I test drove a Yaris, Versa and FIT

[CanadaCraig]

Hi Everyone!! :smile:

I hope you're OK.

A 2007 Toyota Yaris RS, a 2007 Nissan Versa and a 2007 Honda FIT.

Here are my impressions of each car based on a 20 to 30 minute test drive of each one.

2007 Honda FIT

First Impression? How SMALL it is on the OUTSIDE. Second impression? How BIG it is on the INSIDE. It's pretty quick off the line - too - and feels good [power wise] on city streets - but it's [almost] painfully slow getting up to freeway/highway speeds. In fact - for most of the test drive - the gas pedal was flat on the floor!! lol It really is surprisingly roomy inside with TONS of headroom. I can sit behind me comfortably. [if you know what I mean] It feels solid and secure and has a nice looking dashboard. [with 'Acura-like' gauges] It is mostly comfortable except for the fact that the center console cup holders jabbed against my leg. [a problem I have with many center consoles] The seats are also a bit firmer than I think they have to be. But maybe that's good - especially on longer trips. Hard to tell if it handles great - given the fact that during the 30 minute 'test drive' it was mostly stop and go traffic. The A/C cooled the car down quickly. All in all - it's a very nice car.

[B]2007 Nissan Versa

First impression? How 'tinny' [and cheap] sounding the doors were when opening or closing. Second impression? How comfortable the driver's seat was. Apparently the Versa's front seats are the same that one would find in a Maxima. They're big seats. So big - in fact - the reclining levers are on the center console side of the seats. [no room between seat and door] The feeling of 'cheapness' carried on through to the dashboard. It's also a bit utilitarian looking. [could have easily come from a small pick-up truck] That's not necessarily bad - but having just tested the FIT - it was an impression I couldn't ignore. [The FIT being put together so nicely AND with better materials and plastics] The Versa 'S' that I tested [which is the base model] had a 6-speed manual transmission. It shifted well enough but was [here I go again] a bit 'truck-like' in feel. [somewhat 'notchy' - if you know what I mean] The clutch was also quite sensitive and would take some practice to engage [and disengage] smoothly. [Easier to manipulate than the Yaris clutch - however] The Versa felt BIG inside - too - like the FIT - but in a more clumsy sort of way. In fact - another 'first impression' I had was that it reminded me of a Lada. LOL [and I mean one of the first Lada's that we could buy in Canada - the ones built using the old Fiat 128 body and chassis - if any of you remember those] Based on what you just read - you might think that I didn't like the Versa. But that's not the case. It had sort of an awkward 'charm'. I liked it but I'm not really sure why.

2007 Toyota Yaris RS

First impression? Nicest looking of the three. Second impression? How the passenger doors on the 2 door Yaris RS hatchback reminded me of an old 2-door Buick or Oldsmobile when being shut. [Or opened - for that matter] The doors felt VERY heavy. [and not in a good way] The Yaris - like the Versa - looked a bit cheap inside. Lots and LOTS of flat black plastic. And although the gauge cluster looked pretty good [lighting up just like a Lexus] the fact that it was in the middle of the dashboard was a bit annoying. [at least at first] And I'm not sure I like the fact that EVERYONE in the car can tell [just as well as you can] how fast you're going. The seat backs were a bit tight on MY back [the RS having so-called 'sport seats] but were comfortable none-the-less. The engine was smooth and quite willing and able to move the car. The shifter was really nice but the clutch - YIKES!! It was one of those 'on/off' clutches. I only made a few smooth shifts throughout the entire test drive. The salesman even warned me before we left about how difficult it is to smoothly engage the clutch. In time - that would become extremely annoying. The Yaris felt tight and secure and was a nice car to drive. [except for that clutch]

So there you have it.

Based on those three test drives - I'd have to say that [overall] the FIT was the best with the Versa a surprisingly close second and the Yaris third.

As far as 'looks' are concerned - It's almost too close to call. But in order of preference I'd say the Yaris was the best looking with the FIT and Versa tied for second. To be honest - I don't think the FIT or Versa are good looking cars.

