Even with gas prices recently declining from their highs, the new Honda Fit is a welcome sight for many car buyers. They're thinking long term, looking for a compact car that has proven reliability, is affordable and that's also good on gas. The Honda Fit has a track record of fitting this bill.
Although launched in the U.S. with the 2007 model year, the Fit actually has a global history going back to 2001. Since its introduction, over 2 million Honda Fits have been sold worldwide, in over 100 nations. Even in a contracting auto market, sales of the Fit actually rose 87% last year.
The new Fit has been eagerly awaited and will very likely continue its success. The 2009 is a second generation Fit (redesigned for the 2008 model year) and builds on the last-generation's sporty yet highly efficient personality.
Even while adding 2 inches in wheelbase and 4 inches in overall length (done to increase the car's interior space), it's still Honda's smallest car. Both Base and Sport models are equipped with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 117 horsepower, an increase of 8 horsepower.
Even so, EPA ratings are still near the 2008 models, getting around 28.7 mpg city and 38.4 mpg highway in Consumer Guide testing, depending on conditions.
And the increased interior space allows for what Honda calls "Ultra Seats," which can be moved into four different configurations. There's even a Refresh mode which turns the Fit's interior into a bed.
New for 2009, car shoppers can choose between front and all-wheel drive. Transmission choices include a five-speed automatic, a five-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
The 2009 Fit comes with Honda's ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure technology, available Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and active head restraints. Also included are dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, dual front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags are standard for all models.
Additional standard safety equipment includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS), with ventilated discs in the front and drums in the back, and electronic brake distribution (EBD). In addition, front and rear visibility has been improved.
The Sport model is the top-of-the-line trim level and is equipped with a long list of standard features, including a navigation system, 6.5-inch screen, USB connectivity, and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.
The Sport model also adds a lower body kit, 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip and a small, rear roofline spoiler.
Driving on the Base model is solid and reasonably smooth over the rough spots. The Sport model, with its different suspension tuning, is a bit more susceptible to road bumps. But the tradeoff is sharper steering and less body lean in turns.
The most noteable features of the Fit continue to be its impressive passenger accommodations, larger than expected cargo space, excellent gas mileage and edgy styling. Sport models even add a "fun-to-drive" quality.
Even though a subcompact, the Fit is really a small wagon that even challenges some compact SUVs for room. Yet it still gets significantly better fuel economy.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Fit Prices:
Honda's sales have been weak for months now, evidence of a continuing poor economy and an especially weak car buying trend. And the current combination of fierce dealer competition and a soft market has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.
How To Buy A New Fit At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Honda Fit, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.
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