Toyota; my roommates dad works at. Mom purchased a Matrix there recently. Knew the salesman personally and the price was right. Also, I wasn't sure if the Fit had made the rebate list up here in Canada (see earlier re: ecoAUTO legislation) as they're tending towards Yamaha. I don't much like the Fit because, oddly, I don't fit. 6'4 @ 200 lbs and the Yaris does, like a glove. Also, it's a Toyota.
Honda > Toyota. But the Yaris is a really great little car. Still, I think the magic seats in the Fit would make it a winner for me. Very clever design. But, as you say, can't beat that rebate + price.
Woops, missed that one. MS Protege is a neat car. There's an orange one I saw every day walking to work... lots of fun to drive, decently powerful. As It's hard for me to tell you whether it's priced well because I'm used to dealing with BC CDN prices, and without knowing your market...
If I convert straight to Canadian, it's a pretty good price, though. If you can get a deal on it, take it. But do make sure it has't been abused... these kinds of cars often are. :(
