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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Grandmas Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Liz - December 23 - 11:16 amI purchased the car because it was cute and got good mileage. Everyone in my family is borrowing it because of the mileage. Even my son really likes it. maybe I should have it painted pink so it will stay in my driveway more often. I bought it to take the grandkids to and from school. I have never had so many people ask me about my Yaris.
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253,000 miles and counting! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Rico - December 18 - 9:46 amIts the bare basics of a car that runs every day, handles off road adventures, and almost fits five comfortably! You have to drive this car, no cruise, no auto anything, no ABS, and very few problems. Watch for corroded battery terminals, replace the positive fuse block/terminal at 170,000 and save some headaches. I had a final drive seal go during warranty, but Toyota fixed it once and then the dealer fixed their bad installation as well. This car has run Sheep Pens Road in Baca County, Colorado, driven Pikes Peak, driven thousands of miles of dirt road and mud, and still drives my +200 mile daily commute. I get about 37 MPG on a two hundred ten mile daily commute on a US highway, but I have stretched it to 46 MPG on a few interstate highway trips with four adults and luggage (okay, very sparse luggage). It is not frilly, not fancy, but it will get you where youre going with a little fun. Ive had it up to 108 MPH, and it starts to lift in the back so stay unser 102 MPH. I think the sport wing would get her up to 120 MPH no problem.
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Yellow Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
By Steve - December 13 - 9:10 amOnly after a few days Im loving this Yaris! Bought for commuting so Ill be putting some miles on the car. After trying several other cars it was an easy decision to take the Yaris. Ill write again after the break-in period.
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An excellent little commuter car. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
By Chris from MI - December 4 - 9:46 pmIve owned my Yaris liftback for about a week now. Just finished my first tank of gas and got 38 mpg. That is a combination of city and highway. I spent a lot of time researching all the options, including the Civic, Fit, Aveo, and Scion xD. I was mostly looking for a second vehicle that was affordable, reliable, and got exceptional gas mileage. The Yaris, I believe, provides the best combination of these things. Just like every other Yaris, it is made in Japan.
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Really Cute Fun Car! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
By sampleuser04 - December 4 - 11:13 amLet me just say, 3 years ago when the Yaris first came out, I hated it. But now I own one in Jolt Yellow and its such an awesome car! It drives nice, better build quality and material then my 06 Corolla. Lots of standard safety features. It gets so many looks, with the colors alone. I love it and I am very happy! Most people really like my car too! Its not meant to be a speeder, but it does take off quickly when needed! The brakes are great too! I love the little side blinkers on the 2 door.
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Great car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
By Carl - November 26 - 10:00 amI have a 2008 odyssey, which i have determined is too large for city driving, but great for the long haul as we run up and down the coast from Savannah to Cocoa beach. As a result i purchased a 2009, 25,000 mile Yaris sedan to tool around town . Great car, turning radius, great fit into parking lots, easy to maneuver, and an average of 33.7MPG in the city. (mind you, not a metropolis city, but more like long island. This also removes the wear and tare from my Odyssey which i reserve for the relaxing long haul, especially since my wife likes to drive!
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Sensible and Awesome - 2010 Toyota Yaris
By Jon - November 26 - 2:33 amI love my Yaris. For such a small, zippy car, there is a lot of room! I can fit my bike with the seats down (with the front wheel off) but it still fits! It gets great mileage, 36 mpg normally, with 38-40 mpg if I drive it nicely around the countryside. In carmine red, the yaris is very handsome looking and gets lots of questions and compliments. The seats are firm but comfortable. The climate controls, simple and straight forward, are very easy to fool with while driving and are very smartly laid out. The doors feel very sturdy and not cheap at all. My friends corolla feels cheaper. The center dash doesnt bother me at all. To sum it up- zippy car, great on gas, & comfortable. Check it out!
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Best in Class - 2008 Toyota Yaris
By Scotty - November 23 - 7:26 pmThe yaris is the best car in compact class period! Great gas mileage (best non-hybrid gas mileage), toyota reliability, quality and refinement. Turns on a dime (35 ft. shortest turing radius), has electric power steering. Compare and drive others in class like i did and you will buy!
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Great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
By Bonnie - November 23 - 11:30 amThis Yaris is a great driving little car and handles like a dream. Ive enjoyed driving it, especially since it has great pick up and can get out in traffic with no problem whatsoever.
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Love This Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
By Lisa - November 20 - 8:33 amI carefully researched this vehicle, comparing consumer reviews, cost, safety, and insurance premiums for the Yaris, Fit and Aveo. The Yaris won "hands-down" and was worth the one month wait for my vehicle. My Yaris is replacing our Ford Escape in my daily commute. I am now driving twice as far on 1/2 the price of gas. There is also plenty of interior space with the versatile seating capability. I packed the car for a trip "north" with golf clubs, gym bags, bike rack, dog and kennel. There was plenty of room to spare.
