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Comments
Little to no info for dealers.
No training for US dealer sales and marketing.
A joke of an "official" website.
And now, the coup de grace: a 24% reduction in planned units to be delivered to NA market.
The 2006 Fit release in the US is an "orphan" release. Honda is just releasing the first gen version here because they have to, because Toyota and Nissan are releasing, because of pressure from fanatics on boards just like this.
If it wasn't for the internet, I bet they wouldn't even have considered releasing the first gen Fit here. They wouldn't have had to. There would have been no press coverage of a Japanese or Euro model Honda because, well, there's no money in it for the press in the US to cover that.
I think that those 40,000 units will be all the first gen Fits the US sees because the FMC is coming in June in Japan and all the improvements to styling and performance that brings the Fit will be covered in forums such as this in intimate detail. Just two months after the first US buyers get their hands on their new Fits: think about that.
Honda enthusiasts in the US will lacerate Honda and their dealers with emails demanding the FMC Fit get here ASAP.
The internet has changed everything about global marketing. With the announcement of the cuts in first gen Fit shipments to the US, I think Honda has confirmed it has no commitment to carrying the first gen Fit beyond the end of the next model year. That's what I mean by an "orphan" release.
It is a bit like comparing Bigfoot to the Abominable Snowman at this time. I've heard of both of them and never seen either of them in person.
Stopped at Honda dealer today and thought I might catch a look at Fit as they are scheduled to onsale April 20th. No such luck, if they have them they are hidden from view. I even checked the remote storage lot.
Right before I reached the Honda store an idiot in a Red Grand Am hydroplaned from left lane of oncoming traffic across right lane of oncoming, across center turn lane, 360'd at least twice while doing so and ended up on curb on opposite side of street from where they started.
I was maybe 3 seconds difference from being hospitalized or killed, and this was in my wife's 4 day old new 2006.
Now I know why I spent the extra $ for side airbags and ABS package.
My point is this. Both the Fit and the Rabbit are small cars that place safety 1st with standard ABS and standard side airbags. Both are excellent in a crash
Irregardless of which vehicles we choose to compare, don't forget the safety equipment when you purchase, many of us are excellent drivers, many more people should not even be allowed to drive a shopping cart.
Happy Easter everyone and stay safe!
Personally, I need to buy a car soon. If of the currently available cars, the Fit is best for me, that's what I'll get. There's always something better coming out next year.
As an aside... Even if your scenario is true, combining it with the earlier post that next gen Fits for the U.S. may well be built in the U.S., there might be an advantage to buying a Japan-built car in its fifth year of production over buying an American-built car in its first.
Just 3-1/2 days left before the Fit jumps out of Loch Ness and onto shore.
You've GOT to be kidding that Honda will unveil the second-generation Fit to Japan in June 2006. No sources--not even the rumor mill from Japanese car magazines such as Auto-X, Car Graphic and Motor Fan--have talked anything about a FMC Fit coming in calendar year 2006, especially since Honda just did another mid-model change (MMC) back in December 2005!
A more likely release date of the FMC Fit will probably be in calendar year 2007, and there is a strong possibility that Honda might just unveil the new Fit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit January 2007 or the Chicago Auto Show in February 2007.
...and as someone else said, it's not an "orphan release"...it's an exclusive limited edition.
In 50 years when the nth generation Fit drives down the road, you can say to your grandchildren, "Yeah, I owned the first Fit once, back when gas was only $3 per gallon"
http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message_id=401063
"If the article I saw referenced another online forum is correct, Honda will officially unveil the second-generation Fit in Japan in May 2006, coinciding with the arrival of the Fit in the USA and Canada."
My mistake. I should have said May 2006 not June 2006.
That won't help you find repair parts or keep maintenance costs to a minimum.
I agree that the Fit is just been dumped in NA with no support. However, after having the pleasure of seeing two yesterday - one on the road and one in a neighbour's driveway, I think the word IS out!
This is a link to Jazz/Fit info at Thule's UK website: http://www.thule.co.uk/appguide/yourDetails.asp?car_model=Jazz%2002-04%20/%2005-- &rfoot=750&rbar=761&rABar=861&rkit=rkit&rLock=544&rSRA=&tFoot=&tBar=&tKit=&tSRA=- &tSP=&tLocks=
This took place today April 17th and was the first person to do so at this particular dealership.
If I give away the dealership many more will soon follow since they are getting 5 Fits in.
I am so excited!!
So 2 questions for people out there:
1) Do you have a deposit on one yet?
2) When did you put the deposit on it.
also , Do you know how many people have asked for a deposit on a Fit? Or are you the first?
Cool THANKS
Dan
I can think of two scenarios. Do you have any?
Scenario A: US gets first gen Fit made in Japan
US car buyer reaction: Mild annoyance on being stuck with first gen Fit while rest of world gets second gen; but mollified by the fact that their Fit is being made in Japan with that homemade Japanese attention to detail.
Honda reaction: Resigned annoyance: Has to keep using valuable factory space to make “outmoded” model; but keeps US customers happy for future purchases.
Scenario B: US get first gen Fit made in MX or Brazil
US car buyer reaction: PISSED OFF!!! The rest of the world gets the latest Fit and we have to settle for the first gen made in Mexico???!!! We have to suck hind Fit to France???!!!
