Fit vs Yaris

[ron3]

In the process [hopefully} of saleing or trading my 2011 3 dr LB 5 speed for a automatic because of a knee problem. I have real pain issues after driving a 5 speed in traffic for a while.
Been reading about how great the Honda fit is, and it really is a nice looking good driving car but not as quite or comfortable as my Yaris and the low speed throttle response was hard for me to get use too. {real easy to over gas it}
I was really surprised was expecting it to be a much better feeling and responding and quieter car than my yaris but it was not. my yaris was much quieter and smoother and overall just felt tighter than the fit. guess the yaris is a better car than I thought. Just my opinion. Guess I will find a yaris with an automatic!

[JayPrimo]

I disagree.....My sister has had her Fit since it first came out, and after putting about 2000 miles on my first Yaris, I have to say that the Fit feels more like a solid car.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Yaris and am happy with it, but it certainly feels and drives alot smaller than my sister's Fit, IMO

Maybe the 2013 Yaris feels more solid, I do not know personally, have yet to drive one myself

[MadMax]

Everyone has an opinion, but I think the Fit is more of a mini-minivan and the Yaris a car.

We have a Honda Odyssey and it's a great vehicle, but fundamentally it's a family car whereas my Yaris is a compact hatchback.

I'll take my Yaris over a Fit any day of the week.

[Septembersrain]

I almost broke my knee on the dashboard cupholder in the Fit. -_-
It felt big, bulky, and not particularly limber to me.
I like the feel of the Yaris with it's small but very eager engine.

[Livo]

In the process [hopefully} of saleing or trading my 2011 3 dr LB 5 speed for a automatic because of a knee problem. I have real pain issues after driving a 5 speed in traffic for a while.
Been reading about how great the Honda fit is, and it really is a nice looking good driving car but not as quite or comfortable as my Yaris and the low speed throttle response was hard for me to get use too. {real easy to over gas it}
I was really surprised was expecting it to be a much better feeling and responding and quieter car than my yaris but it was not. my yaris was much quieter and smoother and overall just felt tighter than the fit. guess the yaris is a better car than I thought. Just my opinion. Guess I will find a yaris with an automatic!

Consumer Reports valued the Fit over the 2010 Yaris when I made my decision. The Yaris feels and looks like a car company used the big car parts to make a smaller car. It feels more lasting and is more solid. I picked the Yaris because I wanted a two-door coupe and not a four-door. I'm glad I went Yaris.

[ron3]

I am really a Honda guy and also own a new civic, and have owned other Hondas great cars. I drive a 2011 5speed yaris LB also or at least I did until this thing with my knee.
I think the Fit while being a nice car just does not measure up to the quality of the yaris. Regarding Consumer Reports I am 66 years old and have to much grey in my beard to believe those guys.:smile: IMO.

[Hershey]

Our '11 Fit and '08 Yaris get along quite well . So , why can't we ? It was :wub: at 1st sight for the YARIS .

[fnkngrv]

Consumer Reports valued the Fit over the 2010 Yaris when I made my decision. The Yaris feels and looks like a car company used the big car parts to make a smaller car. It feels more lasting and is more solid. I picked the Yaris because I wanted a two-door coupe and not a four-door. I'm glad I went Yaris.

No disrespect, but anyone that actually uses Consumer Reports to judge their purchasing decision on any product needs to have their head checked. I say this because especially in today's age of the internet anyone can see how often CR's reports are debunked. They get their pockets lined to report the ratings they do plain and simple.

[MadMax]

No disrespect, but anyone that actually uses Consumer Reports to judge their purchasing decision on any product needs to have their head checked. I say this because especially in today's age of the internet anyone can see how often CR's reports are debunked. They get their pockets lined to report the ratings they do plain and simple.

Agreed. Even most motoring journalists don't give objective reviews because they only drive the car for a short period and numerous other vehicles which bias their opinions greatly.

When researching the Yaris, I found actual owner reviews which were very positive.

