Do you like the "center pod"? Instrument cluster in center?

Tennesseestorm · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2007, 10:27 PM

I love the car, but I personally cannot tolerate any car with the central instrument cluster in the center of the instrument panel. That is my ONLY "gripe" with this car. I know it helps with forward visibility, but I think looking over at the speed/gas level would require taking your eyes too far off of the road too long.... does anyone agree?

Whats your opinion? Do you like the center pod, or would you like it to be more conventional - like on the DRIVERS side, where the DRIVER sets? If it is so grand, why does Toyota not do it in ALL of their cars? Why just the Yaris? Why do alot of other makers not do it? I think Saturn has the same setup in the Saturn Ion.

I do not understand Toyotas rational in doing this.

I was going to buy one of these cars, but decided not to after I saw this... I was hoping this would go out with the Echo.

grumpy in NH · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 11:54 AM

This is to make it easier to build the car as Left or R-Hand drive for shipment as a WORLD car. Many ecoboxes use a symmetrical dash layout for similar reasons. It's a cost issue plain and simple.

tacomatrdsport2591 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpy in NH

This is to make it easier to build the car as Left or R-Hand drive for shipment as a WORLD car. Many ecoboxes use a symmetrical dash layout for similar reasons. It's a cost issue plain and simple.

Yep...he's right on the money. The "better for forward sight" thing is bull. Personally I hate the central-mounted clusters...it's like putting the gas pedal on the left and the brake on the right; interesting concept, but it just doesn't work. Saturn seems to think it works though, as the idea is appiled to the Ion. Sorry, but it only gets raspberries from me

Tennesseestorm · #4 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007, 03:41 PM

Yeah and its a real shame too, because that is the only thing keeping me from buying the car.

They need to stop the "cost cutting", unless they are actually going to lower the price of the car. I think the car is expensive enough as it is. I mean this is an entry level Toyota and well equipped, I am thinking the price could easily exceed $15K!

@ that price, they are obviously not passing along those savings to the consumer!

tacomatrdsport2591 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007, 09:36 PM

I'm a Toyota loyalist...but I shocked myself one bit when I fell in love with the Honda Fit. Seen it yet? It's a tiny car, but trust me, it blows away its class in every measure. My folks and I test drove one, and it's just awesome. The Yaris is nice...but for the money [the operative word is money]...the Fit offers more guts, more room and more safety and overall features. This is the first Honda I'm really goo-gaa over..but it's really a great little car. If youre willing, give the Fit a serious look. I'd take the Fit over the Yaris any day. Honda Cars - New and Certified Used Cars from American Honda incase youre intersted!

Joe Guy · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 02:01 PM

I like the centered instrument panel. It is not the least bit distracting to me. In fact it is less distracting because I can still see the road while viewing it. Some people probably have trouble adapting to a new design. But I certainly wouldn't avoid buying a vehicle based solely on this.

It actually makes more sense to me to have a centered instrument panel than having to look through your steering wheel to read the gauges.

I also appreciated the way they've taken advantage of making storage space in every possible spot on the dashboard.

gonzo59 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-28-2007, 09:13 AM

I don't mind the center pod as much as i thought i would. The only problem i have is i forget when my turn signal is still on, not used to looking to the center.

captainbluechip · #8 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 01:39 AM

I own a 2007 Yaris. The center console takes a little getting used to. After driving it for the past 4 months, its no so bad. I hated it at first. I hated having to look over to check my speed. I hardly notice the change now. When I get tired of driving the Yaris, I jump into my 06 Tundra DC, no complaints there.

danpow5602 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 10:51 PM

I have had my 2008 Yaris for about three weeks. I am getting use to the center pod, but I still don't like it. I also don't like the markings on the speedometer. I have trouble going 55 or 65. These are about the only things that I don't like about the car.

Radiant_Red · #10 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo59

I don't mind the center pod as much as i thought i would. The only problem i have is i forget when my turn signal is still on, not used to looking to the center.

me too!

Radiant_Red · #11 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danpow5602

I have had my 2008 Yaris for about three weeks. I am getting use to the center pod, but I still don't like it. I also don't like the markings on the speedometer. I have trouble going 55 or 65. These are about the only things that I don't like about the car.

I agree it is hard to tell on the 5's

Radiant_Red · #12 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tacomatrdsport2591

Yep...he's right on the money. The "better for forward sight" thing is bull. Personally I hate the central-mounted clusters...it's like putting the gas pedal on the left and the brake on the right; interesting concept, but it just doesn't work. Saturn seems to think it works though, as the idea is appiled to the Ion. Sorry, but it only gets raspberries from me

WOW! Poor dude sorry about your pedals I don't think that the dash has anything to do with the pedals in my 07. Do you have an 08?
Wow! I am glad I did not wait!

nelson_dias · #13 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 03:50 PM

The center display instrumentation does not present any problems at all.
It might take a little getting used to, perhaps a week or so, but no big deal. The Mini has one, too and no complaints.

grumpy in NH · #14 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008, 11:51 AM

From a ergomonic "line of sight standpoint" its not much worse than in the steering wheel. I find I can glance over with my right eye and catch the speed quickly. Now as far as Style and Looks goes, I dont like it. my 3dr doesnt have a tach and I miss that. Luckily the car has tall gearing and wide ratios so its not easy to overrev. 3rd gear is good to almost 90MPH at redline, Ive never been close to that.

grumpy in NH · #15 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008, 11:56 AM

If you want a legitimate bitching point, the Heater Controls are very poor from multiple ergonomic measures/standpoint, require way too much attention to adjust and they are WAY out of the line of sight. An they are ridiculously overcooked from a design/style aspect. In fact, the much too common "center dash stack" is terrible, it's much better to group the controls near the driver (ne: older SAABs, toyota Supra) and at the same time get rid of that damn right knee banging construct.