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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  Hmm - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By noway - December 3 - 2:50 pm

  Overall its nice that it gets great gas mileage and is a smooth drive. However, the body is not safe in an accident. At 3 mph I hit a truck and my car was very badly messed up (from hitting something at 3 MPH!!). I dont think this is a very safe car.

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  Baby Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By barkpr - December 2 - 9:26 pm

  Ive had the car about a year now and the love affair continues. Got the 2 door hatchback. I still cannot believe that Toyota could put this style, comfort and reliability together at this price range. Every day its vroom when I start the engine, I actually feel like I am driving a much bigger car or even an suv when I am behind the wheel, great visibility and have been averaging about 38 miles per gallon. It is peppy as hell and my wife says it is cute. Highly recommend to all who want great dependability, great gas mileage and "cute" style at a great price.

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  Yaris Sedan - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By jshutrump - November 28 - 10:26 am

  Performance out of the 1.5 litre is very good. Powerband and gearing excellent. Brakes good as is steering. A little shifty, left and right on the freeway at high speeds (over 70 mph). Interior great quality and instrument panel good. I like the "free" driver side so I can put a gps. Surprising large interior and confortable for 4. Wish it had an electronic trunk opener.

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  09 Yaris review - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Hoody - November 14 - 10:40 pm

  Picked this little thing up on a Sat night Dec 27th after testing it a couple days. I found it to be fun to drive and has a peepy little 1.5, it did 70 on the interstate with no sweat. I bought it mainly for the wife for a local run about, replacing the 92 Chrysler T&C which was getting to be a pain. I like pretty much everything about it right now, it has all the stuff it needs.

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  Undecided - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By PhillyGirl - November 13 - 12:03 am

  I bought my 08 Yaris sedan in May after trading in my 01 Mustang. Going from a Mustang to a Yaris was a little scary. But the savings in insurance and gas balanced out the decision. Right now Im undecided on the Yaris. I love that its fun to drive and packs a good punch for a car with a 1.5L engine. However, in the month and a half Ive had it, its now been in the shop twice. When the car was 3 weeks old the keyless entry stopped working. Now, after the car shuttered violently, a bearing broke in the AC compressor, causing the AWFUL noise. I got it home, limping. The car was towed yesterday (how embarrassing for my brand new car!) and Im now waiting for it get done at the shop.. again.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Zanella - November 12 - 6:56 pm

  Couldnt be more happy with my Yaris. It drives well, and is very comfortable and reliable.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By rebecca - November 3 - 7:43 am

  I have had this car for about 2 months and it is a very reliable and comfortable vehical. Its terrific on gas and has run so far excellent. With the gas prices as elevated as they are and for the cost of purchasing this vehicle hands down a great money saving purchase. I absolutely love it. The Toyota Yaris is the next best thing next to the hybrid, for all of us earth savvy people who care about the environment!

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  Winter Mountain Car Replaces Jeep - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Brian White - November 1 - 2:36 pm

  I bought this car for the fuel savings over my old Grand Cherokee. You could say I got a free car out of the deal once you factor in the savings, and not a bad one at that. Tons of space for a small car and fun to drive. I drive this in a mountainous area of Canada which has the highest snow fall in Canada, most years anyway. So it is December and the studded tires are on and the car seems to be fairing quite well. A little noise from the studs but not as much as I thought there would be from a small car. The first gear is a little spongy but actually works well in limiting wheel spin in slippery situations. Other than that, not much wrong with this econ-o-box.

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  Good, cheap fun - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Yaris strictly as a commuter car, for a 100 mile a day round trip commute, on the basis of the fuel economy and the expectation that I wouldnt feel bad about putting so many miles on a cheap car. As it turns out, its actually fun to drive. With the five speed manual, this light car gives all of the acceleration I need in town and on the freeway. Im also impressed with the "feel" of the materials. The doors close with that "thud" that you expect from a luxury sedan, rather than flimsy feel of a traditional subcompact. With its smooth ride, I have difficulty keeping my speed down on the freeway. After getting my first ticket in 20 years, I installed aftermarket cruise control

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  Fun with sport - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By rwmech - October 30 - 9:33 am

  I could only wish that it had a turbo. This thing is fun to drive and handles great. I drive a huge amount of miles and needed economy. This car fit the bill and provided some sport as well. For a subcompact it is very roomy. Handles well and has all the basics. Even without the power package this car satisfies the commuter needs at a fabulous price. I love filling up for 1/2 the cost of my minivan. The sport model gives you a little more in the way of handling. Just a great all around car.