We've been really happy with our Fiesta. Decent dynamics, quiet, good MPG, no regrets at all.
Fiesta, Yaris or Fit?
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I drive regularly 300 miles a stretch (Pittsburgh PA to upstate NY)
This past month I decided to rent a Chevy Aveo as I was only going to need a car for the weekend. -Didn't want to put the miles on my car.
The Aveo was AWFUL -on the highway it was like trying to control a sailboat. Did not want to hold a straight line and the wind noise drove me crazy.
Also, around the city the gas mileage was good as you would expect from an econ-o-box but truthfully, the highway mileage was not that good.
Personally, I found the Mazda to be a surprisingly fun car and the interior is very nice quality. It doesn't get the media feel good darling story that Hyundai does but I would say they have quietly become a very solid car builder.
The fit is a joy to drive as well and reliability/resale value is almost certainly going to be good.
The cruize gets great gas mileage and frankly, I am ok with the gov't helping GM out. It paid off, they seem to be turning things around. It saved local jobs.
On a side note: I am NOT ok with the gov't helping the fat cats of wall street out. But I digress...
This past month I decided to rent a Chevy Aveo as I was only going to need a car for the weekend. -Didn't want to put the miles on my car.
The Aveo was AWFUL -on the highway it was like trying to control a sailboat. Did not want to hold a straight line and the wind noise drove me crazy.
Also, around the city the gas mileage was good as you would expect from an econ-o-box but truthfully, the highway mileage was not that good.
Personally, I found the Mazda to be a surprisingly fun car and the interior is very nice quality. It doesn't get the media feel good darling story that Hyundai does but I would say they have quietly become a very solid car builder.
The fit is a joy to drive as well and reliability/resale value is almost certainly going to be good.
The cruize gets great gas mileage and frankly, I am ok with the gov't helping GM out. It paid off, they seem to be turning things around. It saved local jobs.
On a side note: I am NOT ok with the gov't helping the fat cats of wall street out. But I digress...
Originally Posted By: mhadden
The Aveo is junk as is the Yaris. Another good one to price shop is the Suzuki SX4. The Fiat 500 is likely going to be too small (and because its new, the price will have dealership markup extremes).
well, I had a feeling that I'm driving an empty can from beans, while I was test driving FIt, bumpy,noisy, poor acceleration, worse mpg. Only advantage over Yaris is little more space. Both were stick shift.
The Aveo is junk as is the Yaris. Another good one to price shop is the Suzuki SX4. The Fiat 500 is likely going to be too small (and because its new, the price will have dealership markup extremes).
well, I had a feeling that I'm driving an empty can from beans, while I was test driving FIt, bumpy,noisy, poor acceleration, worse mpg. Only advantage over Yaris is little more space. Both were stick shift.
Drive as many as you can as much as you can, and don't leave out the slightly larger compacts on your list of vehicles to consider. Fuel economy - especially highway - is usually similar and the cost differences are often minor. Take the time to find something you really like and want to keep for a long time. These cars should go a lot longer than 150k highway miles if you want them to!
Fiesta surprised me... I would have expected it to "feel" smaller than it did. I didn't get that "tin can" feeling I get with little cars.
fiesta is outselling everything else in the class by a wide margin this year. it is, IMO, the best subcompact out right now. the sonic and accent come out soon and they should both instantly rise to the top of the class also. any of them would be a good choice
Originally Posted By: jmsjags
fiesta is outselling everything else in the class by a wide margin this year. it is, IMO, the best subcompact out right now. the sonic and accent come out soon and they should both instantly rise to the top of the class also. any of them would be a good choice
+1
Though the Fit would be a good choice too..
fiesta is outselling everything else in the class by a wide margin this year. it is, IMO, the best subcompact out right now. the sonic and accent come out soon and they should both instantly rise to the top of the class also. any of them would be a good choice
+1
Though the Fit would be a good choice too..
MAZDA 2 Sport with the 5 speed manual can be had for less than $14,500 . The clutch and shifting are the easiest I've ever encountered . Plenty get up and go . Should be able to get 35+ m.p.g.. Consumer Reports and Motorweek liked it . Especially the 5 speed manual . The oil filter is in a good spot for easy oil changes . Give it a try and let us know your thoughts . We have a 2008 YARIS sedan that had the head cylinder gasket replaced under warranty due to an external oil leak from the #1 cylinder . It has stopped since its replacement and the U.O.A. came back good . We were given a free extended warranty from TOYOTA for our trouble . A friend has an 2010 3 door with the same leak . It has over 70,000 miles and the engine seems fine despite th oil leak . So , hard for us to suggest a YARIS .