Still not sure what to do. Trouble is - I went a Mazda dealer last night to look at the Mazda 3 and 5 serious. The salesman [almost immediately] 'warned' me about how little I'd get for my car in trade. So I'm not sure what to think. I'm bringing my Lexus in for service on Tuesday [which is later today - as I write] and I'm going to take yet another serious look a the Yaris. [and other Toyotas too - even though I can't afford them]

[B]Thanks,
Craig!!

[07WYarisRS]

Good write up
Switch it up a bit, next time drive a 4 door auto....
I too did not like the oversized heavy doors of the 3 door and the 5 speeds was ok for me but I think the wife would have fried the clutch trying to get a feel for it. (NOT a strong standard driver)
We also test rode every econobox including the FIT and the 5 door RS Automatic was our pick... second was the fit.
For me I though the FIT felt slower off the line and even around town then the Automatic Yaris, even my wife was not impressed with the power. As much as I liked the interior layout of the fit it just felt like driving a mini van

[Boo]

I think it is more personal preference.. I feels more safe of the heavy doors from the Yaris, and I found the doors form Fit is just skinny. It has the same solid feeling like my Bimmer and MINI. :thumbsup:

[mrlam]

I also think it is more personal preference. If i buy a small econ car I never chose Nissian. Ok now cut down to two choice. Fit or Yaris, I believe their preformance pretty close to each other, may be Fit a bit better according to some car magazines(some). But I tested 2 cars they are pretty close. Fit has better look inside than Yaris. However, if I got a Fit I need to spend a lot of money on the body kit which like the pic I attach to this post, only rims side and front skirts not enough for me, and the car still looks like a Mini Mini Van, I hate driving Van(my personal preference). On the other hand Yaris stock car already looks pretty good. If added side, front skirts, spoiler and rims the car looks very charm and unique.

No perfect car in the world just pick the one you like, and hopefully this make you more easy to pick.

[Katana]

I have tested a Fit and I own a Yaris.The second is by far the better car!

[featherz]

It took me a few days to get used to the Yaris clutch. Glad I'm not the only one! :) I love the heavy doors, however.

[Katana]

What do you find difficult in using the clutch?Just out of simple curiosity.

[Chaad32]

I love the heavy doors too. They sound nice when they close.

[Katana]

However the windows must be closed in order to sense the ''sealed car'' feeling.

[TrancosRt]

I didn't test drive any other car when I ordered mine. I was sure that I was going to like it even though I didn't test drive it!! 9the dealer didn't have on in stock)
I like the heavy doors three. I'm still getting used to the clutch (I have been driving the car for a lil more than a week); I already got hang of it, but I'm still "perfecting" the technique. One thing though is that I drove an automatic for almost 2 years before switching back to standard.

[Katana]

Ι got easily used to the clutch as I owned the previous model too.

[Jem_hadar]

Hi Everyone!! :smile:
The shifter was really nice but the clutch - YIKES!! It was one of those 'on/off' clutches. I only made a few smooth shifts throughout the entire test drive. The salesman even warned me before we left about how difficult it is to smoothly engage the clutch. In time - that would become extremely annoying. The Yaris felt tight and secure and was a nice car to drive. [except for that clutch]
Craig!!

The reason for the difficulty w/ the clutch is bc the Yaris is throttle-by-wire instead of the standard usual throttle-by-chain.

The type of clutch the Yaris has is going to be the next generation clutch thats going to become the norm eventually, I think, in most new cars.

I agree, its hard to shift smoothly, your RPMs hang a second before dropping..

[pxpaulx]

The reason for the difficulty w/ the clutch is bc the Yaris is throttle-by-wire instead of the standard usual throttle-by-chain.

The type of clutch the Yaris has is going to be the next generation clutch thats going to become the norm eventually, I think, in most new cars.

I agree, its hard to shift smoothly, your RPMs hang a second before dropping..

yeah, that delay is an interesting one! after having our 5spd sedan for a week i've found it works best if you 1 - shift very quickly without hesitation, or 2, wait until it drops about 500rpm from where you initially shifted. if you don't pay attention, and only shift kinda fast (but sloppy) it'll be alittle jerky and over-rev alittle. bottom line at this point, some days are better than others!