Honda reaction: Stunned silence: We don’t have to give up factory space to make outmoded model, but we sure have pissed off a lot of our best customers.
Five or ten years ago this would not have been a problem for Honda. No one, except hardcore car nuts who were also somehow connected to world (Asia & Europe) auto news, would have known about it. But the internet has changed everything. Honda can’t slip the US an outmoded model without everybody knowing and everybody talking about it.
What if people think that this is what they should have brought to The USA ASAP.
Scenario C:
Japan gets new Fit in Spring/Summer 2007. Europe and other regions around the same time...maybe a little bit after. Honda creates room at an existing US or Canadian plant for the second generation Fit. North American introduction in fall 2007 as a 2008 model.
Just speculation on my part.
I ordered a Fit (base) 5-speed manual in Storm Silver Metallic. Replacement wheel covers are currently being arranged. :P
Generally, the average carbuyer is pretty ignorant about what car companies are doing abroad, so (with a few exceptions of course) I can't see Honda getting much if ANY consumer backlash from keeping this gen. Fit here for a full cycle.
Where are they going to build it?...... I don't understand why they can't continue to build it in Japan..... it's already different from the rest of the world's Jazzes. True, it's not a lot different but it's still different nonetheless.
I want to buy a Fit early next year, but I won't buy the FMC Fit if that what Honda decides to bring over when I'm ready to buy... I bought a first off the lot Honda Pilot in '02 and I have now sworn off first year redesigns (I won't get into discussing the problems with the Pilot).
Killerpiece :shades:
While I could have put down less, my deposit was $2k on a Vivid Blue Sport Automatic. It's supposed to be in the first batch. I have the check ready for the balance due.
1. Honda officially unveils a styling concept prototype of the new Fit at Chicago Auto Show in February 2007, just like what they did with the 2006 Civic when the Civic Si coupé concept was shown.
2. The final version of the car is unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in April 2007.
3. Sales in Japan start first, very likely in May 2007.
4. Honda's assembly lines in North America, Brazil, China, Thailand and Turkey do the changeover to the new model.
5. In October 2007, the Fit is offically released worldwide. It will be called Fit in Japan, China, North America and Latin America and Jazz in the rest of the world.
That's just the way it is.
Seems I did not miss this item. small deal imho
I don't think a strained smaller Engine would yield a big MPG increase in real life.
A Diesel version would clearly boost mpg, but this is another story
those who favor mpg and would cope with less powerful Engines
Those who wish to favor stronger powertrains , even though the MPG is not that great (Driving bigger cars before)
I belong to the second Category, so I think Honda should broaden the Engine Choice for the FIT
One 1,3 or economy-tuned 1,5 or a diesel
The standard 1,5
One 1,5 with Turbo
Everyone would have one model best adapted to one's priorities.
tired of waiting, hated the matrix, loved the dodge for a little more i got lots more options,....sold!
good luck all.
safe driving
I haven't driven the Dodge, but I do like the looks. I'm still expecting to buy the Fit, and personally would take it over the Dodge because of the cargo space and the fuel economy, and, yes, because I'd expect the Honda to be more reliable. But different people have different priorities, of course.
I see the appeal of the Dodge, but if you haven't taken delivery yet, you might consider waiting just a few days so you could test drive both and be sure you prefer the Dodge even after driving them. But then again, people have all kinds of reasons for their preferences... and if you just want the Dodge, then that's that. In that case, just enjoy! :-)
But dont worry, In five yrs when your Crapiler is in the scrap heap, there will be many Fit's on the road. Then you can enjoy it
I think they say that to everyone. I put down a $500 deposit in late January for a base blue manual transmission, and got the whole "You're the first at this dealership!" speech.
I don't care so much about being first. I care that I have a car that meets my criteria, and the Fit does.
My Fit was supposed to be delivered to the dealership between the 17-21st. I didn't hear anything yet, though. I'm looking forward to going and sitting in it to decide whether the sightlines work for me (I'm short, and I feel like I can't see out of a lot of cars adequately).
First generation, second generation... :sick:
I would just like to know what changes will be made in the second generation ASAP, to know if I should grab a first generation before they are gone.
However, I think I'll be waiting for the second generation, even if it takes a couple of years. Honda's emphasis on performance over ecology (as in LEV-2) is too GMish for my taste! :P
Nissan has been building Sentras from their Mexican assembly for a number of years, given they have a major assembly line operation in that country building also Mexican market-only models such as the Tsuru, which is based on a very old version of the Sentra. That's why when the Sentra goes to the new model in Fall 2006 it will continue to be built there.
I would be very surprised if Honda built the next generation outside of Canada or the US.
Certainly, it would make the Versa more competitive.
I love the Fit for its features, and it's 35mpg fuel economy; but at this price, I think I am going to take a pass and ride the bus instead
The dealership told me I was first and I only signed up yesterday. But my dealership is in a po dunk town and I do not think anyone else here knows what a Fit is much less a Fit Sport.
Luckily the dealership I am going to is out of the way and in a smaller town but that has high sales volume but the public around this town knows nothing of the Fit but this dealership is getting the most models out of the 5 dealers in Oregon I talked to.
The blog has been cleared of the old code.
The deposit theme should continue in this thread.
I am curious why some paid so much for the reservation? Was it that popular? I just heard about this car like 2 months ago.
I hope it fits ok.
I think yakima has an adapter that will work with it.