Honda Fit

gearhead1

OK, question....if you buy the filters in bulk and bring one in for your oil changes, do they charge you less for bringing your own filter?

Yes, they will knock a couple of bucks off your change, but it won't cover the full amount you spent on your filter.

drive62

Good points, however the site I used has a difference of $673.01 between invoice and MSRP for the Fit Sport AT. It also has the typical price currently being paid as over MSRP. And that I will NEVER do.

But as I said, in my marker there are lots of Honda dealers and some are willing to deal. But even if I can get a decent price (I would agree with you and say about $300 above invoice) availability will probably be an issue. And I don't really like to wait for the vehicle I purchase.

There are a few others out there I would consider, most likely the Civic. The smallness of the Fit still concerns me from a safety standpoint as it will be my wife who will be driving and every second car on the road here is a 5000 pound SUV.

Boy I do have some car buying peculiarities, don't I

bobw3

The Civic isn't a bad car, but it feels a lot smaller on the inside (low and cramped feeling) and it's not as versatile as the 4dr hatch Fit. But if a small 4dr sedan fits your needs, then there are a lot of choice out there.

scratchmarc

Did anyone else receive an email from Strategic Vision to take a survey concerning the desirability of having a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and seat height adjustment to a forthcoming Fit?

~marc

dap2006

Yes, I did earlier today. I told them the tilt/telescoping steering wheel would be great but the seat height adjustment wasn't really a big deal...

jpmccormac

Re: "I told them the tilt/telescoping steering wheel would be great but the seat height adjustment wasn't really a big deal..."

Seat height adjustment broke the initial deal for me because my wife is quite short (5'1") and I am tall. She said No Way! I'm still pondering the Fit since I'll do 90% of the driving anyway.

jacksan1

Seat height adjustment broke the initial deal for me because my wife is quite short (5'1") and I am tall. She said No Way! I'm still pondering the Fit since I'll do 90% of the driving anyway.

My wife is 5'3" and I am 6'0", and we are both quite comfortable in our Fit. My wife was pleasantly surprised that she did not feel "floored" in the Fit's seat, despite her height.

rosebags

rosebags

I'm considering buying a Fit (basic), and was wondering if anyone can comment on:
1. driving on snowy, icy roads?
2. mountain driving?
(I live in Colorado)
Thanks!

coloradocraig

I live in Colorado also, an the FIT (manual transmission) is GREAT in the mountains. Wonderful fun to drive on the small twisty roads. Snow/ice will depend upon your selection of tires - dedicated snow tires will of course be best if you spend a lot of time in those conditions.

bobw3

I'd say let her try. My wife is shorter than me, but since she sits with the seatback more upright than me, so our eye level is about the same. But if she's 5'1" and likes to drive in a reclined position, then you better get a car with a seat adjustment.

fitwill

I posted a message earlier about when to get the oil changed and on the best oil filters. I got my first change this week, oil life at 30% and milage at 5300, not at the dealer though. I have family connections and can get it done cheaper and easier with them. Of course I thought that the oil life would automatically go back to 100%, but it didnt so I called the dealer abbout this. You would think I would refer to my manual about this and could figure it out. However, for the rest of you that are lazy like me it is a fairly easy procedure. I suppose if you get it done at the dealer they will reset it, but if you go elsewhere like me you can do it on your own, assuming the oil was changed and not left out like a previous post. So the procedure is to go to the oil life indicator, hold the button in for 10 seconds until it blinks, then release. Next hold it in for another 5 seconds, this will reset it to 100%. Pretty neat and easy. I dont know the type of oil they used, in terms of whether it was synthetic or not, I assume not (I do know they used 5w-20). I wonder if the oil life indicator would be smarter to detect a synthetic oil which I understand can give you longer oil life. Any thoughts on this. Is the car that smart to pick up on the type of oil and thus adapt and show up on the oil life indicator as such or does it automatically go off milage run by the car no matter the type of oil. Let me know

gearhead1

No, the OLM will not detect synthetic oil. It only takes factors like rpms, cold starts etc. into account.