[Jem_hadar]

yeah, that delay is an interesting one! after having our 5spd sedan for a week i've found it works best if you 1 - shift very quickly without hesitation, or 2, wait until it drops about 500rpm from where you initially shifted. if you don't pay attention, and only shift kinda fast (but sloppy) it'll be alittle jerky and over-rev alittle. bottom line at this point, some days are better than others!

Im still perfecting the smooth shift into first and 2nd... im not 100% all the time, but then again, this is my first stick ever, so I dont expect to be perfect.

Shifting to 3, 4, 5th are always smooth.

And downshifting is getting much better, that was a bigger challenge, downshifting smoothly w/o a jolt. In my buddys MX-3, upshifting or downshifting is always smooth for me practically 100% of the time.

[glockprime]

The Honda Fit is also drive-by-wire, but does it have the same "gas pedal problem" that the Yaris supposedly has (manual transmission)? I can't stand slow, unmatched, non-smooth shifting.

[Jem_hadar]

The Honda Fit is also drive-by-wire, but does it have the same "gas pedal problem" that the Yaris supposedly has (manual transmission)? I can't stand slow, unmatched, non-smooth shifting.

Well, if it continues to be unmatched and non-smooth for someone, thats more a take on that driver's ability to learn to drive a different type of manual transmision gearbox.

On most days shi'ts perfectly smooth for me, it just takes a little more skill than the usual kind.

And re: it being slower than the standard drive-by-chain, I have no idea if the drive-by-wire gearbox is any slower or not than the other.

Jem

[glockprime]

Well, I'm going to be test driving both the Yaris and Fit soon. Until then, I'd like to hear any comparisons between the two manual trannies.

[Jem_hadar]

Well, I'm going to be test driving both the Yaris and Fit soon. Until then, I'd like to hear any comparisons between the two manual trannies.

When I tested the Fit, I tested the auto, so unforunately I cant compare the two for you. :frown:

Im sure someone on here can though.



EDIT:

Man, I really wanna fucking test out the Nissan Versa so bad right now just for fun, so I can see how she looks, handles and feels in person. I think I'll look at doing that soon. I test drove a VW Rabbit a month back and it was fun. Still like my Yaris better I decided afterwards.

I wanna test the Versa to see which Id like better too (just for shits sake of course)

[Snowflake]

I think you'd get used to the gear box and shifting pretty quick, like probably a week or less with daily driving.. I didn't have any trouble from the get-go, but then I'm used to shifting a fussy clutch.

[Jem_hadar]

I think you'd get used to the gear box and shifting pretty quick, like probably a week or less with daily driving.. I didn't have any trouble from the get-go, but then I'm used to shifting a fussy clutch.

Actually, I liked the way the Yaris shifted vs., say, the VW Rabbit.

The Rabbit was shotter throws, which I didnt like as much.

Im soooooo curious to drive a Versa now. I think this wkend Imma hafta try to take one for a spin to sedate my curiousity and get it outta my mind :cool:

[YarisBlazer]

Something doesnt add up here? You own a Lexus but you can't afford a higher-priced Toyota than the Yaris????:confused: :confused: :confused:
If you have the money to be driving a Lexus you should be able to affrod a loaded Camry or Avalon!!!!

[Boo]

Something doesnt add up here? You own a Lexus but you can't afford a higher-priced Toyota than the Yaris????:confused: :confused: :confused:
If you have the money to be driving a Lexus you should be able to affrod a loaded Camry or Avalon!!!!


Some people just budget for a daily commuter and save their nice ride for weekend or track.. I know people having a M3 and getting a very cheap commuter for daily use.

[Jem_hadar]

Man, I really wanna fucking test out the Nissan Versa so bad right now just for fun, so I can see how she looks, handles and feels in person. I think I'll look at doing that soon. I test drove a VW Rabbit a month back and it was fun. Still like my Yaris better I decided afterwards.

I wanna test the Versa to see which Id like better too (just for shits sake of course)

Saw (IN PERSON) today the Versa at the dealership, after hours, and I looked them all up and down for a good 1/2 hour, I swear.

... and I must say, I think I *may* like the Versa better than the Yaris now... but not 100% sure yet. :S Need to reflect on the matter more.

Interior wise, its more typical and less "unique/different/strange" like the Yaris's is... overall just pretty fucking nice! Outside, in person, its not as ugly as I thought it was when I was pics of it online. Its quite fine!