If you really want to know what a car is like, listen to people who actually own and drive them on a daily basis! :headbang:

[Septembersrain]

No disrespect, but anyone that actually uses Consumer Reports to judge their purchasing decision on any product needs to have their head checked. I say this because especially in today's age of the internet anyone can see how often CR's reports are debunked. They get their pockets lined to report the ratings they do plain and simple.

They rated the Ford Fiesta as a top pick but if you test drive it you'll think it's due to fall apart on you any minute.
They also recommend the Mazda 2 because it's "Perky", I laugh at that because my Yaris would beat it up any time, any where.
I always tell people that the only way you can truly know a car, Is by driving it yourself.

[nookandcrannycar]

They rated the Ford Fiesta as a top pick but if you test drive it you'll think it's due to fall apart on you any minute.

^^^^^ You have good car sense. I hope consumers who test drive the Yaris made in Mexico in 2017 and beyond don't justifiably have that same feeling.

[JayPrimo]

I think your best bet would be to take both on a nice test drive. You're going to get a lot of yaris biased opinions here, and I myself have a Honda bias.

It's all about what you like more, you know what I mean....

PS.....I hate the Fit "minivan" comment......Reminds of of calling cars like Miatas and RSX-S "girls cars" :iono:

[ron3]

Since the fit gets such great reviews and they are so over priced in my area guess I just expected more.
I don't mean this in a bad way but the fit is somewhat van like and that's not a bad thing. just my 2 cents

[toad]

They rated the Ford Fiesta as a top pick but if you test drive it you'll think it's due to fall apart on you any minute.
They also recommend the Mazda 2 because it's "Perky", I laugh at that because my Yaris would beat it up any time, any where.
I always tell people that the only way you can truly know a car, Is by driving it yourself.

i know the mazda 2 gets lots of praise from the automotive press, but i just can't get past the looks. something doesn't seem right about it...looks like they took our hatch and 'smooshed and stretched' it!

i'm STILL in my pursuit of a second car and i've looked at a lot of first-gen fits. i personally like the styling even though it's described frequently here as 'mini-minivan'. after test-driving one i can say it's very nimble and i like the interior also. the yaris has ruined me, however. I ACTUALLY MISS HAVING A CENTER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER(i find myself constantly glancing to that place during test drives)!

i guess there's no 'perfect' car. even though we have issues with water pumps on early models of our yaris, the fit has issues with coil packs on early versions of theirs. this is such a good community here i may just wait until i can snag an echo/yaris and be done with it!

[ron3]

Guess it is just a matter of what your looking for. Its hard to beat a yaris for durability reliability and gas mileage. The fit shines with utility, and resale value and reliability. Really hard to go wrong with either car.:smile:

[Hershey]

Drove a '11 Mazda 2 Sport w/ a 5 speed manual and the clutch was the easiest ever encountered in 37 years of driving . The shifting was smooth as silk . Would get one in a split second if money dropped out of the sky into my lap:bow: .

[junorico24]

Take a closer at Mazda 2 or kia rio.

The Yaris's best asset is probably reliability and mileage. But that's it. I can vouch for dat.

But in terms of fun and ride enjoyment : Mazda's zoom-zoom-zoom and the Rio's comfort is probably up there as well.

Fit is better car in terms of the space and just a better car overall for you If you have a familia.

I think the Yari has been over taken by the competition. Like I said, if the 2 and all these new rides were around in 2007 i would have taken them in a heart beat over the Yari.

[Hershey]

Tried a Soul and shifting was horrible . Very notchy . Hopefully other KIAs / Hyundias are not the same .

[junorico24]

Tried a Soul and shifting was horrible . Very notchy . Hopefully other KIAs / Hyundias are not the same .

Not sure I have never driven any Kia just Daihatsu, Nissan, Mazda, Honda and Mitsubishi.

