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I remember a long time ago a test in the snow, where they conducted braking tests. I think it was C&D. Any how, one of the stand-outs was a Subaru Justy, and they said it may have been due to the skinny 155 tires getting a good bite.
I think it's more indicative of the types of cars that we're turning to in uncertain economic waters.
Actually they are snowflake rated all season tires with amazing grip. I had the same tire in a low profile on my Civic Si and it was Brilliant in the snow!
I don't see a few mm's being all that significant and rarely do we get powder here. Usually it's slushy stuff or wet and heavy. A 185 in a 16 inch tire is VERY skinny as it is. That's generally a 14" tire size
I guess it's nice to know you can fit one in there.
I decided on a fit because a relative already has one, loves it, and I felt we could go through any ownership problems together...also it would help with maint. since we could both do it....
My take on it
the space takes some getting used to but I really like the seating position. I am 5'10 255 lbs....big guy and its great....I miss the center console but I love the second glove compartment!
now the engine is smooth, but maybe its because its new....also the tranny has a jumping issue when braking at a light....(only in city driving,) I think 1st gear is between 1-7 mph....but other than that there is enough pep on this car compared to other cars I have owned.....can't wait to finish breaking it in so I can find out....
oh and it handles like a dream....after 3 days of driving it (and 300 miles on the odo) I am looking forward to my time with this car....
first, has anyone done an aftermarket moonroof on the 09? I know on earlier years Honda said it would void the warranty. dunno yet about this on the 09.
more importantly, this car will do some highway time. I drive a Toyota Matrix and it's noisy. my drive in the Fit (local roads only) made me think it'll be the same -- lots of ambient road noise, etc. I'm going back to test on the highway but any input would be greatly appreciated. is it too noisy for a conversation? do you feel the wind when passing a big truck?
thanks in advance!
tm
But the differences aren't great. The Fit was a lot of fun while I had it, combining sporty driving, high mileage (37 mpg lifetime miles from my mostly free flowing freeway commute), and incredible luggage and people space.
I was disappointed to read that the '09 isn't quieter, although that was one of Honda's goals. Oddly enough, 3 test drives I read said it was just as noisy, but one said it is much quieter. I haven't driven the '09 myself.
'07 fit sport AT. still on OEM Dunlops.
A new Fit is my 1st choice as my next car BUT the recent Car & Driver 10Best issue stated that the Fit brakes were horrendous - needed 190+ feet for a 70 mph to 0 mph stop (I think this is accurate , if I recall correctly).
What are your experiences with Fit braking performance?
Would new pads (frt) or liners(rear) help? Better rotors up front?
My 2nd choice is the CR-V fwd LX or Ex - I know - really different vehicle and more expensive - how are the brakes on a new CR-V?
Still want a Fit though...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The Fit is unquestionably my favorite from both an ownership and driving perspective. Over 1300 miles of driving I have achieved manually calculated mpg of 32.5, 34.5, 35.2, and 35.8, and 35.6 per tank for a lifetime average of 35.1 mpg. Efficiency aside, the Fit is highly functional with comfy, laterally isolating seats, telescoping wheel, loads of space, and an iPod connection in the dash permitting control through the stereo. Many reviews have covered its physical features, however, so there is no need to regurgitate that here except to say that every feature is well executed and has been defect-free.
From a subjective perspective the Fit is mad fun to drive. Steering is crisp, precise, and tight but also stable and refined – freeway lane changes require a flick of the wrist rather than a movement of the arm and the Fit goes exactly where you put it. Cornering is flat at anything up to high speeds and body lean minimal during crisp handling - there’s a nice thrill to be had by making a 90 degree left at 30 mph and then hammering 2nd gear - the rear end does a little jig, settles right down behind the front, and the whole package moves forward with a satisfying whine. The ride response is typical of small Hondas of current and past iterations: the Fit hugs the road without jumping around after each bump, transmitting jarring vibrations to the spine, or creating an excessively noisy driving compartment – noise isolation is as good as any small car I’ve driven. I have not tested emergency brake response, but braking feel under normal conditions is also precise with a linear response to pressure from a low-travel pedal.
