2007 Toyota Yaris - Sedan and Hatchback

and the yaris sedan is now way bigger than the corolla was only a couple of generations ago. . . still, i like the hatchback: should make a welcome change from a neon at enterprise next time i rent.

I'm not quite sure what this is doing on tree hugger. Yes, it's relatively good on gas, and its emissions are quite low. But every car maker has models like these in their lines now, especially outside the USA. GM's GEO got 55mpg... Honda's early 80's version of the CRX got better mileage that ANY later Civic. The 1984 1.3 CRX was rated at 68mpg!!! Toyota is certainly to be praised for their efforts, but now you can buy a BMW sports car with 33mpg highway!!! Shouldn't tree hugger be focusing on truly green ground breaking design innovations?

Treehugger is focused on making things better, and there are many ways and many degrees to that.

The Yaris is the non-hybrid *modern* car (not much use talking about cars from 1984) that gets the best *real world* (AFAIK) fuel economy in the US right now (out of non-hybrids), and it is *quite affordable* (almost 10K below a hybrid), so that's certainly worth something. It is a step up from almost everything on the market there. The fact that it is small yet high-quality makes it almost unique in the US, and it is probably one of the first cars in the small car revival.

If we can help increase the mindshare of small cars in the US by writing about them here, that's certainly a good thing. We're aware that we're not helping the cause in Europe and Asia, but you can't always write for everybody.

Nice post, this might very well be my next car a year from now.

I get about 34 city/40hwy in my 2001 Honda Civic LX, FYI.

where is the 4 door hatchback? why is toyota afraid to let this model compete against the xA? xA is goofy.

I bought the '06 Can. Yaris 3 months ago, the most basic version possible. It's fun to drive, it's a ULEV, and I make a point of telling people how much I paid yesterday to fill the tank and how far I can drive 'til I fill up again. Very satisfying. But is is a very basic car.

Canada has the one-tonne challenge to reduce CO2 emissions, I wondered how I would do it 'cause I always shave the energy use - but I did figure out a way...

So at least it's treehugger enough for me to comment on your forum :)

I fell in love with this car as soon as i saw it. It will be my first car. It is beautiful, and yet i can acctually afford it. With gas prices today, you need a car like this.

I just bought the sedan yday. I am so excited about saving on the gas, that I went ahead and paid xtra for a few things in it! Very comfy in the seat; will take some time to get used to the speedometer though.

Thanks for writing, Jennifer.

Out of curiosity, what did you drive before?

While i think toyota yaris and honda fit are nice, with basic options/ air/auto/ pwr windows etc - can be looking at around 18500++ ! wow
After research i see 06 Kia Rio sedan gets 28/38, and fully loaded...can get just slightly used in Texas for around 11500 ! thats7k savings one could put in 401 or use some of it to donate to help planet and people :) and it has 100k warranty to boot : )
just an idea for earth friendly consumer :)

Dave, it is true that the korean small cars can usually be had for less money than the Japanese ones, but in your example you compare a new Yaris or Fit with a "slightly used" Kia. Not quite a fair comparison, especially since Kias will lose their resale value much faster than the Honda and Toyota.

I live in Mesa, Arizona and just purchased the 2007 Toyota Yaris "S" Sedan yesterday. So far, I love it. It's very sporty and surprisingly fast, even for a 4-cylindar. It is taking some "getting used to", considering I traded in a 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette (minivan) for the Yaris. I'm 5' 11", so I do feel a bit squashed. Overall, it's a very good car and the mpg is amazing!!

I owned a Daihatsu Charade Hatchback in 89. Driven by a little 3 cylinder, I got 55 at 70 highway and 43 around town regardless of how I drove. That spoiled me bigtime. I have a 2000 Echo bought new, and get only 46 highway at 65 and 36 around town. Copnsidering the Echos 1.5 litre 4 cyl. makes 50 more horsepower than the Daihatsu's 3, I guess that's not too bad. (It takes a full on muscle car to get by me when I hop on it.) The diesel Yaris would be ideal at 50 MPG plus, but for now only Europeans get the mileage I want. The problem is, we consumers get what we ask for...and most people want big cars and trucks that get crappy mileage. Pain at the pump may change all that.