And it has over twice the storage space or the Yaris, plus an extra 16 horsepower! Both those features REALLY freakin' appeal to me. Esp since the cost is literally like SPOT ON for comparably equipped Versa to my LE 4 door!


If I were buying now and we had both a Toyota and Nissan dealership in Collingwood, I dont know which I would buy anymore. :S

Jem

[ECHOKnight2000]

^^^Did you just quote and responed to yourself?:iono: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :thumbsup:

[w1ngzer0]

Remember the Versa is a renault design, not nissan.

[ajae]

Glad I'm not the only one with the 'drive by wire' experience. There must be a slight delay between when the sensor on the gas pedal senses the movement and when the fuel injectors respond. When shifting, I am able to let off the gas completely before putting in the clutch (could never do with a cable) and that seams to smooth out the revs. I chose the Yaris over the Fit for the extra dealer options in Canada like Eibach springs and Borla exhaust; highly recommend both if you want to put a little 'fun' into your driving!

For some extra fun, try shifting the Yaris without the clutch, it's a breeze to get used to and something else to occupy your mind on the commute to work.

[twocvforme]

Hi Everyone!! :smile:

I hope you're OK.

A 2007 Toyota Yaris RS, a 2007 Nissan Versa and a 2007 Honda FIT.

Here are my impressions of each car based on a 20 to 30 minute test drive of each one.

2007 Honda FIT

First Impression? How SMALL it is on the OUTSIDE. Second impression? How BIG it is on the INSIDE. It's pretty quick off the line - too - and feels good [power wise] on city streets - but it's [almost] painfully slow getting up to freeway/highway speeds. In fact - for most of the test drive - the gas pedal was flat on the floor!! lol It really is surprisingly roomy inside with TONS of headroom. I can sit behind me comfortably. [if you know what I mean] It feels solid and secure and has a nice looking dashboard. [with 'Acura-like' gauges] It is mostly comfortable except for the fact that the center console cup holders jabbed against my leg. [a problem I have with many center consoles] The seats are also a bit firmer than I think they have to be. But maybe that's good - especially on longer trips. Hard to tell if it handles great - given the fact that during the 30 minute 'test drive' it was mostly stop and go traffic. The A/C cooled the car down quickly. All in all - it's a very nice car.

[B]2007 Nissan Versa

First impression? How 'tinny' [and cheap] sounding the doors were when opening or closing. Second impression? How comfortable the driver's seat was. Apparently the Versa's front seats are the same that one would find in a Maxima. They're big seats. So big - in fact - the reclining levers are on the center console side of the seats. [no room between seat and door] The feeling of 'cheapness' carried on through to the dashboard. It's also a bit utilitarian looking. [could have easily come from a small pick-up truck] That's not necessarily bad - but having just tested the FIT - it was an impression I couldn't ignore. [The FIT being put together so nicely AND with better materials and plastics] The Versa 'S' that I tested [which is the base model] had a 6-speed manual transmission. It shifted well enough but was [here I go again] a bit 'truck-like' in feel. [somewhat 'notchy' - if you know what I mean] The clutch was also quite sensitive and would take some practice to engage [and disengage] smoothly. [Easier to manipulate than the Yaris clutch - however] The Versa felt BIG inside - too - like the FIT - but in a more clumsy sort of way. In fact - another 'first impression' I had was that it reminded me of a Lada. LOL [and I mean one of the first Lada's that we could buy in Canada - the ones built using the old Fiat 128 body and chassis - if any of you remember those] Based on what you just read - you might think that I didn't like the Versa. But that's not the case. It had sort of an awkward 'charm'. I liked it but I'm not really sure why.

2007 Toyota Yaris RS

First impression? Nicest looking of the three. Second impression? How the passenger doors on the 2 door Yaris RS hatchback reminded me of an old 2-door Buick or Oldsmobile when being shut. [Or opened - for that matter] The doors felt VERY heavy. [and not in a good way] The Yaris - like the Versa - looked a bit cheap inside. Lots and LOTS of flat black plastic. And although the gauge cluster looked pretty good [lighting up just like a Lexus] the fact that it was in the middle of the dashboard was a bit annoying. [at least at first] And I'm not sure I like the fact that EVERYONE in the car can tell [just as well as you can] how fast you're going. The seat backs were a bit tight on MY back [the RS having so-called 'sport seats] but were comfortable none-the-less. The engine was smooth and quite willing and able to move the car. The shifter was really nice but the clutch - YIKES!! It was one of those 'on/off' clutches. I only made a few smooth shifts throughout the entire test drive. The salesman even warned me before we left about how difficult it is to smoothly engage the clutch. In time - that would become extremely annoying. The Yaris felt tight and secure and was a nice car to drive. [except for that clutch]

So there you have it.

