2009 Honda Fit: Second Look
While senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder got the first look at the new Honda Fit for his full review last month, the rest of the editors at Cars.com recently landed some extended seat time in the 2009 Fit to see how the popular hatchback improves on the past generation. They take on the car’s utility, family-friendliness and, oh yeah, the driving experience.
Mike Hanley: One question kept coming up when driving Honda's redesigned Fit: Why would someone choose this four-door hatchback over the more substantial — and similarly priced — Civic? The first reason is rather obvious: If you're a hatchback fan and want the extra utility this body style provides, you're going to go with the Fit, as the Civic is only offered in coupe or sedan form. Another reason, interestingly, is performance: The Fit Sport I tested is more lively and engaging than the Civic thanks to a surprisingly peppy four-cylinder engine, slick manual transmission and nimble handling. Would anyone else out there like to see a Fit Si? Because I sure would.
Like my colleague Kelsey Mays, I wish the Fit were offered with a height-adjustable driver's seat; the car has lots of headroom, but you can't really take advantage of it. Even though the front seats are plain-looking and have basic manual adjustments, I thought they were comfortable enough.
Kelsey Mays: The new Fit doesn’t feel quite as rambunctious as the short-lived (at least on these shores) original. But it’s still uncommonly fun, especially compared to its hatchback alternatives.
The cabin sports Civic-quality gauges and the weightier, higher-rent dials I’ve come to expect in most any Honda. They’re a step up from the Fit’s immediate competitors. I found the front seats comfortably padded, but Honda still needs to add a height adjustment for the driver’s chair. At least the steering wheel telescopes, something many competitors don’t offer. Then again, most of them cost substantially less. The Fit’s higher price tag moves it into uncharted waters, as Mike says, especially when the competition is a few thousand less. At this price, that makes a big difference.
David Thomas: I was surprised twice by the new Fit. First, it doesn’t feel like it’s going faster than it can handle, like the old model did. Everything from acceleration to handling just feels more stable to me in the ‘09. It’s also a really good-looking little hatch with a sharp grille that isn’t as offensive as other Honda products of late.
The other, bigger surprise was how easy it was to get a child safety seat in the back. There are Latch connectors, of course — though I used the middle seat’s seat belt instead — and the seat itself did touch the back of the front seats. But there was plenty of headroom, so taking my 7-month-old in and out was easy — meaning I didn’t bump his head on the roof. Also, because the Fit is so narrow, I can easily reach into the back and lift him out without having to get into the backseat myself.
I wasn’t nearly as comfortable in the driver’s seat, though, which felt too firm, and my right knee was too close to the dash and shifter for my taste. But Mike is much taller than I and seemed to fit just fine.
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You question why not select a "similarly priced" civic. Probably because a similar price is not equal to similar equipment and options. Comparing the fit and civic with similar equipment the civic is about $2,000 more.
Actually when you compare the civic EX AT to the Fit Sport - both have similar equipment - the civic is $3,000 more.
I much prefer the old version of the Fit in terms of looks. The new one looks like a scaled down minivan, and that is most unfortunate. I hate that it has been Americanized.
I am glad to hear it drives better. The old version drove like a go-cart.
The Fit actually comes with more high end features standard than the Civic which is strange considering the Fit is supposed to be an entry level economy car. If the Fit had a DX trim it would probably have a base price under $13,000 (not including destination).
Actually compared to a Civic VP sedan the Fit is more equipped for $100 less. We were thinking more in the terms of the LX which would be as equipped for $1,300 more.
http://www.cars.com/go/compare/trimCompare.jsp?acodes=USB90HOC081B0,USB90HOC021B0,USB90HOC021C0
The Fit is the right car with the wrong pricetag - way too expensive for what you get. It makes the Hyundai Accent look like a steal. With the meltdown underway, Honda will need to do a lower priced Fit pronto.
I was actually comparing a base Fit with a Civic VP. Even the base Fit has features that you can only get on Civic LX and above like one touch windows. The Fit is just an awesome value, but I do think they should offer a cheaper stripped down version
I analyzed the features a bit closer and the base Fit is more comparable to a Civic LX than a VP. Price difference is $3000. So if Honda were to make a Fit DX it'd be $12,6XX (not including destination). The current Fit Sport like ziggy said is more in line with the Civic EX, which is also a $3000 price difference.
I think Honda could do well with a bare bones Fit - auto with air and an audio jack on the am/fm radio - and sell for about 13k. Crank windows are ok and if you desperately need cruise it can be added on for about $200. Heck offer a manual at about 12,200. In terms of the hyundai accent - a comparibly equipped one runs about the same price as the fit.
Guys the EX comes with a standard moonroof. I don't think you can really compare that to the Fit. The big differences I can tell for the civic EX and LX that would really set them apart are the moonroof, folding seats, stereo system, steering wheel controls and USB and the Fit doesn't come with most of that standard either.
Oh yeah, I forgot about the moonroof. So I guess that means the Fit Sport is more Civic LX-S, which is a $1000 difference ;) . The Fit sport does have a few more features than a LX-S, but Dave is right. Thanks Dave :D.
The car seat is in backwards, isn't it? I thought kids were supposed to be facing foward now. Been a long time since mine were that size.
Don,
Rear facing until 1 year of age nowadays. Middle is always safest either way.
http://www.aap.org/family/Carseatguide.htm
I don't think it's truly fair to compare the Fit with any Civic model. Why? The Fit is a Hatchback.
ok heres some straight talk on the fit. it is a premium small car. People that are cut and dry on price, well cross it off your list. But when u factor in reliability, cost over 5 years, and the honda name, plus a solid little cute hatchback, its worth it. The only thing i would knock honda for it not making esc standard, (its an option).
The fit is a riot to drive. Really. It's reminiscent of spunky Hondas of the past and reminded me of the CRX I had in college (Oh how I miss that car :( )
If I wasn't so happy with my 2007 Subaru Impreza, I'd probably be driving a Fit Sport myself.
Is there some reason for the lack of seat height adjustment? The Fit/Jazz which we rented in the UK had one. My wife has waited 2 years for the latest Fit in the hope it would have this useful feature, she is quite short, but she bought one anyway.
You never see Godiva Chocolate go on sale. If the FIT costs too much- you can always, always buy a Versa. Or an Aveo. There's a good lookin' car! lol
(Before any dumbasses comment- I know the FIT is not the Godiva of Automobiles. The point is if something you want is good quality- sometimes you have to pony up some $. So stop blogging and playing Xbox and go earn a few more sheckles. HA!)
Don and Dave-- Actually, the most current recommendations are to keep children rear facing as long as possible, usually up to 30 or 35lb depending on the car seat (this can mean up till a kid's 3+ yrs old). It's much safer for them to face backwards and forwards.
Any chance of finding out which seat that is? We just bought an 09 Fit and am shopping for car seats, have been concerned about how well some of the larger models would fit (and whether "fitting" would mean squishing the front passenger beyond comfort). Thanks!
Hey Dave and Marcy - any recommendations on which forward facing car seats will fit in the 2009 Honda Fit? We're looking to buy this car and have a 4-month old. The rear-facing car seat fits, but we will eventually need to get a forward facing one. Thanks for any information!
I have a Graco Snugride (infant seat, with base) installed in the back of my '09 Fit Sport, and it is a real problem for the front passengers. With the Snugride in the middle position, I'm not able to recline the driver seat to a comfortable position. (I'm 5'11".) With the seat behind the passenger seat (less safe), my wife (5'3") can't really recline to a comfortable position. This is a real problem, and I'm not sure if there's a solution. Maybe lose the base?