The Fit’s throttle response is tougher to describe since to my mind it is really two cars. One, operated between 1500 and 3200 rpm, is a highly efficient, nicely tuned grocery getter. The other, operated between 2500 and 5000 rpm, is a bodice-ripping, whiny little animal with great pop and a go-kart handling. Engine noise will discourage many from throttle-whipping the Fit but personal experience and published reports confirm that max torque and horsepower are obtained above 3000 rpm, which is right where the engine noise really starts to kick in. At 5000 rpm it is loud. At red-line, it is really, really loud. The gearing ratio for fifth makes for fun freeway driving, as 65 mph requires about 3000 rpm or so, yielding easy and peppy acceleration from 65 to 75. Combined with tart handling, wide side mirrors, and excellent sight lines, the pep between 65 and 75 makes the Fit a great SoCal Freeway Car, requiring little downshifting to zip between lanes. When turbo and pimp kits become more widely available, the ’09 Fit will become a very common Rice Rocket in these parts.
The Fit is not without its deficits. First gear is almost useless when driving for maximal fuel efficiency due to short gearing – treat it sweetly to nudge it from first into second and people behind you get the urge to honk. Cup holders are as useless as they are plentiful – the ones under the dash cannot be reached without angling a cup around and past the shifter, the one in the driver’s door panel likewise requires precise cup maneuvering, and the driver’s side dashtop cup holder might work in the automatic but is only useful in the manual version if you have three arms: an arm on the left for the cup, an arm on the the left for the wheel, and an arm on the right for shifting. If you only have two arms like me, using that holder requires an exhilarating little juggling act involving cup, wheel, and shifter – all at 65 mph while you’re zipping between lanes. The built-in mileage computer is totally whacked, reading from 4 to 8.9 mpg high and randomly so; while true, calculated mpg has gradually increased, metered mpg is gone down and then up. The front wipers seem cheap and, combined with the sweeping windshield, make for a poorly cleared vision field during hard rains. Finally – and this is not a defect but a feature – placement of the gas tank underneath the driver’s seat leads to initially disturbing noises and vibrations due to the sloshing of fuel during braking and acceleration.
I had a 2008 Fit 5 speed and was also impressed by the handling. I found it a little OVER responsive on the freeway - it took a little getting used to the quickness of the steering ratio and responsiveness of the steering - I'd just be THINKING about a lane change and wham, bam, I was there. Took a little getting used to.
I never heard the gas sloshing underneath me - I had heard reports of that, but despite some occasional hard driving on curving roads, never heard a thing - and I am sensitive to noises produced by my cars.
The windshield wipers on my car also seemed cheap, but I Rain-X all my cars windows (with weekly or every other week updates on the front windshield during rainy season) and at freeway speeds never have to turn on the wipers. Rain-X also seems to eliminate wiper "chatter" that occurs on untreated windshields. Finally, I wipe down the edges of the wiper blades with the paper towel I used to apply the Rain-X to the windshield with (sometimes adding a little more Rain-X to the towel first) and am always amazed how much black road film gunk comes off the wipers. You might try Rain-X on your windshield and cleaning the wiper edges; if that doesn't help, there are tons of highquality after market wiper blades that will snap in to replace the existing blades - Bosch is supposed to be good, as is the Rain-X brand, but I've had good success choosing one of the slightly upmarket sets from Walmart.
You may at some point get annoyed at what I call the "torsion beam bump" noise from the rear suspension. Well before your front wheels hit the bump stops, the rear end will make a big noise, if you hit an irregularity in the road (like a bump/swell on the freeway). It's not unique to the Fit - I had the same crash noise on my torsion beam Versa and on my torsion beam Cobalt (but not as bad on the Cobalt). On my Focus with independent rear suspension, no such noise, so I assume the general unsettled feel and noise are intrinsic to the torsion beam design. On the other hand, the torsion beam on the Fit allows incredible rear storage space - independent rear suspensions apparently intrude into the trunk area more.
I put a Honda window-screen style roll-out cargo cover (accessory item, about $175) in the back of my Fit. It's just too much of a jungle out there to leave the rear trunk area visually exposed. I suppose you could also work around the issue by tinting the windows (which is almost required even if you use a cargo since on my 2008, at least, the cargo cover left a big "peek" gap between the cover and the rear seat). On the other hand, now that manufacturers are endorsing inflation kits/sealants as an alternative to spare tires (since most punctures are nails or screws which respond well to sealant kits), I suppose an alternative would be to take out and store the spare tire and carry a can of sealant and inflation pump - then use the massive "under trunk floor" space for gym bag etc., reserving the actual trunk for groceries and short term hauling of Costco booty back home.