[nookandcrannycar]

There are a couple of Kia Souls on my street. The people across the street and one house down recently replaced the stock tires and wheels on their Mitsubishi SUV with much larger tires and wheels. A few days later they traded in their Tercel for a used Tacoma SR5 PreRunner...so still the same number of Toyotas in my neighborhood.

[ron3]

I would say a Kia an Hundai are good cars never driven on .Wonder how the resale is?

[DMZ]

I drove a Kia Spectra EX for a year. Good engine and auto transmission. Reliable.

My biggest complaint: Very uncomfortable seats. Cheaply made with poor quality fabric and foam. Had to buy a heavily padded seat cover just to drive the thing.

Resale values (in my region) on Kia (and Hyundai's) are better than domestic brands, lower than Japanese cars. Kia's made before the company was bought by Hyundai should be avoided.

[birdman]

I test drove the Aveo, Versa, Fit and Yaris LB and chose the Yaris because it seemed easily the best choice to me. I didn't like the over sensitive steering or the external looks of the '08 Fit. I liked the Yaris center console that allows for greater knee room than its competitors plus all the clever storage options front and back. I prefer the sliding seat option over Honda's magic seat though I can see why others might prefer that. I'm sure people like all of these cars for their reasons but I like my choice. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the speedometer location but everything else this car got right more than makes up for it.

I just tested the 2015 Golf GTI with its stiff seats, stupid sun visor clips and poor cup holder location, short armrest and poor reliability rating and it's great ride wasn't enough to coax me out of the Yaris. Had a similar experience with the MINI. It's very fun to fly around corners but not so when they break which they often do. Finally I drove the new Fiesta ST and it had no elbowroom which is stupid. It is a great car performance wise but the poor interior design wasn't going to make up for its good qualities. If they had just done a few simple things to the ST I think I'd be driving one now. Eventually I would like to find something sportier and more solid that is as well thought out, environmentally sound and reliable but there isn't anything. The Prius 3 is so ugly and lacks the clever storage features plus the rear seat head rests block the rear window like the new Yaris. The center speedometer dash Yaris hatchback is a rare car that comes around very rarely that has so many useful well thought out features all rolled into one car that no one else can duplicate regardless of performance or price and that's sad.

[ebaut]

The Fit looks like a suppository for a giant robot.

[428CobraJet]

I Finally I drove the new Fiesta ST and it had no elbowroom which is stupid. It is a great car performance wise but the poor interior design wasn't going to make up for its good qualities. If they had just done a few simple things to the ST I think I'd be driving one now. Eventually I would like to find something sportier and more solid that is as well thought out, environmentally sound and reliable but there isn't anything. The Prius 3 is so ugly and lacks the clever storage features plus the rear seat head rests block the rear window like the new Yaris. The center speedometer dash Yaris hatchback is a rare car that comes around very rarely that has so many useful well thought out features all rolled into one car that no one else can duplicate regardless of performance or price and that's sad.

I drove the ST. Its a bargain. I want my next car to have a console among other things. I'm debating between the overpriced Mazda3 S Gt hb. with manual. ..the awesome FiestaST...and Maybe the Yaris. Honestly. ..the FiestaST is just such a bargain compared to the Yaris SE. Assuming it holds up.
the FiST seemed no more cramped in the front than my 09 Yaris. It did have the Recaro option (see pic).

I sat in the new fit...i can't get over the exterior.

[nookandcrannycar]

I drove the ST. Its a bargain. I want my next car to have a console among other things. I'm debating between the overpriced Mazda3 S Gt hb. with manual. ..the awesome FiestaST...and Maybe the Yaris. Honestly. ..the FiestaST is just such a bargain compared to the Yaris SE. Assuming it holds up.
the FiST seemed no more cramped in the front than my 09 Yaris. It did have the Recaro option (see pic).

I sat in the new fit...i can't get over the exterior.

I wonder how steep the depreciation is on the Fiesta ST? That particular niche within the segment doesn't conjure up thoughts of 'driving until the wheels fall off' :biggrin:.