Patman
Staff member
The new 2012 Hyundai Accent is worth having a look at, the price is very good and the fuel economy is excellent! It comes with a 6 speed manual transmission too, something quite rare in this price range.
NOMO , you could go to http://www.yarisworld.com/ and become a member to see what others say and see pics about the YARIS . You may have better luck than us . The '08 sedan with 4 speed auto has been getting over 40 m.p.g. with summer blend and warmer temps . Best of luck in your hunt .
I say get the fiesta, or the new focus, but that might be because I am a Ford guy though!
Out of all the ones listed, I would go with the Ford Fiesta. I've been seeing more and more on the road recently and am impressed by the styling both the interior and exterior. I would love it if Ford would offer a small turbo diesel in the Fiesta.
Drive them all.
I would be partial to Honda or Mazda if I were going for a new car (which I just recently did)
I would be partial to Honda or Mazda if I were going for a new car (which I just recently did)
Originally Posted By: needsducktape
I drive regularly 300 miles a stretch (Pittsburgh PA to upstate NY)
This past month I decided to rent a Chevy Aveo as I was only going to need a car for the weekend. -Didn't want to put the miles on my car.
The Aveo was AWFUL -on the highway it was like trying to control a sailboat. Did not want to hold a straight line and the wind noise drove me crazy.
Also, around the city the gas mileage was good as you would expect from an econ-o-box but truthfully, the highway mileage was not that good.
Personally, I found the Mazda to be a surprisingly fun car and the interior is very nice quality. It doesn't get the media feel good darling story that Hyundai does but I would say they have quietly become a very solid car builder.
The fit is a joy to drive as well and reliability/resale value is almost certainly going to be good.
The cruize gets great gas mileage and frankly, I am ok with the gov't helping GM out. It paid off, they seem to be turning things around. It saved local jobs.
On a side note: I am NOT ok with the gov't helping the fat cats of wall street out. But I digress...
The Aveo is one of, if not the lowest scoring car in CR Mag testing and the MPG for it's class sucks. I drove one from Phoenix to Sedona and "Sail Boat" is the perfect term, and it wasn't even windy on the highway. Seats were terrable too!
Read the testing in the press as to what might meet your criteria and if you drive lot's of miles monthly, you may want to seriously consider seat comfort as high on your criteria.
The Mazda 2 and the Ford Fiesta are essentially the same car with the Ford having more refinements and a quieter interior for a bit more money. The Honda FIT is the top scoring car in it's catigory in many sources of the press but, they're not for everyone. The Yaris doesn't score high compared to other cars in it's class but, it show great reliability and does get good MPG.
If your consideritg stepping up to the next class of vehicles, the choices are even better with lots of cars getting great MPG as well but, you need to search for what's best for you. Trust me, it isn't all about MPG. MPG is high on my criteria when buying a different vehicle but it ain't everything! #1 is Comfort/view outward & reliability with driving dynamics, good highway tracking, and FUN are things to consider too!
I have been driving vehicles that not only get good MPG but I have been just loving my choices in vehicles for day to day driving. If your going to do a lot of driving, you want a vehicle that feels like it part of you.
Since I have been buying vehicles that are amongst the high(er) scoring vehicle in their class with very good reliability ratings, I couldn't be happier! They're not perfect but, I couldn't be happier with my choices wheather they be and economy vehicle or an SUV.
Others' recomendations are important too but, you need to do your own research and find the vehicle that fits your particular criteria, body structure/comfort level and demands amongst other things that YOU find important.
I drive regularly 300 miles a stretch (Pittsburgh PA to upstate NY)
This past month I decided to rent a Chevy Aveo as I was only going to need a car for the weekend. -Didn't want to put the miles on my car.
The Aveo was AWFUL -on the highway it was like trying to control a sailboat. Did not want to hold a straight line and the wind noise drove me crazy.
Also, around the city the gas mileage was good as you would expect from an econ-o-box but truthfully, the highway mileage was not that good.
Personally, I found the Mazda to be a surprisingly fun car and the interior is very nice quality. It doesn't get the media feel good darling story that Hyundai does but I would say they have quietly become a very solid car builder.
The fit is a joy to drive as well and reliability/resale value is almost certainly going to be good.
