Peugeot 107 Review: Is This Tiny European City Car Worth Buying?
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| Peugeot 107 Review |
AutoReviewUS - The Peugeot 107 is one of those cars that makes more sense once you understand what it was designed to do.
It was never intended to be a highway cruiser, family SUV, or performance car. Instead, Peugeot developed the 107 as a lightweight European city car designed to be inexpensive, maneuverable, economical, and relatively simple to operate.
For American readers, the Peugeot 107 is particularly interesting because it represents a type of vehicle that has historically been uncommon in the U.S. market: an extremely small gasoline-powered hatchback built primarily around urban mobility.
The 107 was launched in 2005 as part of a joint development program involving Peugeot, Citroën, and Toyota. The three cars—Peugeot 107, Citroën C1, and Toyota Aygo—shared substantial structural components and were produced at the Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile plant in the Czech Republic. (Toyota Media Site)
But does the Peugeot 107 still make sense as a used car?
For the right driver, yes. However, there are several important compromises involving performance, highway comfort, safety equipment, age-related reliability, and parts availability.
Peugeot 107 at a Glance
| Category | Peugeot 107 |
|---|---|
| Production | 2005–2014 |
| Vehicle type | City hatchback |
| Main competitors | Toyota Aygo, Citroën C1 |
| Engine | 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual / automated manual depending on market |
| Seating | 4 |
| Primary purpose | Urban transportation |
| Character | Lightweight, economical, maneuverable |
| U.S. availability | Not officially marketed |
| Best use | City and secondary-road driving |
The most important thing to understand is that the Peugeot 107 belongs to the A-segment city-car category, rather than the larger subcompact category Americans are more familiar with.
Peugeot 107 Design and Engineering
The Peugeot 107 was created during a collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Toyota.
The project produced three mechanically related cars:
Peugeot 107
Citroën C1
Toyota Aygo
Toyota's official historical documentation confirms that the cars shared a common development and production program, with the Peugeot and Citroën versions receiving their own exterior styling. (Toyota)
The Peugeot is approximately 3.4 meters long, making it dramatically shorter than most modern American vehicles.
That small footprint is one of the 107's biggest strengths.
In crowded European cities, a small turning radius, narrow body, low weight, and short overall length can be much more useful than having a large engine.
Peugeot 107 Engine and Performance
The most recognizable Peugeot 107 powertrain is the 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine.
The closely related Toyota Aygo specification lists:
998 cc displacement
3 cylinders
DOHC 12-valve design
67 bhp
93 Nm of torque
5-speed manual transmission
optional automated manual transmission
front-wheel drive
Toyota's official technical information also lists a claimed combined fuel economy figure of approximately 61.4 mpg under the period European test cycle. (Toyota Media Site)
The important point for American readers is that these numbers shouldn't be directly compared with modern EPA MPG ratings.
European test cycles and EPA testing are different, and the 107 was engineered around a lightweight European city-car formula.
How does it feel?
The engine is not powerful.
But the 107 weighs very little, so the modest output is adequate for urban driving.
The three-cylinder engine also gives the car a distinctive mechanical character. Drivers accustomed to larger four-cylinder engines may initially find it noisy or busy at higher RPM.
That's not necessarily a defect.
It is simply part of the vehicle's lightweight engineering philosophy.
Peugeot 107 Driving Experience
One of the strongest arguments for the 107 is its maneuverability.
The closely related Aygo specification used:
MacPherson strut front suspension
torsion-beam rear suspension
electric power steering
ventilated front disc brakes
rear drum brakes
Toyota's original technical documentation lists a turning radius of approximately 4.73 meters. (Toyota Media Site)
This gives the 107 a major advantage in tight urban environments.
City Driving
This is where the Peugeot 107 makes the most sense.
The small dimensions make:
parallel parking easier
narrow streets less intimidating
low-speed maneuvering easier
fuel consumption relatively low
basic maintenance less expensive than larger vehicles
Owner feedback generally supports this interpretation.
Carbuyer owner reviews give the 107 an owner rating of 4.2/5, with 57% of respondents saying they would recommend the vehicle. The site describes the car as inexpensive transportation particularly suited to city dwellers. (Carbuyer)
What Owners Like About the Peugeot 107
Owner experiences reveal a fairly consistent pattern.
1. Low running costs
The 107's biggest attraction is simple economics.
Its small engine, low weight, and relatively basic mechanical architecture can make it inexpensive to operate.
One long-term owner documented ownership extending to more than 120,000 miles, with the car still being used extensively. (Honest John)
That's an important counterpoint to the assumption that every old Peugeot 107 is unreliable.