I just recently bought the Yaris Sedan ... an amazing vehicle. I am getting close to 50 miles-per-gallon on the highway ... I have not yet calculated in-town milage.

I'm looking to buy a Yaris, and I'd love to know...

Is it safe?

Kat,

Yes, it's safe. I've never been bitten by a small car.

Had a Pontiac that took a chunk outta my thumb one time, though.

I just ordered a red "3-door" Yaris and can't wait for it to arrive. No, it's not a hybrid but it has ULEV2 and 39 mpg on the highway in the automatic version. Until hybrids are cheaper, this treehugger is ecstatic to pay just $14,109!

Were I not inundated with student loans, bills, and bill-induced credit card debt I would instantly trade my 3.8L 1994 mustang for the Yaris. Trading ego for social conscience isn't something we could get most people to do, but then I've always been an exception. As previously noted, size may be an issue. I'm 6'2" and have always feared that I'd be stuck in boats for want of space. I've heard the Yaris is surprisingly roomy, though, so maybe I'd have no problem. If I ever get the funds, I'll certainly find out.

I'm 6'1" and both my girlfriend and sister have previous-generation Yaris hatchbacks.

I find that I have more headroom in these cars than in the Camry and Accords I've tried (though the Accord had a sunroof), probably because it's a fairly tall car and the sitting position is different.

I don't think that at 6'2" you should have any problems.

Dev,

I'm 6'3", and I've worked as a valet, so I've sat in pretty much everything on the market. I found 'sporty' cars (like Mustangs) have less headroom than small econo-cars. You should be fine.

I've owned several small cars. My only complaint has been that some cars don't give you enough room to stretch out your legs. Do some tests.

As far as the cost of new, you can look at a used Echo, which was rated one of the most efficient and least polluting conventional cars on the market. The Yaris shares the same chassis as the Echo.

check it out... I can't get the consumer reports page to give much info.

Just bought a Yaris for my wife today. I'm 6'3" and I have no problem sitting in the front or the rear (4 door). It's a fun car. I really don't see how anyone can criticize this car. It's a needed choice for those that can't afford a hybrid. We will be saving over $150 in gas a month! That's more than half the car payment. Almost like a free car. ;)

Hi, I just bought a new Yaris sedan last Saturday and love it. However when driving on the highway my car seems to sway quite a bit ,almost so bad sometimes that its hard to keep in my own lane. Also my engine seems to idle/shake a bit when stopped for a few seconds. So much that it shakes the entire car. Has anyone else had any of these problems? Please let me know if you have. This is my first new car and I am a bit paranoid that there is something wrong with it. Thanks,Tyler

MGR - sorry it has been a month - before my Yaris (which I LOVE) I had a Mazda Millenia. The Mazda is still in the driveway with almost 200,000 miles on it - that was a great car and wish they had not discontinued the line (it is a '95). I do absolutely adore my Yaris Sedan and it only took about a day and a half to get used to the middle-set spedometer.

I have to agree with the others who lament the fuel efficiency champs of the 1980's. Mine was a 1987 Chev Sprint ER model. It got 60 mpg highway and 55 around town. Had a 1000 cc 3 cylinder engine. I kept it for 211K miles and 17 years. Now I have an Aveo, and was very disappointed not to find nowadays an inxpensive efficient car like the Sprint.

I want a car that will last past the final payment. I hear about Toyota owners getting over two hundred thousand miles on their cars and have never had a car for that long before something major went wrong with it. With the smaller size of the Yaris engine and automatic transmission and air conditioner in the heat of Las Vegas, is this a good bet for me? Are there any reliability ratings for how this car endures over the long haul?

All the information in your reviews has been great so far, but I'm concerned about the car's weight. You say it is built much like the Echo, so does that mean the Yaris is light as a feather like the Echo??? I live in an area with LOTS of snow and ice and have had experience with the Echo flying and slipping around on the ice--a problem I haven't had driving a heavier car like the Corolla.

So...is this car heavy or too light for long slippery winter driving???

--
editor note: From my experience living in Canada and driving small cars in the snow, what matters most is the car's tires, not the weight. Heavier cars actually have more inertia and will take longer to stop on slippery surfaces (remember, 4x4 helps to accelerate, but not to brake).