The cruize gets great gas mileage and frankly, I am ok with the gov't helping GM out. It paid off, they seem to be turning things around. It saved local jobs.
On a side note: I am NOT ok with the gov't helping the fat cats of wall street out. But I digress...
The Aveo is one of, if not the lowest scoring car in CR Mag testing and the MPG for it's class sucks. I drove one from Phoenix to Sedona and "Sail Boat" is the perfect term, and it wasn't even windy on the highway. Seats were terrable too!
Read the testing in the press as to what might meet your criteria and if you drive lot's of miles monthly, you may want to seriously consider seat comfort as high on your criteria.
The Mazda 2 and the Ford Fiesta are essentially the same car with the Ford having more refinements and a quieter interior for a bit more money. The Honda FIT is the top scoring car in it's catigory in many sources of the press but, they're not for everyone. The Yaris doesn't score high compared to other cars in it's class but, it show great reliability and does get good MPG.
If your consideritg stepping up to the next class of vehicles, the choices are even better with lots of cars getting great MPG as well but, you need to search for what's best for you. Trust me, it isn't all about MPG. MPG is high on my criteria when buying a different vehicle but it ain't everything! #1 is Comfort/view outward & reliability with driving dynamics, good highway tracking, and FUN are things to consider too!
I have been driving vehicles that not only get good MPG but I have been just loving my choices in vehicles for day to day driving. If your going to do a lot of driving, you want a vehicle that feels like it part of you.
Since I have been buying vehicles that are amongst the high(er) scoring vehicle in their class with very good reliability ratings, I couldn't be happier! They're not perfect but, I couldn't be happier with my choices wheather they be and economy vehicle or an SUV.
Others' recomendations are important too but, you need to do your own research and find the vehicle that fits your particular criteria, body structure/comfort level and demands amongst other things that YOU find important.
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I myself, would like to try some of the new small cars on the market today. For one thing, I have always loved little cars that screwed and got good MPG. Secondly, I really like what I'm seeing comming to market lately and I'd really like to give several of them a whirl.
I have always liked Honda's but, with the quality/reliability and driving dynamics of all vehicles being much, much better than ever before, it makes Honda's seem less signigicant. VW's always had an edge in the small car catigory but their reliability was always too spotty for my taste, I don't care if someone else has great succuss with them, their record hasn't been good enough for me to give'em a try of ownership. I've driven plenty of friends VW's and they're great to drive but...it is what it is!
I'd love to give the mazda2/FORD Fiesta a go to see/feel the differences between the two for the money. Also, the next gen of Hyundai Accent or whatever it's replacement will be.
The criteria that I mentioned earlier are all high on my list for vehicles that make a GREAT Run-about car. I may even choose to go with a stick shift again but, IDK! I am really liking the FIESTA but, I have been in larger vehicles(sedans/SUV's) these days as I'm older now and I really don't know if I can give up the comfort of a larger vehicle to squeeze into something smaller as I once did in the past. My back and neck both need a comfortable driving position and I like large windows to see out of. But, the passion may still be there
I have always liked Honda's but, with the quality/reliability and driving dynamics of all vehicles being much, much better than ever before, it makes Honda's seem less signigicant. VW's always had an edge in the small car catigory but their reliability was always too spotty for my taste, I don't care if someone else has great succuss with them, their record hasn't been good enough for me to give'em a try of ownership. I've driven plenty of friends VW's and they're great to drive but...it is what it is!
I'd love to give the mazda2/FORD Fiesta a go to see/feel the differences between the two for the money. Also, the next gen of Hyundai Accent or whatever it's replacement will be.
The criteria that I mentioned earlier are all high on my list for vehicles that make a GREAT Run-about car. I may even choose to go with a stick shift again but, IDK! I am really liking the FIESTA but, I have been in larger vehicles(sedans/SUV's) these days as I'm older now and I really don't know if I can give up the comfort of a larger vehicle to squeeze into something smaller as I once did in the past. My back and neck both need a comfortable driving position and I like large windows to see out of. But, the passion may still be there
The power train of the FIESTA and MAZDA are different . Same frame , I think . FIESTA is a 1.6 Ltr. , while the MAZDA is a 1.5 . The 4 speed auto for the 2 and a 6 speed auto for the FIESTA . Both get 5 speed manuals . The FIESTA has a feature that brakes when it senses a certain grade so the car doesn't roll back when engaging the clutch .
