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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  Fantastic Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By YarisLover - October 18 - 6:53 pm

  I dont have anything new to add to all the positive reviews. I like just about everything in the car. Sound system with proper settings pumps out great sound. Raised seating. Soft but solid steering. Smooth ride. Raised seating . Great visibility.

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  What EVERYBODY should be driving - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Anna - October 18 - 7:46 am

  AMAZING car. I drive more on the gas conservative-side and I get 39 mpg in the CITY (yes, thats for the full tank of gas, not just one trip)! If I remember correctly I got about 45 mpg highway with no effort. My mom has a Corolla and there really isnt a substantial difference in interior space, nor trunk space. I like the new dashboard and how it is positioned in the middle; its more visible and allows for more visibility out the windshield. I recommend this car to anyone who has a family of 4 or less, looking to save money on gas, like to be comfortable, and have all the reliability you could ask for from Toyota. What are you waiting for?!

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  Good Car, Could Use Improvements - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Aaron T - October 5 - 8:56 am

  I have S 4 door manual, blue. Added sun roof and leather seats - nice look! It gets me consistently 34-35 mpg. I do a lot of stop/go (driving in San Francisco) and also highway driving. The car looks awesome with the blue color, like a sports car. You can get nice torque with the stickshift but its a very delicate stick and not easy to shift smoothly. I like the driving style, easy to handle, factory tires and breaks are good. The body quality is my main problem with it. I had a 2001 V6 Maxima before which had much higher quality interior and exterior, body was tough. Besides the cheap body, its also very light. A big car accident would obliterate it, I think.

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  Best value in a compact car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By davedietrich - September 19 - 1:19 pm

  I have done extensive research before buying the Yaris. Reliability is bulletproof, low maintenance costs, drives like it is a bigger car. With the right tires (Michelin Defender) the drive is very smooth and quiet. Fuel economy is exceptional. Peppy for an auto with only a 1.5 engine. Surprisingly good room in the back and front seats. The seats are quite comfortable and supportive. Only negative is the small cargo area in the hatchback. Will be driving this car for a very long time. If you need a car that does not break the bank or your budget for as long as you own it, yo really can not go wrong with a Yaris.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By St.Louis.Girl - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Yaris in a pinch when my old one blew up and left me stranded. I needed a car in a hurry and I was craving reliability after that car maintenance fiasco - so I went straight to Toyota. Ive had the car for a year an a half and 18,000 miles. I love it. No problems at all, drove it from St. Louis to Galveston and back comfortably with 2 people and a dog on board. It has better acceleration, a smoother and quieter ride and overall better quality than any other small car that Ive ever had - or been riding in for that matter. Also easy to get in and out of, even the back seat, even for my 64" brother. I would recommend this car to anyone, 100 times over.

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  Fun little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Buddy - September 16 - 2:46 pm

  I traded in my Ford Excursion for this little car. After driving a monster SUV, I find this car to be nimble and quick. Its the only cheap car that a 62" man can slip in and out of easily. Its noisy on the freeway but handles well enough that I dont feel Im in a death trap. I drive on Houstons busy interstate system, even in the rain and my lil Yaris holds its own which really surprised me! I miss my monster SUV, but hey, get over it! Im averaging 41 mpg which is almost 4 times better than my Excursion with it guzzling V10 engine. Ive gotten lots of compliments and questions from strangers. This car will pay for itself in gas alone. I dont like the "cute car" comments though.

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  My Little Buddy - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By CDR - September 16 - 1:06 pm

  This is the first small car Ive ever owned. Handles great, pretty comfortable, Get about 34 mpg in my rural setting, havent had any major highway trips yet. No complaints yet. I only use 6 or 7 gallons of gas per week. Curious how it will be in the winter. Very pleased so far!!

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Gas Saver - September 14 - 6:23 am

  For a little car it has just enough low end acceleration and handles tight. I bought it strictly for the mileage it gets expecting a cheap chunk of plastic. However, it was anything but. The outer body design is kind of funky. The interior is surprisingly comfortable as well. I am 62" tall and have plenty of leg room.

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  Great Buy For the Money - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By PG - September 10 - 7:36 pm

  I own a 2008 Toyota Yaris Sedan with 62K on it and has been very reliable thus far. I purchased the Yaris when fuel went up to $4.00+ per gallon. Overall, it has exceeded my expectations in regards to reliability and value. This vehicle averages anywhere from 32-34 MPG per tank with normal city/hwy driving. The MPG does drop a bit in colder weather due to fuel additives put into the gas, youll lose around 1-2MPG. If youre doing strictly HWY driving, this model will allow you to drive 370-385 miles per tank before re-filling. The return is 37-38.5 MPG, before the fuel light flashes quickly meaning you have 1.1 gallons of fuel available.

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  YaY For Yaris!!! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By yaris fan!!!! - September 9 - 8:56 pm

  Ive owned a Yaris for two years now, just upgraded to a 2009. I love it. There is so much space in the back seat, friends never complain, storage everywhere, I love the center console area , cup holders positioned perfectly. AMAZING gas mileage. Low cost maint. Because the car is so light weight it takes off quick even when getting on the free way. So no complaints about power. For the price its worth it. The value of the car held on great. Its a great Car. Compare it to other cars similar to it and it stands out in price, style, comfort, and reliability.