poor Yaris packaging?

[dave marquez]

I just spent some time looking at the Yaris liftback and I am extremely disappointed with the packaging that Toyota of America has done on this car
my list of requirements include: small, well constructed, sunroof, manual or CVT transmission, cruise control, hatchback, ABS, air bags, good stereo, and comfortable seats.
The Yaris liftback is NOT available in the US with a manual transmission, is not available with Cruise control, and does not offer a sunroof.
Also, no Tach available in the Yaris liftback
The Honda Fit offers all of the items above EXCEPT the sunroof.
The soon to arrive Nissan Versa meets all of my requirements.

It's really a pity, because the Yaris is the car I prefer in terms of size, package, and I am a pretty loyal Toyota customer. However I think the marketing weenies missed the boat on the Yaris liftback. They won't be getting my $$$ unless they seriously improve the options available.

[stuts]

I agree with you Dave Marquez Toyota U.S. dropped the ball bringing the Yaris to the U.S. people have told me they think that maybe it is because you guys have the Scion and Toyota U.S. is afraid to take sales away from that which is sad as the Yaris is definitely better looking of a car than the Scion I am sure it is better in most respects (I am just saying that with out being informed about the Scion) I agree with another forum member I think the Yaris Hatch may not last in the U.S. for very long I think U.S. Toyota is more interested in the Sedan version which is sad as for the Fit/Fugly don’t even think about its the worst car of the year that is what I think pretty sad that Honda brought a car over to North America with a five year old design what were they thinking obviously they weren’t also you can always get cruise installed after market maybe see if you can come up north here and get one brought over State side a lot of paper work but sounds like you like the car so it may be worth your wild

[hen88]

Originally Posted by stuts

I agree with you Dave Marquez Toyota U.S. dropped the ball bringing the Yaris to the U.S. people have told me they think that maybe it is because you guys have the Scion and Toyota U.S. is afraid to take sales away from that which is sad as the Yaris is definitely better looking of a car than the Scion I am sure it is better in most respects (I am just saying that with out being informed about the Scion) I agree with another forum member I think the Yaris Hatch may not last in the U.S. for very long I think U.S. Toyota is more interested in the Sedan version which is sad as for the Fit/Fugly don’t even think about its the worst car of the year that is what I think pretty sad that Honda brought a car over to North America with a five year old design what were they thinking obviously they weren’t also you can always get cruise installed after market maybe see if you can come up north here and get one brought over State side a lot of paper work but sounds like you like the car so it may be worth your wild

Worst car of the year? Yeah - that's why "Fugly" is winning first place in all the comparison tests and has universally positive reviews. I recall one review calling the Yaris "serviceable" at best. It sounds like sour grapes to me.

The hatchback version of the Yaris won't be around next year probably - which is a shame because you are totally right about it being better than the Scion. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold a candle to the Fit. Ha ha.

[richard_rsp]

Originally Posted by dave marquez

The Yaris liftback is NOT available in the US with a manual transmission, is not available with Cruise control, and does not offer a sunroof.

Actually, according to Toyota's website, the liftback is available with a 5-Speed manual, and cruise control can be either part of the power package or it can be a dealer installed item... as far as the sunroof, its not available at this time, but hopefully it will be available in the future!
Our dealer here in South Georgia gets its first 5-speed liftback on April 24th! I cant wait to take it on a test drive!

[TRD-MX83]

I don't understand why they couldn't include a Tach in the liftback?

[Lexcyn]

Originally Posted by TRD-MX83

I don't understand why they couldn't include a Tach in the liftback?

The Canadian version has the Tach included. The US version doesn't for some reason ...

[ECHOKnight2000]

I agree a little thing such as a tach should be included especially if its a manual, I know its an option on the sedan but not the hatch. I think they figure the hatch is the very very base entry and the sedan is the upper entry car, if that makes sense. They had to really strip the hatch to get it to the price that it is or isn't how ever you want to see that. But yeah, it sucks. Maybe with enough customer feedback Toyota will change its mind!

[stuts]

What ever Hen88 if you are going to dfend Fugly like that than you are Obviously a huge supporter as I said go get one you will live a happy life togeather you and Fugly man pretty sad Honda didn’t take some initiative and redesign Fulgy shows how much they care about North America

[fstb88]

If you really want a tach, see what the dimensions of the instrumentpanel of the american and the canadian. see if theres only a missing connection. And buy one from canada with the appropriate wiring. Now if your lazy and don't like getting self satisfaction from doing work like that,or don't want to spend the money; well don't be ungreatful.

[wantamr2]

Originally Posted by hen88

Worst car of the year? Yeah - that's why "Fugly" is winning first place in all the comparison tests and has universally positive reviews. I recall one review calling the Yaris "serviceable" at best. It sounds like sour grapes to me.