Originally Posted By: odie
The power train of the FIESTA and MAZDA are different . Same frame , I think . FIESTA is a 1.6 Ltr. , while the MAZDA is a 1.5 . The 4 speed auto for the 2 and a 6 speed auto for the FIESTA . Both get 5 speed manuals...
Platform is the same. Developed by Ford in Europe but Mazda engineers were involved in the design and development.
The Mazda2's engine is loosely based on the B-engine that powered everything from the Ford Festiva, to Kia Sephia, to Mazda Protege'and MX-5 Miata. I don't think it actually shares any parts with the B-engines but that's where it came from.
I think the Fiesta's engine is derived from the Zetec.
[Heck] it might be a Mazda MZR....I haven't looked into it that much.
Mazda certainly seems to have their act together on suspension tuning. They seldom win comparisons but almost always are regarded as "the driving enthusiast's choice" (2, 3, 5, 6, RX-8, CX-9....doesn't matter. They usually get that accolade)
The Fiesta seems to be more comfort oriented. Nothing wrong with that. Less sporting/more comfortable than the 2. That's all. I'm sure either of them would make a reasonably functional car with a long service life and good fuel economy
The power train of the FIESTA and MAZDA are different . Same frame , I think . FIESTA is a 1.6 Ltr. , while the MAZDA is a 1.5 . The 4 speed auto for the 2 and a 6 speed auto for the FIESTA . Both get 5 speed manuals...
Platform is the same. Developed by Ford in Europe but Mazda engineers were involved in the design and development.
The Mazda2's engine is loosely based on the B-engine that powered everything from the Ford Festiva, to Kia Sephia, to Mazda Protege'and MX-5 Miata. I don't think it actually shares any parts with the B-engines but that's where it came from.
I think the Fiesta's engine is derived from the Zetec.
Mazda certainly seems to have their act together on suspension tuning. They seldom win comparisons but almost always are regarded as "the driving enthusiast's choice" (2, 3, 5, 6, RX-8, CX-9....doesn't matter. They usually get that accolade)
The Fiesta seems to be more comfort oriented. Nothing wrong with that. Less sporting/more comfortable than the 2. That's all. I'm sure either of them would make a reasonably functional car with a long service life and good fuel economy
Spazdog
The Fiesta seems to be more comfort oriented. Nothing wrong with that. Less sporting/more comfortable than the 2. That's all. I'm sure either of them would make a reasonably functional car with a long service life and good fuel economyThe Fiesta would be more my taste these days. A bit more comfortable and powerful with at least the same or better MPG.
Mazda2/$14,180-$16,435...Version Tested, Touring4
Fiesta//$13,320-$17,120...Version Tested, Fiesta SE
Both cars tested had the 5spd man.
Mazda2...1.5 L...100hp...30MPG...0-60, 11.1 sec...Braking 138ft
Fiesta.....1.6 L...120hp...33MPG...0-60, 10.9 sec...Braking 142ft
CR Mag says that the Mazda2 trades some refinement and comfort to sell at a lower price.
This all seems very close to me! I'll take quieter
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The MAZDA 2s' we test drove rode fine and the seats were comfortable . Like the placement of the manual shifter on the dash . Shifting and clutch engagement smooth as silk . Maybe they use a synthetic gear oil for the transmission , like that of the newer VIBES ( Matrix too ? ) . If I had the choice we'd have the manual MAZDA 2
, but she dislikes sticks
.
If you are going to spend that much time in the car I'd get something comfortable also.
might save a few $$$$ in dr bills for back pain etc.
the 2012 hyundai accent is susposed to be all new and class leading. might be worth looking at next month if you arent buying this second.
I'd take a ford fiesta over a mazda2.
seems to me this might be a good place for a hybrid car.
you could get into something big and comfortable and still get 40mpg.. ie hybrid fusion or hybrid sonata.
then again I'm 6'2" and the seats in most small cars kill my back. and have no thigh support.
the 2012 focus is supposed to be 160hp and 40mpg and also have abit more room.
might save a few $$$$ in dr bills for back pain etc.
the 2012 hyundai accent is susposed to be all new and class leading. might be worth looking at next month if you arent buying this second.
I'd take a ford fiesta over a mazda2.
seems to me this might be a good place for a hybrid car.
you could get into something big and comfortable and still get 40mpg.. ie hybrid fusion or hybrid sonata.
then again I'm 6'2" and the seats in most small cars kill my back. and have no thigh support.
the 2012 focus is supposed to be 160hp and 40mpg and also have abit more room.
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