I just test drove the 2008 Nissan Versa S hatchback and I loved it. It was fun to drive: it was quick and sporty--I drove the 6 speed manual, though I returned to the dealership and had to admit I didn't know how to reverse and they then showed me the trick to it. I found the front to be spacious in a comfortable way, and the the ride was super smooth (once I got the hang of the shifting and power involved).
This is what the vehicle I test-drove looked like (above), and the color is titled as "Sapphire Blue." I think that's the color I want, though I am wondering if I want the darker blue which is "Blue Onyx," or possibly a dark gray, which is "Magnetic Gray."
Blue Onyx Nissan Versa S Hatchback
Magnetic Gray Nissan Versa S Hatchback
But then, talking to my brother about I thought I had finally decided on the car that I wanted, and how I was looking at the others but didn't bother looking at the Honda Fit, he did mention that the Honda Civic's dashboard has a light white and blue look to it. I checked into whether the Fit might have something like that (since I was really turned off by the Lancer's bright red dash lights--I have no idea how that dealer could say that is supposed to be "easy on the eyes"), and it does indeed have a fantastic looking dashboard setup: it's beautiful, in fact.
Honda Fit's interior dashboard
Mitsubishi Lancer's interior dashboard
Nissan Versa dashboard
So yeah, the dashboard arrangement and light colors are important to me, as are a whole lot of other things about the car, but now that I know about how cool the Honda's dashes look, I really feel like I need to look into them now.
The Office is on right now, so I think I'm going to post this, hope my images work, and also turn up the heat (since it's getting chilly here!)
Bye for now. If anyone has anything to say about the cars I'm looking at, please volunteer your thoughts. I've been looking at the Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Scion xD, Nissan Versa, and Honda Fit. The music in the beginning of The Office makes me happy. Ok bye.
I think all the options that you have narrowed down to are pretty good w/ the exception of the pontiac vibe. I used to work for GM and i didn't find their vehicles to be very durable. I also think the vibe had a bit of "plasticky" feel. Otherwise chose the vehicle that you feel most confortable and more excited about. Good luck!