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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  Best econo car Ive ever driven - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By balls_mckenzie - November 2 - 9:14 am

  Lately Ive been able to drive my gfs 2010 Yaris sedan auto and I cannot understand why this car ever gets a bad review. The turning radius is so tight, its insane. The room up front is fine, a little tight in the back, but its a subcompact. What blew me away most of all is this cars gas mileage. Ive found it to be much better than 32 or 33. She has had the car for nearly 3 years - 0 problems. She still gets free oil changes, spent nothing on the upkeep. The ride is comfortable, we drove it on trips - no problem and like I said, the mileage is unreal. I own a 06 Xb with the same exact engine. 100K plus miles - zero problems. Its the reliability, thats why people buy it.

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  This is a great car. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By scb - October 8 - 5:40 pm

  I bought this car just over two weeks ago and wanted to write an initial review. I replaced a Honda Accord because I wanted something smaller for the city and because I wanted better gas mileage. I am really impressed with how safe I feel in this car. It is also very fun to drive - it wont win any drag races, but its perfect for me.

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  the best little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By yaris4 - August 18 - 1:17 am

  This car drives smoothly in the front seat. Long drives in the country are comfortable with no back ache. Averaging 32-36 combined mpg. Great commuting car to the downtown core and easy to park. Auto transmission smooth and only repair made has been a new alternator. A/C runs cold still. Great little car.

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  Another weekend road trip success - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By dadinfo - August 16 - 4:49 am

  Just did 400 miles I-70 Colorado mountains averaged 70 plus mph 39 to 40 miles per gallon!

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric - August 7 - 6:33 am

  I really appreciate the maneuverability of this car. (Its great for parking.) Its fun on curves and stable on the highway. I havent had any bad experiences with wind gusts, etc. Its not a sports car, and Im fine with that. The reliability and economic fuel consumption are what I was after. I couldnt be happier.

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  Dances in the Wind - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By yara - July 31 - 12:13 am

  Loved my Yaris. Cute, small, easy to park anywhere, and easy to drive. Fit a very tall family of four fine. Only problem was that it got blown all over the road when it was windy. Not a problem in places with little wind, but here, especially in snow or ice with wind, it was a problem. It was totaled this weekend (hit in the front driver side tire at about 30 mph), but I (the driver) was not injured.

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  Fuel mileage not so great - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Glen - July 27 - 10:20 pm

  The car does good on fuel until you take it out on the highway, anything above 60 and the fuel mileage drops like a rock. I get about 37 for mixed driving but when I take it out on the open road... 25 to 28

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  Better Than I Thought - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Art - July 25 - 6:03 am

  Got this to replace my Mazda3 that was wrecked in, of all places, a funeral procession. Was suspicious when the dealer dropped the price from $17K to $14.5K without even me trying. After trade I walked out paying less than $5K. Has all the goodies, including alloys, alarm, upgrade tires and interior, power pack, etc. Runs smoothly and accelerates just as fast as the Mazda3 although it does lose mid range steam. Originally thought the gas gauge was broken but it seems Im getting about 33 mpg in the city! No problems as of yet and I hope it stays that way.

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  Yaris Sedan - A great car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - July 14 - 11:46 am

  Excellent vehicle for the price! Great commuter car! MPG is in the mid 30s in Dallas traffic. The center instrument cluster is easy to get used to, and easy to read. The steering handles very well, and the car reacts quickly when needed, but initially takes getting used to. Braking is good, but clutch can be a little stiff in stop-go traffic. It rides very well, if somewhat noisy. Lots of room for such a small car, including great head clearance both front and back, and good trunk space. Sits high, which makes entry and exit easy, and gives the feel of a larger car. This car was an excellent buy; thank you Toyota!

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  Not bad for a Small Car - Great on Gas! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Letgil - June 5 - 2:50 pm

  My driving experience so far has been pretty amazing, the steering is very sensitive and the power for this car seems better than average. The interior is appealling and so is the exterior.