At the Toronto Auto Show, currently running until February 24, Honda's display includes a 1974 Civic hatchback. As small cars go, this one fits the bill, being smaller than anything in the current subcompact segment. Honda's small cars have come a long way since then, the best example being the Fit. The name, of course, lends itself to countless puns and silly plays on the word "fit." I will attempt, with no promises, to spare you from the worst of these.
Though it's been on sale in Japan since 2001 (where it's known as the Jazz), the Fit didn't arrive here until 2007. It's gained a lot of fans in a short time for many reasons, but mostly for its flexible cargo hold, which will fit - er, accommodate - items that logically shouldn't fit (see what I mean?) into a subcompact. Despite the strong reception, look for a second-generation Fit in 2009. For the moment, though, let's see how the first-gen car has held up through its first full model year in North America.
Verdict
Highs: Fuel economy, interior space
Lows: High resale values
The Fit's 1.5-litre, 109-horsepower engine is about average for the class. So is the standard five-speed manual transmission, but the optional five-speed automatic is a nice touch in a segment where four speeds are still de rigueur.
Fuel consumption is low: Natural Resources Canada's ratings for the 2007 Fit were 7.3 L/100 km (city) and 5.8 L/100 km (highway). Despite the Fit's thrift at the pumps, the 2007 model wasn't eligible for Transport Canada's fuel-efficient vehicle rebate; changes to the 2008 model with the five speed manual transmission to further improve economy mean that it now is eligible.
2007 Honda Fit Sport. Click image to enlarge
The forums at FitFreak.net offer a fuel economy section for drivers who keep track of fuel consumption.
The Fit's relatively long life cycle - this car is now in its seventh model year - means that any early-model issues have been worked out, but there still a couple of minor things to look out for.
Some owners at FitFreak.net complain of paint beginning to peel off of the front and rear bumpers, and that bug splatter on the front bumper can cause paint chips.
In the U.S., a technical service bulletin was issued to address excessive wind noise from the top of the windshield. "Variations in windshield placement" is listed as the cause. The relatively simple fix - filling the channel above the upper windshield moulding with silicone sealant - is covered under the factory warranty in the U.S., but it's not clear if the same applies in Canada.
2007 Honda Fit Sport. Click image to enlarge
If there are any more serious problems, I couldn't find them on line, and Consumer Reports offers no data on the Fit.
The Fit has fared well in crash safety tests, earning "good" ratings for occupant protection in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) offset frontal and side impact tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2007 model five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts, and five and three stars, respectively, for front and rear occupant protection in side impacts. All 2007 Fits came standard with front seat-mounted side and head curtain airbags.
You won't be surprised to learn that the Fit's resale values are higher than those of Korean-built competitors like the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. It's a bit surprising, though, that the Fit seems to hang onto its value better than the Toyota Yaris. According to Canadian Red Book, 2007 Fit values range from $13,625 for a basic DX to $17,700 for a top-end Sport model. Don't hold your breath for a used DX model: Honda didn't bring many to Canada, as it rightly expected the mid-range LX to be the volume seller with its standard air conditioning and power locks and mirrors (all Fits got power windows standard). If you want cruise, however, the Sport is the only model that got it.
The Fit is a great little car, and if you like it, it'd be hard to go wrong with one. But here's my advice: in my opinion, the Fit's price premium is really only worth paying if you plan to make lots of use of its flexible cargo space. There are less-expensive subcompacts - the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio twins come to mind - that drive just about as nicely and should prove almost as reliable over the long term.
Just a thought to help you find the used car that's the best - ahem - fit.
Pricing
Red Book Pricing (avg. retail) February 2008:
Year
Model
Price today
Price new
2007
Fit LX
$15,600
$17,180
Online resources
There is a veritable whack of sites that dedicate bandwidth to the Fit. I'd start with FitFreak.net for its Fit-centricity. There is also FitOwners.com, but the forums here were down at the time of this writing. HondaUnited.com has a Fit section, but keep in mind this is a UK-based site. ClubHondaFitQuebec.com's URL is pretty self-explanatory. There's a fair bit of activity here too, considering how specific it is in its scope, being aimed at Francophone Honda Fit owners in Quebec. HondaFitForums.com is pretty quiet, and JazzFitForum.com is even more so. And don't forget the Fit forums at popular Honda sites, like Honda-Tech.com and the Temple of VTEC.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2007388; Units affected: 25,7802007-2008: On certain vehicles, the wire harness for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) and the Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) is routed underneath the carpet on the driver's side floorboard. In areas where road salt is used, salt from the snow on the drivers shoes will melt and may penetrate the carpet and leak into the wire harness. If the harness is exposed to salt brine, corrosion may occur and the wire may break, causing the Safety Restraint System (SRS) indicator light to illuminate. A failure of the ODS and OPDS may not detect the presence of a child seat or an out-of-position passenger and deployment of both the front seat passenger's frontal and side airbags will not be suppressed. In the event of a crash, a deploying front passenger airbag or front passenger's side airbag will increase the risk of injury to small or out-of-position occupants. Correction: Dealers will inspect the wire harness. If there is no corrosion, the harness will be re-insulated; if corrosion is evident, the wire harness will be replaced.
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.
For information on recalls, see Transport Canada's web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.
