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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  Yay Yaris!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jenny - September 4 - 11:13 pm

  I love this car! Mileage is great. I drive about 80 miles a day and its great. I am averaging about 45-50 miles per gallon! And with these gas prices thats super good. I like the way it drives pretty fast for a small car.

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  My Little Ya-Ya - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KIM - September 2 - 7:50 am

  I have really enjoyed my Yaris. It has great gas mileage and is pretty sporty and quick for a small car. I purchased the car for the fuel mileage but really like the car. I get a lot of looks in the car because everyone thinks it is a Hybrid. I average over 40 mpg when traveling on the highway to work on a daily basis.

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  40+ mpg on average in MI - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cosworth - August 22 - 8:26 pm

  I bought the car as a commuter, and its been a great gas-sipping machine. On average, I average 40-42mpg on my commute (90% hwy/ 10% city). Its definitely not as fun as a Civic or Mazda 3, but gas mileage makes up for it. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a no-hassle commuter car that gets just as good, if not better, gas mileage as most hybrids in the market.

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  A great car so far! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kristine - August 21 - 3:46 am

  We bought our Yaris about a week ago and so far couldnt be happier with it. I get excellent mileage on my commute to work and the car handles great and is very roomy on the inside despite being a small vehicle. I would highly recommend this car if you are looking for a small, affordable car, with great gas mileage and a very nice and roomy interior design!

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  Great little vehicle, love it so far - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By pob138 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Itll be two weeks tomorrow that Ive owned this car. The gas mileage is very good. I got about 380 miles out of the first tank (11.1 gallons) and I think that once Im more accustomed to it, Ill do a bit better (I had a 94 escort, so this has much better acceleration than Im used to). It drives better on the interstate than I thought it would with enough passing speed. Turning radius is tight, handling is better than expected and the ride is smooth for a sub-compact. Interior is roomy, Im 62" and have no problem with leg/head room, but it sits me a little too high. The cargo space is amazing for its size, having 3 glove boxes is nice. All around, Im very pleased.

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  Love My Baby Yo - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By pauly651 - August 16 - 11:30 am

  Bought my Yaris hatchback brand new in 2007. Baby Yo (Baby Toyota) now has over 112,000 miles on it. Still drives like its brand new. Bought some 17 by 7.5 black with chrome lips on her n WOW!!! Also upgraded the sound systems, Pioneer Premier the whole inside. One minor problem though, Last winter gas gauge lied to me. Said I had two bars of gas left but when enter the hiway ramp it stalled. Checked the whole car with fine tooth comb, found nothing. Little bro added gas to tank, it started right up.

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  Truly a Pocket Rocket - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Pocket Rocket - August 2 - 6:46 am

  I actually received this vehicle as a gift. So far, it has been one of the best cars that Ive owned. It is a little sluggish on initial acceleration but what can I expect when Im averaging 40 mpg! Ride is great, sticks to the road, handles very well. Fabulous sound system. Would like to see a higher center console for arm rest and cup holder is great... if youre left handed!

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  My Little Go Cart - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Estes - July 14 - 9:03 am

  Have not owned it for long but being 63" and 255 lbs I am having a blast with this car. Everyone I know is used to me being in an F-250 or larger vehicle so I am getting used to being laughed at. With the mileage I am getting, which is on average 45 mpg, I use 1 gal per day round trip to work and home . Several co-workers have purchased one of their own. Now who is laughing? Thats all Im going to say about that!

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  I love this car!! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Stephanie Less - July 9 - 4:26 pm

  This car is fantastic! I test drove both the manual and the automatic, and the manual is just wonderful. The clutch is smooth and it handles great. This little car can get up and go! One thing I love is how roomy it is, even though it looks like small from the outside. I can fit my sculpture supplies in the back no problem, especially after folding down the seats. I thought the speedometer in the middle would be a problem, but Ive had no issue with it all, and I dont think anyone should let that hold them back from this great car.

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  This car rocks, rattles & rolls - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sackie - July 9 - 12:46 am

  I bought my Yaris as an automatic only because the buyers havent given consideration to people who want one with power package, and a manual transmission. I love control and the manual trans. rocks. There are a few annoying rattles from under the dash, and hopefully the dealer will take care of it, without having to take it apart. The sound system rocks, as theyve improved the sensitivity to discriminating ears. I havent found the magic way to get good gas mileage... maybe turning the car off, while coasting down a hill will help. All in all, I still love my Toyota Yaris!