I worry about the reliability of the '15 USDM Fit....will remain to be seen. IIRC, they had some quality control issues on at least some of the first U.S. arrivals from the plant in Mexico.

[428CobraJet]

Yes...a. The genre if Fiesta has a terrible reputation. B. The whole direct injection thing is questionable. ..let alone 200hp in 100 cubic inches.
But what a bang for the buck!

[nookandcrannycar]

They rated the Ford Fiesta as a top pick but if you test drive it you'll think it's due to fall apart on you any minute.


:laugh::laugh: I replied to this post when you posted it, but forgot about it after that. So this is the case even when the Fiesta is new :eek: (You didn't mention the ST, so I assume it was another 'trim level'). About 14 months after you wrote this post I had a Fiesta rental in Florida with only 35k miles on it, and had the same 'due to fall apart on you any minute' impression.

[nookandcrannycar]

But what a bang for the buck!

It would be great temporary fun if you resold it within the warranty period and could find the right buyer who didn't care about price :biggrin:.

[nookandcrannycar]

The Fit looks like a suppository for a giant robot.

:bellyroll::bellyroll::bellyroll:

[428CobraJet]

I test drove a 2015 Fit EX 6 speed yesterday. Stiff but nice gearbox. Extremely noisy engine when driving. Nice clutch takeup. Poverty carpet but beautiful everywhere else. A relative bargain at 18k. Front seats don't go back far enough. Narrow like the yaris :-).
I felt like my 09 3dr could smoke it. Maybe i didn't find the Vtec?

[Superfly]

The ST is a sweet car, though I'm not a fan of the Recaro seats. I see them a lot too, but man, for $25k you are in VW GTI waters which gives you more space, awesome plaid seats and a very nice clutch feel.

[428CobraJet]

The FiestaST is sweet. ..but I wonder if it is durable enough to hold up

[Superfly]

I would think it is durable enough. If I recall, the older Fiestas all had issues with the new Ford DCT-like tranny and since the ST has a 6spd, I don't think it would be an issue. You could wait to see what the first year data tells you. Waiting could also be beneficial to trying to get a better deal on a year end ST. :iono:

[428CobraJet]

This is year 2 for the FiestaST. But you're asking a lot (200hp) from a small motor. ..with only belt cam drive. And direct injection. Is it (or the also GDI but chain driven Mexico Fit) built for 150k....200k? The Yaris is a really well known quantity.

Otoh...I'm confident a no option but well equipped 2015 FiST would be under 20k plus tt&l. Sticker is $21770 including delivery less a $1000 rebate currently (more for military police etc).bringing it to $20,770.

There are some nice choices in this segment right now. Like you say, fortunately for Yaris owners...our cars are so durable that we can choose not to to decide for the time being.

[bronsin]

Is the Yaris the only one that comes in a 2 door?

The Yaris is high and that with the 2 door makes it easy to get in and out of.

[IllusionX]

From power perspective, Yaris beats Fit anytime. Vvt-i beats vtec. L15a needs to go to higher lifts to match the 1nzfe power (that's when vtec is on), in terms of airflow. Now, how can vtec match the bigger overlap (vvt-i), especially when the exhaust is strong?

Over certain Rpm, say 2000, vtec can not match the efficiency vvt-i has. Vtec can beat vvt-i when vtec is not on, but what is the power?

It is about the same when you compare 4AFE to L15A when talking about efficiency. L15A beats 4AFE anyday because L15A flows more.


Old school vtec yes. Isn't iVTEC just the same as VVT-I?

[El Kapitan]

i currently own a 2007 yaris four door hatchback.

i have previously owned a 2009 fit dx and a 2011 fit lx.

i haven't owned my yaris long enough to make many comments but i'll share my thoughts on the fit(s):

pros:

- functionality. the cargo area is cavernous
- the "magic seats" are more than just a gimmick. they truly are useful.
- fuel economy for me (with auto-tranny) was exactly as predicted by the EPA.
- a nice feel to the suspension and reasonably quiet ride.
- made in japan
- rear seats folded forward perfectly flat (i notice that they don't anymore on the 2015).

cons:

- auto transmission was miserable. always trying to shift at the wrong time and forcing extra fuel consumption by forcing me to depress the throttle to get it geared where i wanted it.

