Honda Fit

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Comments

  • tonkstonks Member Posts: 12
    Sniff. Someone door-dinged the rear passenger side of my one-month-old Fit while I was in the bookstore today. They made a pretty good dent in the door. :cry: Guess it's time for my first body-shop visit.
  • jrlncjrlnc Member Posts: 48
    Sorry to hear that tonks. Just about every car I have ever owned has gotten its share. But believe it or not, my previous car (2001 Nissan Altima) had no door dings at all. I just sold it to someone tonight who remarked that the car was in such great condition. It helped me to get a good price for it too. :)

    After your body shop visit you might want to try parking more conservatively in the future. When you jam yourself between 2 giant cars with doors that swing open 4 feet you are asking for it. Yeah, people are rude and inconsiderate, but you'll have to be proactive about this. Sometimes you have no choice because there is only 1 space left, but many times you can choose a space that has less likelihood of being dinged. I've just become a good judge of what a "safe" space is. For example, I know that a 20 year old rustbucket that is 2.5 times the size of my Fit is not a good parking neighbor!

    But despite all our efforts, we never know when a runaway shopping cart will roll down a hill and smack into our car either. I guess that extra effort can minimize the dings, but in the real-world it may be impossible to avoid them completely.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    If the paint wasn't broken, you might try paintless dent removal (PDR). I've used that on several cars over the years and they can do a great job without disturbing the factory finish, and for less money than a panel repair. Your local body shop should be able to recommend a good one if they don't do the work themselves.
  • kagedudekagedude Member Posts: 407
    Sorry to hear that. I'm waiting for the site below to come out with the Fit's body side molding if Honda is not going to export their moldings here. I've always complained about Honda and Acura not making their cars with moldings or at least offer an option to have body side moldings. How bad is the ding? Is it just a round ding or a straight line up and down the rear door?

    http://www.dawn-ent.com/molding/photos/paint/civic4DrFEMldLarge.jpg
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    A national finance magazine is looking to interview consumers who are looking to purchase a or have already purchased the new subcompact cars because of the high cost of fuel. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Saturday, June 10, 2006 by 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and the vehicle you are considering.

    ---------------

    A national finance magazine is looking to interview consumers who have traded-in their larger SUV for a smaller vehicle, because of the high cost of gas. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Saturday, June 10, 2006 by 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and car you traded-in and the current car you own.

    Thanks,
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    Corporate Communications
    Edmunds.com
  • carfanatic007carfanatic007 Member Posts: 267
    The Fit seems to be growing on me. Every day I have it, the more I like it. I'm learning how to drive it better as I get used to the size, gears, and handling. I like the looks better than I initially did. I'm really glad I bought this car.
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    I'm sure you mentioned this already, but what model and color do you have?
  • carfanatic007carfanatic007 Member Posts: 267
    Have a Black Fit Sport MT.
  • els2023els2023 Member Posts: 29
    All the people at work are betting me how long it will take in the winter or going through driveways when my front ground clearance will show how bad it is when the front bumper spoiler on my Fit Sport will be torn off.

    Does anyone think this is a risk?
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    As a general rule, I think auto vs. manual is simply a matter of personal preference. My personal opinion, driving a manual is fun and I somehow feel more "connected" to the car when I'm driving one. On a practical level, driving an auto is easier on my back and legs, especially in city traffic. The paddles do shift just about instantly, certainly faster than I could, even with a short throw shifter. I thought the paddles are really nice, even though I don't use them that much - I find that the 5 speed auto tranny shifts up and down right about where I'd want it to. It's a very nice compromise between the two and I really like it.
  • els2023els2023 Member Posts: 29
    Does anybody else feel nervous about winter with the terrible ground clearance on our Fit Sports?

    Has anyone had any trouble with the front ground clearance yet?

    How about engine noise and lack of power, is it getting intolerable to anyone? :confuse:
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    "How about engine noise and lack of power, is it getting intolerable to anyone?"

    Do you own a Fit yet (and you are experiencing these), or are you just curious?
    The only time I have found the car to be even the slightest bit sluggish was when I was driving with 5 adults in the car. Even then it was surprisingly peppy and fun to drive in the city. It even handled a freeway on-ramp without problem.
    Granted this is not a Civic Si, but I have found my car (base 5MT) to be great fun to drive. Even the tires aren't that bad. You can feel that they are /65 profile tires, when really taking a curve, but they still handle quite well.

    As for the engine noise, there have been several discussions already on that, but as I have said before, even at 80 mph with the higher revving manual, the engine noise is completely bearable.

    I don't think the front/side/rear spoilers extend down far enough to be a real problem.
  • mankomanko Member Posts: 9
    No problems w/ clearance at all. I had a 95 sebring that was just as low, if not more so, and never had a problem in the 5 yrs I had it.

