Up Close: 2009 Honda Fit

Update: If you're coming here from another site, we've recently reviewed the 2009 Fit and have a lot more information available at this link.

In person, the new Fit looks a lot like the old Fit, but with a longer and more gradually sloping nose. The base of the A-pillars are farther out in front, which puts them more in your line of sight. They're not too thick, though, and Honda put small sail-shaped windows between them and the front of the door. It looks a bit peculiar from the outside, with the windows extending even farther past the front doors, but it helps with visibility.

The burning question here is how large the new Fit is, especially compared to the Nissan Versa, which owes its success, in part, to its greater size. At 6 feet tall, I fit in the Fit's backseat, where legroom has improved but still doesn't seem to match the Versa's. Cargo capacity, however, is impressive. In addition to a cavernous cargo hatch, the backseat offers a good deal of versatility. The 60/40-split backrests fold forward in a single step. You can also raise the seat cushion, giving a super-tall space between the floor and ceiling, similar to the backseats of some pickup trucks. There's even a storage box inside one of the seat cushions that’s accessible from its underside.

Sometimes when automakers shorten a seat's cushions to make it fit into the floor (or put a storage box in it), the seats end up being less comfortable, but this one seemed fine to me ... albeit for a minute, not an extended drive. 

The front seats are plenty roomy and the overall quality is good. I don't think it's markedly better than the current-generation Fit, but that car already leads the competition, in my opinion.

Related:
Honda Bringing New Fit to New York Auto Show

Comments

[cxv]

Nice but where is the diesel?

[J]

You guys are greedy.

Want to get a small car but want to fit inside comfy while you are supersize when comparing to average Japanese people.

[Amuro Ray]

That's where the Versa/Tiida excels :)

Remember, despite the fact that Versa is being classified as a mid-size here in the US, its sibling, Tiida, is indeed a B-segment car in direct competition with the Fit/Jazz everywhere on this planet (and not the Nissan Note or Nissan Otti vs Honda Jazz/Fit) :)

[Troy S.]

I'd take the Fit's fuel economy over the Versa's slightly larger cabin any day.

[=)]

One word: CUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE!

[jane]

i still don't understand y no-one is putting some actual details for this cutie. e.g. Tire Pressure Monitoring System is there now and an emergency tire repair kit is provided instead of a spare tire.
These and more stuff is on http://carnoise.blogspot.com/2008/03/2009-honda-fit-at-2008-new-york-auto.html

[D]

Ya that car is sweet!!! I'm also loving the 2009 Lincoln MKS because of the safety features I saw in this video from the 2008 NY auto show, check it out.....http://www.expotv.com/videos/expo/203/207/Auto-Show-Ford-Lincoln-MKS-2009/256128

it mentions the Sirius Travel Link technology which is really awesome!

That was fast. Already a new one. Do they finally offer a sunroof of some sort now. Looks great and cute. ha ha. its already a great sell and now its somewhat bigger, they will sell more. The interior looks upscale and its has navigation, its getting tough out there.

[George]

No spare wheel will be a deal breaker for many people.

[Motely]

Spare tire a deal breaker? In a budget car? I cannot believe a person would not buy a Honda simply because it does not have a spare tire.

[Motely]

Spare tire a deal breaker? In a budget car? I cannot believe a person would not buy a Honda simply because it does not have a spare tire.

[Troy S.]

I heard it got a boost from 109 to 118 hp and torque is up 21 ft lbs. Can anyone confirm?

[Hybrit]

The 2009 Fit is a cute LITTLE car. Save up a few thousand dollars more and buy a Prius, and get a lot more room, safety and MPG. I'm concerned for the Fit drivers I see on the road, dwarfed by even mid-size crossovers.

[Brad]

Does anyone know if it will be available with keyless start, as the J-spec version seems to be??? The Nissan Versa and the Suzuki SX4 both have this option...

[david]

@ troy s

the 21 lb-ft is deceiving because the current USDM fit is rated higher than the JDM fit. The actual gain when being compared to the USDM is more like 2 or 3 lb-ft. An extra 9 hp slightly bigger (only 20 lbs heavier, rumored) and maybe slightly better gas mileage (they say it is a new 1.5 motor so maybe). I'm almost sold

[Jones]

Mazda Rx-8's have no spare tire either. Tire repair kits aren't difficult to use in the field. You may get a bit dirty though.

Versa is a bigger car. I don't think the build quality matches Honda.

