2007 Toyota Yaris Review

The 2007 Yaris continues Toyota's tradition of offering affordable, reliable cars over a wide range of the automotive market, and it represents a big leap forward in styling over its ancestor, the Echo.

A four-door sedan is available in base and S trims, with the S adding a 60/40 split rear seat, a rear defroster, and a stereo system with a CD player. A three-door hatchback is equipped similarly to the S, except with daytime running lights, different instrumentation, and a shorter wheelbase. It also lays claim to being the least expensive Toyota sold in America.

Both the three- and four-door models use a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that is tuned more for economy than power. The car's 106 horsepower do an adequate job of acceleration. When equipped with the automatic transmission, the car is rated by the EPA at 34 mpg in the city and 39 on the highway. The five-speed manual earns a 34/40 rating.

A variety of options can be added to the Yaris, allowing it to be little more than basic transportation for those who so desire, or a reasonably well-equipped car. Power conveniences, remote keyless entry, anti-lock brakes, air bags all around, an alarm system, and a rear spoiler are available, as are a number of post production options.
The Yaris is a new model for 2007 and assumes the position in Toyota's product line formerly occupied by the Echo, which was discontinued following the 2005 model year. Offered as both a four-door sedan and a three-door hatchback, the vehicle is the most economical way to acquire Toyota's vaulted reliability. All trims and body styles are powered by a 1.5L inline four-cylinder engine, and the EPA reports mileage ratings of 34 city/40 highway when equipped with the standard manual transmission, making it one of the most efficient cars on the road. see less