2009 Honda Fit

Driving Impression

Marked by a totally solid overall feel, the Fit is impressively refined for a small car—or any car. Untroubled handling means Fit follows driver inputs near-perfectly. Nimble as any small car, it feels more secure than many. Unfazed by obstructions; the suspension hones all trouble spots down to most minimal noticeability. Fit also stays on course better than most vehicles, as if it knows where the center of the lane is.


Acceleration from a standstill is passable but modest. Pickup from 45 mpg is less impressive. The engine sounds like it's doing its job, but not much is happening in the way of speed increase. Astoundingly quiet at idle, the Fit sounds almost like a hybrid, remaining refined even when acceleration adds to the noise level. Paddle shifters in the Sport model work so subtly, you may hardly realize what they've done without watching the tachometer. With its loose, easy-operating gearshift, the manual-transmission model extracts more from the engine than automatic does. So, more energetic responses may be expected.

Interior and Features

Fit's extra-steep windshield has moved forward 4.7 inches, and A-pillars are 0.8 inch slimmer. Honda has tripled the size of Fit's front quarter windows. Rear views have improved 30 percent, Honda claims. Front quarter windows are now almost useful. Big mirrors help, but large C-pillars hinder visibility. Honda's navigation screen (if installed) is clear enough, but not very big.


Ten cupholders are available, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel is installed, and occupants get an underseat storage compartment. Cargo space is said to be wider, with 20.6 cubic foot capacity. Blue-lit dashes around the big speedometer's dial seem unnecessary at first, but the actually ease readability when the digits aren't easily visible. Other gauges sit in deep nacelles, not so easy to read at a glance, but controls are well marked and logical. Front seats are quite comfortable and well cushioned, with ample headroom. Rear riders get reasonably good headroom and legroom (though not quite up to Nissan's Versa), as well as ample toe space.


Like other manufacturers, Honda excuses the Fit's moderate price increase by pointing out newly standard features. With manual shift, the 2009 Fit starts at $14,550 (plus destination charge). Automatic adds $800 to that figure. The manual-shift Sport commands $16,060, versus $16,910 with automatic. The 2008 Fit stickered for $13,950 (plus the $635 designation charge).


Honda has ranked among the top makes in residual value, suggesting strong resale value when the Fit is a few years old. Sales of the 2009 Honda Fit began August 26, 2008. (www.hondacars.com)

About the Author
James M. Flammang is an auto journalist and author, and the editor of Tirekicking Today (www.tirekick.com).