My experience with the Yaris in the snow has been fine, but as with all cars, driving style is a big factor.

i see the odometer is centered in the middle has that been an issue for anyone here.

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editor note: From my experience, you get used to it really quickly and it's not an issue. Things are easy to see and since it's pretty high on the dash, you don't quite have to move your eyes down as much as you usually would. But that's just me.

Can you tell me where the Yaris Liftback that will be sold in the USA is built?

Is there a union workforce?

I ordered a red hatchback about a month ago, can't wait for it to get here. I see lots of comments about the center mounted speedometer. I kind of like the idea, it is like flying a helicopter (many of which have center mounted insturments) :o)

I bought a Yaris Sedan today from Right Toyota in Phx Az. I traded in my Isuzu Rodeo for it and so far I love it! Nice to not dump $40 every 2 daqys in gas.

I bought a 2007 Yaris liftback in the U.S. last month and I absolutely love it. I also have a Jeep Wrangler that gets about 12mpg but I wasn't sure I wanted to trade it in for the Yaris since I've never owned a practical economical car in my life and wasn't sure I'd be happy with just the Yaris. The Yaris gets about 35mpg and it is fun to drive. I am 6' and have no problem getting comfortable. The interior of the car is really young and hip and makes me feel like a younster. I'm saving about $250/mo in gas. Instead of spending $350/mo. in gas, why not just buy a second non-gas guzzling car?

"Can you tell me where the Yaris Liftback that will be sold in the USA is built?

Is there a union workforce?"

The Yaris is Japanese-built, as are all Toyotas that use the 1.5 liter motor. However, out of the 2.5 million cars Toyota sells in North America each year, over 1.5 million are built here.

Toyota's North American workers are free to organize, but most facilities choose not to.

I just bought the Yaris sedan. It is fully loaded and gets great gas mileage. I did notice the swaying problem at high speeds that another post mentioned but the car is silent while the engine idles and it certainly doesn't shake. I have only had the car for 2 days and I assume the swaying issue is more a matter of getting used to the responsive steering. My last car had more play in the wheel.

I am planning to buy a new car within next 10 days. I need a small or compact car and after some researches, I have come upto 4 cars that I want to buy. I will choose one of them. I appreciate any comment from you on those 4 to make my decision more effective. My requirements are -

1) The car must not be big. So small or compact size is good for me.
2) Must be 4 door.
3) Auto gear.
4) Good mileage.

The cars I liked -

1) Honda Civic Sedan LX 2006 Model - I like the dashboard and the look. But seems a little costly.

2) Toyota Corolla 2006 - Seems really good option for me.

3) Chevrollete Cobalt - I like its size and shape very much.

4) Toyota Yaris 2007 - I like this car though didn't go for a test drive yet. I want to know its difference and similaririty with Cobalt on size and shape. Its new and less expensive than others.

Comments please.

-- Ashik Uzzaman
Software Development Engineer
Philips Medical Systems
Milpitas, CA, USA

I just traded in my 2006 Checy Cobalt (that I had for 5 months) for a Toyota Yaris today and I absolutely love the Yaris. The four door is very comfortable, plenty of room, and thus far the gas mileage is great, if my calculations are correct I will be saving about $150 a month in gas alone, and at my dealership I get free oil changes, tires, batteries, and car washed for the entire time I own it. I would say a Yaris is a must have if you can't afford a Hybrid model, but are concerned about gas mileage.

Ashik-
I just bought a car, and I had the EXACT requirements as you. I was debating between the corolla, civic, and yaris. I heard the colbalt got the worst reliability rating of the year. The civic and corolla were great, but they were too expensive for me. That left the Yaris and I ADORE it. It has been great. If you have the money though, I think the civic and corolla are wonderful too.

cheers,
Courtney

In response to previous comments: I also have the swaying problem, but I think it will improve as I get used to the steering. I do not have any problems with my Yaris shaking though... I think this is a great choice for people who want to buy a car that is kind to the environment but can't aford a hybrid (me :)

Does anyone know if the Candadian Yaris build and mpg are different than the U.S. Yaris build and mpg? I thought the canadian yaris is a 3 cylinder and gets 50mpg+. And if so, if they can be imported into the u.s. without costly modifications?