    As for engine noise, it's actually too quiet for my taste -- I like more feedback when I drive, so I wouldn't worry. Power is fine as long as you're not expecting STI/Evolution-like levels.
  • carfanatic007carfanatic007 Member Posts: 267
    I feel fine with the ground clearance. I find the power to be great for a 109 hp car. Intolerable? Are you really a Fit owner? I don't think so!
  • carfanatic007carfanatic007 Member Posts: 267
    I pulled up in front of the grocery store today to load groceries. Someone came up to the window and told me "what a cool car" "Do you like it" "never heard of a Fit". It is a great looking car IMO. For the price, you can't beat it.
  • els2023els2023 Member Posts: 29
    Many thanks everybody.

    Yes, I am a fit owner, but due to my current sched. I have not had time to take the new car on a long trip yet.

    I was asking the question, to try to understand better some of the reviews (like the terrible one on CNET) that speak of these issues.

    It is good to know from owners who have had some romantic time with there fits that they like their new companion. All I have had time for with my Fit is several "first dates."
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    I love my Fit Sport and haven't had problems with ground clearance. But I'm not going to try taking it on any of the numerous dirt "roads" around here. And if it snows enough I can either take a 4WD or take a snow day off from work (love doing that, it's a great talking point when you work in Los Angeles!).
  • claudius753claudius753 Member Posts: 138
    Does anyone know if the Fit has Grade Logic Control? My dad's '01 CR-V had GLC and even with a mere 146hp and a 4AT it handled inclines well, as it wasn't reluctant to shift and hold a gear.

    I know his '06 CR-V has it on the 5AT and the new Civic has it on it's 5AT, but does the Fit's 5AT also have the same system?
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    I have no idea what Grade Logic Control is, but I've found the AT Fit does very well on grades. It's quite willing to downshift to 3rd gear if needed, then shift up when the grade eases. I drive grades just about every day - I live at around 6,000 feet and work at sea level. There aren't many stores up here, so if we want to go shopping we have to drop down several thousand feet (and return up). It can maintain 70 going up the steepest portions of the I-5 Grapevine in 3rd. I usually slow down to 60-65, which it can maintain in 4th gear (better fuel savings).
  • els2023els2023 Member Posts: 29
    Yeah... This is my only car. Do people think that the ground clearance will be problematic with driveways and snow?
  • havingafithavingafit Member Posts: 22
    I have had my Fit for month now, and until today have yet to have seen any others. Today I saw TWO of them!!! It must be my lucky day! One was Storm Silver like mine, and the other Milano Red. Wow, the red is really sharp! The driver of the silver one and I waved to each other...we're both in the "Fit Society"!!! :shades: The red one was parked, but I had to take a peak inside! :blush:
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    Friday another silver Sport was in the lane next to me - we were next to each other most of the way up the Sepulveda Pass. It would have been interesting to know what the people behind us thought about the twin cars next to each other. I've seen several other ones, including an orange one (that was supposed to be MY car!).

    We still get quite a few comments about it, the latest today from some guys at the car wash.
  • els2023els2023 Member Posts: 29
    I have had the fit for a month and never seen another. But I havn't driven much...
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I can't comment on snow, but our Mini has much less ground clearance than the Fit Sport, and so far we've had no problems with driveway, parking ramps, etc.
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    I have had my car since April 18, and so far apart from the two I saw at the dealership when I picked up my car, I have only seen two on the road. A Storm Silver base like mine (saw it twice) and a Milano Red Sport. Those sightings were at least a month ago...since then nothing.

    Many days I travel 50 miles/day in the San Diego area and I expected I would be seeing more of them.
  • b4wrnb4wrn Member Posts: 10
    I will be in the San Diego area around July 14 thru July 16. How can I see your Fit? Here in Kansas the Fits arrived at the dealership around 2-3 weeks after the coasts. There has probably been 10 delivered to the dealership since then and it looks like all of them has been sold. Beside seeing the Fits at the dealership I have seen NONE on the road. I have seen a few more Aveos and other small cars since the gas prices have been staying high. Right now regular is around $2.70 a gallon which is low if it was in California.
  • vcarrerasvcarreras Member Posts: 247
    I purchased my Storm Silver Sport AT on April 19th. Since then Ive seen a blue Sport in San Antonio, a red base here at the office in Houston. Two weekends ago drove back to San Antonio where I saw a red sport on I-10 about 30 miles east and a white sport in downtown SA. Gunn Honda in SA had a base light blue which had just arrived and was already sold. I've read something like 30-40,000 Fit's will be sold this year and another 50,000 next year. That's really not a lot!
  • dcampagnadcampagna Member Posts: 6
    Many don't realize that not just ANY vehicle can be towed behind a motorhome (for example) without drive train damage ... even stick shift vehicles. Therefore, many manufacturers do not approve their vehicles for flat towing (four wheels on the ground).

