Yaris officially pronounced garbage by U.S. NEWS

[timothyone]

U.S. News list of best new cars puts the Yaris behind the Fit, the Golf, the Kia Soul, the Subaru WRX, the Cruze, the Focus, The Kia Forte, the Fiesta, the Sonic, the Volt, the Spark, the Impressa, the Jetta, the Dart, the VW Eos, and the Fiat 500. We Yaris owners are all fools, and the Yaris is a real piece of garbage. I think I'll trade mine in on a new Chrysler before word gets out.
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Affordable-Small-Cars/

[jpmck03]

That is the most ridiculous list I've seen in quite a while...
View the best small cars generally priced under $20,000. Compare small car reviews, specs and features for your top small cars.
WRX ... "avg. paid" starts at $27,071
Verano ... $24,333
Volt ... $33,527!!
Prius ... $23,976
Spark EV ... $26,612
Mini ... $20,903
Leaf ... $28,450

etc...

I mean, for f***'s sake, if you're going to start your list off saying that you're rating cars that are under $20k, you sure as hell shouldn't go on to list a dozen cars that are over $20k!!
:bonk:

And let's not forget that the Prius and plug-in Prius is mid-sized, not "small"/compact!
:bonk:

[matti]

It looks like they judge the cars on a bunch of factors.

For me, I don't care about having the latest technology and features. Pretty much all that matters to me is price, reliability (or presumed reliability), and fuel efficiency. Sure, the Yaris lacks many of the gadgets of its competitors, but I simply don't care. I understand that many others do, however.

[The Limo 2]

I have two criteria for a car.

It runs
It is paid for

My 2007 yaris fits this criteria perfectly so I do not listen to what anyone else says.
Roy

[Thirty-Nine]

I wouldn't take this list to heart. And who cares what they say? :)

[Kar98]

Critics think the 2015 Yaris’ four-cylinder engine is powerful enough to get around town, but that its transmission options hinder its drivability. Some say the standard five-speed manual transmission has a light clutch with a tricky engagement point,

Well... that's not wrong. And try to even find one with the manual. Anyway, most of the cars in the list cost thousands more than the Yaris. Near enough the only cars that belong into this list (to make it comparable to the Yaris) are the Dodge Colt (excuse me, Mitsubishi Mirage), the Chevy Spark and the Nissan Versa.

[nookandcrannycar]

Even though the numerical ranking is pretty low, some of the comments they pulled from outside reviews were reasonably complimentary.

[kimona]

Even though the numerical ranking is pretty low, some of the comments they pulled from outside reviews were reasonably complimentary.

"It does not boast best-in-class horsepower, the most gears in its transmission, quickest acceleration or highest fuel economy. Instead, it entices educated shoppers who value an attractive sticker price, low cost of ownership and time-proven reliability. The Yaris is not the most exciting or best-driving vehicle in the subcompact segment, but its quantifiable strengths appear to make it the most trusted choice - a much-respected position that appears to sit just fine with Toyota." -- Autoblog

[kimona]

For me, I don't care about having the latest technology and features. Pretty much all that matters to me is price, reliability (or presumed reliability), and fuel efficiency. Sure, the Yaris lacks many of the gadgets of its competitors, but I simply don't care.

Absolutely agree!

[SilverBack]

I wouldn't take this list to heart. And who cares what they say? :)

Agreed. I bet you a short-bus rider can offer an equally (or maybe even better) honest and realistic review compared to a true inexperienced (hypo)critic at this point.

[CrankyOldMan]

Please don't feed the blog trolls.

[timothyone]

The problem with this biased list from U.S. News is that most people will only take notice of the rankings. It will be assumed that if the Yaris comes near last on the list there must be good reason. Why take the time to read the fine print when the work has been done and summarised for you with numbers? What bothers me most is the fact that Toyota is being attacked by automakers who choose to compete with slime and propaganda rather than provide a quality product. If they succeed, and Toyota is forced to 'Americanize' their product by dropping quality, we will all lose. American cars are as good as they are only because of cheap, high quality imports from Japan. Rather than ask us to be 'patriots' by buying their junk, our manufacturers should lead the patriotic way by giving us a more reasonable American made choice.

[timothyone]

Here's a good example of the " the latest technology and features" that make cars like the Cruze more appealing to American car buyers! Now I understand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwQ0F0FDJts

[Septembersrain]

It looks like they judge the cars on a bunch of factors.



For me, I don't care about having the latest technology and features. Pretty much all that matters to me is price, reliability (or presumed reliability), and fuel efficiency. Sure, the Yaris lacks many of the gadgets of its competitors, but I simply don't care. I understand that many others do, however.


I chose the Yaris because it wasn't filled to the brim like an airplane cockpit. I wanted reliability without all that extra crap that'll just break and cost me a fortune right fix later! Besides, I enjoy my little car. Seriously.

[matti]

"Instead, it entices educated shoppers who value an attractive sticker price, low cost of ownership and time-proven reliability."

Yes!