Prius is bigger too. I'd expect the Fit to remain a lot cheaper.

As for a diesel, I'd like to see Honda lop off a cylinder from their 2.2 liter diesel and make a turbo triple for baby cars like the Fit. My guess is the rising price of diesel fuel and the rising efficiency of gasoline engines will conspire to keep the Fit in traditional gasoline only. I wouldn't bet on a hybrid either-too tough to make a profit.

[Peter F.]

No spare? That is hard to imagine. What do you do if you get a flat?

[Questions]

That thing is ugly.....how long is that nose compared to the rest of the car? Aweful....Honda cannot build a good looking car anymore. I guess that people buy them because they are soooo ugly, they are cute.

[Denny in Ohio]

My Saturn Sky Redline has no spare. No big deal. It came with a small inflator (plugs into cigarette lighter) and a can of sealant.

This new Fit looks very nice. No sunroof. Glass roof appears to be available but it does not open.

I wanna drive one on the freeway. It can be any scarier than the Sky. I nearly get creamed once a day on my commute. Nobody sees me cause I am so low. Maybe they will see the "taller" Fit.

[J G]

AT IT'S INTRODUCTION (USA) DID ANYONE SEE THE TIRE SIZE- 15'S /16'S (SPORT) OR WOULD KNOW WHAT SIZE TIRES WILL COME ON THE 2009 FIT?

[dmotomd]

Check out the HKS turbo for this car. Should get good mileage if you can keep your foot out of it most of the time, but on boost you are sure to surprise some people. I'm thinking silver with black OZ wheels, rock 'n roll!

[alan scouten]

Ho hum. Another ugly duckling with so many zips and zoops that just take away from the usablity of say the now-defunct Scion Xb? The windshild is rediculous.The little window worthless. What ever happened to the wraparound windshield? Only the wonderful Suzuki Swift seems to perpetuate what Saab once touted for aerodynamics AND visablity, but now has dropped. Auto design is a lost art.
Just look at Toyotas and the new American Accord. Arghhhh!

[steve]

@ alan: what's funny is that the "wonderful" suzuki swift is a car most people don't consider buying. some people haven't even heard of suzuki lol.

the toyotas and hondas are completely outselling all those other cars you people like. obviously your opinion is a minority opinion. a very small minority

[JM]

When is the 2009 Fit supposed to hit showrooms?

[AK]

Haven't found an official release date yet (after scouring the web) but I did see one mention of October 1. I'm hoping for September.

[AO]

I just went into a dealership in VA and pre-ordered my 2009 Honda Fit. I put a non-refundable deposit down and agreed to pay MSRP when it is finally released. I just hope the price doesn't sky rocket. The dealership said it should come in 1.5-2.0 months.

[michael s]

I put in an order and deposit for the '09 Fit a couple of months ago - I did it through the designated Costco dealer so while I don't know MSRP yet, I do know that my price will be a little lower, plus any dealer fees will be capped.

[AJ]

I hope the U.S. is allocated a huge number of cars immediately so we don't have long wait lists. This car is awesome--it's got everything I want and it looks great. I appreciate that Toyota will also bring the five-door Yaris stateside as well. It'll be a good alternative to the Fit should I not be able to get one owing to strong demand...but my heart's with the Fit.

[David B]

For those who have pre-ordered, how did you know which options were available? Colors? Or did you commit to buy whatever shows up first?

[km]

Tire repair kit? Do you know this to be the case? If so, GREAT! That would be Sooo much better than "run flat tires". I'm a retired repair shop owner. I won't buy any car with run flats on it. If the new Fit has run flats, I'll buy a 2008 Fit or a Toyota Matrix 1.8L.

[tank willoski]

That is one ugly car, it looks like the AZTEC!

[bob]

No spare tire seems like a small thing until you get a flat that damages the tire such that sealants will not work. Then what? From this point all I can see is hours of inconvience and anger over somthing that should have been there in the first place.

BTW, what did the car REALLY gain by this ommission? It's clear what WE lost.

[km]

Hey. They gain; a bit of interior room; a spare tire on a rim... AND the jack, is as big as a suitcase. They also say it saves weight, but that's not true; the "run flat" tires are much, much heavier than stock tires; and THAT WEIGHT is also unsprung weight; a very bad thing. ALSO, "run flat" tires cost about $200.- $250. EACH, and require special rims and special mounting equipment(which hardly anyone has). Hope for standard tires and a repair kit; then join AAA....lol...

