"3. Amazing comfort. This car is 7 inches shorter than my 94 Corolla yet has more leg room and head room than the Toyota. Hell the Fit has more room for the driver than does the Camry and the Accord, at least in head room! "
This is what truly interests me. As a guy who's rather "tall in the torso," I'm interested in seeing how comfy it really is. I would MUCH rather have a 3-door, but if the 3-door Yaris gives me a headache and a good view of the headliner (as most small cars do), than I might have to go with the Fit. I really don't like the styling, and I don't like being forced to buy all the power options I don't want...however, comfort goes a looong way.
It's not as far-fetched as it sounds. The new R-series engine block found on the 2006 Honda Civic is almost the same size as the L-series engine block, and a 1.6-liter R16 engine with the SOHC i-VTEC drivetrain could generate almost 120 bhp (SAE 08/04 net) with better fuel economy than the L15A VTEC engine. Combine that with a re-engineered CVT automatic designed for US-style driver preferences and I'll buy the car in no time flat!
I agree that it can be hard to find Toyotas exactly how you want them because of all the choices, but it can be done. With the Fit you either take it or leave it. If you want cruise without the plastic stuff stapled on, then you are out of luck.
I really don't know why Honda didn't just make the whole ground effects thing a seperate package. It could even be dealer installed if they did not want too many packages at the factory. More choices would increase the appeal of the vehicle.
Actually I do know why. They had a 29 year old young lady in charge of the project and she hung out at clubs to see what kids wanted. Unfortunately these kids tend to not buy new cars in significant numbers. They thought they were going after surfers with the Element, and they got a bunch of empty nesters.
With Honda putting in a regular automatic transmission just for the US/Canadian market with only a short time left on the model cycle, nothing seems far-fetched anymore.
I suppose the R-series is a possibility, but I personally think we will see more advancements with the L-series. After all, the L-series has not been around that long...I believe the 2001 Fit 1.3 was the first, and it continues to be used in more and more models. I think displacements will stay more or less the same with more focus on improving fuel economy than power, since the current power is good for a car of this size. The new Civic Hybrid already uses a version of the SOHC L13 with i-VTEC instead of i-DSI, so using i-VTEC for a new L15 could be possible.
Just speculation on my part, but I think an L15B i-VTEC with a 6-speed manual and the re-engineered CVT you mentioned could do wonders for fuel economy.
"Just speculation on my part, but I think an L15B i-VTEC with a 6-speed manual and the re-engineered CVT you mentioned could do wonders for fuel economy."
It's nice to have some real experience as opposed to speculation. Have you driven the Scion XA? I'm wondering how solid the Fit feels on the road. The XA is exceptional for its size in that respect. While I like the Fit's interior configuration, I wonder about rear visibility, smaller wheel size, and pricing (add ons seem to negate the attractive base price). Perhaps it's up to the dealer to have "no haggle" pricing. That was a real plus for me in getting an XA.
Finally, I'm tired of folks complaining about cruise control, lack of power and lack of a Cadillac smooth ride. These cars (Fit, Scion, Yaris, Versa, Aveo etc) are what they are: efficient transportation. If you want all those other qualities, buy a big gas guzzler.
From experience, the Jazz with the same size wheels as the US-market base model handled quite well. It's no Civic Si, but it holds the road. The suspension is tight, but it feels more substantial than many other cars I have been in, in the same class. In other words, it won't jar you (or the car) to pieces. As long as Honda didn't mess too much with the settings for the US car, the handling will be quite good.
"Finally, I'm tired of folks complaining about cruise control, lack of power" I agree on that. The engine the US is getting for the Fit is more than adequate for a car of this price range and size. 109 hp is great. My heavier 1987 Accord had 110 hp with a 4-speed automatic, and power was never an issue.
"Finally, I'm tired of folks complaining about cruise control, lack of power and lack of a Cadillac smooth ride. These cars (Fit, Scion, Yaris, Versa, Aveo etc) are what they are: efficient transportation. If you want all those other qualities, buy a big gas guzzler. "
perhaps more like a mazda 3 or some other small more peppy car. I do want cruise, but no big, it can be added at the dealer or aftermarket. It really is a must for longer trips in my book...on the other hand, I can live with hand crank windows. Fickle me.
Just speculation on my part, but I think an L15B i-VTEC with a 6-speed manual and the re-engineered CVT you mentioned could do wonders for fuel economy.
Unless Honda completely redesigns the combustion chamber and puts in the SOHC i-VTEC valvetrain, I think we may not see the L-series block on the next-generation Fit. Given that the R-series block is almost the same size as the L-series block, an R16 engine rated at 120 bhp could be what the North American 2nd-generation Fit will get, along with the redesigned CVT I suggested earlier.
"Finally, I'm tired of folks complaining about cruise control, lack of power and lack of a Cadillac smooth ride. These cars (Fit, Scion, Yaris, Versa, Aveo etc) are what they are: efficient transportation. If you want all those other qualities, buy a big gas guzzler."
Power - who cares. I had a 76hp Scirocco, and it was a blast to drive. Manual crank windows - bring em on. For that matter I would take a Fit with manual steering if it were available - better feel, less weight, and less mechanical loss.
Cruise - that is another story. It is hardly a luxury item, and quite handy on long drive. I definately want cruise.
"For that matter I would take a Fit with manual steering if it were available - better feel, less weight, and less mechanical loss."
The Fit has electric power steering, so it does not weigh nearly as much as a hydraulic pump system. It also doesn't take any power from the engine. Only problem is that some people complain about the road feel.
"For that matter I would take a Fit with manual steering if it were available - better feel, less weight, and less mechanical loss."
I couldn't agree more. A car in this weight range would be easy to drive with manual steering. It makes the car lighter, less complicated, and gives better road feel. I haven't seen a car with manual steering since the early 80's. Some people might build up a few arm muscles, and that never hurts any of us.
haulsmall wrote: "I haven't seen a car with manual steering since the early 80's. Some people might build up a few arm muscles, and that never hurts any of us."
My 1990 Honda Civic standard hatchback with 1.5L SOHC 16-valve engine and 4 speed manual transmission had manual rack-and-pinion steering - no power steering, and it was a joy to drive. MSRP was $6,880. It was one of the few cars available at the time without power steering.
No, I won't be buying a base Rio. Unlike some people, I consider power windows and locks a necessity on a 4-door car. Since the Fit offers those standard for less money than a comparably-equipped Rio5 and has more flexibility than the Rio5, the Fit is an easy choice--assuming I like how it drives when I finally get to drive one.
I had a 1993 Toyota pickup with manual steering...never wished to have power, never needed it. I also am in the crank-your-own windows-but-cruise-is-nice category. I do feel that anything more than 2 doors makes power locks a plus...I'm not too fond of reaching over seats to find the locks...but not a necessity.
I was watching an old episode of Top Gear the other day which talked about a tiny city car, the Fiat Panda, I believe, which had a button for steering boost on the dash. Push it, and the steering got super light which made it "easier to park..." Interesting, but I don't think it's that necessary on a tiny car.
I had a 92 tercel with the 4 sp stick and of course manual steering. That car weights less than 2000 lbs and even with 82 hp it was fun to drive (everyday driving is a 7/10 with that kind of setup). For some strange reason, the shifter was the best I had ever driven and since then I've driven sticks from honda, bmw and nissan. You feel like the shifter is really connected to the flywheel in every shift.
Not to mention the build quality was really impressive for a $8k car.
What make/model of kayaks? It all depends on the deck height, rocker, cockpit width, etc., as a squirt boat will fit more cars than a rodeo/freestyle kayak, versus a standard whitewater kayak, versus a recreational kayak, versus a touring kayak, etc.
Are you looking to see if the kayaks will fit in the car with the front passenger seat still available for a person, or are you looking at laying it back for "long mode" (where a person may still sit in the rear seat, behind the driver)?
Unless you're talking about a boat that's less than 7' long, I'm thinking you're going to have to go topside to carry.
I haven't seen a car with manual steering since the early 80's. Some people might build up a few arm muscles, and that never hurts any of us.
I learned to drive in a 1987 Civic Wagon (2WD, not 4WD)with manual steering. In many ways, it was much like the fit. It got incredible mileage for its size, had nifty folding seats, and was light and tossable. It was quite slow (70 horsepower!). It had manual steering, which made parking lots more difficult...but hey, manual steering would be fine if the car has a cupholder (the fit has plenty) so you can use TWO hands (IMAGINE THAT!) to steer.
Thanks. I forgot about "long mode." (I like long mode but I was thinking of it more as a cheap place to sleep on a long road trip.)
The kayaks are 12' long, and I was assuming I would carry them in a rack on top. So, I was wondering what the total load capacity of the vehicle is. I also don't want to get blown over in a stiff breeze.
The customer service guy I called said they don't have that info for the Fit yet. But you can figure it out for the Jazz: 3,241 lbs gross vehicle weight, minus 2,176 lbs curb weight equals ~1,065 lbs total load capacity.
That's more than enough for two kayaks, two people and gear.
The Accord 4-cylinder sedan weighs approx. 3,100 pounds and had 166 horsepower which equals out to approx
18.7 lbs per hp
The Accord 4-cylinder is plenty peppy, and will run with many V-6s of yesterday.
The 2005 Civic had 115 hp to pull around 2,405 lbs, which equaled out to
20.9 lbs per hp
The Fit with 109 horsepower weighs 2,176 lbs equals out to
19.96lbs per hp.
If you need a lot more power than an Accord, then you have problems, or a lead foot. For 99% of people, the Fit should be sufficient, especially since it has a better power to weight ratio than did the best selling compact last year, the Civic.
Thule already has clips to fit the Jazz, so unless they changed the roofline for the USA, they should have them readily available for the Fit, once it's officially released. Both the Thule Rapid System and the Thule Traditional System will work. Rapid parts and numbers are: Gutterless Foot Pack (part #750), Bars - 120cm (part #761 for square, #861 for aero), Rapid Fitting Kit (part #1312).
Yakima, on the other hand, isn't "Fit ready", so if you're a fan of their racks (as I am), then you'll need to wait for them to design the clips to fit the doors.
Sorry...I was going with the numbers I saw previously. It would be like having two extra small adults in the car. It won't be much different, like you say.
Can you point to where you saw this? As far as I know, the "weight that can be carried on the roof" isn't a standard car spec, and I definitely haven't seen it for the Fit - just looked this up too, to double check. I could be mistaken though.
Like Dewaltdakota, we're putting two kayaks on ours. The way the rack systems work, the weight is carried by the frame of the car - not the roof itself.
Kayaks typically run from 30-60 lbs each, plus the weight of the mounting system...
CAL STATE FULLERTON SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN HONDA FIT MARKETING CHALLENGE Program Gives 18 Schools From Throughout the Country the Chance to Help Launch a New Vehicle
FULLERTON, CALIF. – March 6, 2006 – Cal State Fullerton has been selected as one of 18 schools throughout the country to participate in the Honda Fit Marketing Challenge, taking place this spring. The program, sponsored by American Honda Motor Co. Inc., provides each school with $2,500 to develop, execute and analyze a campaign to introduce Honda’s all-new premium subcompact car the “Fit” to a key target market – fellow college peers.
In addition to Cal State Fullerton, there are 17 universities across the country participating in this exciting learning opportunity: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; Loyola Marymount University; San Diego State University; University of Houston, Downtown; Long Island University; Saint Peter's College; New York University; SUNY, Albany; University of Georgia; Michigan State University; University of Pittsburg; University of Pennsylvania (on-campus); University of Pennsylvania (off-campus); Boston College; University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana; University of Akron; and University of Texas, Arlington.
Cal State Fullerton was recently listed as one of the “Top Public Universities” by U.S. World News and Report 2006, which ranked the school sixth in the nation’s Top Public Universities-Master’s institutions in the West. Established in 1957, the school boasts enrollment of more than 35,000 students, according to figures from the fall 2005 semester. Cal State Fullerton is also widely recognized as one of the top communications schools in the U.S.
Honda specifically identified key urban campuses within their major markets throughout the nation to partner with in this extraordinary venture. This unique partnership is part of an industry-education program sponsored by Honda and EdVenture Partners known as the Honda Fit Marketing Challenge.
This spring, 43 advertising students from Cal State Fullerton are being given a rare opportunity to put their education to work in the real world with a prestigious client. At the start of the spring semester, representatives from American Honda Motor Co. visited the students in their classroom, along with a representative from EdVenture Partners to discuss the details and objectives of the Honda Fit Marketing Challenge.
The students have already formed a fully functioning advertising and marketing agency within their classroom called Impact Advertising. Over the next ten weeks, the students will be responsible for researching, implementing and evaluating an integrated marketing campaign for their client, Honda. The student-developed marketing and communication strategies will be focused directly on their peers.
Impact Advertising has the opportunity to design an Integrated Marketing Communications campaign aimed at increasing awareness for the Honda Fit, utilizing research, budgeting, event planning, print and broadcast advertising campaigns, and public relations. After presenting their concept to executives from Honda, the students will execute their campaign as well as track and analyze its results.
The program features an on-campus event and then culminates in a formal, agency-style presentation to Honda executives that serves as a unique opportunity for students to develop public speaking and presentation skills, in addition to building self-confidence.
“The program is a win/win for all parties involved,” said Professor Ian Crockett. “The students get a real life experience and learn to work within the framework of an agency. Honda receives insight and creativity from the students, who also happen to be their target audience for this vehicle.”
Crockett, who is teaching the class, is also the president of a successful advertising agency in Newport Beach, Calif., Hunter Barth Advertising, Inc. As their students’ advisor, he will encourage them to develop their campaign using their own ideas and skills.
Today's college students are in a "catch-22" when entering the job market. They lack experience and find themselves in a situation where they may have a difficult time finding a job due to their inexperience. The Honda Fit Marketing Challenge effectively bridges the gap between industry and education, providing students with hands-on, real world experience with one of the country’s leading companies.
Watch for more information about the Honda Fit Marketing Challenge at Cal State Fullerton throughout the spring 2006 semester. For further inquires regarding the Cal State Fullerton project, please contact Rachel Kaizoji at: (626) 688-9714 or Rachel.kaizoji@verizon.net.
About Honda: Honda (NYSE: HMC) is a leading manufacturer of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide through innovative products of the highest quality and high value. The result of these efforts is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of fun, clean and efficient products including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with about 20 million customers annually.
Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda’s first overseas subsidiary. Honda began assembling motorcycles in America in 1979, with U.S. automobile manufacturing starting in 1982, employing more than 26,000 people in the design, manufacturing and marketing of its products in America. Honda currently builds products in 12 manufacturing plants in North America, with three major R&D centers in the U.S.
About EdVenture Partners: EdVenture Partners is a Berkeley-based marketing company providing unique industry-education partnerships to more than 300 campuses across the United States. EdVenture Partners, in conjunction with industry partners, provides each student agency with on-going resources, guidance and a project budget to implement their marketing campaign.
I visited the local Honda dealer and they say they have little information on the Fit and aren't even at the point of taking pre-orders. They just said they expect the car to arrive at the dealership in late April. Is this typical? I'm in Pennsylvania.
Regrettably I "require" a MT in this class of car and will not buy an AT Fit. I have a feeling I will have problems even seeing a MT anywhere, let alone buy one.
"I visited the local Honda dealer and they say they have little information on the Fit and aren't even at the point of taking pre-orders. They just said they expect the car to arrive at the dealership in late April."
The late April part is correct (April 20 from what I've heard), but the pre-order thing is odd. I pre-ordered my Fit (5-speed MT base model) back on January 20 when the dealerships began to place the very first orders for the car. I think that's around the same time several others on this forum did their pre-orders. If I were you, I would go talk to some other dealers in your area, because pre-orders have been available for months.
If you are looking into the manual, I would suggest putting down a refundable deposit for one soon. Supposedly the production will only be about 10% MT.
How does a pre-order work? Do you always leave a deposit? Is it like having "first dibs" or are you obligated to any extent to purchase the car? I can't imagine expressing any serious interest in buying a car I haven't seen and driven.
"How does a pre-order work? Do you always leave a deposit? Is it like having "first dibs" or are you obligated to any extent to purchase the car?"
My dealer contacted me that they would be doing the initial pre-orders back in mid to late January. He told me what 3 cars they had on the list, and then said I could change one of them to what I wanted. I put down a $1000 deposit for the Fit of my choice (trim line, transmission, color). The deposit is fully-refundable and I can have my money returned for any reason. I will have 48 hours to pick up the car. After that, the car goes out on sale and I can either have my deposit returned, or order another car. This is just my experience, and I know it can vary somewhat between dealers.
"I can't imagine expressing any serious interest in buying a car I haven't seen and driven."
If you have $500-$1000 floating around that you don't have any immediate need for, putting down the deposit allows you to have first dibs on the car of your choice without any risk. As I mentioned in a post some time ago, the Fit/Jazz has been around since mid-2001. Many of us have seen it in and possibly even driven it in other markets. Since the US-market version is more or less the same car sold everywhere else (the automatic transmission being the biggest difference), I know what I put my money down for. Also, this forum has been following this car since 2002, so anything and everything regarding the Fit/Jazz has passed through here.
However, Canadian models usually are higher priced than the US counterparts, so you can expect a lower price for the US Fit Sport.
The US-market Fit (comparable to Canadian Fit LX) will start between US$13k-14k. Meanwhile, the converted price for the Canadian Fit LX 5MT is US$14,829, so really they can't be compared.
I'm just jealous that the Canadian release date is April 3. :surprise: Only 17 more days...
Hi, Just signed on, after much appreciation for the enthusiasm shown here for sane cars.
Consumer Reports has always been spot-on with real world mpg and here's what they report for real-world, average mpgs on some cars in the Fit arena: 2006 Civic/automatic--28 mpg 2006 Scion AT/MT--30/32 2006 Prius/cvt--44 2006 Insight--51
Seems that with current technology 50-60 mpg, realworld average mpg, would be about the wall for a production 5-passenger car that would cruise at 70 mph.
Like others, I wished they'd just put the 1.0 liter, 70 hp engine in the Fit--no hybrid. It would be adequate for all but the steepest grades where you'd probably need to drop to 55 mph or so. It would probably get the same average mpg as the Prius, somewhat more on the highway, and cost much less.
Consumer Reports has a good article this month on the higher, much higher, cost of hybrids. It does not include battery replacement in the calculations, nor does it consider the high environmental costs of mining the specialized metals, i.e. nickel, that go into the manufacture.
Smaller, lighter cars. Drive less. Get an electric bike (2000 mpg).
"Does anyone know if the gear ratios are the same for the AT and the MT versions? "
OK - I plugged the gear ratios and tire sizes into my spreadsheet and came up with the following.
MT5 2856 revs per mile in top gear - or same as rpm at 60 mph. Simple math will give the rpm at any desired speed. This is actually slightly better than I first reported (2944). I entered 60 instead of 65 for the sidewall ratio - oops. This brings the rpms down nearly 100. Still much higher than necessary, but a tad better. For comparison a Corolla is about 2,300 rpm and the Civic is about 2500.
AT5 2158 revs per mile in top gear. This is much more relaxed cruising.
I see no reason why the MT5 would not benefit from lowering the revs to about 2,300 for top gear. This would still be able to make it up just about any hill, and would offer better fuel economy, less engine wear and less buzz.
Actually, the new Civic 5-door in Europe has a 6-speed manual standard on all models. This includes the base 1.4L i-DSI engine, which is the exact same as the L13A used in the Fit/Jazz. So Honda already has a 6-speed manual on the L-series!!!
Now, if they would only put it on the L15A as well.
"Now, if they would only put it on the L15A as well. "
Hopefully soon.
Found some excellent Fit pics. Here is one of the cargo space. Looks huge. Just change the number to get a different pic - 79 is the number for this pic.
I was looking at pictures of the Fit interior and was wondering if it has a remote hatch release on the floor between the driver's door and seat. Anyone have any info about it? Just curious.
Comments
This is what truly interests me. As a guy who's rather "tall in the torso," I'm interested in seeing how comfy it really is. I would MUCH rather have a 3-door, but if the 3-door Yaris gives me a headache and a good view of the headliner (as most small cars do), than I might have to go with the Fit. I really don't like the styling, and I don't like being forced to buy all the power options I don't want...however, comfort goes a looong way.
It's not as far-fetched as it sounds. The new R-series engine block found on the 2006 Honda Civic is almost the same size as the L-series engine block, and a 1.6-liter R16 engine with the SOHC i-VTEC drivetrain could generate almost 120 bhp (SAE 08/04 net) with better fuel economy than the L15A VTEC engine. Combine that with a re-engineered CVT automatic designed for US-style driver preferences and I'll buy the car in no time flat!
I really don't know why Honda didn't just make the whole ground effects thing a seperate package. It could even be dealer installed if they did not want too many packages at the factory. More choices would increase the appeal of the vehicle.
Actually I do know why. They had a 29 year old young lady in charge of the project and she hung out at clubs to see what kids wanted. Unfortunately these kids tend to not buy new cars in significant numbers. They thought they were going after surfers with the Element, and they got a bunch of empty nesters.
I suppose the R-series is a possibility, but I personally think we will see more advancements with the L-series. After all, the L-series has not been around that long...I believe the 2001 Fit 1.3 was the first, and it continues to be used in more and more models.
I think displacements will stay more or less the same with more focus on improving fuel economy than power, since the current power is good for a car of this size. The new Civic Hybrid already uses a version of the SOHC L13 with i-VTEC instead of i-DSI, so using i-VTEC for a new L15 could be possible.
Just speculation on my part, but I think an L15B i-VTEC with a 6-speed manual and the re-engineered CVT you mentioned could do wonders for fuel economy.
If gas keeps rising as it has started to again, you will be envied for being able to get a Fit.
Happy motoring!
Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Finally, I'm tired of folks complaining about cruise control, lack of power and lack of a Cadillac smooth ride. These cars (Fit, Scion, Yaris, Versa, Aveo etc) are what they are: efficient transportation. If you want all those other qualities, buy a big gas guzzler.
"Finally, I'm tired of folks complaining about cruise control, lack of power"
I agree on that. The engine the US is getting for the Fit is more than adequate for a car of this price range and size. 109 hp is great. My heavier 1987 Accord had 110 hp with a 4-speed automatic, and power was never an issue.
perhaps more like a mazda 3 or some other small more peppy car. I do want cruise, but no big, it can be added at the dealer or aftermarket. It really is a must for longer trips in my book...on the other hand, I can live with hand crank windows. Fickle me.
Unless Honda completely redesigns the combustion chamber and puts in the SOHC i-VTEC valvetrain, I think we may not see the L-series block on the next-generation Fit. Given that the R-series block is almost the same size as the L-series block, an R16 engine rated at 120 bhp could be what the North American 2nd-generation Fit will get, along with the redesigned CVT I suggested earlier.
Power - who cares. I had a 76hp Scirocco, and it was a blast to drive. Manual crank windows - bring em on. For that matter I would take a Fit with manual steering if it were available - better feel, less weight, and less mechanical loss.
Cruise - that is another story. It is hardly a luxury item, and quite handy on long drive. I definately want cruise.
The Fit has electric power steering, so it does not weigh nearly as much as a hydraulic pump system. It also doesn't take any power from the engine. Only problem is that some people complain about the road feel.
I couldn't agree more. A car in this weight range would be easy to drive with manual steering. It makes the car lighter, less complicated, and gives better road feel. I haven't seen a car with manual steering since the early 80's. Some people might build up a few arm muscles, and that never hurts any of us.
My 1990 Honda Civic standard hatchback with 1.5L SOHC 16-valve engine and 4 speed manual transmission had manual rack-and-pinion steering - no power steering, and it was a joy to drive. MSRP was $6,880. It was one of the few cars available at the time without power steering.
I was watching an old episode of Top Gear the other day which talked about a tiny city car, the Fiat Panda, I believe, which had a button for steering boost on the dash. Push it, and the steering got super light which made it "easier to park..." Interesting, but I don't think it's that necessary on a tiny car.
Not to mention the build quality was really impressive for a $8k car.
I had been looking at the Scion xA but I like the looks of the Fit better. I especially like the fact that all the passenger seats can be folded down.
I wonder:
How flat is the surface after the seats are folded?
Can the car carry two kayaks?
Any opinions?
Thx/Cq
Are you looking to see if the kayaks will fit in the car with the front passenger seat still available for a person, or are you looking at laying it back for "long mode" (where a person may still sit in the rear seat, behind the driver)?
Unless you're talking about a boat that's less than 7' long, I'm thinking you're going to have to go topside to carry.
I learned to drive in a 1987 Civic Wagon (2WD, not 4WD)with manual steering. In many ways, it was much like the fit. It got incredible mileage for its size, had nifty folding seats, and was light and tossable. It was quite slow (70 horsepower!). It had manual steering, which made parking lots more difficult...but hey, manual steering would be fine if the car has a cupholder (the fit has plenty) so you can use TWO hands (IMAGINE THAT!) to steer.
The kayaks are 12' long, and I was assuming I would carry them in a rack on top. So, I was wondering what the total load capacity of the vehicle is. I also don't want to get blown over in a stiff breeze.
The customer service guy I called said they don't have that info for the Fit yet. But you can figure it out for the Jazz: 3,241 lbs gross vehicle weight, minus 2,176 lbs curb weight equals ~1,065 lbs total load capacity.
That's more than enough for two kayaks, two people and gear.
Cq
18.7 lbs per hp
The Accord 4-cylinder is plenty peppy, and will run with many V-6s of yesterday.
The 2005 Civic had 115 hp to pull around 2,405 lbs, which equaled out to
20.9 lbs per hp
The Fit with 109 horsepower weighs 2,176 lbs equals out to
19.96lbs per hp.
If you need a lot more power than an Accord, then you have problems, or a lead foot. For 99% of people, the Fit should be sufficient, especially since it has a better power to weight ratio than did the best selling compact last year, the Civic.
Yakima, on the other hand, isn't "Fit ready", so if you're a fan of their racks (as I am), then you'll need to wait for them to design the clips to fit the doors.
Either way the Fit should have plenty of power.
19.96lbs per hp."
The US-market Fit 5MT has a power/weight ratio of 22.3 lbs/hp (2432/109) and the Fit Sport 5AT is 23.4 lbs/hp.
...which is still perfectly fine.
Like Dewaltdakota, we're putting two kayaks on ours. The way the rack systems work, the weight is carried by the frame of the car - not the roof itself.
Kayaks typically run from 30-60 lbs each, plus the weight of the mounting system...
Program Gives 18 Schools From Throughout the Country the Chance to Help Launch a New Vehicle
FULLERTON, CALIF. – March 6, 2006 – Cal State Fullerton has been selected as one of 18 schools throughout the country to participate in the Honda Fit Marketing Challenge, taking place this spring. The program, sponsored by American Honda Motor Co. Inc., provides each school with $2,500 to develop, execute and analyze a campaign to introduce Honda’s all-new premium subcompact car the “Fit” to a key target market – fellow college peers.
In addition to Cal State Fullerton, there are 17 universities across the country participating in this exciting learning opportunity: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; Loyola Marymount University; San Diego State University; University of Houston, Downtown; Long Island University; Saint Peter's College; New York University; SUNY, Albany; University of Georgia; Michigan State University; University of Pittsburg; University of Pennsylvania (on-campus); University of Pennsylvania (off-campus); Boston College; University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana; University of Akron; and University of Texas, Arlington.
Cal State Fullerton was recently listed as one of the “Top Public Universities” by U.S. World News and Report 2006, which ranked the school sixth in the nation’s Top Public Universities-Master’s institutions in the West. Established in 1957, the school boasts enrollment of more than 35,000 students, according to figures from the fall 2005 semester. Cal State Fullerton is also widely recognized as one of the top communications schools in the U.S.
Honda specifically identified key urban campuses within their major markets throughout the nation to partner with in this extraordinary venture. This unique partnership is part of an industry-education program sponsored by Honda and EdVenture Partners known as the Honda Fit Marketing Challenge.
This spring, 43 advertising students from Cal State Fullerton are being given a rare opportunity to put their education to work in the real world with a prestigious client. At the start of the spring semester, representatives from American Honda Motor Co. visited the students in their classroom, along with a representative from EdVenture Partners to discuss the details and objectives of the Honda Fit Marketing Challenge.
The students have already formed a fully functioning advertising and marketing agency within their classroom called Impact Advertising. Over the next ten weeks, the students will be responsible for researching, implementing and evaluating an integrated marketing campaign for their client, Honda. The student-developed marketing and communication strategies will be focused directly on their peers.
Impact Advertising has the opportunity to design an Integrated Marketing Communications campaign aimed at increasing awareness for the Honda Fit, utilizing research, budgeting, event planning, print and broadcast advertising campaigns, and public relations. After presenting their concept to executives from Honda, the students will execute their campaign as well as track and analyze its results.
The program features an on-campus event and then culminates in a formal, agency-style presentation to Honda executives that serves as a unique opportunity for students to develop public speaking and presentation skills, in addition to building self-confidence.
“The program is a win/win for all parties involved,” said Professor Ian Crockett. “The students get a real life experience and learn to work within the framework of an agency. Honda receives insight and creativity from the students, who also happen to be their target audience for this vehicle.”
Crockett, who is teaching the class, is also the president of a successful advertising agency in Newport Beach, Calif., Hunter Barth Advertising, Inc. As their students’ advisor, he will encourage them to develop their campaign using their own ideas and skills.
Today's college students are in a "catch-22" when entering the job market. They lack experience and find themselves in a situation where they may have a difficult time finding a job due to their inexperience. The Honda Fit Marketing Challenge effectively bridges the gap between industry and education, providing students with hands-on, real world experience with one of the country’s leading companies.
Watch for more information about the Honda Fit Marketing Challenge at Cal State Fullerton throughout the spring 2006 semester. For further inquires regarding the Cal State Fullerton project, please contact Rachel Kaizoji at: (626) 688-9714 or Rachel.kaizoji@verizon.net.
About Honda: Honda (NYSE: HMC) is a leading manufacturer of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide through innovative products of the highest quality and high value. The result of these efforts is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of fun, clean and efficient products including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with about 20 million customers annually.
Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda’s first overseas subsidiary. Honda began assembling motorcycles in America in 1979, with U.S. automobile manufacturing starting in 1982, employing more than 26,000 people in the design, manufacturing and marketing of its products in America. Honda currently builds products in 12 manufacturing plants in North America, with three major R&D centers in the U.S.
About EdVenture Partners: EdVenture Partners is a Berkeley-based marketing company providing unique industry-education partnerships to more than 300 campuses across the United States. EdVenture Partners, in conjunction with industry partners, provides each student agency with on-going resources, guidance and a project budget to implement their marketing campaign.
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Regrettably I "require" a MT in this class of car and will not buy an AT Fit. I have a feeling I will have problems even seeing a MT anywhere, let alone buy one.
The late April part is correct (April 20 from what I've heard), but the pre-order thing is odd. I pre-ordered my Fit (5-speed MT base model) back on January 20 when the dealerships began to place the very first orders for the car. I think that's around the same time several others on this forum did their pre-orders. If I were you, I would go talk to some other dealers in your area, because pre-orders have been available for months.
If you are looking into the manual, I would suggest putting down a refundable deposit for one soon. Supposedly the production will only be about 10% MT.
Cq
My dealer contacted me that they would be doing the initial pre-orders back in mid to late January. He told me what 3 cars they had on the list, and then said I could change one of them to what I wanted. I put down a $1000 deposit for the Fit of my choice (trim line, transmission, color).
The deposit is fully-refundable and I can have my money returned for any reason. I will have 48 hours to pick up the car. After that, the car goes out on sale and I can either have my deposit returned, or order another car. This is just my experience, and I know it can vary somewhat between dealers.
"I can't imagine expressing any serious interest in buying a car I haven't seen and driven."
If you have $500-$1000 floating around that you don't have any immediate need for, putting down the deposit allows you to have first dibs on the car of your choice without any risk. As I mentioned in a post some time ago, the Fit/Jazz has been around since mid-2001. Many of us have seen it in and possibly even driven it in other markets. Since the US-market version is more or less the same car sold everywhere else (the automatic transmission being the biggest difference), I know what I put my money down for. Also, this forum has been following this car since 2002, so anything and everything regarding the Fit/Jazz has passed through here.
Thanx.
Base Civic is 17,180 Canadian - and the FIT LX manual is the same price.
They are not even close. The AT is geared much taller. I have the exact ratios, and can post them later.
EH
However, Canadian models usually are higher priced than the US counterparts, so you can expect a lower price for the US Fit Sport.
The US-market Fit (comparable to Canadian Fit LX) will start between US$13k-14k. Meanwhile, the converted price for the Canadian Fit LX 5MT is US$14,829, so really they can't be compared.
I'm just jealous that the Canadian release date is April 3. :surprise:
Only 17 more days...
Just signed on, after much appreciation for the enthusiasm shown here for sane cars.
Consumer Reports has always been spot-on with real world mpg and here's what they report for real-world, average mpgs on some cars in the Fit arena:
2006 Civic/automatic--28 mpg
2006 Scion AT/MT--30/32
2006 Prius/cvt--44
2006 Insight--51
Seems that with current technology 50-60 mpg, realworld average mpg, would be about the wall for a production 5-passenger car that would cruise at 70 mph.
Like others, I wished they'd just put the 1.0 liter, 70 hp engine in the Fit--no hybrid. It would be adequate for all but the steepest grades where you'd probably need to drop to 55 mph or so. It would probably get the same average mpg as the Prius, somewhat more on the highway, and cost much less.
Consumer Reports has a good article this month on the higher, much higher, cost of hybrids. It does not include battery replacement in the calculations, nor does it consider the high environmental costs of mining the specialized metals, i.e. nickel, that go into the manufacture.
Smaller, lighter cars. Drive less. Get an electric bike (2000 mpg).
OK - I plugged the gear ratios and tire sizes into my spreadsheet and came up with the following.
MT5 2856 revs per mile in top gear - or same as rpm at 60 mph. Simple math will give the rpm at any desired speed. This is actually slightly better than I first reported (2944). I entered 60 instead of 65 for the sidewall ratio - oops. This brings the rpms down nearly 100. Still much higher than necessary, but a tad better. For comparison a Corolla is about 2,300 rpm and the Civic is about 2500.
AT5 2158 revs per mile in top gear. This is much more relaxed cruising.
I see no reason why the MT5 would not benefit from lowering the revs to about 2,300 for top gear. This would still be able to make it up just about any hill, and would offer better fuel economy, less engine wear and less buzz.
Now, if they would only put it on the L15A as well.
Hopefully soon.
Found some excellent Fit pics. Here is one of the cargo space. Looks huge. Just change the number to get a different pic - 79 is the number for this pic.
http://hondafit2.0moola.com/Sport/images/07_Fit_Sport_079.jpg
This is an excellent pic of tall mode.
http://hondafit2.0moola.com/Sport/images/07_Fit_Sport_076.jpg