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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  Fun little car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By LarryP - May 14 - 1:33 pm

  Ive had my car for one month after three tanks of gas Im averaging 33 mph combined, my highway driving is rush hour and mostly stop and go. Ive seen 80 mph with no problems and it seems pretty peppy for a 1.5 engine. I think Ill get a scan gauge and try to increase my mpg, I have a heavy foot which probably accounts for my lower mph, 33 mph isnt really that low as far as Im concerned as I was driving a Ford F150. Great car I recommend it if you looking for an inexpensive commuter.

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  2002 Toyota Yaris Sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Phillip - May 8 - 6:33 am

  I originally owned the Toyota Echo, which was truly the best car I ever owned. But I was hit by a red light runner and the car was totaled, I as well as the police and wrecker driver were amazed at the interior compartment, it had no damage at all but the front of the car was completely destroyed. So after that experience with the Echo , I went out and bought the new replacement for the Echo , which was a 2007 Yaris Sedan. The car is basic , because it was bought for my long 94 mile commute to work, but the car has quickly become my wifes favorite car, she always leaves behind her 7 passenger fully loaded SUV to drive my basic 5-speed Yaris, which she absolutely love. We love this car !

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  Great little car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Keith - April 29 - 7:46 pm

  The Yaris is a great car and economical in so many ways. If you are looking for a reliable car that is cheap on the gas then go for the Yaris. I preferred the 4 door to the Liftback version but it was still hard to decide which one to buy. I read some reviews out there about how the car lacks some things, but it is what it is. The small engine might put you off, but dont let it. It can really keep pace and does great on the highway.

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  Cute Little Car!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Amanda - April 22 - 5:13 am

  I have a 2007 Yaris Liftback automatic in Blazing Blue. I have only had the car about a week, but I am very pleased. It has great pick up and lots of "zoom". There is so much storage I dont know what to put in it. From what I can tell the back seat is pretty roomy too. (I think the doors have shrink-rays in them). The outside looks so small, but the interior is extremely spacious. Each day I am discovering more things - like the sun visor extenstions! The cd player can play mp3 cds and I still have to try out the auxillary audio jack.

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  Good little car - 2014 Toyota Yaris
  By Kristina Tavisora - April 13 - 10:40 pm

  This is a great little car. It has power comfortable and great for parking in the city.

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  Yaris is a new car for less money! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ROBIN - April 7 - 8:40 pm

  I love our Yaris! It is great on gas and my 5 speed manual is fun to drive. I bought this car for my daughter who will be driving in another year. In the meantime I am driving it. Yaris has just enough room for my family of four and one family pet (our fifth person).

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  Style, Comfort and Drive - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Tyler - April 4 - 1:03 pm

  The fit and finish on my liftback was better than expected (even for a Toyota). The doors sound firm and heavy when shut. I am a long time Honda owner (6 total). I think I just converted. The seats are quite comfortable for what is described as entry level. They have enough side stability to keep you in place around tight turns. I fit two- 220+ lb, 6 ft adults in the back seat for an hour ride with no problem. The manual transmission is very responsive and sounds like it should be driven at a higher rpm in 2nd and 3rd compared to what I expected (a tach would be nice). Freeway on ramp acceleration with the manual is quite good. You can u turn on a residential street with feet to spare.

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  Overall not bad - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Ian - March 31 - 7:53 pm

  This month is my Yaris first birthday and being my first new car, it has been a pretty decent experience after 15,000 miles. Very reliable car, no engine issues, manual is almost... fun sometimes. Air works well, and stereo is not bad. Only issues Ive had are the easily scratched panels, very annoying... also the panels where seat belts are get gauged. My Camry had a more resilient interior. Gas mileage is excellent, best I got was 360 miles to one tank on the hwy, and for an 11 gallon tank, that aint too shabby. The exterior damages way too easily also. Bumpers on this car are horrible and expensive to repair, try not to back into anything, its going to be over 500 to fix. Good car overall.

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  Love my Yaris!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Wendy - March 24 - 7:10 pm

  I love this car. It is very affordable and great on gas. I have two kids who have plenty of room in the back seat. The stereo system is excellent and its wired to plug your MP3 player right in. Also like having lots of cup holders and bottle holders (6 total). Had to get used to speedometer in the middle of the dashboard, but its great for back seat drivers. :) The body style is adorable and easy to fit into small spaces. The only thing I dont like about this car is that the acceleration is not as quick as Im used to, but its not TOO bad. I am very happy with this purchase and would definitely buy another Yaris.

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  Almost 3 years under my belt....still going strong - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By daf62757 - March 21 - 6:16 pm

  I bought mine in December 2008. Its been just under 2 years and I can report a little more since I first submitted a review. This car is so roomy for such a small car. I have rented a bunch of cars on travel and all of them all less roomy than the Yaris hatchback. I just rented a Corolla and it was so cramped compared to my Yaris. The fuel mileage is fairly consistent. I get about 39 MPG on the interstate and 31 around town. I drive 70 MPH on the interstate so getting almost 40 MPG with the A/C on is really good. The car has very little road noise. I do notice that around 70 MPH, it is a little difficult to hear conversations on my cell phone, but it isnt a problem.