Consumer Reports not too pleased with Yaris - Page 3 - Toyota Yaris Forums

BlueLiftback · 11-03-2006, 05:16 PM

The primary issue I have with all of the magazine "comparisons" is that they completely lack any true sense of OWNERSHIP of the vehicle. That is, getting in and living with it DAILY for an extended period of time (longer than the 3 days or so that the take writing up a 10 page or less article concerning 8 or so cars).

Cars may be rated higher than the Yaris today, but give it a few years... For the $$$ involved, it's the best value for the money. 1) Toyota 2) Predicted Reliability 3) Predicted Resale and 4) GAS Mileage...

Add in the fact that it's fun to drive (maybe not as fun as a Fit, but certainly not $3000 less fun lol), and it's a killer combo.

Doesn't much matter what a magazine says imho...

ECHOKnight2000 · 11-03-2006, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueLiftback

The primary issue I have with all of the magazine "comparisons" is that they completely lack any true sense of OWNERSHIP of the vehicle. That is, getting in and living with it DAILY for an extended period of time (longer than the 3 days or so that the take writing up a 10 page or less article concerning 8 or so cars).

Cars may be rated higher than the Yaris today, but give it a few years... For the $$$ involved, it's the best value for the money. 1) Toyota 2) Predicted Reliability 3) Predicted Resale and 4) GAS Mileage...

Add in the fact that it's fun to drive (maybe not as fun as a Fit, but certainly not $3000 less fun lol), and it's a killer combo.

Doesn't much matter what a magazine says imho...

Going along with that it comes down to sales not reviews, sure reviews are legit but to some extent...the Yaris is selling like hot cakes and its one of the best selling sub-compacts out there. Remember when magazines rat on the Toyota Camry being boring and plain and it usually got lower scores cause of that? Well its the best selling car in America so who gives a flying &@^@$^Q what a reviewer(s) say. I'll get off my soap box.

stuffy · 11-03-2006, 06:45 PM

very well said blueliftback

BMGYaris · 11-03-2006, 07:37 PM

I asked this before but no one aswered? what type of models did they test? a relativly base yaris verses a decked out versa would be totally unfair, and up against a sport fit well geez...of course it is going to get al ower score, especially with a base yaris with no abs or side airbags. so what were the versions they compared with? AND if anybody knows anyway to improve pedal distnaces that woudl really help to boost the yaris comfort scores:)

littlecarlove · 11-03-2006, 07:42 PM

I’m pissed that I paid for a membership to Consumer Reports online and yet the newsstands get the new information first. They have a forum and I posted this:

“I’m very confused. I thought Consumer Reports tested and reviewed new cars, but you list the Toyota Echo as a new car in 2007. It has been discontinued - you CAN’T buy a new Echo. On the other hand you seem to have left out the replacement to the Echo: The Toyota Yaris.
I joined this site specifically to find out about the Yaris and how it compares to the competition.
Then I found a website for Yaris owners and they said there was an article in the November issue that compares the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, and Honda Fit. I can find no such article on this website.
What gives?”

They responded:

“…the web review on the Yaris will be posted any day, keep checking. The December issue of CR is just hitting the newsstands and mailboxes.

Toyota Yaris
Highs: Fuel economy, hatchback storage, turning circle, reliability.
Lows: Braking without ABS, engine and road noise, driving position, sloppy handling at the limits.

Not bad, but our test engineers liked the Nissan Versa, Honda fit, Kia Rio, and Hyundai Accent better (in that order). The Fit is a CR recommended car.”

The Yaris placed FIFTH! Are you kidding me? It’s rated BELOW the Kia Rio?!?!??? The Killed-In-Action Ride-InOperable???? My faith in Consumer Reports has been shaken to the core.

I do agree that both the Accent and Rio are both safer than a Yaris because chances are those cars will not be running. I doubt you can hit anything if your car can’t move.

I canceled my membership. I suggest if you have one that you do the same.

Hays

eTiMaGo · 11-03-2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlecarlove

I do agree that both the Accent and Rio are both safer than a Yaris because chances are those cars will not be running. I doubt you can hit anything if your car can’t move.

Hhahahahahah

palsan · 11-04-2006, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlecarlove

Lows: Braking without ABS, engine and road noise, driving position, sloppy handling at the limits.

Not bad, but our test engineers liked the Nissan Versa, Honda fit, Kia Rio, and Hyundai Accent better (in that order). The Fit is a CR recommended car.”