- the fit and finish were not so good. my 2009 was black and even from the dealer was already covered in tiny little micro-scratches from being washed (last time i ever bought a black car). flimsy paint. the driver's side door arm rest is super thin plastic and within a short time of resting my arm on it as i adjusted my position when getting into the car, it was already cracked. i scratched the clear plastic over the the instrument cluster just by very gently wiping dust off of it. within a few thousand kilometers it had developed squeeks and rattles.

- the AC was the weakest i have ever experienced.

- the seats were (for me) incredibly uncomfortable.

- you ride really high in the car. it sometimes felt like people could look in and see my entire upper body. i'm not sure why that bothered me, but it did.

-----------

just so that i don't seem overly negative, i have also driven a standard fit in recent times and it was like a completely different car. much better! also, the versatility of the cargo area and back seats is a very good feature with this car. no other hatches of the time could touch it.

as for my yaris, i can't say much yet but i do find the seats to be more comfortable, although only a little. i know this is debated but i love the centered instrument cluster, i like the standard transmission although i have never compared it to an auto yaris. millions of little storage areas. good thick floor over the spare tire (the fit was that typical thin medite). great turning radius! the downside so far: miniscule cargo area, but i knew it would be bad when i bought the car, but it really does suck.

[428CobraJet]

The 2015 Fit...as far as i know...shares the pre2015 fit 'formula' or dna and that's all. 6speed manual. Mexico build. Higher beltline (ie less glass). I forgot about the reported poor ac on the pre 2015 version.

In addition to a great manual gearbox. ..our cars have the best ac i have seen. Certainly better than my 2013 f150.

[IllusionX]

The times I've driven a 2010 Fit, the AC was alright.
But Honda is known for having very small batteries.

[428CobraJet]

Earthdreams?

Btw...the Mexico built Fits seem to be having their share of nit picky issues.

[El Kapitan]

The 2015 Fit...as far as i know...shares the pre2015 fit 'formula' or dna and that's all. 6speed manual. Mexico build. Higher beltline (ie less glass). I forgot about the reported poor ac on the pre 2015 version.

In addition to a great manual gearbox. ..our cars have the best ac i have seen. Certainly better than my 2013 f150.

nice. i also pair my yaris to an F-150 coyote, although mine is a 2012. maybe you got unlucky because my AC blasts in that puppy.

[428CobraJet]

The f150 is a regular cab. Its ok. I dont think its defective. Its pretty hot and humid on the coast in Texas. We have a solid 10mos of ac weather. But with the Yaris. ..you can hang meat in that baby!

El Kapitan...the Coyote is a great motor, no? And the sound when floored!

[El Kapitan]

yep, sure is a great motor, although i only get about 16mpg, 90% city. i wouldn't want to have to drive it all the time but i do look forward to driving it on work days.

what sort of mileage do you get? i have a Scab so i'm guessing yours would be better?

to everyone else: sorry for going OT. no disrespect intended.

[428CobraJet]

I don't drive mine much....It'll be 2 years old this March with 7200 miles. I have the optional 3.55s with limited slip. Rcsb. Factory 18s. STX trim.

I have 12 tanks below 20 (low of 16.9...most 18-19) and a 21.2, a 23.7, a 22.5, and a 22.1. Mostly road driving to the coast or the Texas Hillcountry...at least half with a MotoGuzzi or CBX either towed on my Kendon or in the bed. All figures using a calculator. The computer is almost always inaccurately reading high.

I was hoping to always get 20. Holding it to sixty-fiveish on cruise brings the big numbers. Unlike the Mighty Yaris. ..idling seems to suck fuel. I drive like an old man - unless I'm in the Yaris!:thumbup: