2009 Honda Fit: First Drive

The redesigned budget car is sensible and fun

Overview

Introduced in the U.S. in 2006, the thrifty, efficient Honda Fit received a redesign for 2009 that improves upon the original while taking nothing away. Again, the Fit hatchback packs a lot into a small bundle. It's economical both to buy and to run, and clever interior packaging makes for both roomy accommodations and plenty of cargo space.

We're testing two versions, a $16,020 Base model with an automatic transmission and a $16,730 Sport model with a five-speed manual. The engine for both is a 117-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder.

Initial impression

The Fit offers lots of standard equipment for the money, but its key advantages lie in agile handling and a commodious, well-trimmed interior. With little body lean and quick, precise steering, it's fun to hustle the Fit around corners. As you'd expect, acceleration isn't that impressive, but the Fit serves up a good initial burst off the line with either transmission. So far we've been observing around 32 mpg overall with the manual transmission and 33 with the automatic transmission. Steady highway cruising has yielded 39 mpg with both, according to the cars' trip computers.

The ride has improved some with the redesign, but it remains a little choppy––more so in the Sport than the Base version. The engine's hum is fairly loud but unobtrusive, which is good since highway cruising comes with high revs. Moderate road noise is another constant companion.

The driving position is much improved thanks to a wider foot well and a telescoping steering wheel adjustment––rare among subcompacts. The high seats offer a commanding view out and excellent visibility all around. Cup holders and storage bins abound. The back seat easily fits two adults, and converting the rear for cargo is a snap. In one easy motion the rear seatbacks fold completely flat and level with the low floor. This, in effect, turns the Fit into a miniature station wagon. One could also flip up the rear cushions against the back rest for a flat loading space while transporting a plant or another tall item.

While ABS and many power accessories are standard in both versions, cruise control and remote locking are left out of the Base trim line. Electronic stability control is available only in the Sport, and only when combined with the pricey navigation system.

CR's take

The 2009 Honda Fit is an appealing, nimble runabout with an ingenious interior design and excellent fuel economy. Look for a full road test in a future issue.

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