The Yaris placed FIFTH! Are you kidding me? It’s rated BELOW the Kia Rio?!?!??? The Killed-In-Action Ride-InOperable???? My faith in Consumer Reports has been shaken to the core.

Hays

I tested all the cars mentioned. Both the Accent and the Rio have far worse engine and cabin noise. So bad that I thought the engines were struggling to move the car. Only the Yaris and fit came close to a "quite ride".

I think the problem is that the journalists are giving Toyota a beating for leaving ABS out of the base model Yaris - note that in Canada the Echo came with ABS in the base model!!! Obviously if you test a base Yaris (without ABS) and a base Fit/Accent/Versa (with ABS) the latter will win out on breaking.

Toyota is paying in terms of publicity for forcing people to buy packages just to get the safety features (ABS and side air bags). They will learn and will likely change and include these as standard in the future.

For me the Fit and Yaris are the two supperior vehicles in this class. I leave the Versa out because of the crappy fuel economy. The Fit has supperior seating and I think the journalists are enchanted with the tricks the Fit's back seats can perform. For me though the trick seats are not worth $2000 price premium (the difference between the Yaris I bought and an equivalent Fit) AND 3% higher finance rate.

The only disapointing thing about the Yaris is the limited colour choices!

In closing ... I understand the Fit comming out ahead of the Yaris (maybe even the Versa). The Rio and Accent better than the Yaris?????? Yea, right!

mcdaddy · 11-04-2006, 03:40 AM

strange!! the Yaris that came out here in Saudi Arabia has ABS on it.. well,.. no wonder.hahahaha. you know what I mean..
correct!! the handling & suspension will surely improve with aftermarket performance parts..

Pars · 11-04-2006, 08:31 AM

I just don't get it. Even with the dinky 175/65/14 tires, I wouldn't describe the handling a sloppy at the limits. I they said, 'dinky tires that wash-out too quickly', I'd understand...but sloppy handling, that's not accurate.

Katana · 11-04-2006, 12:12 PM

Cme'on the Fit has awful handling and it is very sloggish.I like better the Yaris!

tomjasz · 11-04-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katana

Cme'on the Fit has awful handling and it is very sloggish.I like better the Yaris!

Comparing my LB to my Camry's, Tundra's, and a single Sienna, the Yaris has a lot of failings.

I generally agree with the assessment by CR of the Yaris. I'd give it an adequate rating on performance, top shelf forreliability, but noisy as hell.

I'd buy one again given what I know today.

It will be the most reliable of the group, but it's still a CHEAP car with plenty room for improvement. My Vespa scooter cost exactly half the price I paid for the Yaris LB! Look at what the drivers here have done and claimed improvement by tweaking the running gear and adding stabilizer bars!! It will never be the "peoples car" that the Beetle was, but it's as close as anyone has come to building a great subcompact.

Once again Toyota is ahead of the pack!

Yaris rules!!

IMNSHO

ECHOKnight2000 · 11-04-2006, 08:39 PM

I just read well skimmed Motor Trend's assement of the Yaris, FIT and Versa and Yaris came in last. In there summary I guess the Yaris wasn't a car driven by "enthuisists." The Yaris doesn't fullfill the enthuisists needs so that didn't help it with the final results.. And of course the Fit was in first then Versa, then Yaris.

I'm no brain surgen but I thought these were ECONOMY cars not sports cars...oh well that's what the major magazines are concerned about more than anything else.

littlecarlove · 11-04-2006, 08:51 PM

Their opinions don’t matter to me. I haven’t received my Yaris yet and
could still back out of the deal if I wanted - of course I’m not going to.
What burns me up is that their opinions do affect the resale value of my
car. I don’t see myself selling it as I plan to drive it until it rusts
apart underneath me. On the other hand, who knows what will happen
in the future? I might find that I NEED to sell it for some reason and I’ll
get less because of these jerks.

Hum, I wonder what they all said about the Echo in it’s first year?

Hays

tomjasz · 11-04-2006, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlecarlove

Their opinions don’t matter to me. I haven’t received my Yaris yet and
could still back out of the deal if I wanted - of course I’m not going to.
What burns me up is that their opinions do affect the resale value of my
car. I don’t see myself selling it as I plan to drive it until it rusts
apart underneath me. On the other hand, who knows what will happen
in the future? I might find that I NEED to sell it for some reason and I’ll
get less because of these jerks.

Hum, I wonder what they all said about the Echo in it’s first year?

