 2009 Honda Fit LX manual. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Honda Fit
Oshawa, Ontario – Last February, the winners were announced for the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s Car of the Year awards. When the envelope for “Best New Design” was opened, there was a murmur of surprise from the audience. From 56 entries, the judges had whittled it down to four finalists, and over the lovely Audi A4, the swoopy Jaguar XF and the stunning Volkswagen Passat CC, the winner was the Honda Fit.
No, it wasn’t a mistake, but rather, recognition of the Fit’s form-plus-function design. It certainly wasn’t the prettiest of the bunch, but none could make so much out of such a tiny footprint. People want smaller vehicles, but they still need them to be practical, and for that, the Fit fits.
 2009 Honda Fit LX manual. Click image to enlarge |
Three trim lines are available, starting with the base DX at $14,980. My mid-line LX tester was $17,380, while the top-line Sport starts at $19,280. All can have their five-speed manual transmissions optioned to a five-speed automatic for $1,200.
The Fit was introduced to Canada in 2006, but has been around in Japan since 2001. It’s also sold in some 117 countries, often under the name Jazz. It was redesigned for 2009, with a slightly more powerful 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine (horsepower rises from 109 to 117, while torque is nudged from 105 to 106), and longer wheelbase and overall length. The dimension changes are small enough that the Fit still slips easily into tight quarters, but the ride becomes a bit smoother, especially with the new model’s more rigid construction, and visibility is better.
   2009 Honda Fit LX manual. Click image to enlarge |
The most noticeable change inside is in the “Magic Seat,” the 60/40 rear chairs that fold and flip to reconfigure the Fit’s cargo abilities. They now “dive down” flat with a single pull of the lever, without the need to remove the head restraints, even if the front seats are pushed back to the end of their tracks.
With the rear seats up, the cargo space is 70 cm long; drop the rear seats, and you’ve got a flat 145 cm. The front passenger seat doesn’t fold forward, but it can be reclined enough that you can carry cargo up to 225 cm long if the seat behind it is also folded. The rear seats also flip up, and they’re not on risers; rather, they’re supported by metal legs that automatically flip up or down when the seat moves. This lets you store taller items directly on the floor, and it’s 130 cm up to the ceiling, although you may be restricted by the door’s maximum 100 cm-tall height opening. In any case, that’s a total available cargo volume of 1,622 litres, according to Honda.
That takes care of the big stuff; for smaller items, there are cubbies in the centre console, big dual gloveboxes with an open storage area between them, and an open bin on the driver’s side of the dash, among others. There’s even a covered bin on the underside of one of the rear seats, a new feature for 2009; it’s not huge, but it could easily stash a wallet if you’re spending a day at the beach.
The 1.5-litre engine does its job efficiently in city traffic, although it can run a little low on steam going up steep hills, and it’s noisy; being able to keep it in the sweet spot with the manual transmission is helpful. Against a published rating of 7.2 L/100 km in the city and 5.7 on the highway for the manual transmission, I averaged 7.6 in combined, cold-weather driving. The clutch and shifter work smoothly, and it’s great fun to drive, although an extra gear would be nice at highway speeds, where the engine spins around 3,700 r.p.m. at 120 km/h.
   2009 Honda Fit LX manual. Click image to enlarge |
Handling remains the sharpest among its subcompact rivals, but the ride is also one of the firmest, even with the improvements that came with the car’s increased length. The whole package feels very tight and cohesive, spinning around corners rather than wallowing around them, even with the car’s height. The front suspension is courtesy of Mr. MacPherson, matched with a torsion-beam rear; front stabilizer bars are standard, but only the Sport model adds one for the rear. All of these smaller cars are go-karty to guide around, but the Fit is by far the best of the lot, and possibly the sharpest-handling car you’ll find under twenty grand.
The interior is all plastic, of course, but it’s well-fitted, and if the funky dash design isn’t to all tastes, it’s certainly easy to use all of the big buttons and dials, even with gloves. The Civic-style wheel is nicely sized and quite attractive, and has tilt and telescopic adjustment on all models. The exception to the function-over-form is the vent mode dial, a huge chunky thing perched at the edge of the dash over the shifter; even with my small hands, I found that I frequently knocked into it when coming off a shift.
