2007 Toyota Yaris First Drive

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TO THE POINT What’s New? Replacing the Echo in Toyota’s lineup is the 2007 Yaris, a much better subcompact with ample room, power, style, and pump-bustin’ fuel economy
Selling Points: Fuel efficiency, design, interior room, ride and handling, sedan and hatchback styles
Deal Breakers: No tachometer on the hatchback, engine noise, potentially more roomy and powerful vehicles from competitors
Our Advice: You’ll want the 2007 Toyota Yaris when you drive it, but also consider the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa.

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FAQ A huge improvement over the outgoing Echo, the 2007 Toyota Yaris is fuel-efficient and comfortable, with a decent emissions rating. With this segment growing rapidly, there are a number of competitive models that shoppers should consider before making a decision, and the Yaris is certainly on that list.

Does the 2007 Toyota Yaris have a PZEV-rated engine, for partial zero emissions?
No. The 2007 Toyota Yaris is an ultra-low emissions vehicle, or ULEV-2, which lines up with most of its competitors.

Is the 2007 Toyota Yaris safe to drive on U.S. roads?
Given the number of large, sun-blotting SUVs and trucks on the road, the Yaris is outmatched in terms of visibility and weight. And while safety ratings aren’t yet out for the Yaris, given its increased dimensions – which may equate to larger crumple zones – and the option of side airbags and antilock brakes, the Yaris should be a much safer car than the outgoing Echo. But, bottomline, a subcompact is at a disadvantage against a 5,000-pound SUV.

Is the 2007 Toyota Yaris the best subcompact available?
It depends – there are vehicles with more powerful four-cylinder engines, such as the Ford Focus and upcoming Nissan Versa, and some that will offer more cargo room, like the Honda Fit. What makes the Yaris a serious contender is that it does all the required things well at an affordable price, has an attractive design and carries Toyota’s reputation for quality.