Yes, I would like to get another Fit some day, and would already have a 2009 if several reviews hadn't complained about the noise levels cruising at freeway speed (the 2009 was SUPPOSED to have more sound insulation, but something went wrong). It's not that the Fit too noisy, it's just that as I grow older I value more quiet - except when, as you do, I hit the throttle and enjoy the engine's tune. I imagine once the Fit has stability control standard (by 2012?) it will be irresistable, and I will rationalize purchasing my second Fit on grounds it is an incredible people and cargo hauler - and unlike almost any small car on the market (except the Caliber) can actually haul three kids in the back AND still have enough room behind the rear seat for a Costo shopping day.
I have to say in a general age of cynicism, it is heartening to read a review that is so enthused with the enthusiasm I first had for cars back in the '60's when my father gave me a '56 Chevy while I secretly longed for a TR7.
Good idea about the tire swap.
Last question - I'm comfortable changing pads and rotors on disk brakes but I've read its a real bear to change out the brake linings on drum brakes. Is it a DIY job or best left to the dealer or Midas/Meinekie (yikes!!)?
Are drum brakes really that much less costly then disks that the manufacturers continue to equip their low-end models in 2009?!
Thanks
You should make sure changing brake pads does not adversely affect the performance of your ABS anti-lock braking system. ABS systems assume a certain "linearity" of brake grip - they have to "pulse" your brakes to provide the antilock effect. If replacement brakes are more touchy or grabby there could be a problem. It's worth researching on Google and even calling Hawk or other responsible makers to ask their tech service department. Yes, I'm annoyed by having to worry about this too, since manufacturers supply our cars with excessively soft ceramic pads whose main claim to fame is a reduction in brake dust that often blackens wheels when you use high performance pads.
What I find kind of neat though is that every facet of the Fit's performance seems designed to harmonize with the others so that no feature appears incongruous. Handling is tight, cornering is flat, engine noise is noticeable, road noise is moderate, all in proportion to the others. Imagine an Avalon, say, with road noise of a Fit. It would stand out like a baboon at the elephant show. So it is entirely possible that I just don't notice the road noise - and it really is loader - because it is the expected amount of noise given the Fit's handling characteristics. If the Fit were really, really quiet, it would actually be kind of weird to me - I loathe the Camry's boat-like handling and dentist-chair isolation.
I can't be the only person who realizes this is a SUB-compact car; not a compact, crossover etc. so I guess my question to the masses that I'd like some feedback on is, what exactly did people think a car this size would feel like going down the road; a Cadillac?
It's a common sense issue for me because the general rule of thumb is: The smaller the car, the rougher the ride typically is but mabye someone can give me a different perspective on the reasoning behind trashing the ride of the Fit because I have trouble understanding what people thought the ride of a sub-compact would feel like when they got behind the wheel.
Thoughts?
I
Side note--We just moved a friend of mine and nobody wanted to use his SUV because boxes kept getting stuck going in and out of the cabin; love those doors!
You want super quiet, buy a Lexus, but for a sub $20K car it's all about keeping your expectations realistic.
I took to the dealer last week and they agreed BOUNCY, but said its within the norm for 2009 fits. I took a ride in another new one, and while not quite as much so, still BOUNCY.
Any ideas? Anyone else bothered by this trait?
That is pretty much my only complaint(OK, just a bit growly engine on acceleration), its otherwise relatively fun to drive (although I think the Civic hatch was a more so,both with Nokians), economical, roomy etc.
Seems a pity to be a bit disappointed each time the nose is dipping up and down on the freeway commute(it seems to be at its worst 40-60 m/hr), especially given all the good things said,written.
Is MN the only place with expansion gaps????one would think they would have installed a few on the test tracks.
P.S. you want to see bad roads, go to Hudson WI!
I'm not trying to be a smarta$$, but recommend you try flexing your buttocks occasionally... squeeze, hold, release. Gets blood back into your rear muscles. Also do the same for your upper and lower legs while you've got the car on cruise control. These are similar the videos shown on airlines to keep blood clots from forming in your legs. Also recommend, again, not to be a smarta$$, some exercise if you're not currently doing any. Walking, jogging, lunges, squats. All are good for the muscles & blood circulation.