[fnkngrv]

At this point if Toyota is to continue to compete then they need to step up their game in the creature comfort area. period. doesn't matter if we agree or not. they are offering so much more around the rest of the globe yet they offer bullshit options in North America. totally don't understand their strategy here. reliability is increasing with all of the players out there so Yota needs to step it up honestly. The Yaris platform is very dated sad to say and the drivetrain is 15 years old now. I suppose one could argue that GM had a 40+ year run with their 350. I love my sedan but I doubt I will buy a Corolla to replace it as a DD later this year. At this point I am fixin to defect from Yota altogether since it looks like the Taco is going to be a disappointment too.

[nookandcrannycar]

Here's a good example of the " the latest technology and features" that make cars like the Cruze more appealing to American car buyers! Now I understand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwQ0F0FDJts

:bellyroll:. Made me think about the songs where Clear Channel stations change the lyrics. The one I hear most often is a line from The Steve Miller Band song 'Jet Airliner'. Clear Channel stations change the s**t in the line 'funky s**t goin' down in the city' to 'funky kicks goin' down in the city'.
these lyric changes have been going on fotr a long time,

This is a separate issue from 'The 2001 Clear Channel Memorandum' in which Clear Channel, after the 9/11 attacks, suggested to its stations that they not play 165 specific songs.

[nookandcrannycar]

"It does not boast best-in-class horsepower, the most gears in its transmission, quickest acceleration or highest fuel economy. Instead, it entices educated shoppers who value an attractive sticker price, low cost of ownership and time-proven reliability. The Yaris is not the most exciting or best-driving vehicle in the subcompact segment, but its quantifiable strengths appear to make it the most trusted choice - a much-respected position that appears to sit just fine with Toyota." -- Autoblog

:thumbsup: Yeah, that was the review I thought most about while writing that post.....especially the line that matti later singles out in post #15.

[nookandcrannycar]

The problem with this biased list from U.S. News is that most people will only take notice of the rankings. It will be assumed that if the Yaris comes near last on the list there must be good reason. Why take the time to read the fine print when the work has been done and summarised for you with numbers?

This is beyond pathetic, but unfortunately I think you are correct. Personally, I don't understand the lack of curiosity re the 'methodology'. I do, but many Americans don't consider agenda, motive, and vested interests when it concerns information that is being communicated to them via various media. Is it reasonable to expect more than this likely pathetic truth when 2 out of 5 American voters can't name the 3 branches of their own federal government :rolleyes:? I learned about the three branches of our federal government at home (while in elementary school), something we later covered in class. Even a graduate of the worst high school in the U.S. shouldn't be granted a diploma without knowing this).... and students at reasonably selective universities who can easily espouse on inane current pop culture references, sometimes get tongue tied re even the most basic questions about important current events and the most prominent figureheads within our federal government.

[roxy1]

I just traded my yaris for a 2015 corolla. I was simply ready for more room and more sedated highway cruising. the corolla is using an "old" platform and the same engines in all but the eco plus model. however, having owned a 10th gen corolla for 3 years, i can say the interior and NVH(even on the base model) is so far ahead of where it was its hard to believe.

using the same engines and platform for a long period lends itself to long term reliability/durability. my opinion is that the yaris suffers from having the most spartan looking interior in its class and a poorer than average noise/overall harshness intrusion into the cabin.

if I had not gotten the deal I wanted, I was perfectly fine driving the yaris for a long time because I trusted it to do what I needed for a long time.

still, I think with the next gen a better interior, a sheetmetal change, and a cvt that boast something like 32/42 will be a big help. imo, the platform and engine could remain.

[nookandcrannycar]

I just traded my yaris for a 2015 corolla. I was simply ready for more room and more sedated highway cruising. the corolla is using an "old" platform and the same engines in all but the eco plus model. however, having owned a 10th gen corolla for 3 years, i can say the interior and NVH(even on the base model) is so far ahead of where it was its hard to believe.

using the same engines and platform for a long period lends itself to long term reliability/durability. my opinion is that the yaris suffers from having the most spartan looking interior in its class and a poorer than average noise/overall harshness intrusion into the cabin.

if I had not gotten the deal I wanted, I was perfectly fine driving the yaris for a long time because I trusted it to do what I needed for a long time.

still, I think with the next gen a better interior, a sheetmetal change, and a cvt that boast something like 32/42 will be a big help. imo, the platform and engine could remain.


Wow. When dogs ride or a dog rides with you will he/she/they still be as comfortable ?

[roxy1]

Wow. When dogs ride or a dog rides with you will he/she/they still be as comfortable ?

it will be different. the 11th gen corolla added a lot of back seat space, so (if I travel with all 4) the 2 smaller dogs will be relegated to the floor behind the front seats. on the other hand, carrying them in the rear of the yaris meant giving up carrying much cargo, which wont be an issue now.

I should be a big SUV owner, but until they sell one for $16k and it gets 40 real world mpg on the highway, that's not happening.