Condition and maintenance history matter enormously.
2. Excellent urban maneuverability
Owners frequently praise the car for its ability to navigate city streets.
The tiny footprint is particularly useful for drivers who don't need substantial cargo capacity.
3. Simple driving experience
The Peugeot 107 doesn't overwhelm the driver with technology.
That can actually be an advantage for buyers who want a straightforward commuter.
Community discussions about the related C1/Aygo/107 platform often describe these cars as good first cars because they are simple and relatively inexpensive to operate. (Reddit)
4. Surprisingly entertaining handling
The low weight makes the 107 feel more responsive than its horsepower figure suggests.
This is one of the fundamental principles of automotive engineering:
Low mass can compensate for modest power.
The 107 isn't fast, but it can feel lively at normal urban speeds.
What Owners Don't Like
The Peugeot 107 isn't perfect.
In fact, some of its weaknesses are exactly what you would expect from a very small, inexpensive vehicle.
1. Highway Performance
This is probably the biggest issue for American readers.
The United States has a road environment that often requires sustained highway speeds over long distances.
That's not the Peugeot 107's natural environment.
Owners have reported that acceleration at higher speeds can be frustrating, particularly when entering highways or climbing hills. (Honest John)
An American buyer accustomed to a Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or compact crossover may find the 107 extremely underpowered.
Automotive assessment
For urban roads:
Good
For secondary roads:
Acceptable
For long highway trips:
Below average
For frequent American interstate driving:
Not recommended
Peugeot 107 Comfort
The 107's compact dimensions inevitably affect interior comfort.
The cabin is designed around four occupants, but rear-seat space is limited compared with larger hatchbacks.
The vehicle's lightweight construction also means road and engine noise can be more noticeable.
One owner described it as perfectly adequate for its intended purpose but criticized its long-distance comfort. (Honest John)
This is an important distinction.
The Peugeot 107 isn't necessarily uncomfortable because Peugeot engineered it poorly.
It is uncomfortable because cost, weight, dimensions, and packaging were prioritized over long-distance refinement.
Interior Quality
The interior is functional rather than luxurious.
Owners have criticized the use of inexpensive plastics and the susceptibility of some interior surfaces to scratches and wear. (Carbuyer)
From a 2026 perspective, this becomes more important because even the newest Peugeot 107s are now more than a decade old.
Age-related deterioration can therefore be more significant than the original quality of the materials.
When evaluating a used example, inspect:
dashboard condition
door handles
seat fabric
switchgear
instrument panel
water leaks
window seals
rear hatch seals
Peugeot 107 Reliability
Reliability is more complicated than simply calling the 107 "reliable" or "unreliable."
Owner databases show both very positive long-term ownership experiences and complaints about specific components.
Carbuyer lists owner-reported problems involving:
electrical systems
engine
gearbox/clutch
brakes
suspension
while individual owners have reported clutch problems and other age-related issues. (Carbuyer)
Community reports also commonly mention:
clutch wear
water leaks
timing-chain noise
electrical problems
warning lights
seized locks
oil leaks
These are owner/community observations rather than official defect statistics, so they should be treated as inspection points—not proof that every Peugeot 107 will experience these failures. (Reddit)
Peugeot 107 Clutch: An Important Inspection Point
The clutch deserves special attention when buying a used 107.
Several owner reports describe premature clutch wear.
Interestingly, one long-term owner later reported that a larger replacement clutch solved the problem experienced with an earlier smaller clutch. (Honest John)
Used-car inspection
During a test drive:
Start from a stop on an incline.
Check for clutch slipping.
Feel for abnormal vibration.
Check whether the clutch engages excessively high.
Listen for unusual noises.
Test multiple gears.
A clutch problem shouldn't automatically kill the deal, but it should affect the purchase price.
Water Leaks and Electrical Problems
Water ingress is another issue worth investigating on older examples.
Owner discussions have reported leaks around the rear hatch and other areas, sometimes causing condensation or moisture accumulation. (Carbuyer)
Before purchasing an older 107, inspect:
spare-wheel well
trunk carpeting
rear hatch seal
rear light area
cabin carpets
windshield area
signs of mold or corrosion
Water leaks can turn a cheap city car into an expensive restoration project.
Peugeot 107 Safety
This is where a modern buyer needs to be particularly careful.
Euro NCAP's 2012 assessment treated the Peugeot 107 as structurally equivalent to the Toyota Aygo tested by Euro NCAP. The resulting rating was three stars under the 2012 protocol. (Euro NCAP News)
The test documentation identified several limitations.