ejj

I don't think this could be "overlooked," as the Fit has been in prodution for several years. I had an Audi that had "whine" in the radio--it was an electronic shielding issue somewhere. Probably the same on yours.

thomasbetz

Yeah, the more I experiment with it, the more I see it's only on certain frequencies, and only when the signal is pretty weak. Either that, or some component (like a speed sensor) is "burning in" as I use it, so it's not making the electrical noise any more.

akin242002

The Honda Fit has been nominated for car of the year! The winner will be announced in January 2007 Detroit Autoshow. Its biggest competition is said to be the 2007 Toyota Camery.

jpmccormac

RE: "The Honda Fit has been nominated for car of the year!"

That should read "(impossible to find) car of the year." Are they really on dealers' lots? Not where I live...

nippononly

Not anywhere, in fact. After I heard of the COTY nomination, I had the thought that nominations for this award should really be reserved for models that are actually available in the U.S.

I recently got a reply by e-mail from a dealer near me that does a lot of internet business. He told me that with regard to my inquiry concerning Fit manual shift availability, he would only be getting one in the next month, and it was already sold. This is a high-volume dealership. This car may be great and all, but for me, NO car is worth this much trouble in pursuit of purchase.

backy

Well, technically it is available in the U.S. Just very hard to find. Some other cars in recent memory have been very hard to get, e.g. the MINI Cooper and 2004 Prius, at least when they first came out.

I think there may be some sort of sales volume requirement for COTY (to exclude exotics for example), but I'll bet the Fit meets this requirement with no problem.

nippononly

I'll give you Prius on that score, but the nice thing about the Mini Cooper has always been that they encourage you to order a car that is exactly to your spec. And when you do, they PROMISE you will get it exactly that way, and give you an approximate delivery date, which is NOT six months to a year out. Fit availability is just ridiculous. Makes the 4-6 weeks you might wait for a Cooper appear very short by comparison.

Now my local dealer has a 9000-mile '05 Civic SI for sale certified, $17,9. I bet you could get it for $16,5 or $17K. It is tempting me as an alternative to the Fit Sport (with a healthy WALLOP of extra sport built right in) that is available right now. Of course, it only has 3 doors, not 5, and it will get 25% worse fuel economy....

crowb

Well Honda didn't exactly do an advertising blitz with the Fit, at least not that I was ever exposed to. Maybe they didn't expect it to be so lauded and so sought after. Perhaps they intended a minimal release to gauge the market. After all, fickle Americans are likely to return to their SUVs (and now crossovers) as soon as gas prices drop again (and it appears that SUV sales are gaining ground again). So the Fit was a bit more of a success than Honda was prepared for.... Maybe they will slate it for North American production in the coming year or in 2008 and then we'll be happily saturated with them on our streets!

fitman548

New test results out...fit did good. Sad to see one getting crushed in the picture on this page.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16273695/

backy

Maybe Honda gave the IIHS some cars with bad paint jobs... assuming those even exist.

bobw3

Actually, with the demand of the Fit, the IIHS is selling their used Fits on Ebay at a big discount.

crowb

I wonder when Honda will start offering the software upgrade for the Fit's airbag deployment that was alluded to in that article?
It seems that a tweaking of the computer is all it takes to make the Fit as safe as can be. Has anyone heard anything on that yet?

backy

I am kind of surprised they haven't started notifying owners already. I suppose those things take time. You Fit owners, try not to have a frontal collision in the meantime! :sick:

micweb

You said, in part,

"New test results out...fit did good. Sad to see one getting crushed in the picture on this page."

Actually, technically the Fit and the Versa did very, very POORLY but each manufacturer, as a result of the Insurance Institute's tests, went back to the drawing board to fix their problems and had IIHS re-run the tests at the manufacturers' cost with the fixes. (The Fit front airbags deployed too early and then deflated too early to fully protect the dummies. Don't know the Versa's problem but it was side impact related instead.)