    Some motorhomers have wondered about the towability of the Fit, which should make a great toad ("towed" vehicle), but there's been no good guidance. I called Honda this morning and was told that as of last FRIDAY, Honda officially says that the Fit (stick-shift, only!) is approved to be flat towed, with an 8-hour/400 mile limitation, after which the vehicle has to be started and run for awhile.

    This shouldn't be a problem for most motorhomers and Honda's approval of the FIT for towing should result in a good number sold for that purpose.

    The above decision will be publicized by Honda.
  • aries91aries91 Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    (Host is this post is in the wrong forum, please move it.)

    Well, I decided to get my Orange Fit Sport a wash today. I pulled up, left the engine running and the employee took over to work on the car. After he was done vacuuming, he turned the key to start the car to get it into the wash (not realizing it was already on). He turned the key twice, and the car engine made noises like it was trying to start. I was not happy with myself and the employee. :mad:

    My question is: will there be permanent damage done to the engine or the starter at all? Anybody experience anything like this or have mistakenly re-started the engine with it already running?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    That Fit engine is quiet at idle, eh??

    I admit I have done this myself a few times over the years (not recently though). No damage was done, except to my ego. :blush:
  • nordonordo Member Posts: 12
    More then likely it didn’t damage anything. The noise is from the started bendix extending to engage the flywheel to turn over the engine.
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    I let the clutch go a little too early once and the tachometer dropped and the car jumped. I immediately pressed down on the clutch pedal again, but the engine was so quiet (backy... ;) ) that I was sure I stalled it. In fact it was still on and I tried to start the car and of course it made the awful grinding noise.

    This kind of mistake once or twice won't cause any problems.
  • fitman548fitman548 Member Posts: 172
    Got my Red AT Sport yesterday. First impressions:

    Very quick "first step". Not a lot of pull in a 0-60, put good jump when you press the gas.

    I had trouble getting the front seats to recline all the way in 'refresh' mode. You have to recline the back seats to make it, uh, Fit. I thought the back seats needed to be in regular seating position, but that extra 2 inches of recline must be engaged.

    With the Sport package, and low profile tires like that, road noise is noticable for sure. We have rubberized freeways in Phoenix which are super smooth and quiet. But once you hit the old concrete freeway, you definately hear it. Not loud, but not like, say, my Mom's 2004 Prius.

    The blind spot over the driver's left shoulder is a concern for me, at least until I get used to it.

    The paddle shifters are fun, though I don't use them. For those who haven't seen them, the paddle part sits between the wheel and the column, and you use your first three fingers to pull the paddle toward the backside of the wheel.

    I do wish there was a telescoping wheel. When I get my arms at a good length, my legs are a bit bent, and vice versa.

    HEADLIGHTS: my lo beams form a heart shape out in front of the car; dead center the light doesn't shoot out as far, but out to the left and right, it goes further. I agree that road signs 50-80 feet out are hard to read. I may futz with the adjustment screw too, since the dealer wouldn't.

    The red is reall really sharp. The inside of the headlight compartment is also painted the body color, which is a nice little addition.

    Overall I'm really happy. Seat height and wheel telescoping are my biggest gripes, but I knew that going in.
  • mattschechtermattschechter Member Posts: 58
    The new Nissan Versa has been called the Fit's closest competitor for the '07 model year. With the Versa's release in July, simple economics says that increased competition for the Fit will decrease demand and keep the current Fit dealer markups in check or even make them vanish altogether.

    However, do you think it possible that after consumers compare the Fit (Magic Seats, better MPG, made at old plant in Japan) and the Versa (No Magic, no standard ABS, made at new plant in Mexico) the consumer demand for the Fit will increase to a level greater than today?

    Add to this the increased advertising Honda will buy to compete with Versa, and we could see Fit prices rising even higher than today. What are your thoughts?
  • boatfloydboatfloyd Member Posts: 29
    Your "temp indicator light" looks like it's working to me. Mine works as you said yours works. Sport A/T :)
    boatfloyd
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Another car that will arrive in dealers soon and may attract some people also shopping the Fit is the Accent SE hatchback, which has a sport-tuned suspension, 16" alloys, power package, ABS with EBD, 6 airbags, and maybe the best manual seat-height adjuster on the planet for about the same list price as the base Fit. But discounts and maybe rebates should be available on the Accent SE. So hopefully that will create some pricing pressure for the Fit.
  • reddroverrreddroverr Member Posts: 509
    Personally, i dont think the Versa will sell that well. A small car with mediocre gas mileage would not be high on my list. I do think that the Fit will calm down just through a natural process, and as backy states there is more competiton than ever. Don't forget the new Scion hitting the bricks soon. If it looks as cool as the yaris hatch it could do some damage. Fit is a little bit like cabbage patch kids...just not enough for the fanatics as of now...this too shall pass.
  • ramoramo Member Posts: 66
    Went to get travel insurance for trip to San Diego, and got the insurance rep. (Civic Owner) so interested in the Fit, that she came out to the parkade to check out our car. She was politely attentive, but when she mentioned the need for a boom box and sun roof, I didn't think we had a convert. Never mind, we are properly insured, waiting to take California by Fit. :shades:
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    She must have been about 19! Was she at one of the BCAA offices?
  • arlesarles Member Posts: 15
    Saw report on today's "StarNewsOnline.com", police blotter section, reporting headon of a Fit with a Mercury Moutaineer. Driver of Fit had a "head injury" and was listed in "serious condition" and the driver of the Mountaineer "was not injured".

