miles on it. Had to drive over 300 miles to get the model Yaris I wanted. Picked up my new Yaris; its quiet, peppy, fun to drive, stable, cute, well-placed intrument panel, roomy, easy to drive and park. I drive a LOT and this car has been getting 42-44 mpg. average. The turning radius is sooo much fun, I drove in circles just to play. "Turns on a dime, runs on loose change!!" I did tons of research, trust me this is the best deal for the money!

• 

  The most satisfying car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Scott - January 17 - 7:03 am

  I got mine two years ago and I am proud of having driven it around, particularly nowadays when gas price is above $4 per gallon. It always gives me more than 38 mpg even when I drive it in town. I can say that of many cars I have driven in the past including Honda Accord and Civic, the Yaris is the only car I have been totally satisfied with in every aspect. Since it is so cute, my wife who drives a Honda Accord begs me to drive hers and her to drive mine. Last year I purchase another Yaris for my son.

• 

  Great purchase - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By john - January 10 - 2:00 am

  My fiance saw this car and instantly fell in love with it. Previously had a 97 rav4. This little car is great, surprising power from the small engine. Great ride quality, and fuel mileage. Interior is pretty comfy, very roomy. Trans. does some weird things sometimes. Other than that, very smooth, quality feel for this little affordable car. Makes peoples head turn all the time, also sparks conversations.

• 

  Great style - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ARMANDO GONZALEZ - December 29 - 7:53 am

  This car is an excellent for city travel, good interior style, very confortable, great interior space, very secure drive, excellent vision for all angles.

• 

  2007 Yaris 4-door Sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KbJay - December 19 - 7:33 pm

  A cute, basic car. I got it for the gas mileage, as I was looking for something comparable to my old Echo (poor thing was totalled last month). Its relatively inexpensive in comparison to its counterparts on the market. The interior design needs improvement here and there, but it drives smoothly.

• 

  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By rlmusic - December 10 - 5:40 am

  I bought my Yaris as a commuter and I am so glad I did. I have a little lead foot and get between 32 and 34 MPG in the city. Its fun to drive and easy to manuver in traffic. I drive it everywhere instead of driving my other two vehicles. Best car purchase Ive made.