Would we have ever known about these problems if IIHS hadn't run the tests? Would they have been fixed? Why didn't Honda, with its VERY advanced testing facility and years of producing the Fit, catch this issue before the car got imported here? Does the emperor have any clothes?

Yet import owners are quick to overlook this "glitch" and tout the good results (they are good) once the mistake has been fixed.

If I had paid over MSRP in the last few months I would park my Fit at the dealer and ask for a loaner Civic etc. until they fixed the "glitch". This is way too important to wait for a recall letter from Honda. I'd also be asking them for free oil changes for the rest of my ownership.

Likewise Subaru Impreza and the pre-2006 Civic got IIHS passes a year and a half ago - on assurances from the manufacturers that crash test "issues" were being fixed (and that the Civic was being completely overhauled) IIHS let them off the testing hook that year and tested the Cobalt, Corolla, Jetta instead; would have been much more interesting to see how those cars compared to the oft-lauded Subaru and Honda that year.

I'm just a little irate that if issues like this had popped up with Ford or Chevy, people would have been bad-mouthing them for months or longer.

backy

Hey, it could be a lot worse--instead of a Fit, you could be driving a Rio5! :sick: :sick: :sick:

If I were a Fit owner, I would definitely follow up with the dealer. Sometimes they know about a fix before the letters go out (this happened with me a couple of times on cars I've owned, the dealer fixed the problem before I got a letter).

akin242002

I don't remember any tv advertisement for the Honda Fit either. I saw one billboard, but that was it. Surprisingly the Fit sold over 25k models. Go's to show how good the value of this car is.

backy

TV is overrated as an ad medium for new cars. I saw TONS of ads for the Fit on the Web (including here at Edmunds.com), in print, and the occasional billboard. I think Honda felt that their target demographic for the Fit would be better reached via the Web and car mags vs. TV. Although it's possible that there were TV ads on stations that I don't frequent, since I'm not officially part of the target demographic for the Fit.

fitchgrrl

Here (we are in Canada) there was one commercial on TV (cant recall what station)...there were however plenty of Fit ads for months in the canadian fashion magazines i read...

As for the airbag issue, i just got my Fit back a couple of weeks ago from Honda because the SRS light had come on (the cable reel assembly? was defective and had to be replaced). I am starting to think that the airbags on this car might be cursed (just to round things out not even 24 hours after i got my airbags and horn fixed, my poor Fitty was in an accident) :sick:

scratchmarc

Here's a little description about the TV ads that never really aired that much:

Honda Fit TV ads

Sorry to hear of your accident, fitchgrrl, I hope the damage wasn't too severe, either to you or the vehicle.

~marc

bayoujay

Hopefully someone can help me out with this one. My wife and I decided to take a road trip and I wanted to make her comfortable by putting the passenger seat in relax mode. I put the front seat as far forward as possible, took off the headrest, and tried to recline the front seat all the back. I thought the front seatback would fit flush with the rear seat's bottom cushion, but it hits the cushion instead. It seems like there's an inch or two of overlap. Is there a step I'm missing or something? How do you get the front seatback flush with the rear seat cushion?

jacksan1

Did you recline the rear seatback when you did this? When you lift the rear seatback lever and push back the seatback, you can actually tilt the seatback and cushion slightly, so that the seat cushion rises a tad higher than the normal mode. That's what you probably need to do in order to have the front seatback flush with the rear seat cushion. Also, be sure that the front seat is slid all the way to the front. Try this and let us know what happens.

My wife and I have used the "Refresh Mode" on our long trips, and it is really nice.

crimsona

As stated, the rear seats can lean back 1 more notch. Just pull the lever like when you fold down the seats and push the seat back until it clicks.

gearhead1

I thought the front seatback would fit flush with the rear seat's bottom cushion, but it hits the cushion instead. It seems like there's an inch or two of overlap. Is there a step I'm missing or something? How do you get the front seatback flush with the rear seat cushion?

