Picture Gallery: 2009 Honda Fit | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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When the Fit first launched in Canada April 2006, there was a buzz around this little car. Honda couldn’t keep them on the lots as demand outpaced supply. Fast forward to 2009, and the Fit is no longer that cool new toy; as with any model the excitement has died down. The Fit was still selling well, but needed some refreshning.
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The Honda Fit starts at $14,980 for the DX model which is fairly basic in terms of content but it does have six airbags and ABS brakes with EBD, both features generally omitted on base model sub-compact cars.
The LX model adds: 15-inch aluminum wheels, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a driver’s armrest, heated mirrors, power door locks with remote entry and two extra speakers for a total of four. The sport model adds onto the LX: 16-inch aluminum wheels to replace the 15s, front and rear stabilizer bars, fog lights, a leather steering wheel, a passenger-side seatback pocket, two more speakers for a total of six and a USB music player connector for the stereo.
2009 Honda Fit Sport
MSRP as tested (including destination): $20,590
For more information on Honda and the Fit visit Honda Canada
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I drove the previous generation Fit in 2006, but that was a long time ago and my memory is a little on the fuzzy side. Looking at this new 2009 Honda Fit with fresh eyes I had to go back and read my review from three years ago, and from that I realized a couple things: I didn’t write very well three years ago, and it seems like my gripes about the Fit may have been dealt with.
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The interior has been revamped for 2009 as well, and the ergonomics for the HVAC controls are outstanding. Having the temperature, fan speed and directionality setting all on the left side of the centre stack and angled towards the driver makes adjustments quick and right at your finger tips. The radio control is just in reach as well.
At night, all the buttons light up, which is a nice touch and looks classy. Honda has paid attention to a lot of the little details in the 2009 Fit, including an auto up and down driver’s side window with a lighted switch — many compact cars do not have switches that light up.
The arm rest for the driver is a nice touch, but why it’s only available on the LX and Sport models I don’t know. It can’t be worth more than five bucks, so why not just add it to all the models?
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I wasn’t so enthusiastic about the first generation Fit. It was so-so, a little overpriced for what you got and of course at the time finance rates were in the stratosphere so getting a deal wasn’t going to happen. This new Fit, though, has just that little bit more to make it turn my crank.
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The addition of the rear sway bar on the Sport model makes all the difference in terms of handling. The electric steering is quick and turn-in is super fast. Weighing in at just 1,147kg (2,500lbs) the car feels like a go-cart around town. It is always more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slowly, and the Fit is one car that this rings eternally true for.
Visibility is good all around inside the Fit. They have grown the front A-pillar windows slightly over the previous generation, which helps achieve a more spacious and airy-feeling cabin, and the diminutive size of the Fit makes it a breeze to park forward and in reverse. And, as I found out today, when the front wipers are activated and the vehicle is in reverse the rear wiper automatically wipes intermittently — nice touch.
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In the end, I managed 5.9L/100km, and this is while running winter tires in place of the stock all-seasons. I’d venture to guess I could have averaged 5.5L/100km or lower if the all-seasons were on the vehicle and the temperatures were a little warmer. I believe 5.9L/100km is the lowest I have achieved with any vehicle to date.
The Fit impressed me in every way. On the weekend I spent four hours on highway and it was smooth, not really affected by winds and was quiet. The engine does turn over 3,500rpm at approximately 115km/h, but it is barely audible — and cranking up the iPod took care of what little noise there was!
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 Honda Fit Sport
MSRP as tested (including destination): $20,590
For more information on Honda and the Fit visit Honda Canada
March 28, 2009, 10:10:25 pm
Bring a laptop with a wireless card. Start a thread/blog on here, and tell us about your adventures while you're on your road trip!
March 28, 2009, 10:17:15 pm
I'm planning on driving one from Victoria to Kingston next month. I'll report back on how that goes once it's done.
Next time someone asks "How does it do on the highway?" - you will be THE definitive expert!
Jaeger
March 28, 2009, 11:26:26 pm
Bring a laptop with a wireless card. Start a thread/blog on here, and tell us about your adventures while you're on your road trip!
I have to talk to Rogers about data plans. I can tether my iPhone to my laptop, but I don't have data right now and I think if I sign up and then cancel Rogers is going to charge me their insane Early Termination Fee.
