Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Chevy Aveo...?

[Gina]

Which gets the best mileage? And which has the most problems?

I really like this kind of car, but don't know where to look first. I'm very little too, single no kids, so space isn't much of an issue. I do want an automatic though because I don't know how to drive a manual and don't want to learn how to in order to get a new car.

Any thoughts?
I have a 2001 honda accord now, and I usually really likes hondas but that year has had a lot of transmission problems. I've been a faithful honda buyer though, but may skip on it this time if there's a better option.

[David]

You should not have trouble finding manual versions of any of these cars. Gas mileage is nearly indentical in each. The small variations in mileage will be more than offset by how you decide to drive these cars. My thoughts:

Nissan Versa: Build quality is not as good as in most Nissans. The car has tons of features for entertainment (think a connection for an iPod in your dashboard, glove box designed to hold a computer, etc), but many driving related features are options you have to buy (ABS for example). I haven't seen anyone describe this car as fun to drive, and most of the positive talk has centered around comfort of the passengers. Gas mileage is 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on highways.

Toyota Yaris: Steering controls, major components are good quality. Dashboard, heater controls, and other cosmetic items feel cheap. The floors are flat, which allow you to stretch out in this car (something you don't get in most others of this size). You should find a 106 hp engine giving you 29 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway.

Honda Fit: Very good for city driving. The car's handling is a bit soft (good for passengers, bad for drivers who want a sporty feel). I like the styling more than the others on this list of cars. If space becomes an issue for you in the future, this car can fit more than the others with the seats down. The engine is louder on the inside than the other cars, but only at higher RPMs. You pretty much have one engine choice available (117hp). With this you get 27/28 mpg in the city and 33/35 on highways depending on if you are getting the regular or sport version. This car costs a little more than the others.

Chevy Aveo: Has tiny engine, not very good performance. No headroom for rear passengers. When driving around corners the car tends to dip. Build quality has been improving recently for American cars, but then again, this is actually Korean (and not a good Korean car like Hyundai). The engine produces about 100 hp and will get you 27 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway. Unless you find a deal you can't pass up, go with one of the other cars you mentioned.