Can Toyota Still Manage to Build an Awful Car? - LA Times Article

[ChinoCharles]

Dear Dan,

Yeah, we’re all going to e-mail you now.

We’re sick of reporters knocking our cars. The media has been one big Honda circle jerk since the Fit, Yaris and Versa hit showrooms.

The thing is Dan, I’m 21 and I am Toyota’s target market. I’m young and this is my first car purchase, and I needed the cheapest, most economical car I could get.

The fact that the Yaris is the cheapest car from any company I would trust as well as the best on gas for any 87 pump gas, non-hybrid car I know of made this an easy decision.

The media constantly tears it apart. It doesn’t have enough room, its too noisy, blah blah blah.

I would drive a dune buggy right now if it got 100 MPG. Have you been to a gas station lately Dan?

Yarisworld.com… 3000 owning members from all over the world with two generations of Yarii (yeah, they’re called Yarii) Ever heard of a Vitz? A Vios? A Belta?

All Yarii.

Dan, no offense, but you’re the one who is out of touch. This thing is a regular sensation... we prove it!

EVERYONE EMAIL
dan.neil@latimes.com
AND TELL THE MEDIA TO SHUT UP

[St_G]

That's an important point -- getting Toyota quality for Daewoo prices is a deal, imo, no matter which options get cut -- but I really think this just comes down to differences in perspective.

I'm not going to spam the dude's email because he's made judgements based on a different perspective than my own. I test drove the Fit and I understand why the press prefer it so much. If I were in their place, and not having to spend money, nor wake up every morning looking at either, I'd probably ignore the fact that a loaded Fit Sport is priced up in MINI territory and focus on the cool folding seats, the four doors and the more agile suspension. Those are things that are important in a review, even if they're not that important in the day-to-day commute of the average customer.

Originally Posted by ChinoCharles

The fact that the Yaris is the cheapest car from any company I would trust

[Terrorize]

I used to drive a Chevy...but it went to shit and i had to trade it after 3 years for a YARIS..and so far..i'm impressed....plus who cares if this car is cheap and feels that way to some? and doesn't drive well to some? I GET TO MOD THE SHIT OUTTA THIS CAR!!! It saves me gas..and the car was priced amazing..and doesn't have all the features that i don't use and would of paid for if i chose another car.

[Razr]

Originally Posted by St_G

I'd probably ignore the fact that a loaded Fit Sport is priced up in MINI territory and focus on the cool folding seats, the four doors and the more agile suspension. Those are things that are important in a review, even if they're not that important in the day-to-day commute of the average customer.

Well, the Thai models have both the cool split/flat folding/sliding seats and four door liftbacks. I can't comment on the "agile" suspension, as I put aftermarket wheels on mine from day one, and it goes around corners just fine. Although I only drove about 10 miles on the stock rubber, I do have to admit that it was nowhere near as behaved/controlled in OEM config.

IMHO the Yaris LB is hands-down better than the Honda Jazz/Fit in every way - otherwise I would've bought one of them instead, naturally

[St_G]

I meant how the Fit seats fold like four different ways. It's a cool thing, and would have to count in the Fit's favor if I were writing a review or comparison, but made no real difference to me as a consumer since 99% of the time, I'm just carrying myself to and from work.

Originally Posted by Razr

Well, the Thai models have both the cool split/flat folding/sliding seats and four door liftbacks.