Euro NCAP reported:
stable passenger compartment in the frontal test
good knee/femur protection in several areas
marginal chest protection in some side impacts
poor whiplash protection from the seat/head restraint combination
limited pedestrian protection in several areas
Safety-assistance equipment also varied by model year and specification. Electronic stability control, for example, became standard in the later production period according to Euro NCAP's documentation. (Euro NCAP)
Why this matters in America
American drivers should not evaluate the 107's safety only by looking at its number of airbags.
Vehicle size and crash compatibility matter too.
A 1,000-pound-plus difference between a small city car and a modern American SUV can be significant in a collision.
For buyers in 2026, this is one of the strongest arguments for treating the Peugeot 107 as a specialized urban car rather than an all-purpose family vehicle.
Peugeot 107 vs Toyota Aygo
The Toyota connection is one of the most interesting aspects of the 107.
The three models were developed jointly, and Toyota confirms that the Peugeot 107, Citroën C1, and Toyota Aygo shared significant structural components. (Toyota Media Site)
That creates an interesting choice for used-car buyers.
Peugeot 107
Advantages
distinctive styling
European character
simple mechanical package
small dimensions
inexpensive operation
Disadvantages
limited U.S. parts availability
relatively poor highway performance
older safety technology
potential clutch/electrical/water issues
Toyota Aygo
Advantages
Toyota engineering connection
potentially easier recognition for American enthusiasts
huge global Toyota ecosystem
Disadvantages
also not officially sold in the U.S.
same basic limitations of the platform
For an American enthusiast, the Aygo may be easier to understand from a Toyota perspective, but the Peugeot has more novelty value.
Can You Import a Peugeot 107 Into the United States?
This is particularly relevant for American readers.
The Peugeot 107 was not marketed as a normal U.S.-specification vehicle, so importing one is not equivalent to buying a used Toyota Corolla from a U.S. dealer.
NHTSA states that, generally, vehicles less than 25 years old must comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or qualify under specific importation procedures. Vehicles at least 25 years old can be imported without having to conform to the applicable FMVSS under the federal age exemption. (NHTSA)
This creates an interesting situation in 2026.
The earliest Peugeot 107s date from 2005, meaning some early examples can now reach the federal 25-year threshold depending on their actual date of manufacture.
However, buyers should not assume that the process is automatically simple.
EPA requirements are separate from NHTSA requirements. EPA explains that non-U.S.-version vehicles can be subject to emissions-related import rules, with different exemptions depending on vehicle age and configuration. (US EPA)
Practical advice
An American buyer considering a Peugeot 107 should verify:
exact manufacturing date
VIN
NHTSA import eligibility
EPA requirements
state registration requirements
title documentation
parts availability
insurance availability
Do this before purchasing or shipping the vehicle.
Peugeot 107 Maintenance Costs
The 107 has an attractive basic mechanical formula:
small engine + low weight + simple chassis = potentially low running costs.
But there is an important catch.
A cheap car is not automatically a cheap car to own.
A 15–20-year-old vehicle can require:
clutch replacement
suspension components
brakes
tires
seals
cooling-system repairs
electrical repairs
exhaust work
timing-chain service
rust remediation
Therefore, maintenance history is arguably more important than mileage alone.
A well-maintained 120,000-mile car can be a better purchase than a neglected 70,000-mile example.
Peugeot 107 Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is one of the 107's strongest characteristics.
The related first-generation Aygo's official launch specification quoted approximately 61.4 mpg combined under the period European test methodology. (Toyota Media Site)
The vehicle achieves this through several engineering strategies:
small-displacement engine
lightweight construction
aerodynamic efficiency
narrow tires
compact dimensions
low rolling resistance
For an American reader, the important lesson is that the 107 demonstrates how vehicle mass can have a major impact on energy consumption.
You don't always need a hybrid powertrain to achieve low fuel consumption.
Sometimes reducing the mass of the vehicle is the simpler engineering solution.
Is the Peugeot 107 Fun to Drive?
Surprisingly, yes—within its limitations.
The 107 isn't fast, but lightweight cars can provide an entertaining driving experience at legal road speeds.
The steering is light, the body is small, and the chassis responds quickly.
This makes the 107 particularly appealing to drivers who enjoy:
city driving
narrow roads
parking challenges
lightweight cars
manual transmissions
simple automotive engineering
It is less appealing to drivers who prioritize:
acceleration
highway refinement
luxury
cargo capacity
advanced driver assistance
high-speed stability
What American Readers Should Know
The biggest mistake an American buyer could make is judging the Peugeot 107 using the same criteria as a compact American sedan.
The 107 was designed for a fundamentally different transportation environment.