The hatchback version of the Yaris won't be around next year probably - which is a shame because you are totally right about it being better than the Scion. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold a candle to the Fit. Ha ha.

you gotta be kidding, compare the looks of the 2 cars fully decked out. Plus you have the better resale value along with the quality/reliability of a Toyota. It was also rated DEAD LAST in comparison tests with the the Yaris and the Accent in Money Sense Magazine. This was graded by a panel of Auto jorunalists and Mechanics.

Sorry bud, but a 5 year old design will never hold a candle to the new Yaris. It might of had a chance with the echo, but even them.....

[EchoHoLiK]

Originally Posted by hen88

Worst car of the year? Yeah - that's why "Fugly" is winning first place in all the comparison tests and has universally positive reviews. I recall one review calling the Yaris "serviceable" at best. It sounds like sour grapes to me.

The hatchback version of the Yaris won't be around next year probably - which is a shame because you are totally right about it being better than the Scion. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold a candle to the Fit. Ha ha.

Look who's being rude now.

[hen88]

I guess it's no use defending a Honda on a Toyota lovers website. I have driven the Yaris and was not impressed enough to buy it. I can't even get the options I want on it because Toyota in the US won't even give it the time of day to make sure that Americans looking for a safe, sturdy, stylish hatchback (which the Yaris could potentially be) can have access to all the features that are readily available in many other brands. On the other hand, the Honda Fit has all the safety features you could want and drives like a champ. And all of these features are STANDARD! The style of the car is completely subjective. I don't care if it was designed in 2001. I think it looks great - it's design is simple, elegant, clean and, in my opinion, somewhat sporty, and that is all that matters. Now you guys can trash me all you want about this. I don't care. I'm getting the car I want, and it ain't going to be the Yaris.

[wantamr2]

Originally Posted by hen88

I guess it's no use defending a Honda on a Toyota lovers website. I have driven the Yaris and was not impressed enough to buy it. I can't even get the options I want on it because Toyota in the US won't even give it the time of day to make sure that Americans looking for a safe, sturdy, stylish hatchback (which the Yaris could potentially be) can have access to all the features that are readily available in many other brands. On the other hand, the Honda Fit has all the safety features you could want and drives like a champ. And all of these features are STANDARD! The style of the car is completely subjective. I don't care if it was designed in 2001. I think it looks great - it's design is simple, elegant, clean and, in my opinion, somewhat sporty, and that is all that matters. Now you guys can trash me all you want about this. I don't care. I'm getting the car I want, and it ain't going to be the Yaris.

It all comes down to matter of opinion and taste. Some people like the more rounded looks and futuristic/functional looking dash, some people like the wagonish style of the Fit. You guys in the US don't get many of the option those of us in Canada are taking advantage of.

I don't think its fair to say that the Yaris is garbage compared to the Fit just because of the lack of options. You and I know very well that toyota's engineered a much more advance car in the Yaris compared to other subcompacts.

Anyhow, good luck with the car and enjoy. Really, I don't think toyota is hurting from healthy competition. Thats the reason why its the best car manufacturer out there when it comes to engineering, style and reliability. You and I can agree on that.

[stuts]

Beautifully said wantamr2 I would just like to add this hen88 what options would you LOVE to see on the Yaris please let me know

[hen88]

Originally Posted by wantamr2

It all comes down to matter of opinion and taste. Some people like the more rounded looks and futuristic/functional looking dash, some people like the wagonish style of the Fit. You guys in the US don't get many of the option those of us in Canada are taking advantage of.

I don't think its fair to say that the Yaris is garbage compared to the Fit just because of the lack of options. You and I know very well that toyota's engineered a much more advance car in the Yaris compared to other subcompacts.

Anyhow, good luck with the car and enjoy. Really, I don't think toyota is hurting from healthy competition. Thats the reason why its the best car manufacturer out there when it comes to engineering, style and reliability. You and I can agree on that.

I agree - well said. I don't mean to trash the Yaris in any way. I think it is a really nice car that is unfortunately being ignored in the US. I wish that the US market would not look at subcompacts as "cheap" cars and give them many of the same features that larger cars have. I don't even think my tastes are extravagant. I would simply like features like cruise control and power windows, locks, and mirrors. A tachometer would be nice. ABS and all the airbags are a must. Also a 4-door version would be nice. These are some of the simple little things that I wish Toyota would offer on the Yaris liftback. I don't think it's asking too much. I've weighed all my options at this point, and the Fit came out on top. I hope the Yaris has a life in the US market. And I hope that people are happy owning it.