My other complaint was with the seats, which are hard and don’t improve on a long trip. The cushions are too short, and so don’t provide adequate leg support. It’s definitely more of an urban warrior than a long-haul driver.
All models receive standard antilock brakes and six airbags, plus power windows and mirrors, auxiliary music input jack, and rear wiper. Noticeably absent from the list, and quite surprisingly so, is electronic stability control, unavailable on any trim line. Moving up to my LX tester brought standard 15-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, power locks and keyless entry, and a driver’s side armrest.
Despite the seats and its noisy demeanor, I really like the Fit: it handles very well, the visibility is great, it turns on a dime, its tiny footprint makes it easy to squeeze into tight parking spots, and more than anything, I appreciate its ability to swallow cargo, in a number of practical configurations. Pretty? Not by a long shot. But the judges who dubbed it the Best New Design got it right just the same. I like to call it an SUV – for Spectacularly Useful Vehicle.
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Pricing: 2009 Honda Fit LX Manual
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at 7:46 am
I bought my Fit LX manual back in February and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. This car is just perfect for a young family in the city. It’s everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
And I’ve been averaging 5.9 L/100 km with about 40% city driving.
at 7:59 am
Absolutely over the top expensive little entry level transportation.HONDA charges for everything that on many cars is considered standard.
Fog lights = 500 bucks.
Shift knob leather = 108 bucks.
Security system = 234
Armrest with storage = 334
16 inch rims = 1239
engine block heater = 176
and if I select all the options for the sport model I’m all of sudden 26.600 plus tax and the rest of the jumbo mambo. I’m 30k.
For a FIT.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
at 8:09 am
Did you missed reading this.
“but the Fit is by far the best of the lot, and possibly the sharpest-handling car you’ll find under twenty grand.”
at 8:45 am
No I didn’t miss that. The best = I doubt. The simplest with basic features and the ugliest looking = YES
at 9:32 am
Ok….tell us about your pick under 20K. We are dying to hear that.
at 11:22 am
Courtesy of honda.ca
Fit Sport – $19 280
Standard Features incl. Fog lights, security system, 16 inch rims
Optional Features – Engine block heater 176.41, Leather shift knob 108.46, armrest w/storage 335.46
With all optional features you listed – $19 900
Its features are hardly basic. Go buy an Accent for 99xx and have fun with the most basic car on the road. Your argument makes no sense because of course no one is going to pay 30k for a fit… You could take ANY other car on the road today, tick off all of the optional features and watch the sticker price skyrocket. So you don’t like the fit, don’t buy one, but don’t go around shouting non-sense…
at 11:23 am
The Honda Fit does have great cargo flexibility. But I would rather have a 6 speed manual, versus the 5 speed. More comfortable front seating, like in the Nissan Versa which are taken straight from the Maxima, and since the Versa has a 1.8L on the SL it’s quieter, and $1000 cheaper compared to the Honda Fit LX
at 11:56 am
Another expensive Honda product and like the rest of the line up overrated.
But it’s a nice car probably a good one in it’s class.
For the same price you can buy a real car.
By the way Scott the Versa is not recommended by Consumer Report too many problem.
at 4:27 pm
So you are comparing fit with an accent? We are sure in the good cars category here. I’m not saying honda fit is a bad car but WHY are you people trying to represent like something that is not? It’s a small car, basic, with small engine and basic basic transportation that is quite expensive. You are trying to represent like fun to drive, good cornering, lots of space(?), good features. IT’S NOT.
at 7:12 pm
Honda makes solid cars. They are worth every penny, especially if you keep them a long time. The Fit isn’t pretty, but it’s functional.
at 7:21 pm
I wish to know who was that smarty that designed those terrible looking ‘pizza’ rims?
at 8:07 pm
Why would you buy this over a Civic since you’re in the same ballpark for price? It’s a subcompact, why does it cost 20K. Add an auto and tax and you’re probably around 24K. Crazy.
at 9:24 pm
toronto
The reason those items are extra is because not one of them is nessary. Neither is the Sport model.
