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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  Sweet - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Sarah - March 18 - 7:43 pm

  Traded in a Jeep Wrangler for the Yaris. Couldnt ask for better. Great on gas mileage. When I drive to Florida it will save me at least 5 tanks of gas for the trip. Very comfortable. Im averaging anywhere from 37 to 40 miles per gallon.

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  The Most Reliable Car Ever - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By teamyaris - March 18 - 3:19 am

  First, a little about myself. I am a 55 year old male who has owned more than a dozen cars in his lifetime, including trucks, SUVs, minivans, and a variety of small cars including Hondas, Toyotas, and Fords, dating back to the 1970s. Without a doubt, this is the most reliable and lowest cost of ownership car I have ever owned. I bought it new for $12,000 and it is now nearing 100K miles. Other than oil changes and topping off the fluids, and changing tires, it is maintenance free. Manual transmission has been fun to drive, easy to keep up with the traffic flow at speeds up to 70 mph. Mileage is 38-42mpg. Who needs a hybrid? Headroom is fine and the hatchback is convenient.

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  So much car for so little money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sjb5001 - February 17 - 4:53 am

  I traded in my Echo for a Yaris and I am blown away by how luxurious this entry level car feels. Even with 2 hp less than the Echo, the Yaris feels like a Corolla and has no problem accelerating and keeping up with traffic. The new suspension and electric steering makes handling feel more like a European car than Japanese. It also has a very quiet ride on the highway and is comfortable for long trips. And for those weary about the cupholders being up near the vents, dont worry, it holds drinks very tightly. They also make a good spot for your cellphone. I hope to have this car until the day it dies, which will be a long, long time.

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  very pleased - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By heatherx360 - February 16 - 12:20 pm

  I bought this car in February after my volkswagen beetle and bmw both croaked, and costed over 5500.00 to repair each. I didnt like it at first but fell in love after. The style it cute, plenty of room, better mpg than prius cost is almost half, doesnt have all that eletrical junk that seems to always fail, cheap to fix and easy to work on, cheap car but everything is built with great quality unlike volkswagens cheap plastic everything, very easy to park. Im a delivery driver and couldnt ask for a better car. Parents owned 7 toyotas and none had less than 250k miles one had 326k still running today. the yaris has everything plus the toyota reliability and it wont break your bank

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  The worst car Ive ever driven - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By jokl - February 16 - 4:03 am

  Not enough power to go up hill. Dash in the middle is not intuitive to look at. $16k car still use hubcaps. With the same price there are much better cars from competitors.

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  2 weeks and great gas mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Teresa - February 13 - 1:50 am

  We filled it up for the first time in the two weeks we have had it and average getting 37 mpg, mostly city driving. Fun to drive, handles easily. I suggest DRL on all vehicles and a little better seat quality on Yaris, but what can I expect at this price point. My husband and I cannot decide who gets to drive it. We both love it. I think the radio sounds great. Cup holders are fine for summer because I drink iced tea. Lots of storage places. Needs one extra 12v outlet.

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  Very good car. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Christian - January 31 - 1:10 am

  I used to drive a 1991 Firebird which got 16 mpg at best. It got totaled and I went hunting for a new car in hopes for a Civic. The same day, I drove home in my Yaris. From my studies, I severely underestimated this car. I love it to death. I get more than double the gas mileage and Im hoping that the reliability will be on par with my grandmothers 96 Camry, which has NEVER been in shop for anything but wear and tear. Fun to drive and I love the storage. My buddy bought a 2008 Focus and he says, "I shoulda bought a Yaris" I dont regret the purchase and I cant wait to get it paid off.

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  92K Yari - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cim Xaneau - January 30 - 5:54 am

  IF you are an xperienced driver who doesnt get into accidents regularly...this is a great car! I WOULD NOT LET MY KIDS DRIVE THIS CAR! Im the original owner of my 07 Yaris with ZERO maintenance issues. I change the oil & oil filters reg using only synthetics. I compressed aired my air filter clean at 90k. I changed the manual trans fluid, also used synthetic. I find the engine responds better over 55 mph using synthetics. I tossed my el crapo-factory spare after leaving the dealership and invested in a real spare tire. It takes more trunk space but gives me piece of mind. I change tires as needed. KEEP the front tires with plenty of tread and properly inflated. The rear tires are just along for the ride! On the hwy I can travel 400 miles on a tank. I did remove the relay for daytime running lights. Negatives: no temp guage to tell me if the engine is on its way $$$ to overheating. It tells me once its achieved overheating-red light!!! You may want to undercoat the bottom and the wheel wells to fight rust. Hope to talk again at 190.

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  camshaft - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By mselder - January 25 - 1:59 pm

  I have a toyota yaris and this car is good on gas and reliable. however it went from good to bad in no time. I use my car to commute to/from work and i drove 150 miles per day. I got a oil change on april 16th and the 23rd my camshaft broke with no clear reason why. there was evidence of oil burns and foul play i dont think. Im thinking that the camshaft was faulty and finally gave out or toyota yaris 2008 is no good after 84,000 miles. There have been many recall for yaris 2008. I seen many people complaining about break pads or something to that nature. but if you google recall there have be some recalls. My car should not be having my major engine problem especially before 120,ooo

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By UFMike - January 23 - 8:23 am

  Excellent car. I couldnt be happier. Rides great, looks wonderful. I considered several others cars in the same class (Fit, Aveo, Smart, etc.) and the Yaris didnt let me down.