Your front seat isn't all the way forward. If the front seat is as far forward as it can go and it is clicked and locked as far forward as it can go, it isn't as far forward as it can go. Raise the lever under the seat again and move it forward. It will move up another couple of inches, but it will not lock in that position. This will make the top of the front seat flush with the bottom of the back seat.

micweb

You are actually more at risk with a fully reclined seat, than wearing no seat belt. You submarine and flail in any kind of accident. The seat itself is an integral part of the safety cocoon.

If you make an informed choice that's up to you. But years ago I used to recline my seat (as a passenger) to take a nap but I no longer do so.

jacksan1

You are actually more at risk with a fully reclined seat, than wearing no seat belt. You submarine and flail in any kind of accident. The seat itself is an integral part of the safety cocoon.

True, but with the Refresh Mode, if you are sitting in the back seat with the seatbelt on, with the legs stretched out, you are not really "reclined" as if you were on the front passenger seat. The seatbelt for the rear seat should offer the protection because, used in this manner, you are sitting upright in the Refresh Mode.

On the other hand, if you are just lying flat, with no safety restraint, that would be very dangerous, and I would not recommend that, either.

rconkin

My wife gave me the SkyFi2 XM radio for Christmas with the car kit. I mounted it under the climate controls. I purchased a 3.5mm pin cable and plugged it directly into the aux jack. I placed the antenna just behind the radio antenna. I would be glad to send you some photos.

bayoujay

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Reclining the rear seat during the process was the key, I guess. Look forward to using refresh mode on the trip back home later this week.

vchiu

Next week will be closing my first year of Fit ownership.

I posted before, but for reminder, I bought a light grey FIT in Shenzhen, near HK (China). The Fit I bought is therefore close to the European and Japanese specs.
1.5 liter, CVT auto trans, 14X175 Bridgestone on alloy rims, factory power sunroof, aircon (of course), 4 power windows and remote control lock, power mirrors, dealer installed leather and rear park radar. CD Car radio installed. No MP3 jack connector. Seat height adjustment, fuel mileage consumption computer (in L/100 km). I added side protection bars and fender extenders.

11000 miles done in one year. This is my first car bought as new and this is the main family car. I bought it for a bit more than 15500 USD including dealer installed options. For reference, purchasing a 2.0L Honda Accord will cost 30K USD (yes, the 2.0L, not the 2.4L) Same price for a 2.4 Sonata.

Pros :
Excellent passenger and storage volume. Easy to combine, very flexible. Good and secure road handling. Nimble car with tight turning radius. Quiet Engine at low and midrange
RPM. Good inside presentation and quality. Reliable. Cheap to maintain. Looks nice good fit and finish. Reasonable purchasing price.

Average :
Adequate performance and Fuel consumption (8L/100 or 29 mpg)

Cons :
rather high road roar noise. Engine note strained and a bit noisy when pushed hard. Disappointing FE in traffic jams (down to 22 MPG). unaccurate board computer can display Fuel consumption of more than one liter/100 off reality.
Lack of body/paint protection. Boot trim could be improved. Spare wheel cover too flimsy.

In sum-up, this car gave me invaluable service during this first year of ownership. The inside presentation is good and allows me not to feel ashamed when picking up some customers. We can easily fit 5 people inside even with a baby seat. Luggage space was always impressive and cruising at 80+ on the highway, when conditions allow, is very straightforward. Imho, the Engine poser is just adequate. As it is well paired with the CVT, it allows me to out accelerate most others at the green light. I wish I had a turbo like for the Mitsubishi colt CZT.

Road manners are good. Suspension is very firm but I got used to it and it makes long road trips more comfortable. Seats offer the good balance between firmness and softness. Very few rattles and squeaks, except from the luggage compartment, where the spare wheel cover is very flimsy. The road noise is the main issue that could be improved with better sound proofing especially around the wheel arches and spare wheel well.