But I can stop at Starbucks along the way and update y'all.
March 29, 2009, 01:09:08 am
Bring a laptop with a wireless card. Start a thread/blog on here, and tell us about your adventures while you're on your road trip!
I have to talk to Rogers about data plans. I can tether my iPhone to my laptop, but I don't have data right now and I think if I sign up and then cancel Rogers is going to charge me their insane Early Termination Fee.
But I can stop at Starbucks along the way and update y'all.
Get Twitter
March 29, 2009, 09:34:53 am With Bell you can log on at all the Starbucks
But from TBay to the next one :rofl:could be a long time
March 29, 2009, 10:38:23 am You will not do it in a day, so a few motels or camp sites will have to be resorted to. Most have a connection now for wireless.
March 29, 2009, 04:47:52 pm
Do what in a day?
March 29, 2009, 06:35:34 pm
LOLOL. 44 hours driving time through the United States, 53 hours driving time if I stay in Canada. Definitely need a couple stops.
Haven't actually planned my route, yet. I'm definitely passing through Vancouver to see family, and then I thought through the Rockies to Calgary and then cross into North Dakota. But that adds about five hours vs. crossing into Washington State and driving the whole way through the US...
I think I'll start another thread on this before this one gets completely derailed, though!
March 29, 2009, 06:47:52 pm James now that you have driven both the Fit and the Toyota Matrix (week long), go out on a limb and tell me which one you like best!!! (please)
As for the disk brake thing, I think that disk on a small car (or any car for that matter) require much more maintenace. My old Integra is always seizing it's rear calipers.
As for the size of the Fit, I think many of us are following victim to new model growth. Check out the size of a Civic hatch from the 90's. For more chuckles check the size of the first Accord, 1977. I ordered one and it never came in so I bought the first Mazda GLC GT (my first new car). GT?? it had a 1200 cc rear wheel drive drivetrain with less horsepower then my lawn tractor. I loved that car. Driving slow cars fast is great.
March 29, 2009, 06:58:11 pm
I'm curious why so many people are comparing the Fit to cars like the Matrix and the Elantra Touring. I think of it as a Yaris or Accent competitor, not Matrix or Elantra.
March 29, 2009, 07:17:17 pm hoss (and a little bit towards Mitlov).
I love this little Fit! It is VASTLY improved from before. It drives larger than it is, it is quiet on the highway, I'd get one over a Matrix, it's most excellent on gas as well!
Heck I think I'd get this over a Mazda3, all depends on pricing, the car is great!
March 29, 2009, 07:47:08 pm Thanks James (you have helped with my choice), I too like the Fit, I had planned on the Matrix but after driving both I really didn't know. I really tried to sell myself on the Civic, on paper it is a much better deal then the Fit (.9% for 5 years). I drove both twice, the Civic is quieter and smoother on the highway, that's it. It dosn't seem as roomy, it has a trunk (enough said), and it not as much fun to drive. Mitlov it's hard not to compare the Fit to larger cars, it is comfortable holds vast amounts of stuff has a nice interior. In short it does everything a larger car does plus it is a blast to drive. (it's a modern Mini).
To paraphrase one of the car rags "people drive a Fit because they want to, not because they have to".
Now for the colour Red or Silver??
March 29, 2009, 08:30:00 pm They do look nice in red!
Plus I see more red ones around than silver.
March 29, 2009, 09:20:46 pm The Fit is going to steal sales from a wide variety of larger, pricier iron.
Jaeger
March 30, 2009, 05:01:40 pm Its funny that this car has what 113 HP and is considered slow when I think the CRX had even less HP and was considered quick. They must be about the same size cars and I would think that the fit might even be lighter.
I guess expectations have changed.
March 30, 2009, 05:14:32 pm
I guess expectations have changed.
OK So I just did my home work. The CRX second gen was more powerful and lighter then the fit but is still only 8.9 seconds from 0-60 compared to the 8.0 in the CRX 1-6i 16 valve.
http://www.autozine.org/Classiccar/html/Honda/CRX.html
March 30, 2009, 05:46:47 pm I love this car, but it needs a 6th speed on the manual to calm it down get better mpg on the highway.
