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In our recent road test of the second generation 2009 Fit subcompact, we noted that its practicality, small appetite for gas, and fun to drive nature would make it another big hit for Honda.
Well, while it's too early to tell if we were right about the general marketplace, our long-term Fit Sport is already a hit with our home team.
The odometer has jumped to 5,400 miles in less than 2 months, with fuel economy of 31.4 miles-per-gallon of regular. While most of that was highway miles, our staff noted that despite its city-car nature, it's a pretty confident and very agile long hauler. The rear "magic seat" easily folds to accommodate luggage and toys like a touring bike.
As in the original Fit, the front seats seriously lack lower back support, and the 1.5-liter engine is strained when passing at Interstate speeds. Still, we're off to a good start with the Fit, as it fits us quite well.
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We selected the 2009 Honda Fit as our MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award Best Small Car because it excels in versatility, driving pleasure, and of course economy.
That's settling in at 30.5 miles-per-gallon of regular for our Fit Sport automatic. You do have to work the 1.5-liter engine, 5-speed automatic combo hard at times. But, with almost 11,000 miles on the clock in less than 5 months, the Fit is clearly a popular ride with our staff.
One reason the Fit is frugal is its curb weight of only 2,500 pounds. But, that does make it susceptible to crosswinds, and the doors sound rather tinny when closing. On the other hand, fold down that rear Magic Seat and you can stow almost as much gear as some compact utilities.
Our Honda Fit, one small car with a giant personality.
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We picked the 2009 Honda Fit as our Best Small Car of the year. It turns the normally derogatory term "econobox" on its head. Yes, it has good fuel economy, but it's also a joy to drive, and has more versatility than some utilities.
As to a lack of pain at the pump, after 5 months and 12,700 miles, we're pretty happy with our Fit Sport automatic's 30.6 miles-per-gallon of regular.
The 1.5-liter 4-cylinder provides only adequate power, but it will be enough for most buyers.
We also found the lack of a "low washer fluid" light annoying, and the doors are thin and sound that way. On the other hand, the multi-way folding rear Magic Seat really does live up to its name.
The Honda Fit sets a new benchmark for small cars, and that's a good thing.
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Picking the 2009 Honda Fit as our Best Small Car of the year really didn't take too much thought. Besides fine fuel economy, it's simply a joy to drive, with versatility that most rivals don't approach.
As to fuel use, after 8 months and 15,000 miles, it's actually on the rise. Since last report, our average has jumped to 31.4 miles per gallon of regular.
We've gotten use to the power limits of the Fit's 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, automatic combination. While the manual would provide a touch more performance, it also could be a nuisance in stop and go driving.
Another nuisance is the Fit's long and steeply raked windshield pillars. They don't make for the best visibility - and they remind us of the GM "Ant Eater" minivans.
Still, the Honda Fit is the small car to beat, and right now, we don't see anyone coming up from behind.
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As you probably recall, we picked the 2009 Honda Fit as our Best Small Car of the year. And, with the odometer cresting 17,000 miles in just 9 months, our staff finds it a flexible little wonder, well suited for both short and long haul tripping.
Unlike most small cars, the Fit is about more than just great fuel economy. Mind you, 31.4 miles per gallon of regular is just fine. But the Fit is also a lot of fun to drive. It's tossible in corners, with just enough power, all 117 horses, to keep you on course and out of trouble.
We've had no mechanical problems, and the only driver complaint is the Fit's steep windshield whose A-pillars narrow forward visibility.
Still, we're on a small car roll with the Honda Fit and loving it.
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Small cars rise to the top this week, beginning with our 2009 Honda Fit. We're pleased as punch with the Fit, especially with the versatility of its rear multi-position Magic Seat.
Plus, driving it is a lot more like a giant slot car than a daily commuter.
Honda has also done a great job of providing comfortable front seats for an entry level car. But, even with a near-perfect driving position, the Fit's ant-eater shape makes the nose seem a long way away.
After nearly 18,000 miles in 10 months, we've had no mechanical problems, and 31.3 miles per gallon of regular makes Fit a popular weekend signup.
The tradeoff is a 1.5-liter engine with 117 sometimes over-taxed horses. The Fit really strains when passing.
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The time has come to bid farewell to our thrifty, versatile, fun-to-drive 2009 Honda Fit Sport.
By the numbers, we drove our Fit precisely 22,299 miles in 12 months, which means it was used as much for interstate travel as commuting.
Despite being roughed-up by a dozen drivers, we managed a fine 32.3 miles per gallon of regular.
Accolades include its multi-position second row Magic Seat that made carrying big stuff a breeze, and the front seats are unusually kind to your behind for a small car.
Negatives include the Fit's ant-eater shape that makes it hard to know where the front ends. And, towards test end, our Fit developed an annoying dash rattle from a loose piece of trim.
We had no mechanical issues and the 1.5-liter engine/automatic transmission combo was flawless, if somewhat taxed when passing.
When we gave the Fit our Drivers' Choice Award, we said it was the best small car you can buy, and we believe it more now than ever.
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