    http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060616/NEWS/606160390- /1002)
  • plektoplekto Member Posts: 3,738
    Despite tests, mass is still a factor. I've seen pictures of Towncars hit in the side by SUVs that nearly took the roof off(and instantly killed the driver, side airbag nonwithstanding) - so paring a huge SUV versus a Fit - surviving is good enough.

    Quote:
    Marsano was cited Thursday for exceeding the speed limit and driving left of the center lane, Moreau said.
    Ie - she ran head-on into the person at least going 45mph(since they won't cite you for excessive speed at 40mph in a 35 zone, generally)

    I say the Fit did its job nicely. I know my old Buick would have put its steering wheel through my head in such an impact.(easily 70-80mph combined speed if both sides of traffic were moving)
  • dcampagnadcampagna Member Posts: 6
    arles wrote ... (Saw report on today's "StarNewsOnline.com", police blotter section, reporting headon of a Fit with a Mercury Moutaineer. Driver of Fit had a "head injury" and was listed in "serious condition" and the driver of the Mountaineer "was not injured".)

    Can't jump to any conclusions about "big" versus "small" unless it's known whether the drivers were buckled up.
    Head injuries continue to be a major cause of death/injury in all car and truck crashes, which is why (to play the "devil's advocate") helmet laws for car/truck occupants would be much more beneficial (looking at TOTAL numbers here) than motorcycle helmet laws.

    This subject could be discussed infinitum, which isn't appropriate for this group, but I just wanted to point out the importance of buckling up 'cause you can't depend on "air bags" to save you. After all, they only go off ONCE ... then instantly deflate. And, if things are still as I was told, they only inflate in a head-on crash.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "...headon of a Fit with a Mercury Moutaineer."

    Airbags or no airbags, regardless of crash ratings, I would want to be in the Mountaineer in this dispute. ;) At some point, nothing can overrule the laws of physics! :sick:
  • els2023els2023 Member Posts: 29
    I am sad to say (mostly due to my financial loss by doing this) but I am getting rid of my Fit. The reasons so far are:

    1) the headlights are terrible
    2) my friends and colleagues won't drive with me because they say they "don't feel safe" in it.

    Argh. I am off to buy a Jetta or Subaru. I am sure they are good cars.
  • plektoplekto Member Posts: 3,738
    1: Screw your friends' complaints. It is a safe car. Their loss. Oh - and don't cave to peer pressure. Given enough summer heat and walking, they will gladly accept a ride.

    2:The headlights can easily be fixed with an adjustment of 15 degrees or so upwards. The same "trick" works with GM cars as well - the lowbeams are set for 25-30mph in the U.S. and that's just as you've noticed, not acceptable.

    Thankfully, this is a simple aiming problem/easy fix.
  • crimsonacrimsona Member Posts: 153
    It is probably a good idea to unload now, I'm sure you will get far more on a private sale than you should expect. As long as supply is short, some people will be willing to take a grand or 2 off for a lightly used Fit and to skip the queue
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    If you really must unload the Fit now, hold out for top dollar on it--since people are paying MSRP or more for these.

    As for Jetta vs. Subaru, keep in mind the 4-door Rabbit will be available very soon, which is as close to the Fit configuration (for a VW) as you can get. But you would probably find the Subaru more reliable, based on history.
  • heel2toeheel2toe Member Posts: 149
    The 4 door Rabbit is on dealer lots today.
  • carfanatic007carfanatic007 Member Posts: 267
    In going back and reading your history of posts, I kind of doubt that you are a Fit owner.
  • carfanatic007carfanatic007 Member Posts: 267
    From(els2023)
    Does anybody else feel nervous about winter with the terrible ground clearance on our Fit Sports?

    Has anyone had any trouble with the front ground clearance yet?

    How about engine noise and lack of power, is it getting intolerable to anyone?
    Replies to this message:
    • sfinster (Jun 10, 2006 6:32 pm)
    • moparbad (Jun 10, 2006 6:59 pm)
    • dewaltdakota (Jun 10, 2006 7:21 pm)
    • sfinster (Jun 12, 2006 5:29 am)
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