One other gripe is when blowing air A/C and heater off, there are a few degrees C° added as if the heating was always slightly on. When temperature is just OK outside, this make the use of A/C almost compulsory. or leave windows open. Moreover, the car get hot inside very quickly when it gets sunny. And it is sunny here indeed.

One issue that is seldomly underlined in road tests is how easy it is to get the body scratched by everyday city use. It is astonishing that no plastic protectors are added around the bumpers and doors and that I had to purchase some extra which are still not fully satisfactory. I think Honda want to provide their dealers with extra income as paint jobs will be numerous.

Suggested improvements :
1) add a turbo in engine choice for 150 HP.
2) improve board computer and allow display of trip mileage, overall mileage and fuel consumption at the same time
3) add MP3 connectivity and integrate antenna in windshield
4) add automatic climate control and improve air vent insulation
5) Add athermic windshield.
6) improve road noise insulation
7) allow windows to operate even if key not turned in
8) Even more rear leg room (already good for the size)
9) a higher end looking dash like for the sedan fit (formerly Fit saloon, now City) with fake wood trim and brown / buff color schemes.



Would I do the same choice if facing the opportunity to choose a car ? Yes, definitely. Even now if I were in position to purchase a second new car, I would give the Fit serious consideration.

No wonder this car is so popular around here.

ramo

We have 39,000 kms. on our Fit, purchased in May 2006. I concur with your findings as they apply to our auto, LX model. Paint is delicate, that is for sure. However, like you, I would buy another Fit if given the chance. I drove a Ford Fusion when The Fit was in the shop for dent repair. Let's see, that was like riding a donkey, after owning Northern Dancer. I will probably get jumped on for this, but the Fusion has too many buttons and too few good design elements, topped off with poor gas mileage and limited cargo space. The FIT has been thought out. If the materials were just a little better, the car would be almost perfect for my needs.

bprenderson

Vchiu,

Where would one buy the side protection bars?

Thanks.

Bubba

user777

would you say the handling manners are in keeping with that of the civic, accord, and odyssey? control layout natural and void of the unnecessary? these are character traits i think each and every honda vehicle should have.

i don't know what tires come with the vehicle, but one would think there are quieter alternatives come time to replace them.

vchiu

I bought them as accessories at the dealer's at the same time I ordered the car. If they are available in China (2 different models could be found) then there is no reason this could not be available in the Rest of the world.

I even saw grey plastic Front/Back bumper protections on European Fits in France. They are sold by Honda dealers at outrageous prices (200 USD for a full set) there but can't be found in China.
I did not want to put Generic ones as they are more than ugly, so my bumpers are naked so far and Front bumper need paint job already.

If you can't find any protection of any kind sold by Honda in the US, then it means the price Honda meant the customer to pay was much higher than the sticker.

sd_driver

my Fit that I bought in April 2005.

Wow. Never expected that to happen. Seems the demand is REALLY high.

Has this happened to anyone else?

ramo

What I notice, is that the Fit is devoid of the unnecessary. I have not driven the odyssey or the accord. I have driven the Civic and the Element, and loved those drives too. I don't know that I could go back to a Toyota after my Honda experience. For someone like me, a hesitant driver, the Fit is wonderfully cooperative. To the person who got a dealer call to sell his Fit, I have had no such call, and would perhaps swap for an Element if the deal was very, very sweet.

user777

besides the nice handling characteristics, the impression i get inside the accord, odyssey, or civic (have never owned or driven a CRV or Element or other) is that control placement and number are rational, natural and logical.

right, void of the extraneous or gratuitous...

fitman548

well, I broke my fibula this past weekend. I just wanted to share that having the passenger side in relax mode has been great. Although you shouldn't really drive around in that mode, it's perfect for keeping my legs elevated while my wife drives me around.

Karen_S

A reporter aims to talk with a Honda devotee who currently owns a Honda and previously owned a Honda. Please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than February 28, 2007 with your daytime contact information.