Hays

The small Echo offers a commanding driving position and easy cabin access. With a manual transmission, the 1.5-liter engine provided spirited performance while returning 38 mpg in our testing. The shifter is a bit clunky, though. Handling is fairly responsive and secure, but body roll is pronounced when cornering. The ride is compliant. The roomy cabin has plenty of storage nooks, but the interior materials feel cheap. The speedometer is at the top center of the dashboard, which takes getting used to. Echos equipped with desirable antilock brakes can be hard to find. The Echo was replaced by the Yaris.

tonywenzel · 11-05-2006, 08:41 AM

I think the pedal placement is excellent. But I am 5'4". I think the Yaris was designed for smaller people. I've driven a Fit and was real close to buying one but the extra features and flashy items weren't worth the price. If the Fit was the same price as the Yaris then they might have had my business. I still think the Yaris looks better though.

Yaris Dick · 11-05-2006, 10:27 AM

Consumer Reports does a great job testing and reporting on toasters and fridges, but for cars, they suck. Some of my best and favorite cars were on their shit list. They should stick to things less subjective.

tomjasz · 11-05-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaris Dick

Some of my best and favorite cars were on their shit list. .

Likely because on average they were shit....

stuffy · 11-05-2006, 01:23 PM

when the yaris first came out in canada, ALL of the canadian press was positive, basically the gist was that the echo was a great little car and the yaris was an improvement on the echo.
but this was before the fit and versa were available here.
i think honda did the right thing by including side air bags, abs on all models even if it means the base price will be higher, then factor in the magic seat and and you can see why the critics love it so much.
and the fit does have decent handling, but it isn't head and shoulders above the yaris as some would have us believe.

i can understand the yaris playing second fiddle to the fit and versa,
but the versa is not in the same class and the fit (due to price difference) might not be either.

11-04-2006, 03:40 AM	#8
mcdaddy Drives: Yaris 2006, 2NZFE 1.3L Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Saudi Arabia Posts: 53	strange!! the Yaris that came out here in Saudi Arabia has ABS on it.. well,.. no wonder.hahahaha. you know what I mean.. correct!! the handling & suspension will surely improve with aftermarket performance parts.. __________________

11-04-2006, 12:12 PM	#10
Katana Drives: Yaris LB 1.3lt 06 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Under the hood! Posts: 1,124	Cme'on the Fit has awful handling and it is very sloggish.I like better the Yaris! __________________ It's not the ride, it's the rider!

11-04-2006, 08:39 PM	#12
ECHOKnight2000 Small Car Lover View User's Garage Drives: A Super Car Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Minnesota, US of A! Posts: 830	I just read well skimmed Motor Trend's assement of the Yaris, FIT and Versa and Yaris came in last. In there summary I guess the Yaris wasn't a car driven by "enthuisists." The Yaris doesn't fullfill the enthuisists needs so that didn't help it with the final results.. And of course the Fit was in first then Versa, then Yaris. I'm no brain surgen but I thought these were ECONOMY cars not sports cars...oh well that's what the major magazines are concerned about more than anything else. __________________ You may look good on the beach but in reality you're a pompus, egotistical jerk. "I was never on the beach with you..."and you never will.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
NEWS: TOYOTA REVEALS ALL-NEW YARIS SEDAN AT 2006 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW	VitzBoy	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	7	09-20-2023 07:50 AM
2007 Yaris Pricing Info !	YarisBueller	New YARIS Purchase Forum	104	06-24-2009 04:54 PM
New car shopping - long post	littlecarlove	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	19	11-01-2006 10:58 PM
Consumer Reports on Ethanol	Driver	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	6	09-01-2006 11:21 AM

11-03-2006, 05:16 PM	#1
BlueLiftback Drives: 2007 Blazing Blue 5-speed L/B Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 28	The primary issue I have with all of the magazine "comparisons" is that they completely lack any true sense of OWNERSHIP of the vehicle. That is, getting in and living with it DAILY for an extended period of time (longer than the 3 days or so that the take writing up a 10 page or less article concerning 8 or so cars). Cars may be rated higher than the Yaris today, but give it a few years... For the $$$ involved, it's the best value for the money. 1) Toyota 2) Predicted Reliability 3) Predicted Resale and 4) GAS Mileage... Add in the fact that it's fun to drive (maybe not as fun as a Fit, but certainly not $3000 less fun lol), and it's a killer combo. Doesn't much matter what a magazine says imho...

