I don't know much about the swift, but I can't imagine the Fit being too big for anyone (although it is so well designed, it seems very large). The Fit was tested by consumer reports at 43/44 miles per gallon on all interstate driving (for the manual/auto, respectively). I do mostly in town driving (I have a 4.5 mile one way commute on all city streets) and I get 30 to 32 mpg consistently with my manual. The Yaris is rated by EPA at about 1 mpg higher, but has a horrible safety rating (unless you can find one with side air bags - good luck I think they make about 2 of those per year). If you do find one with the air bags, you will pay more for it than the Fit (on which side curtain and head protection airbags are standard). I spent a lot of time looking at these cars last October - The only current model in the class to beat the Fit's overall ranking in consumer reports was the Nissan Versa with a CVT (but it is also a lot more money with that option). Also, the Fit's four doors and the nifty way the rear seats fold up make it much more useful than the Yaris or others. Other than going diesel or hybrid, I don't think you can do much better on mileage.

I had to buy a new car when my 92 Corolla wouldn't pass inspection this past summer, and I picked up an xA. Boy, do I ever love driving it. It is smaller than a Yaris--I'm parked next to one today, as a matter of fact. The only thing that you could compare it to an SUV is that you sit up straight and feel like you can see the whole road. Other than that, no dice. It's really small and a snap to parallel park--but wicked roomy inside, esp if you have to haul something and put the backseats down. That said, while it is fuel efficient, I don't get the gas mileage that I was still getting from my 92 Corolla. I chalk that up to car companies being in cahoots with the oil companies, but don't get me started.

Actually, it's NOT (smaller than the Yaris; believe me, I pay close attention to the dimensions of these smaller cars; Scion is the same as the Yaris EXCEPT that it's 4" longer)... I agree it's a nice-looking car and probably better quality for what you pay (more features are "standard" than on the basic Yaris so you'd end up paying more for the latter if you loaded it up with all the same equipment) but, as I say, too reminiscent of an SUV for my taste. When the time comes, I'll certainly consider the xA and plan to test drive one in the meantime, along with the Yaris, Fit and, of course, the new Suzuki Swift (2010).

By the way, is there an easier way to read NEW posts on a thread than scrolling down reading the dates?

By the way, is there an easier way to read NEW posts on a thread than scrolling down reading the dates?

Nope...you've just got to look. This isn't the worst message board I've ever used, but it's certainly not the best either.

"By the way, is there an easier way to read NEW posts on a thread than scrolling down reading the dates?"

Sure, click on the little RSS logo at the bottom left of the page (right above the NPR logo). That will put the most recent post at the top.

Alright, Craig, you got me. :) I was only thinking in terms of the regular forum, not using the RSS feed. Even though it doesn't always work properly, I like seeing replies grouped together, so I don't use the feed.

LOL, I know that is a "less than elegant" solution, but it's just about the only quick way to see if their are any new posts.

This may be close to the worst message board software I've ever used (since the 90s, anyway).

Of course, I don't suppose most threads run 70 posts long, but that's me: always stirring up controversy.

Thanks!!!

I own a basic Yaris Hatchback. Manual transmission, regular wheels, no power windows, the only luxury items are AC and AM/FM plus CD player.

My worst gas mileage was on a highway trip fighting a headwind and going 65-70 mph, AC off. About 36 mpg, just like the sticker claimed. My old Geo Metro didn't do much better at that speed.
Commuting to work, about 36 miles one way, I have never gotten less than 40 mpg and my record is 45.29 mpg. It's amazing how good your gas mileage gets once you realize that your right foot doesn't have to be either on the gas or the brake all the time.

That's good to hear; sounds like the package I'd want except for manual (drive automatic only). Only AC and AM/FM/CD for me, too. Have never bought a NEW new car (am frugal), but might have to with a Yaris. But is it as much fun to drive as the Swift? I always liken it to paddling a kayak versus a canoe. : D

"Anyone know if they've changed the standards or definitions?"

Sure. It's because most people in the US don't share your enthusiasm for extremely small cars. If the Fortwo sells well, others might consider selling their microcars in the US.

Since I can remember, auto companies have slowly increased the size of the smaller cars to offer something for those that bought the earlier, smaller version to "trade up" to. They then bring in a newer car with a new name and start the series over again. This is currently happening with the Civic and Sentra.

Feedback on a new model: The Fit gives you the sensation of a sports car without the cost and without the glitz. It is fun to drive and surprisingly roomy inside. As usual, the Toyota model is a smooth highway vehicle that gives you a lot of comfort. I have owned Camry's for years. I had a back injury and now can only reasonably tolerate a Honda. They are entirely different animals. Try out the seat and see what fits.

The hatchback Yaris is a lot smaller than the four door one. The honda fit is its closest competitor at 32 MPG overall; one less than the four door Yaris. You might get 42 MPG on the highway with that basic Yaris.

No one wants tiny cars like the Suzuki Swift hence the lack of choice. The Chevy Aveo might fit the bill for you. Its a miserable car for the money but I remember the Geo Metro (rental) being the same to. So you may be fine with it.

Apparently someone wants tiny cars or this thread wouldn't exist. Personally, I would love to have available a modern version of the MG Midget, or at least a compact car that is aerodynamic enough to get 50 or more mpg while cruising 70 mph. How about a non-hybrid version of the Insight for people who do mostly highway driving, which renders moot the benefits of the hybrid technology.

Building or importing small amounts of cars for the few who want them is not profitable for a car maker. They must increase the price to make up for the lack of sales which makes it a losing proposition with tiny cars since the price is nearly the same as larger more desirable to masses cars. Just to have a car exist even if built elsewhere there is a large expense.

I also owned a Geo Metro (twin of the Suzuki Swift) and I really liked it, but, you know, cars get old and they sometimes become too much to fix. So, I bought an Aveo. It's actually slightly larger than the Geo and doesn't get the same gas mileage, but it's pretty small. I have parking problems in my area and a small car is very important, so I needed just about as small as they can go and still be safe to drive.

One thing I did like about this car is that even though it was fairly small on the outside, the inside is fairly roomy and can fit two adults in the back seat, which my Geo couldn't do.

Fitting adults inside isn't an issue for me; am single (and small) and hardly ever have more than one passenger. Funny, I had a Geo Metro and was looking on cars.com for a replacement when the Swift came up; I had no idea it had a "sister car." These cars are way fun to drive; hope Yaris doesn't disappoint.

Mini has a excellent service record. The Mini is highly rated on consumer reports.

Well, it's way pricey, for one thing, and any Mini owners I've personally known have had a world of trouble with them; also complain about the handling (?). As I recall, too, while Click and Clack love the look of it, they weren't too impressed with the service record, either (correct me if I'm wrong)?

Am pretty sold on Japanese; it's all I've ever had other than my first car, the original VW bug... : (

And, yes, believe it or not, some of us out here want as little car for as little money as we can find!!! Maybe when gas reaches $10/gallon, the "average American" will get with the program and lose the SUV??? Or maybe not, hahaha!!!