Toyota Yaris (2006 – 2011) Review

Toyota Yaris (2006 – 2011) At A Glance

4/5

+More room and better handling than the previous version. Excellent crash test rating. 1.4 D-4D does 50mpg +.

-MMT to be avoided due to unacceptable number of expensive failures.

Insurance Groups are between 2–11
On average it achieves 92% of the official MPG figure

If you're looking for the newer model, you'll need our Toyota Yaris review.

The bigger, better "bigsmall" second-generation Yaris has been around in other parts of the world for well over a year now. I spotted one on rental in Bali in June 2005. And I'm also fairly close to the model because we have owned the saloon version, the ‘Soluna Vios', (which came first) in Thailand since March 2004.

Toyota's global logistics mean different markets get different engines and transmissions. In Thailand all Yaris and Soluna are 110bhp 1.5 litre with 5-speed manual or 4-speed autoboxes. While European Yaris from the French factory come with 1.0 litre three cylinder Aygo engines, 1.3s from the old Yaris or the same 88bhp 1.4 diesels as offered in the MINI One D and Toyota Corolla. There aren't any true Euro automatics, just an electronically controlled electric clutch posing as an auto, available with the 1.3 and the diesel. And in Europe at least there aren't any of the previously popular ‘Postman Pat' Verso versions. Though that might change if Toyota finds it worthwhile to send us the Japanese Yaris Ractis.

Real MPG average for a Toyota Yaris (2006 – 2011)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

92%

Real MPG

32–72 mpg

MPGs submitted

613

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Ask Honest John

I need a cheap car with easy access for my wife who uses a wheelchair?

"I need a 2/3 door car large with a wide open passenger door. My wife has a wheelchair that slides into the passenger seat. I have a 3-door Volkswagen Polo which works, however, I sold my previous Hyundai i30, which was a mistake. Any older car will do if it is as reliable as my Hyundai. £5000 is my budget. Were both aged 83 and larger cars would be preferred comfort-wise "
If you don't to go back to another Hyundai i30, we would suggest looking at the Honda Jazz, as although it has five doors it has a tall body and offers easy access. Alternatively the 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris was available in three-door form also has a tall body, so should make getting in and out easier for your wife. Also both of these options have good reliability records and you should find many examples available within your budget.
Answered by David Ross

Can you recommend a reliable, small car for £2000?

"Can you recommend a reliable, cheap to run, small car, please? Cheap on parts if needed. Around £2000. Thank you. "
We'd recommend a Ford Fiesta. There are loads about, so you can be picky about buying one in good condition with service history. Any garage will be able to look after it and parts are affordable. Consider a Toyota Yaris, too. They're very reliable and cheap to run but parts will be a little more expensive than the Fiesta.
Answered by Andrew Brady

I want a reliable, child-friendly car on a small budget. What do you suggest?

"I have a very low budget as I'm studying at the moment. I need a relatively roomy car as I have two young children so need space for a buggy and shopping. I would like low tax and my budget is £1600. I don't like French cars, I would prefer japanese. I recently sold my imported Toyota BB - which I loved and would really love something quirky again but the budget won't allow it as far as I can tell. I understand a Honda Jazz would be in my price range but apparently there are issues with insurance on cars with catalytic converters at the moment. Is this something I need to consider?"
A Honda Jazz sounds perfect but yes, they do seem to be prone to the theft of catalytic converters. If you're concerned about the effect this will have on insurance prices, shop around for quotes first - this should help your search: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/cheap-car-insurance/ A Toyota Yaris would be a good alternative (although it's not as spacious as the Jazz), or maybe a bigger family hatch like a Toyota Auris or Honda Civic.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Which car should I get for a short commute?

"I have a short commute to work, however, once a month I drive to Devon (about 250 miles) and also to Scarborough (about 300 miles). I'd like some comfort and to be higher than an average car. It would also need to be an automatic. I have a budget of £10,000. What should I get? I currently have a Toyota Yaris."
Honda Jazz CVT 1.3 petrol would be my key recommendation. It has a very good reputation for reliability and sits higher from the road than your Yaris and £10,000 will get you 2018 model: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/cars-for-sale/search/Honda/Jazz/?l=0&p2=10000&s=PriceDesc
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Toyota Yaris (2006 – 2011) cost?