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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  Happy with my decision! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Emily - July 7 - 3:00 am

  When my Chevy died on me, I wanted an affordable car with good fuel economy, as I commute a long distance. Ive been outstandingly happy with my Yaris. I average 38 mpg (mixed driving, both city and highway) and have a record of 41 mpg. While not the Yaris is not the quickest accelerator, I do not feel out of pace on the freeway. Not recommended for tall consumers. I am 55" and feel that this is the perfect sized car for me. The Corolla feels slightly too big, for comparison. The center gauges do not take long to get used to, and are not as distracting as you would think. Stereo is excellent, storage capacity good for a car of its size.

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  Top value - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By william seidel - July 2 - 4:43 pm

  The Yaris is a top value in its class. It has awesome styling, surprising leg and head room. I cant imagine a better value out there. The 1.5 motor has plenty of power and great fuel economy. I would recommend getting it fully loaded. It still a bargain even loaded and flint mica is a beautiful color.

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  I love my Yaris! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Rex81 - July 1 - 12:16 am

  Im a car enthusiast. I know a lot about cars and have owned everything from muscle cars to sports cars to big luxury cars to tiny commuters. The Yaris is my favorite all arounder so far. It looks great, gets AMAZING gas mileage, its fun to drive, and feels solid on the road. The ride is an excellent mix of comfort and handling, the stick feels great, and its just a great car to get in and go. The engine, though small, is really great. Very smooth, quiet, efficient, and it has adequate power. The sedans trunk and rear leg room match many large cars. Its amazing how small it is on the outside and how large it is inside. Overall, the best car for the money out there.

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  Yaris Sedan 4 door 2008 - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By lonlac - June 28 - 2:33 pm

  I just love this car, Ive had it for six months! Great on mileage, the odometer in the centre cluster makes so much sense rather than everything hiding behind the steering wheel. Very spacious and roomy, great pick up and go and handles very well! Its a ten in my books! Great Toyota value and quality.

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  Tiny but Peppy! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ayan_garvida - June 26 - 9:13 pm

  I was very satisfied with the car. Bought trd short shifter, shift knob, shift pedal, body side molding, and mud guard on the internet in advance, and upon receiving the car, I installed all the parts by myself. Gas mileage is unbelievable! Ever since I got it from the dealership, havent filled it up yet and still more than half full. Im planning to buy 16" inch rims to compliment the color of the car. Highly recommended!

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  Worth it! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By gotta luv it - June 25 - 11:23 pm

  Surprisingly roomy inside. Fits a 61" 365 lb. person. Love the gas mileage. We drive it everywhere. So much fun to drive too. Doesnt do bad in the winter either. The only thing is there is road noise. But, it is an economical car not a full size one. We love it. We would definitely recommend it.

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  Best Compact Yet - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By zeeno - June 11 - 6:10 pm

  I love my Yaris 3dr hatchback. Its fun to drive with an incredibly small turning circle which makes u-turns a snap. The mileage is fantastic, the automatic transmission is very smooth, plus I can choose to shift it when I want and the ride quality is great. The looks of the 3dr hatchback are very different and I like how unique it is.

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  I like mine - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Teenage driver - June 5 - 6:16 pm

  My mother bought this car for me last year. I commute everyday to school since in Montana we hav a lot of rural places. this car has awesome gas mileage and it has a smooth ride. The stock speakers are nothing special but I replaced them with JBL speakers i found in another Toyota that was wrecked. Oh and I also get lifetime oil changes. During the winter just get a sand bag n put it in the trunk these cars tend to slide their tales in a turn as I experienced a couple of times. Would recommend to anyone the manual is awesome skip the automatic I test drove one and it was pathetic.

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  Review after 17 months of ownership - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - May 25 - 11:53 pm

  I wanted a new car that I could reasonably expect would be economical (good mpg) & reliable (no problems). After 17 months of ownership & 15,550 miles my cumulative gas mileage is 42.7 mpg. Ive not had ANY mechanical or electrical problems with the auto. Ive taken it in for the 5K, 10K, & 15K routine maintenance & that is it.

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  First compact car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - May 25 - 3:26 pm

  The car is a real pleasure to drive. I drive 60+ miles a day and this car has performed well above my expectations. It accelerates well and has no problems at freeway speeds. A very solid car all around.