Based on those three test drives - I'd have to say that [overall] the FIT was the best with the Versa a surprisingly close second and the Yaris third.

As far as 'looks' are concerned - It's almost too close to call. But in order of preference I'd say the Yaris was the best looking with the FIT and Versa tied for second. To be honest - I don't think the FIT or Versa are good looking cars.

Still not sure what to do. Trouble is - I went a Mazda dealer last night to look at the Mazda 3 and 5 serious. The salesman [almost immediately] 'warned' me about how little I'd get for my car in trade. So I'm not sure what to think. I'm bringing my Lexus in for service on Tuesday [which is later today - as I write] and I'm going to take yet another serious look a the Yaris. [and other Toyotas too - even though I can't afford them]

[B]Thanks,
Craig!!

Funny, I drove the three and totally agree with you...especially the clutch in the YARIS..The factory rep will report back as to what, if any Toyota will do..working on a fix....BUT......I have rec'd nothing but negative comments, like I can't drive and I should not be posting here with negatives....etc. etc..

Thanks again for an honest report... Peter

[twocvforme]

The reason for the difficulty w/ the clutch is bc the Yaris is throttle-by-wire instead of the standard usual throttle-by-chain.

The type of clutch the Yaris has is going to be the next generation clutch thats going to become the norm eventually, I think, in most new cars.

I agree, its hard to shift smoothly, your RPMs hang a second before dropping..

Mechanic at Toyota claims they did away with Standard in the Forunner and trying to do it with others...who knows...said they polute to much.

[SmellyTofu]

Question for the dummy here... a Versa is HUGE compared to a Yaris. Why is it a competing vehicle? When I think Versa (Tiida in the rest of the world), I think Corolla. Yaris-Fit would be about right.

[St_G]

One reason that the three tend to get mentioned together is that they are all the smallest, cheapest vehicles produced by their manufacturers, with a hatchback being at least an option on all three. Another is that they were all released at almost exactly the same time in the US market, so just about every car magazine here has done a three-way shootout with them in the past year. The Fit tends to win those.

QUOTE=SmellyTofu;29883]Question for the dummy here... a Versa is HUGE compared to a Yaris. Why is it a competing vehicle? When I think Versa (Tiida in the rest of the world), I think Corolla. Yaris-Fit would be about right.[/QUOTE]

[uncleyaris]

I like the yaris. It is built well, my clutch/tranny feel rock solid. I was actually impressed when I got my car, since i was only able to test autos'. Price, I can't comment since I got a low end CE, with just Air, and walked out paying less than $17g on the road. I guess people will never be satisfied. I love my car!! Start enjoying yours too!

UY

[kdctuning]

I own a 2006 Impreza 2.5i and I have driven a 2006 STi, both are drive by wire. All it takes is getting a little time in with the car. And the 'lag' feeling is the servo motor on the throttle body catching up. In all wheel drive it sucks and awd and turbo sucks more. Some day I have to hammer the gas to get going. But I can not wait to get my Yaris. It was comfortable to sit in, felt solid and is a great price. Only harp I have is the lack of Tach and I keep seeing photos of push button starts (I would wet my pants if I could get that). And I hate to say that even a $31,000 STi interior seems cheat to me (rattles and creaks).

[boris13]

Is the clutch used in the Yaris the same as used in the 5-speed Scion xA?

[captainzerocool]

Is the clutch used in the Yaris the same as used in the 5-speed Scion xA?


Should be. Being it is the same car.

[areitu]

The reason for the difficulty w/ the clutch is bc the Yaris is throttle-by-wire instead of the standard usual throttle-by-chain.

The type of clutch the Yaris has is going to be the next generation clutch thats going to become the norm eventually, I think, in most new cars.