Good luck
Lee
Cheers
Lee
Honda Dealers would let you drive the new Fit around the block if you were lucky and then they wanted you to buy it. No deals no salesmanship, just buy or they will sell it to the next customer, since most were presold. Long test drives at least in my area are for SUV's not super popular good mileage cars like the Fit.
Now with Honda sales tanking along with almost everyone else's, maybe dealers are more likely to agree to a long test drive. If not, there's always, "OK, that's cool, I'll just go down the road to the Toyota dealer and buy a Yaris 5-door because they let me take it for a long drive and it was fine. Bye."
I have heard that the suspension set up is different on the Fit (regular) and Fit Sport. Besides the obvious difference in lower profile tires, which can make a big difference, the Fit Sport has a rear sway bar. It's also possible that the bushings, spring rates, and shock tuning is different. The way to find out is to track down VIN numbers for both an '09 Fit and '09 Fit Sport then have a friendly dealer look in their parts number database to see if the VIN's return the same part numbers for front springs and struts, rear springs and shocks. If they do, then the only difference between the two models is the wheel size (and hence tire profile) and rear sway bar.
The most conservative approach would be to buy the standard version, which is aimed at commuters more than FTD (fun to drive) owners. Then you could check for online reviews of tire "ride" - believe it or not, some tires have "stiffer" sidewalls than others. I noticed a considerable improvement on one of my cars when I switched from the factory tires to Kumho Solus KH16. Consumer Reports has good on-line ratings of tires for noise, ride, etc., but you have to be an online subscriber. You should probably also check the tire size on the standard and Sport versions to make sure it is a common tire size and not an odd-ball size with few choices.
Finally, I had a Scion xA with a very jouncy ride, but the ride was only really jouncy on one stretch of one freeway. That freeway had some fairly regular, but invisible, ups and downs and if you hit it with a car with a short wheel base and stiff suspension, you'd be jiggling that whole stretch of freeway. What is telling for purposes of this thread discussion is that I drove the same stretch on my commute with an '08 Fit standard several years later, and "jounciness" wasn't a problem with the Fit. So the one poster who raised this issue may either have a particularly bad stretch of freeway or be particularly sensitive.
Now with Honda sales tanking along with almost everyone else's, maybe dealers are more likely to agree to a long test drive. If not, there's always, "OK, that's cool, I'll just go down the road to the Toyota dealer and buy a Yaris 5-door because they let me take it for a long drive and it was fine. Bye."
I guess they might cave in but test drives here in NH are usually a few miles, no more, regardless. Dealers fear putting on any miles.
I have to look for a gas guzzling truck this month as I need to tow 3000 lbs. up and down the mountains in my area. No fun getting 10-12 mpg!
I actually made the guys jaws drop at Home Depot when I put an unassembled Weber BBQ in my Fit! It was a HUGE unit, the box was massive! They said no way it will fit. But it did and I closed the hatch. It certainly impressed even my wife and I, as the box was really huge.
I've exceeded 30mpg on trips, taking it real easy, and mid 20s pretty much all the time, even in the 'burbs.
MPG will drop while towing but you'll still get closer to 20 than 12.
Regarding the ride issue, count me in the camp that thinks the ride quality is atrocious. I blame myself for buying the car after only a short test drive. As far as those on the forum who dismiss the ride quality issue as a minor carp from people who are not used to an econo-car ride, I also disagree respectfully. I own a VW Pickup from the early 1980's which has to be one of the worst riding vehicles ever, and the Fit is worse. I have Koni performance struts on my VW Golf set on a stiff setting because I prefer cars that have a tighter ride. The stiff Konis on the Golf are light years ahead in refinement versus my Fit. There is a difference between firm or stiff and harsh. The Fit is harsh and abrasive as far as ride quality goes. You literally feel each and every road imperfection, telegraphed into the passenger compartment and amplified. I am stunned that the ride quality of the 09 car is considered an improvement over the 08 and earlier car. I can't imagine riding in an early gen Fit for very long if it rides worse. I took this car on a highway trip about 2 hours into Kansas ( read: flat ) to my in-laws house, and felt completely drained and frustrated upon getting home. Between the constantly jittery suspension and wind blowing me around, an ordeal, really. I love many other aspects of the car, but the poor ride quality is a major, major fly in the ointment.