Toyota makes the short list for Consumer Reports MOST disappointing cars?

From the April 2007 issue of Consumer Reports

MOST DISAPPOINTING

Dodge Caliber/Jeep Compass

These new wagon-like models scored worse in our testing than the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which hasn’t been redesigned in five years. They share a platform, engine, and transmission, as well as multiple faults. Both have sluggish acceleration, lots of engine and road noise, and hampered visibility. Their poorly finished interiors reflect an unfortunate trend we’ve seen in other recent Chrysler vehicles.

Toyota Yaris

The Yaris offers excellent fuel economy and reliability. But the good news ends there. Emergency handling is sloppy, there’s a lot of noise, the driving position is uncomfortable, and stops are very long without the optional (but hard to find) antilock brakes.

Dodge Nitro

Based on the Jeep Liberty, the bold, distinctive styling of this SUV will undoubtedly win over some buyers. But with vague steering, ungainly handling, unsettled ride, limited visibility, and a cheap-looking interior, the Nitro falls short of the Liberty. Both lack the refinement of most carbased SUVs.

Chrysler Sebring

While improved somewhat over the old Sebring, the all-new version still trails the competition. Conspiring against it are noisy engines, unimpressive braking and handling, uncomfortable seats, a cheap-looking interior, and only adequate performance and fuel economy.

Matthew1 - 3/1/2007 2:42:16 AM

+6 Boost

Seems fair.

Chrysler Group's new offerings are garbage.

SilverAero - 3/1/2007 3:07:27 AM

+4 Boost

I pretty much agree

chewy - 3/1/2007 3:11:32 AM

+9 Boost

Lack of ABS is pathetic on a modern vehicle.

rg12345 - 3/1/2007 12:17:36 PM

+1 Boost

You should see me braking on the snow in my old Civic (2001, no abs). The front right tire brakes the hardest, she likes braking ... so everytime it's snow and I use that car I only have to brake to turn right. Easy, right ?
It's harder to keep it going straight (while braking), but who cares ...

XYZZ - 3/1/2007 5:48:51 AM

-5 Boost

we doan NEED no steenkin' ABS. it's mainly for idiots who "suddenly" find they have to make PANIC stops.

even insurance companies NO LONGER give discounts for having ABS.

Rupert - 3/1/2007 6:29:04 AM

+11 Boost

ABS is essential to remain in control while braking. It lets you steer while braking, instead of skidding. ABS is not for idiots.
ABS is mandatory equipment in the EU.

DiamondJim - 3/1/2007 11:00:03 PM

+1 Boost

got my insurance statement last week, i still get discount for ABS.

thecar - 3/2/2007 9:40:51 AM

+1 Boost

insurance is a scam
when most car dun have abs , they give u discounts , when most car have abs they dun give u discount.

Kostin - 3/1/2007 6:20:06 AM

+1 Boost

I can't understand how is it possible in 2007 to sell a car without ABS in standard.In the EU it's impossible because we have laws for that.Soon (max.2 years from now) they will oblige car brands to include ESP as standard feature while in the US the ABS is still an option.It's revolting especially for the No.1 world superpower.

GodfatherSHM - 3/1/2007 7:55:18 AM

-7 Boost

i do not have ABS on one of my vehicles...i much prefer NOT having it...just another piece of equipment they have scared us into thinking we need, so then they can raise the price of cars another couple grand.

rg12345 - 3/1/2007 12:21:18 PM

+3 Boost

Yeah, wrong! I felt the same until one day I didn't pay attention 100% to the traffic I had to brake late (wet asphalt) .. my tires went stuck .. and the car bumped into the car in front. Second day I tried another car with ABS (again, in the rain) and had no problem stopping nor turning. Now ABS won't save your life if it's ice on the ground, but 98% of the time is better than a regular person braking performance.

jasongoudie - 3/1/2007 10:17:57 AM

-7 Boost

Yes we are the number 1 world super power!! Have you seen our economy!!! That is the thing you euros don't get we are capitalist thus making people pay for things they want. You are socialist thus people get things with out working for them!! And look at your economy and unemployment numbers!! Plain and Simple. The only reason you euros are on here is to bash toyota!!

Kostin - 3/1/2007 10:27:49 AM

+5 Boost

At first i wanted to give you an answer but then again,why bother? You really don't worth it.

Kostin - 3/1/2007 10:24:21 AM

+3 Boost

It's sad that some people here actually don't know what the ABS really does.Use the f...... Google you ignorant morons.

jasongoudie - 3/1/2007 10:31:55 AM

-8 Boost

Since I have it in both my cars and used to be an ASE certifed mechanic I think I know what it does!!! So why don't you use f___ google. Euro Boy!!!

jasongoudie - 3/1/2007 10:27:07 AM

-7 Boost

I thought of something else about the euro's. Yes did you know they made some of the countries involved in the Tsunami that wanted help purchase that new jumbo airplane from Airbus!!! That is just like you euros!!! How about us Americans??? We gave more with no attachments than anyone else. That is socialism for ya!!

