2007 Toyota Yaris: Road Test
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2007 Toyota Yaris ▼
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- MSRP: $11,150 -$14,250
- Invoice: $10,480 -$13,394
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Our road test for the 2007 Toyota Yaris includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Toyota Yaris from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Toyota Yaris, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Toyota Yaris help you decide if a 2007 Toyota Yaris is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.4 |
Spry enough for commuter duty. Liveliest with manual transmission. Adequate around-town go with automatic, but feels overmatched in fast-moving traffic and hilly terrain. Test base sedan with automatic transmission did 9.8 sec 0-60 mph, more than 1.0 sec quicker than rivals Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Test base sedans with automatic transmission averaged 30.6 mpg in mostly city driving, 36.6 in mostly highway driving, and 28.6 including gas-eating acceleration runs. Test base hatchbacks averaged 34.8 mpg with manual transmission, 31.1-31.6 with automatic.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Yaris absorbs bumps, rougher pavement impressively well, better than most rivals, including Honda Fit. Generally stable at highway speeds, too, but big dips prompt some float, wallow.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Responsive and secure, if not quite as sporty as Fit. Grip in turns limited by narrow tires. Steering nicely weighted. Tidy turning radius aids in tight maneuvers. Hatchback stability upset in bumpy turns and is prone to wander in gusty crosswinds. Models tested had good brake pedal feel, delivered drama-free stopping, but be sure to get the optional ABS.
QUIETNESS
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Only slightly more isolated than subcompact rivals. Some wind rush evident from base of windshield. Engine noise intrudes at all times, and road noise prominent at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.7 |
Instrument cluster mounted in center of dashboard rather than in front of driver. It isn't canted toward driver, and testers find its location diverts attention from road. Climate controls easy to use, but have flimsy movement. Upgraded audio system displays settings on a screen some testers find hard to read. Classy upholstery impressive for the price level, but other interior materials just ordinary.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Hatchback has nearly 1 inch more head room than sedan, but both body styles have plenty of clearance for all but the very tall. Sedans have seats that adjust for height, for slight advantage in driver positioning. But long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel, and some testers say steering wheel mounted too far away, pedals too close for best comfort. Seats not generously sized, but provide good support.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Spacious for the car's compact exterior dimensions, though taller riders will want more head and leg room. Roomy footwells. Flat floor facilitates three-abreast seating, but cabin too narrow for long trips. Hatchback's available sliding/reclining rear seat a versatility bonus, though 2-dr body style taxes rear entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
Sedan trunk relatively roomy, has low liftover, and added storage in spare-tire well. Lid opens wide, but hinges intrude and aperture too small to easily accept bulky items. Hatchback has more useful cargo space, helped by fold-flat rear seatback. Plenty of small-item storage throughout cabin.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7.2 |
Shop elsewhere if you want lively high-speed acceleration, but this Recommended pick is a relatively refined subcompact with a driving position high enough and a structure substantial enough that you won't feel dwarfed by surrounding traffic. Base prices are tempting, but add optional amenities and stickers climb to the level of larger, more powerful cars that come with safety and convenience features that cost extra on the Yaris.
Total Score
| Base hatch w/ABS, man. | Base hatch w/ABS, auto. | Base sdn w/ABS, auto. | S sdn w/ABS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 49 | 48 | 51 |
Total Score: 49
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