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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  Very happy with the Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By CHCkid - April 23 - 7:16 am

  I bought the Yaris a year ago after my 97 Monte Carlo broke down and decided it wasnt worth fixing. The Yaris is rather comfortable and is very easy to maneuver. It looks really small on the outside but its actually roomy on the inside. I drive at least 30 miles a day to and from school and the gas mileage is incredible and the comfort of the seats are great. The Yaris does not perform well during wintery and icy conditions. The car heats up relatively quick during winter months.

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  This car deserves better press! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Jon - April 21 - 10:00 am

  A great, well-designed little car. Very comfortable for me (Im 62", 220#) with more headroom than my Dads minivan and more knee room than my friends Mazda 3. As a tall person who usually finds the steering wheel partially blocking the speedometer, I actually found the center-mount speedo an improvement. Have driven the car through Wyoming blizzards and ugly urban commutes and found it pleasant, sturdy and nimble. It also holds a lot, like me, my 2-man crew, 2 tool boxes, & 25 gallons of paint (never thought the Yaris would muscle in on my pick-up!). Best mileage Ive had was 42mpg on a run between S.F. and Reno. The worst was 25 mpg in urban stop & go commuting (using no freeways at all).

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  Its good enough so far - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Duder - April 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the little hatch back because I needed its versatility and high fuel economy. The seat isnt exactly comfortable but supports my back better than the competition. I like its French Styling with its typical center mounted speedometer. All the storage bins are great and so is the extensible sun visor. The optional arm rest is well positioned for me and I like that the center console doesnt rob knee room. The thing that irritates me the most are all the rattles and vibrations that come and go. The good side of this annoyance is that it keeps me just irritated enough on long trips to keep me wide awake. In this respect the rattles add to the safety of the car.

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  Traded an XB - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By blu287 - April 4 - 7:03 am

  Work at a Toyota dealer....Traded in an 06 XB which i loved but the 0% for 60 plus the same drive train which I trust made it irresistible. 36.9 mpg on the first tank. Surprised at the interior space..Im 510" 240 fit just fine. Vehicle seems to search for its spot in the lane at freeway speeds. Could be me though I had 17s on the XB. Overall a great car...Oh by the way my other car is an 2009 Audi A4

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  A Great Commuter - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - March 23 - 3:23 pm

  Ive had my 08 Yaris hatchback for two weeks now, and I am loving it. Mine came with 17" mags and wider tires, so my mileage is a little lower; but I did get 35 MPG out of my last tank with mostly highway driving. The car drives nice and is fun, but certain things should come standard and not options, such as power windows and locks. Plus, the numerous gloveboxes should have lights and locks. Otherwise, it is a great commuter car and even with the auto transmission, it has pep! The AC saps some of that as well as gas; but with such a small engine (1.5L) it is to be expected. Filling the tank for $20 is really nice!

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  I LOVE this car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By InWisconsin - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive, efficient, versatile vehicle and this is it in spades. I get between 37 (winter) and 41 mpg. Five people fit comfortably OR a 5-drawer chest of drawers, a tiller, six 50# bags of feed, a college students move in load and much more. Installed a hitch and can easily transport 3 bikes+.

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  Watch out for rust - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Sarah - March 7 - 11:39 pm

  I owned this car for 2 1/2 years and put about 130K on it. It was a great little car but I had to get rid of it because the bottom completely rusted out. Engine was still in great shape after 200K miles. Peppy accelerating up hill- not like other small cars Ive owned (flooring it and creeping up the hill at 50 mph on the highway!) Definitely invest in some undercoating if you live up north like me.

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  Best Little Car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Len - February 14 - 9:26 am

  Traded a fully loaded Mazda 6 and have no regrets. This little car is awesome! The 2 door Yaris is easy to drive, perfect for around town, commuter or second car. The seats are extremely comfortable. General driving, no freeway, 1500 miles, 36 and 37 mpg. Lots of head room, seems large inside, love the European look – better than all other competitors. 5 speed manual is extremely smooth. My wife and I really love this little car.

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  Whoohoooo!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris! - February 2 - 5:56 pm

  What a great car! It handles very well, has great acceleration, doesnt get buffeted around on the highway like I first feared and it even fits a very tall dude like me! Im 63.

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  this car awful - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By scooterd - January 31 - 7:00 am

  This car get greats gas mileage but, it rides like a truck, and the road noise is overbearing, I would only recommend this vehicle to a high school or college student.