Kostin - 3/1/2007 10:33:25 AM

+6 Boost

Damn man you're irreclaimable.I also read all your other comments....go and consult a mental specialist maybe he can save you.

quizz - 3/1/2007 11:38:20 AM

+2 Boost

The reasons somebody buys a Yaris has NOTHING to do with handling or braking; 3 reasons: 1. CHEAP 2. RELIABLE 3. FUEL EFFICIENT.

So this car may be "disappointing" to Consumer Reports, but it's selling like hotcakes to people with little money who'd like to have a small affordable "new" car. It's $11,000 for heaven's sakes! And if you read the actual consumer reviews at edmunds.com (those who bought the car as opposed to those who reviewed it), you'll see that they LOVE this car.

So yeah, the handling is sloppy and the brakes suck, but when you are in slow stop and go traffic in California while the sun shines 99% of the year, it doesn't really matter now does it?

Bill - 3/1/2007 12:22:49 PM

+1 Boost

I would replace "cheap" with "value".

Threepoint1415926 - 3/1/2007 2:11:50 PM

+3 Boost

No, he's right... It's cheap. Value is what you get in a used car.

1970toyotamarc - 3/1/2007 12:00:33 PM

-1 Boost

I drove a Yaris last week, it was slow and noisy, but hey if I only had 11000, I would have been thrilled with it. As others have pointed out, fuel economy and reliability are much more important in this class. Nevertheless, the report on it seems fair.

Will_ - 3/1/2007 12:17:51 PM

-2 Boost

So NOW more people are taking Consumer Reports seriously?

All four of these vehicles here are economy cars. What were they expecting?

"The Yaris offers excellent fuel economy and reliability."

The Yaris serves its purpose then.

mini22 - 3/1/2007 1:14:31 PM

+2 Boost

The people who buy a Yaris could care less about sporty handling. Toyota is not marketing the Yaris to the sports car crowd. Buyers of this car are interested in 3 things-reasonable price,reliabilty,fuel economy. Thats all folks!

SupraNeverBack - 3/1/2007 1:41:29 PM

+1 Boost

That is why Yaris is the best selling sub-compact out there.

VinnyP - 3/1/2007 3:23:07 PM

+3 Boost

I don't see why Toyota has to be in this title, when this short list is 80% Chrysler. And like said before the Yaris is an economy car. ABS is a good feature to have, but if you know how to drive properly and pay attention you hardly will ever use it. I know I haven't yet.

trd1 - 3/1/2007 6:40:27 PM

0 Boost

well, this car is made to be afordable for people who cant really affort other new toyotas, so you shouldn't expect a lot from it.

DieselRules - 3/1/2007 8:40:43 PM

+3 Boost

Summary:

Jeep/Chrysler: if it wasn't designed by Benz (300, Charger) run away as fast as you can!

Toyota: the entry cars are a POS (like the Tercel before it) but who cares? When you go to sell it, all that counts is the Toyota badge. Some sucker will buy it :)

truckmen - 3/1/2007 9:17:01 PM

+1 Boost

sounds logical

lexusis350 - 3/2/2007 1:26:00 AM

0 Boost

I actually like the Toyota Yaris. I drove one of those and they're spunky little cars. They're a fun to drive car for only $12,000 that's for sure.

Rupert - 3/2/2007 8:27:18 AM

+1 Boost

I'm getting a Toyota Yaris as my first car. A 2000 version though, with a 1.0 litre. Should be buzzy.

VinnyP - 3/2/2007 11:12:33 AM

+1 Boost

I guess you mean the Echo??

Rupert - 3/2/2007 12:46:55 PM

+1 Boost

no, i'm in Europe, we had the last Yaris here.

Matthew1 - 3/2/2007 11:25:37 PM

0 Boost

Shame Rupert!

A 1.0 Yaris? I'd rather walk!

My first car was (is) a Fiat Bravo 1.8.

'Should be buzzy'. Yeah, at high speeds...lol

Rupert - 3/3/2007 4:49:04 PM

+2 Boost

A bravo?
Honestly, I need a small, cheap, reliable runabout, with low fuel and insurance bills. Living in London contributes to very high insurance bills (around 1500 a year for a yaris with a 500 pound excess for a 1.8 Bravo, compared to 970 a year with a 400 pound excess for a yaris). And with no income, I don't want fuel bills to be any higher than they have to be. And I need something small as parking in my own road is ridiculous. I get lots of safety and general equipment for my money (PAS and ABS and 2 airbags), and the car isn't ancient either.
And fiats don't have a great rep for reliability, whereas toyota...
And you will be pleased to know that I have no intention of driving slowly.