I agree, its hard to shift smoothly, your RPMs hang a second before dropping..

The rev-hanging is an emissions-related feature. I'm wondering if anybody has managed to take the time to figure out the Yaris ECU and come out with an ECU flash to remedy the problem.

I've driven both an 5AT Fit and a Yaris. 5MT Fits are hard to come by, especially for a test drive, especially in my area. I imagine it would have a little bit of the "hanging" for emissions as well.

[Jem_hadar]

Just helped a retiring co-worker carry some things out to her car, a Honda Fit.

Loaded it into her hatch area, and GOSH I'm so jealous once again of all the extra space thats present in the Fit's hatch area! Just that its 3-4 inches lower even makes a big difference, and then that theres also more space too behind the seats.

Anyways, just my random thought of the day, wishing my Yaris had at least as much hatch space as her Fit does.

(ah well, cant have it all I guess)

Going to DEMF, a 3 day electronic music festival in 2 weeks, and taking 2, maybe 3, ppl in my car, and I know I'm really gonna wish for that extra space when packing the car full of our stuff!

[thomasward00]

Just remember that the Fit is built in Thailand and the Yaris in Japan....

Sure makes a difference to me

[kaboom]

it sure does plus Fit is already obsolete technologically----by the way I just ordered "ScanGauge II" onboard multireadout toy: to me a necessity for a Yaris.... I will post the pic when I have it mounted on a dash.....\kd

[LittleRed]

I have a 2007 yaris..yes the cluth takes a little to get used to..but ive pretty much mastered it...takes a little practice though...but the shifter is buttery smooth as well as the electric steering...i put in pulse plugs which really helped torque<they took 800-1000 miles for the computer to adjust> and is pretty quick now..as well as using 91 octane<any higher retards timing> i also put in a AEM cold -air intake that has helped with upper Rpm passing power...i get 40+ MPG consistently ...and now is my little red pocket rocket :-]....i paid 11,800 in dec07' ..a bargin as far as im concerned... how can u go wrong for a car that last 300k and is tops in reliability...not to mention pretty refined..the road niose bothered me so i sprayed sound deadining material on the underside

[Jem_hadar]

Funny, that you bumped this thread.

Last week or more, been seeing LOTS of Versas around town. Has had me thinking abt them.

They're extra room in the hatch and general room for front and backseat passengers has had me thinking of them in a more positive light.

Taking one for a test drive soon to get it out of my system.

But was reading some extensive long-term reviews (1 year) of the Versa and the compaints abt its shifter and clutch have really erased most any doubt i could have had that my yaris really was the right choice and the car i would love the most! :)

the versa, it seems from most revies, just doesnt have the "peppy fun" aspect that the yaris (and fit) have!

its a more sedate comfortable ride, more placid. though, which im sure as shit i wouldnt mind on a longer trip (more than 4+ hours) or while stuck in traffic jams, but thankfully im rarely in those situations generally.

(plus its rated 5 mpg lower than the yaris hatch, so there's a fuel efficiency comprise too, though its not that much. oh and reliability seems to have been great thus far too for the versa, afaik, which is good to hear.)


BUT GO YARIS HATCHBACKS! :D

[MadMax]

I think the Versa is ugly, and as we already have a Honda Odyssey, I didn't really want a half-scale version of it.

The Yaris hatchback is exactly what I wanted/needed, a two-door car with a bit of hauling capability that gets great gas mileage.

Most of my time is commuting the 22 miles each way to and from work; and with the Odyssey and a Jeep, I have other choices when it comes to hauling the family or a lot of stuff, or if I don't give a hoot about gas prices and want to push a billboard down the road (Jeep).

I can easily do 80-85 MPH in my Yaris and keeping up with traffic is no problem, even with the auto. As a matter of fact, I find the auto to be a better driving car.

Bottom line, the choice for me was easy....the Yaris, hands down!

Cheers! M2

[advocate]

if you rated the yaris that low simply because of the clutch than you're making a mistake. it's true the clutch is akward at first (i stalled it almost immediately during the test drive and the car never made a sound i was quite surprised) but it changes quickly over time to become more manageable. it's just very sensitive the first 1-2k miles. By 5-7 it should be just fine.