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editor note: The Canadian and American versions are the same (except that the 4-door hatchback isn't sold in the US). The difference in MPG is probably explained by the difference between the US and imperial gallons. 5 imperial gallons fit in 4 US ones, so 40 mpg in the US = 50 mpg in Canada.

I have driven the Yaris, both versions, and have to say that it amazed me. It is typical of Toyota; the construction is top notch and well above the class standard. Compare welds to Korean under hood welds and you'll see. I am 6'2" and love the spacious interior.

As for mileage, remember that today's engines are radically different than the 1980's gas misers were. Variable valve timing allows a much higher engine output (HP and torque) while providing livable fuel economy. Those 1980's cars had zero power and sounded like Briggs & Stratton engines at highway speeds...Not so with the Yaris. It's smooth and powerful for its size.

I do all of my maintenance and the Yaris will be a dream because everything is logically laid-out, except the novel dash, which I like because it adds personality.

I'm ordering a white or grey 3-dr with ABS and plan to incorporate an oil cooler, a less restrictive intake, and swap to synthetic oil and tranny fluid. I will hope to see 45 to 48 mpg on the highway and will work on it until it does. Like the other guy, I wish they had the diesel here...I'd buy two.

Good luck and enjoy life...

I just bought the US Yaris Sedan a couple months ago and although I settled for the basic (and I do mean BASIC) model, I am satisfied overall with its performance.

However....

A couple of people mentioned swaying and shaking and yes, I have BOTH when driving, especially when driving for long periods of time. I was also sad with the lack of options that come with the basic model but will more than likely upgrade next year.

I have also noticed that I am getting rather poor gas mileage, considering the 40mpg tag that has been so commercialized. I get about 30 mpg on a good day. Maybe switching up to synthetic oil would help? Any ideas?

Considering getting a 2 door hatchback Yaris but concerned about safety. Does anyone know how it tested in crash tests? I have a 4 year old and worry if I got rear ended if the car would be safe.

Hello Huggers,
I love the look of the Yaris, I also would like to know why they don't sell the 4 door lift-back in the States. I'm thinking of flying from CA (California) to CA(Canada) and driving one down. I should mention that I own the Mobil Oil shootout winner for best gas mileage in 1955, the Studebaker, Champion.:)

hi,
Unfortunately in Asia region we won't be able to get 4 doors Sedan because it will compete with Toyota Vios model, but we do only have the 4 doors hatch back model. As the engine lovers I kindly took a pity on the very limited space for maintenance because of the flat nose Yaris have.

I am planning to buy my 1st car. Yaris sedan is on top of the list. I saw a gray colored basic sedan yesterday and it was so nice. It was parked beside a BMW series 3 and the yaris looked bigger then the BMW. One thing I don't like about the yaris is the center mounted Console. It takes away the 'car rush' feel. also the basic model lacked so may convenience and power stuffs that when you want to put em... you'll spending like 2 grand below an 06 Civic LX (which has everything on it).

HEY EVERYONE!!!
Big Question out there, iS the Yaris Safe? Lots of PPL in the USA asking that because the Yaris is New. Look @ This, http://www.technadyne.com/reallydead.jpg

That WAS my Brand New yaris I got on 4/28 on 8/28 I was driving home from a client's house when I was coming off a curve @ 60mph (the posted limit) a deer ran out right in-front of me and I swerved to avoid it, my car did a great job HOWEVER, even though the ABS and the Vehicle Control was wokring, I already lost control on Gravel was spinning around in circles. . . I Hit a Tractor Discer , you know one of those BIG BIG BIG metal things with Discs that slice into the ground for Farming, well reguardless, Even though the Trunk was wiped off completely, I was totally safe and walked from the accident, and the entire cabin on the inside was in-tact even though the trunk was well, look http://www.technadyne.com/notrunk.jpg I thank God I am alive! . . . IM SO GETTING A NEW YARIS! 39mpg (even though I got more) ,extremely safe (look at the proof) and ULEV2 ..

Can I give this Car a Hug?