Get the DX for 14,900 and you have a great car.
It’s cheaper then a Civic and far more roomy.
Handles far better then a Versa.
A huge jump over basic cars like the Accent.
It’s a hoot to drive… think of it as a sports car with a wagon body.
Take one for a spin (5 speed version) and push it a bit. You might be surprised.
at 11:19 pm
I’d much rather buy a Mazda 3 sport.
at 1:41 am
(Sigh.)
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
If you’re going to argue that a car costs too much, don’t do it by quoting the price for the top trim level, loaded with options. You won’t fool anyone, and you’ll make yourself look ridiculous. Thanks.
at 6:05 am
You will not convince me to go and spend over 20k for basic silly little looking car. No matter how you “sugar” coated. Even the top trim level doesn’t have the things that I want in a car.
I would state again:
The fit is a simple, basic but very expensive transportation. It stays like that.
If YOU can get fun out of it power to you.
I would not even try as I don’t see it “FIT” me in any shape, form or function.
I don’t understand why are you all try to convince me otherwise. You feel one way I feel another. Go and enjoy your super expensive little basic “fun” transportation as much as you can.
at 6:17 am
…and yet those rims are the ugliest ever.
Sports car with a wagon body? Really? Sounds oxymoronic to me.
at 10:50 am
We picked an LX manual and does the job for us – 2 adults 2 kids with car seats – and this is a 2nd car for us, primary is an xtrail.
took this over a versa for the drive and walked out the door with rust proofing and taxes at just over $20 – out the door
even with the pizza/ufo rims – knowing how it will hold and pay us back 10 years from now – it was worth it
at 10:54 am
one more thing – yes it was a new 2009 model
catches – hard to find winter tires – doesn’t come with rear hatch cover – and no floor mats
if you are stuck with your decisions – drive the cars back to back, and with the same transmission, and look at the details in the hatchback area and u will be sold
at 3:58 pm
But even your LX model which is a manual and not the top trim level is over 20K. Does that include the financing charges? Because most people don’t have 20K sitting in the bank, and because Honda doesn’t have a cheap finance rate, you can add about 3 grand (ballpark) in interest over 5 years.
Now you have a $23000 dollar car. Even more for an auto. You could buy 2 Hyundai’s for that.
at 8:15 pm
I just want to know who designs Hondas and Toyotas…
Gawd….I have to be able to look at the vehicle I drive without retching…It’s
a modest requisite, I think..
Bitter Jack
at 8:41 pm
AP: “Sports car with a wagon body? Really? Sounds oxymoronic to me.”
A little off-topic but Volvo 740 T5 Sport Wagon, Subaru Legacy GT Wagon, AMG E63 Wagon. Hardly oxymorons and definitely sports cars that can carry groceries, kids and the wife comfortably at 240 kmh+. Granted thid isn’t the same class as the Fit, but a decent handling practical cargo/passenger carrier? Yes.
I think a decent set of aftermarket rims would go along way on this car as well.
at 6:52 pm
Hey Vic, u don’t have to buy the “exact” same size for snow tires. As long as the size variance isn’t ridiculous and u are buying a set of 4. Such as using 185/60/15 instead.
And yes, the Fit is overpriced. It’s a good fun car. U get Japanese built quality, and probably will last 20yrs and still worth decent money with 300k on the clock at that time. BUT, compare to a Civic, the pricing is nuts. Coast, u suggested the Fit DX being 15k, but that doesn’t make it cheaper than the Civic. The Fit LX discussed in this review is comparable with the Civic DX-G in terms of features level. If anyone thinks the Fit is cheaper just because the msrp is less, think again. Fit never get incentives because Honda doesn’t import enough of them to Canada. In contrast, there are tons of Civic sitting in lots at any given time. So many that incentives are always available. Just recently there was the 2500 rebate for sedan and 3000 for coupe. Out the door, the Civic is almost always cheaper, unless the customer loves to pay msrp.
at 7:23 pm
My wife and I recently took a 2009 LX Fit(auto)out for a test drive. I prefer a manual shifter, but my wife will be driving the car 80% of the time, and she wants an auto box. Here’s my mini evaluation:
1. I think the dash looks cheap. Yes, I know it’s an inexpensive car, but I think Honda could have done a better job here. Softer plastics on some of the surfaces would have been nice.