[lenzomaru]

I just traded my yaris for a 2015 corolla. I was simply ready for more room and more sedated highway cruising. the corolla is using an "old" platform and the same engines in all but the eco plus model. however, having owned a 10th gen corolla for 3 years, i can say the interior and NVH(even on the base model) is so far ahead of where it was its hard to believe.

using the same engines and platform for a long period lends itself to long term reliability/durability. my opinion is that the yaris suffers from having the most spartan looking interior in its class and a poorer than average noise/overall harshness intrusion into the cabin.

if I had not gotten the deal I wanted, I was perfectly fine driving the yaris for a long time because I trusted it to do what I needed for a long time.

still, I think with the next gen a better interior, a sheetmetal change, and a cvt that boast something like 32/42 will be a big help. imo, the platform and engine could remain.


The road noise is really annoying at times, :iono:as where i live do not have the best roads.

[nookandcrannycar]

it will be different. the 11th gen corolla added a lot of back seat space, so (if I travel with all 4) the 2 smaller dogs will be relegated to the floor behind the front seats. on the other hand, carrying them in the rear of the yaris meant giving up carrying much cargo, which wont be an issue now.

I should be a big SUV owner, but until they sell one for $16k and it gets 40 real world mpg on the highway, that's not happening.

:thumbsup:. My cousin could transport her dog or paintings in her Saab 900 convertible...not a hatch, but had a nicely finished trunk and the rear seats folded all the way forward. Before we left for China to pick up the baby (my little cousin), she traded the 900 in on a new Ford Escape. She also bought one of those powder coated barriers, just in case there were any issues with the dog getting a little too enthusiastic with the baby (ended up not being an issue). Eventually, near the 'end of the road' for the original dog, she got another dog and both fit fine in the cargo area behind the back seat.

[Flammable]

"It does not boast best-in-class horsepower, the most gears in its transmission, quickest acceleration or highest fuel economy. Instead, it entices educated shoppers who value an attractive sticker price, low cost of ownership and time-proven reliability. The Yaris is not the most exciting or best-driving vehicle in the subcompact segment, but its quantifiable strengths appear to make it the most trusted choice - a much-respected position that appears to sit just fine with Toyota." -- Autoblog

I agree the Yaris is no tire burner but my SE handles pretty darn well and is just as good at any other sub compact at zipping around city streets and is a snap to park. Plus the fact its a hatchback i can put stuff in there i could never get in a 4 door sedan car like a 30 gallon water heater from Lowes lol :) Those Yaris haters can go pound salt as far as I am concerned.

[428CobraJet]

Those Yaris haters can go pound salt as far as I am concerned.


:thumbup:

[Jcp123]

Echo/Yaris are at home in urban areas. The road noise isn't a big deal for me; the crappy seats are.

Most of what makes these cars good won't show up in anything but a long-term test. It took about a year, but the Echo went from one of my most hated cars, to one which I would gladly purchase again if the 9th gen Rollas weren't so much easier to find and a better value!

[timothyone]

Toyota has installed a very sophisticated anti-road noise system in the later model Yaris, the controls of which sit in the center of the dash, just above the heat-A/C controls. It even comes with a very useful intensity control knob. Properly adjusted it prevents me from hearing any outside noise.

[428CobraJet]

Ive twisted the knobs on that contraption. Found its effectiveness decreases with speed. ..absolutely no effect above 50mph no matter how hard Jimmy Buffet is trying.

[momaterials]

i dont believe that a Spark is better than a Yaris ,not true

[Flammable]

i dont believe that a Spark is better than a Yaris ,not true
I second that!

[fnkngrv]

I second that!
I 3rd that. If I was to stay in the economy compact segment there would have to be some serious custom upgrades for me to even consider a GM in the segment. Even then I would only consider.

[Flammable]

I 3rd that. If I was to stay in the economy compact segment there would have to be some serious custom upgrades for me to even consider a GM in the segment. Even then I would only consider.I am the same way, I would consider a Ford before a GM. The Spark has some reliability issues from what I have heard.

[nookandcrannycar]

:thumbup:

I agree as well.

[fnkngrv]

I am the same way, I would consider a Ford before a GM. The Spark has some reliability issues from what I have heard.
My biggest curiosity is why with today's manufacturing facilities GM doesn't bother to take the honest blame that they cut corners and do not perform dye diligence when engineering parts as well as proper QA on parts from 3rd parties. Especially when those 3rd parties have noted defect issues in the past.

[Flammable]

My biggest curiosity is why with today's manufacturing facilities GM doesn't bother to take the honest blame that they cut corners and do not perform dye diligence when engineering parts as well as proper QA on parts from 3rd parties. Especially when those 3rd parties have noted defect issues in the past.Good question, Google "GM Piston Slap" for a good read. My old 2002 Saturn SL2 had what I am sure was a piston slap noise which started around the 50k mile mark. I got rid of it at 90k for a new Mustang vert... lol :thumbup:

[Gogogordy]

Can I say where US News will place?