11-03-2006, 06:45 PM	#3
stuffy Drives: 06 yaris 5-dr le man Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: ontario, canada Posts: 699	very well said blueliftback

11-03-2006, 07:37 PM	#4
BMGYaris Drives: Yaris 3dr Hatchback Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Carolina, USA Posts: 255	I asked this before but no one aswered? what type of models did they test? a relativly base yaris verses a decked out versa would be totally unfair, and up against a sport fit well geez...of course it is going to get al ower score, especially with a base yaris with no abs or side airbags. so what were the versions they compared with? AND if anybody knows anyway to improve pedal distnaces that woudl really help to boost the yaris comfort scores:)

11-03-2006, 07:42 PM	#5
littlecarlove Drives: Want a Yaris Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: KY Posts: 101	I’m pissed that I paid for a membership to Consumer Reports online and yet the newsstands get the new information first. They have a forum and I posted this: “I’m very confused. I thought Consumer Reports tested and reviewed new cars, but you list the Toyota Echo as a new car in 2007. It has been discontinued - you CAN’T buy a new Echo. On the other hand you seem to have left out the replacement to the Echo: The Toyota Yaris. I joined this site specifically to find out about the Yaris and how it compares to the competition. Then I found a website for Yaris owners and they said there was an article in the November issue that compares the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, and Honda Fit. I can find no such article on this website. What gives?” They responded: “…the web review on the Yaris will be posted any day, keep checking. The December issue of CR is just hitting the newsstands and mailboxes. Toyota Yaris Highs: Fuel economy, hatchback storage, turning circle, reliability. Lows: Braking without ABS, engine and road noise, driving position, sloppy handling at the limits. Not bad, but our test engineers liked the Nissan Versa, Honda fit, Kia Rio, and Hyundai Accent better (in that order). The Fit is a CR recommended car.” The Yaris placed FIFTH! Are you kidding me? It’s rated BELOW the Kia Rio?!?!??? The Killed-In-Action Ride-InOperable???? My faith in Consumer Reports has been shaken to the core. I do agree that both the Accent and Rio are both safer than a Yaris because chances are those cars will not be running. I doubt you can hit anything if your car can’t move. I canceled my membership. I suggest if you have one that you do the same. Hays

11-04-2006, 08:31 AM	#9
Pars Drives: 07 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 418	I just don't get it. Even with the dinky 175/65/14 tires, I wouldn't describe the handling a sloppy at the limits. I they said, 'dinky tires that wash-out too quickly', I'd understand...but sloppy handling, that's not accurate.

11-04-2006, 08:51 PM	#13
littlecarlove Drives: Want a Yaris Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: KY Posts: 101	Their opinions don’t matter to me. I haven’t received my Yaris yet and could still back out of the deal if I wanted - of course I’m not going to. What burns me up is that their opinions do affect the resale value of my car. I don’t see myself selling it as I plan to drive it until it rusts apart underneath me. On the other hand, who knows what will happen in the future? I might find that I NEED to sell it for some reason and I’ll get less because of these jerks. Hum, I wonder what they all said about the Echo in it’s first year? Hays

11-05-2006, 08:41 AM	#15
tonywenzel View User's Garage Drives: Z33, NCP91 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 24	I think the pedal placement is excellent. But I am 5'4". I think the Yaris was designed for smaller people. I've driven a Fit and was real close to buying one but the extra features and flashy items weren't worth the price. If the Fit was the same price as the Yaris then they might have had my business. I still think the Yaris looks better though.

11-05-2006, 10:27 AM	#16
Yaris Dick Drives: 07 Yaris LB, 06 VW GTI, 06 G6 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Southeastern USA Posts: 61	Consumer Reports does a great job testing and reporting on toasters and fridges, but for cars, they suck. Some of my best and favorite cars were on their shit list. They should stick to things less subjective.

11-05-2006, 01:23 PM	#18
stuffy Drives: 06 yaris 5-dr le man Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: ontario, canada Posts: 699	when the yaris first came out in canada, ALL of the canadian press was positive, basically the gist was that the echo was a great little car and the yaris was an improvement on the echo. but this was before the fit and versa were available here. i think honda did the right thing by including side air bags, abs on all models even if it means the base price will be higher, then factor in the magic seat and and you can see why the critics love it so much. and the fit does have decent handling, but it isn't head and shoulders above the yaris as some would have us believe. i can understand the yaris playing second fiddle to the fit and versa, but the versa is not in the same class and the fit (due to price difference) might not be either.