Toyota Yaris Review

Looking for an inexpensive, entry-level new car at a Toyota dealership? In the past few years, 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.

Though new to Americans, the current Yaris is actually the car's second generation from a global perspective -- a first-generation Yaris was available in other markets, including Europe, where it was Toyota's best-selling car. As Toyota's entry-level model, the Yaris should hold considerable appeal for the young and value-conscious consumer.

Current Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris subcompact is available as a two-door hatchback, a four-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. The hatchbacks' sparse standard features list includes air-conditioning and a tilt steering wheel, while the sedan adds a tachometer, a height-adjustable driver seat and a remote trunk release. Speakers are pre-wired, but a radio is not offered as standard equipment.

Optional equipment includes 60/40-split rear seats (slide/recline for the hatchbacks), a CD/MP3 player, power accessories, keyless entry and cruise control. The Sport package adds exterior styling enhancements, 15-inch wheels, foglights, iPod integration and sport seats.

All Toyota Yaris models are powered by an economical 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 106 horsepower and driving the front wheels. Two transmissions are available -- a five-speed manual and an optional four-speed automatic -- with both delivering excellent and comparable city/highway mileage.

Toyota has put in extra effort to differentiate the two Yaris body styles. They feature different instrument panels, and the sedan is almost 20 inches longer than the hatchback and has a longer wheelbase. This means more room for rear passengers in the sedan, though the hatchback can compensate nicely thanks to its optional adjustable rear seat, which moves fore and aft.

In reviews, we've found that when driving the Toyota Yaris around town, the word "competent" often comes to mind. Not "refined" or "sporty" or "fun"-- just "competent." The steering is light for easy parking maneuvers, and the turning circle is tight. The car feels reasonably secure and comfortable -- but nothing more. The Yaris can be surprisingly fun on twisty roads, but it's nothing like Ford's Fiesta or Honda's Fit. The engine is peppy enough, though off-the-line acceleration can be sluggish with the automatic transmission.

Used Toyota Yaris Model

The Toyota Yaris was introduced for 2007. The three-door, sport-themed hatchback S model arrived a year later, while the five-door hatchback was introduced for 2009. Models prior to '09 may not feature side curtain airbags and antilock brakes, since they were previously optional. For 2010, stability control became standard, a manual transmission was introduced for the previously automatic-only five-door hatchback, and the S trim level was eliminated in favor of the optional Sport package.