A European city car prioritizes:
small size → low weight → maneuverability → efficiency → low operating cost
An American vehicle often prioritizes:
space → highway performance → comfort → crash protection → versatility
Neither philosophy is inherently wrong.
They're optimized for different conditions.
Peugeot 107 Pros and Cons
Pros
Extremely compact
Excellent urban maneuverability
Lightweight
Economical gasoline engine
Simple mechanical design
Manual transmission available
Interesting three-cylinder character
Generally inexpensive operating concept
Strong owner satisfaction among some long-term users
Distinctive European character
Cons
Slow by modern standards
Poorer highway comfort
Limited rear-seat space
Basic interior
Aging electrical components
Clutch complaints
Potential water leaks
Safety performance is dated
Parts/support can be challenging in the U.S.
Not officially sold in the American market
Peugeot 107 Used-Buying Checklist
If you're considering buying one, inspect these areas carefully:
Engine
cold-start behavior
idle quality
timing-chain noise
oil leaks
coolant condition
overheating history
Transmission
clutch engagement
clutch slip
gear selection
transmission noise
automated-manual operation if equipped
Body
rust
accident damage
hatch seals
windshield seals
water intrusion
Interior
dashboard
electrical switches
warning lights
condensation
seat condition
Suspension
knocking sounds
worn bushings
shocks
wheel bearings
uneven tire wear
Safety
airbags
ABS
stability-control equipment
seat belts
recall history
For any vehicle imported into the U.S., NHTSA recommends using its recall resources and VIN-based information where applicable. (NHTSA)
Peugeot 107 vs Modern U.S. Cars
The Peugeot 107 looks almost comically small next to a modern American crossover.
But that's precisely what makes it interesting.
A modern vehicle typically offers substantially more:
horsepower
cabin space
electronic safety systems
sound insulation
infotainment
driver assistance
The Peugeot answers a different question:
How little car do you actually need?
For a person commuting through a dense European city, the answer could be "not very much."
For an American driver covering 30 miles of interstate every day, the answer is probably different.
Final Verdict: Is the Peugeot 107 Worth Buying?
Peugeot 107 Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| City driving | 9/10 |
| Fuel economy | 9/10 |
| Maneuverability | 9/10 |
| Driving fun | 8/10 |
| Performance | 5/10 |
| Highway comfort | 4/10 |
| Interior quality | 5/10 |
| Practicality | 6/10 |
| Used reliability potential | 7/10 |
| Modern safety | 4/10 |
| U.S. ownership practicality | 4/10 |
Overall: 7/10 as a city car; 5/10 as an all-purpose American daily driver.
The Peugeot 107 is a fascinating example of automotive minimalism.
Its biggest strengths—small dimensions, low weight, modest engine, and simple construction—are exactly what make it charming.
Owner feedback generally supports the idea that it can be an economical and enjoyable urban vehicle, while also highlighting recurring concerns around clutch wear, electrical issues, water ingress, and highway comfort. (Carbuyer)
For American enthusiasts, however, the bigger issue is not whether the 107 is a good car.
It is whether the car fits the American driving environment.
If your life consists primarily of city streets, short commutes, and enthusiast-oriented ownership, the Peugeot 107 can be an intriguing choice.
If your daily routine involves long interstate trips, carrying passengers, or frequent high-speed driving, a larger modern compact car will make considerably more sense.
The Peugeot 107 isn't a great car because it does everything. It's interesting because it does one thing—simple urban transportation—remarkably well.
Primary & Credible References
Euro NCAP — Peugeot 107/Aygo safety assessment and crash-test documentation. (Euro NCAP News)
Toyota Motor Corporation — official documentation covering the Peugeot 107/Citroën C1/Toyota Aygo joint-development program. (Toyota Media Site)
Toyota Europe — official Aygo technical specifications for the shared 1.0-liter three-cylinder platform. (Toyota Media Site)
NHTSA — U.S. vehicle importation, safety standards, and recall guidance. (NHTSA)
U.S. EPA — vehicle importation and emissions requirements. (US EPA)
Carbuyer / owner-review database — aggregated owner experiences and reported problems. (Carbuyer)
About the Author
David Mulyana is the founder and editor of AutoReviewUS, an independent automotive publication dedicated to delivering reliable reviews, industry news, buying guides, and expert insights. His work focuses on cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles (EVs), automotive technology, maintenance, and market trends in the United States and around the world.
With a strong passion for the automotive industry and digital publishing, David creates content that helps readers make informed decisions when buying, maintaining, or comparing vehicles. Every article is researched using trusted manufacturer information, industry reports, and reputable automotive sources to ensure accuracy and relevance.
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