2. As Jill mentioned in her article, the seats are very firm. It didn’t bother me, but my wife didn’t like them.
3. I love the tilt/telescope steering wheel. I was able to get a perfect driving position. I haven’t been able to do that since I sold my old 1993 Nissan Pathfinder. For some reason, the Pathfinder fit me (no pun intended) like a glove.
4. Power was adequate, with the auto box, and it was easy to keep up with traffic. Merging with freeway traffic wasn’t a problem.
5. I didn’t find the car noisy, but my daily driver is a 1997 Miata, which is also my weekend track car.
6. God, I hate those wheels!
7. Utility and storage is beyond reproach, but come on Honda, include a rear hatch cover as standard equipment.
8. I don’t think the price is too bad, but not including a spare tire with an auto tranny is plain stupid. Honda does seem to nickel and dime you on extras that are standard on other vehicles.
9. We plan on test driving a Kia Soul next. It will be interesting to compare the two vehicles.
10. We like the Fit, and we’re considering buying one, but good looking it is NOT.
As a long term, basic transportation, the Fit is hard to beat.
at 4:44 pm
It’s a nice all around car for the price, even in Sport trim with automatic. Entry level prices can be had for just under $15K which is still a great deal for those that drive a lot, or very few miles as the resale alone would be worth the price. Safety is what you and other drivers make it out to be so size here isn’t a direct issue. The new Ford Fiesta/Mazda2 will provide solid competition for the Fit once its put on the market, but for now, when compared to other compacts such as an Accent (which can reach $20K for GLS trim!), or a Yaris which can surpass $20K with a few options if you allow it; the Fit becomes more of a great deal. 117hp is also the best in the compact segment. As Deacon Blues said, the Fit is hard to beat.
at 8:52 pm
But all the cars in this class make no sense when, as you say a Fit or Yaris will reach 20K with a few options. Even for you foreign fans, you can upsize to a compact for roughly the same price, and enjoy a larger more refined car.
at 8:18 am
I did a lot of shopping in the under 20K category this summer. Looked at both new and used. For the new, I liked
1) Mazda 3
2) Fit
For the fit, I liked the handling, versitility and Honda reputation. Dislikes were styling, seats, and a little lack of power. There was a $1000 rebate on the Fit at the time. Had to go to the LX model to get an armrest so I could live with the seats and the AC.
I liked the Mazda 3 a lot.
Both new cars were approx 21 K on the road. Then I came accross a low mileage 2008 Focus SE with a stick for $11K. The crap fees that they load on new cars really make the OTR prices creep up.
Fair review of the Fit though.
at 11:36 am
The price I quoted was with all taxes – it was a lump payment. Financing wise – u get robbed.
winter tire wise, found something, just not as easy as the other cars.
I know the civic was cheaper – but since we don’t have a 5door civic – I didn’t look – and the funky dash.
Yarris wise, I couldn’t get over the interior.
My choices boiled to versa sl, fit lx, base 3 sport (all cars manual)
thinking long term wise……..with the cost of insurance, gas, the montreal roads and what they’ll do to the tires/suspension etc…fit won – again thinking long term like 10years + (our typical car purchase).
Versa was good, cheap on insurance, and good space, the manual transmission didn’t work for me and the rear cargo area is an overthought.
mazda 3 was fun, big and best shifter, but expensive, big engine, and had all the required toys, but insurance was the most of the three cars I looked at. Replacement parts I found on mazda’s up there.
Fit – probably best milage wise, middle of the 3 insurance wise, and know it will go for years, and least of deprication (I think).
Keep in mind its a 2nd car for us. It replaced a protege 5.
With over 1200kms its a fun sprinter around the city – haven’t gone on a long trip yet mind u!
at 8:55 pm
No other subcompact gets as close as “fun to drive” as the Fit. Most subcompacts handle horribly and are a chore to drive. The Fit has been compared to the more expensive mini-cooper. The Honda Fit is worth every penny.