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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  I Love My Sexy Yaris!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By goldieee - December 8 - 8:56 am

  I drive the 3 door hatchback and its the cutest little car ever, cuter than the Volkswagen buggy, Minicooper, etc. People always comment about how adorable my car is. Im always happy at the pump because it only costs me about 30-35 dollars to fill up the tank, and it lasts about 1.5-2 weeks. Its roomy, comfortable, and reliable! :)

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  Love the Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Brittany - December 4 - 8:10 am

  I love this car. I got a brand new car with great gas mileage! Its a cute car. A lot of space. Tough little cookie. The gauges are easy to get used to. Dont be fooled. Awesome buy!

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  Great MPG - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - November 26 - 7:46 am

  Bought this car used because some one was stupid and got rid of it. I average 38-39 miles per gallon. Excellent cars. I bought the S model and i dont regret the extra money.

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  WE LOVE IT! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jjrigadoon - November 22 - 4:30 am

  My husband & I are in our 60s and it took a day to get used to the center dash and now we much prefer it. No lights glaring in your face at night, handy glovebox at all times. We had a Volkswagon GTI which my husband loved for its power and handling. If this had the power, it would be as much fun, however, it has plenty of power for the size and gas usage. No trouble getting up to speed to merge on interstates, which was a concern.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ashley - November 15 - 5:23 pm

  I have been researching this vehicle since it came out last year and it has completely lived up to the Toyota reputation. The gas mileage is amazing! We took a 700 mile trip and we only filled the tank twice and still had a half of tank left over! I love my new Yaris!

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  Yaris a sporty, fun car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By James - November 14 - 9:30 am

  While the size and design were hurdles in choosing it, the Yaris has proved me wrong. Quick, capable, and incredibly fuel efficient, the car has won me over. Even my tall (68") friend was able to fit comfortably in the front seat on a long drive. The back seat is roomier than one might expect, and there are plenty of compartments to hold things. Definitely a good car to consider, if you dont carry a lot of people/goods on a general basis. Excellent commuter car.

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  This car is awsome! - 2012 Toyota Yaris
  By lens27 - November 13 - 5:54 pm

  I have this car now for about a few weeks and love every ride out of it. Very impressed with its slick performance and styling. I did not expect much cargo space for its segment, but can easily fit my weekly grocery and then some. Lots of leg room and convenient interior design. Reduced my stops at the gas station. It could use a center storage and an arm rest.

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  Great on fuel - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By convair580 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I just took a trip from Spokane to Glacier and setting the cruise control at 60 mph to 70 mph with the AC I got 48 miles per gallon with an automatic transmission! On the way back I got 42 miles per gallon. On the average we get between 35-40 miles per gallon. So why buy a Prius and save money a guy a Yaris.

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  The SUV Killer - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lauren - November 8 - 8:13 am

  This car is just another example of Toyotas great products. The Yaris has an awesome turning radius - I can turn around in a two lane street with just barely edging on a driveway. For a 4cyl it can get you to whatever speed you need just fine. I consistently get 38/44 mpg city/highway. Seats are very comfortable w/ plenty of leg room - in front and in back. The folddown seats have already come in handy for college trips. I love the mp3/cd player & AUX jack. I didnt buy the power pkg to save money & I am just fine with my decision thus far. Everyone is impressed with they way my Yaris looks inside and out. I feel like Im driving an expensive BMW the way some people look at me.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - October 22 - 11:23 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in May, 2006. I have received mixed reviews from friends and family regarding the looks and size of the car, but my intention was to purchase a car that was good on gas with the reliability of a Toyota. I average approximately 36 miles per gallon, mostly freeway with some in town. I am 6 feet tall and have plenty of leg and head room. Anyone sitting behind me is cramped. My complaint, is the positioning of the steering wheel. Because I have to have the seat all the way back, the steering wheel is too far away and I find myself constantly shifting steering hands because of the discomfort. Would be nice if the wheel telescoped. Truly annoying!