I drive ~120km/h on the highway (which is somewhat normal around here) and I don't want a car to turn over at 4000 RPM on long trips. Clearly the automatic is geared taller and gets better highway mileage so the Manual is geared too short. My Miata did this, but it was a sports car, there is no need for economy car to be geared this short.
As a city car it is probably near perfect, but the gearing leaves it off my short list for an all round vehicle with highway usage planned.
March 30, 2009, 10:44:13 pm 1) Regarding braking, I do think the tires do make a difference. RPM (a french car evaluation show shown on Sunday morning on TQS) found the brakes excellent with the FIT sport. The accidence manoeuver was also very good.
2) My girlfriend is thinking Fit or VW rabbit. I know, I know...The Fit, er, fits, but at $24k on the road it is pricey considering it does not offer ESP. Also, she found the car noisy and not that fast. But yes, it would be reliable and fuel efficient, but, could she enjoy the car over time?
She finds the Rabbit rides well, is safe, offers ESP and is quiet.
I would welcome comments from all. A good small hatch car that is good for long hauls is a hard find!
Cheers.
March 31, 2009, 01:43:44 am At $24k I don't see the value in the Fit anymore.
March 31, 2009, 07:48:44 am
2) My girlfriend is thinking Fit or VW rabbit. I know, I know...The Fit, er, fits, but at $24k on the road it is pricey considering it does not offer ESP. Also, she found the car noisy and not that fast. But yes, it would be reliable and fuel efficient, but, could she enjoy the car over time?
She finds the Rabbit rides well, is safe, offers ESP and is quiet.
I would welcome comments from all. A good small hatch car that is good for long hauls is a hard find!
Cheers.
She get the one, she likes to drive
March 31, 2009, 09:29:37 am
2) My girlfriend is thinking Fit or VW rabbit. I know, I know...The Fit, er, fits, but at $24k on the road it is pricey considering it does not offer ESP. Also, she found the car noisy and not that fast. But yes, it would be reliable and fuel efficient, but, could she enjoy the car over time?
She finds the Rabbit rides well, is safe, offers ESP and is quiet.
I would welcome comments from all. A good small hatch car that is good for long hauls is a hard find!
Cheers.
She get the one, she likes to drive
I couldn't agree more.
Jaeger
March 31, 2009, 10:38:33 am
2) My girlfriend is thinking Fit or VW rabbit. I know, I know...The Fit, er, fits, but at $24k on the road it is pricey considering it does not offer ESP. Also, she found the car noisy and not that fast. But yes, it would be reliable and fuel efficient, but, could she enjoy the car over time?
She finds the Rabbit rides well, is safe, offers ESP and is quiet.
I would welcome comments from all. A good small hatch car that is good for long hauls is a hard find!
Cheers.
The new Rabbit gets above average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports. If she liked the Rabbit and disliked driving the Fit, she shouldn't choose it over the Rabbit based upon paranoia about VW reliability. She should get the Rabbit.
March 31, 2009, 11:26:11 am When I buy a car, reliability is a major concern. I really don't like taking my NEW car back to the dealer to fix THEIR mistakes. They should have got it right the first time! This a major reason I stick with Honda cars, they are reliable (look at Consumer Reports), fuel efficient and fun to drive, not to mention have great safety ratings and resale values. You get the highest CSI in the business for a reason.
March 31, 2009, 02:47:38 pm Paranoia about VW reliability didn't materialize out of thin air. It would certainly be something I would consider very closely before making a purchase decision.
Jaeger
April 01, 2009, 12:54:29 am
Jaeger
Hey, I agree. The gal is concerned about reliability. She should look into the issue before buying either the Rabbit or the Fit. I don't disagree, Jaeger. And in this case, Consumer Reports--which Honda Owner trusts--says the Rabbit has better than average reliability. So for this particular buyer, who prefers how the Rabbit drives but has some concerns about VW's perceived reliability, she should put her reliability fears to rest. That leaves her preferring how the Rabbit drives and preferring the Rabbit's list of options, but liking the Fit's fuel efficiency. At this point, the right decision for her seems clear. For other consumers who react differently after test-drives, the Fit might be the better choice. But not for her.