[gpk]

I love this car. Say hello to more records falling when this is released.

[Troy S.]

How many times have you actually gotten a flat tire? How many times were you in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the night and got stranded? I'm sure it's happened to a few people but, I'malso sure it's a small percentage.

What's the chances of having a mechanical failure that could strand you?

What are the chances a freak weather event could cause you troubles?

My point is that deleting the spare tire is a small gripe. Bypassing an excellent vehicle for that is a mistake. It's also a cheap shot for those who dislike the Fit. I'm positive we can pick apart any make/model vehicle that's ever been produced and find "a reason" why we wouldn't buy it.

[km]

No problem deleting the spare here.
My problem is the possibility that the car MAY come with "run flat" tires. I can find a definitive answer to that question yet. Also, I hope they made the road noise better. Consumer Reports mentioned that problem on the previous car.

[km]

...'sorry for the typo; should read; "...I can't find a definitive answer..."

How about a 2 door version without backseats, just a cargo area! I don't need all those doors.

[reddriver]

I love this car and can't wait until the 09's come out. I was actually looking to buy an Element until gas prices skyrocketed but I'm still a Honda loyalist.

I have a 2001 Civic now and at 114K I have only done the routine maintenance. The interior still looks new and I am HARD on cars.

Great MPG, room 4 bikes, honda reliability (consumer reports recommendation), good price, (16 in wheels on the 09 sports) what more can you ask for? Hope there is no waiting list...

[anonymous]

anyone else think the car looks a little bit like a bullet?

[Amy]

I live in Cincinnati, OH and I pre-ordered a 2009 FIT in mid-July. The dealer expects it in the first week of September. I called yesterday to check, and he said it could even be in the last week of August.

Still no confirmation on how much the whole thing will cost. Dealer stated that if there is a price increase, it will be a minimal. We'll see!

The dealer had 10 or 12 on order and I was number 6 on the reservation list. I did have a choice of colors. He could not verify if there is a spare tire or not. From what I've read, I don't think there is one.

As soon as I get the call that the 09 FIT is in, I'll post and let folks know. I'll be curious to hear from others when they receive theirs.

[Dave T.]

Amy,
we'll have more info on the 2009 fit later today/tonight.

[ziggy]

My office window looks out over a Honda/Acura dealership. They delivered some new Fits today. Haven't had a chance to go look at one.

[fejjer]

ordered an '09 Fit Sport w/manual months ago.. yesterday dealer called said production begins next Monday. could be here in 4-6 weeks.. price less $670 destination charge (ND) was $16,060.

I'm fired up.. I really like my '07 Fit base model but with 55000 miles I'm ready for new. Hope the new one is as good as the old one!

[james]

I have been driving Honda cars since 1971. I live in Way South Georgia and it gets quite warm here. Every year Honda only offers black interiors on the Fit. It is a fatal flaw for me.

[knitaround]

I'm jealous of you guys who have been able to pre-order. I called my designated COSTCO dealer, who said he can't take orders, doesn't even know the COSTCO price yet for the '09, and no California models have been built yet. And this is the guy we bought a FIT from last year for my college daughter. BTW, not only have we both done freeway driving in the FIT, she and I drove cross-country in it last summer - and it was extremely comfortable and secure feeling.

[Carleen]

Dealers in the Chicago area have some 2009s in stock now. I am going to go look at an automatic sport tonight.

[fejjer]

dealer called and said my man. trans. sport 09 was built (or being built).. has a serial number, and is going to be here in 4-6 wks still with shipping from japan.. what the heck, is it coming by canoe or kayak?

[J. Crane]

Just picked up my red 2009 Fit Sport yesterday outside Cleveland. Had never been in a Fit before so difficult to compare but I really like this car. Great looks, handling, outside visability, interior room, peppy etc. Averaging 36.9 mpg over the first 75 miles. Joins my S-2000 and Lexus 350.

[Don]

Ordered a 2009 Sport W/auto two weeks ago from a dealer in the burbs of Cleveland.
The dealership had no information on the car, or the new upgrades or changes for 2009.
I had to find out the new changes at http://www.edmunds.com this week.
Edmunds.com lists a spare tire. ?
My Son has a 2008 sport and gets a little over 37 MPG.
I did get it for $100 off list, 3 free oil changes and two $25 gas cards.
$100 is not much, but I could not find any other Honda dealership around Cleveland that would come down any amount.
Ordered the Sensation Blue. No idea when I get it.