Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of the auto Web site Edmunds.com, says CFC came too late to help the dealers. I say bull. The dealers needed to get rid of excess inventory and they did. I'm tired of their whining. I've been following the Fit prices paid since March. Dealers sold off their excess inventory at above market prices and they did it in August when prices should have been coming down. CFC was wildly successful for the dealers, the buyers, and the environment.
No VSA this year except on the Navigation model. How depressing, esp. after Toyota included stability control on every 2010 Yaris (per last Toyota press release).
No visible changes or changes in specs.
One tantalizing ad blurb on the "Performance" page -
Metro Dynamo! A revised suspension makes it quick on the draw with shockingly sporty handling.
But that's just a web blurb - can't tell whether handling on the 2010 was actually upgraded, possibly in response to magazine and web viewers who complained the second generation Fit doesn't handle as well as the first generation (at least as shipped to America) - or whether the "upgrade" refers to the first generation/second generation differences (which weren't an upgrade, in handling at least). The specs page shows a 17mm rear sway bar on the Sport but none on the Base; to get a real upgrade in handling, they'd need to add the sway bar to the Base and bump the tire size on both models from 175/185, respectively, to 195.
Since the Sport actually rides a little harsh on the 16 inch wheels, while the Base tends to lean too much, it still looks like the sweet spot in handling and ride would be a Base model with 195 performance tires on the 15 inch rims plus an aftermarket rear sway bar to kill the lean without making the ride too harsh (the diameter of the 195 tire upgrade, assuming you do a 60 profile, matches the stock tire).
I had an 08 Fit MT (base) that I no longer have (traded it in for a 7-seater) and currently have an 09 Fit Sport and thus can provide my views on both versions.
A little bit of background on how I replaced my 08 Fit and managed to snag an 09....I paid a little less than $15K for my base 08 Fit MT and traded it in, a year and 17,000 miles later, for $12,000 flat ! After having traded it in and when I drove off the dealer's lot with my new 7-seater AWD vehicle (which we need in my neck of the woods), I felt rotten at having let the versatile and fuel-sipping Fit go. It almost felt like abandoning a child at a stranger's location and I could not sleep the whole night, just thinking of not having a Fit in the garage. I went back a couple of days later, shelved my plans to get a high-performance car and bought an 09 Fit Sport. Now all is well with the world, with a Fit in the garage. Whew ! :shades:
For my 08 Base, I bought some take-off "Sport" 15" rims with the 195 tires and thus drove extensively with the Sport 15" rims/tires and also the "Base" 14" rims with the narrower 175 tires.
My opinion is that the 15" rims of the 08 sport with the 195mm wide tires were definitely grippier and was more confidence inspiring in the turns (when compared to the 14"/175mm tires of the "Base" model) but rode a bit harsher and even more importantly, extracted a whopping 3-5mpg penalty on the car. That was significant. I of course swapped the base wheels back onto the car before trading it in and still have the 08 15" Sport wheels (with TPMS sensors) lying at home and might sell it off on fitfreak.net shortly.
Now to come to my impression of the 09 Fit Sport MT....
The car immediately feels more "substantial", considerably more stiffer (in a good way) and more planted than the 08 Fit versions. The handling is definitely more confidence inspiring when compared to the 08 and feels distinctly sporty. The Civic-SI sourced steering on the 09-Fit-Sport feels right at home. However, I liked the shifter-feel of the 08s WAY more than the 09s, since IMO, the 08s had the classic Honda snickety-snick feel while the 09s feel a bit less so with a dry-rubby feel....I am hoping it is a matter of needing to get used to it a bit more. Overall I am VERY impressed with the 09s and hope to keep it around for a while and not have to go through the trauma of not having a Fit in the garage.
Well...tell us more as the weeks and months pass. I probably would have gotten a '10 Fit if they had bothered to put stability control on it with the traction control that cleverly uses the ABS to lock up the wheel that is spinning if you are trying to drive out of an icey driveway (this is more sophisticated than the early traction control that merely drops the rpm to attempt to limit slippage).
Well and if Honda had quieted down the Fit a little more. It still gets bad marks from the usually accurate Consumer Guide online ratings for noise levels, and that was borne out by my '09 test drives.
I am, alas, not completely happy with the Nissan Cube I bought. The CVT is FANTASTIC but the blockiness of the car means I get a fair amount of wind noise. More significantly it is prone to getting buffeted by strong crosswinds, which are rare but not as rare as my previous cars would have led me to believe (they didn''t get squirrelly the way the Cube does).
Anyway I just bought at Subaru Impreza '09 sedan on close out on a "can't refuse" deal -it is quiet, accelerates strongly - BUT - it doesn't have the nimble feel of the Honda Fit second gen.
Oh well. I don't think I could have justifed a return to a Fit even if they had fitted it with stability control - the reason I bought the Subaru is for hauling the family around this year and upcoming years to go skiing and visit winter Yosemite. So I really need AWD at this point.
I drove the Cube to work this morning, in a cross wind free environment, and it brought a smile to my face. It is zippy and handles surprisingly well.
Maybe if I can justify keeping a mini-fleet of cars, I will keep the Cube until my stepdaughter can drive.
Otherwise I will have to sell it.
But I definitely still have Fit fever. My 2008 was one heck of a fun daily driver, and got awesome gas mileage, and the flat floor with nice rear seat meant I could easily haul 3 small kids in the back - and it was cross wind terror free. How many small cars can do that.
Sigh. I definitely still have Fit fever. I wonder if I can keep the Cube until the 2011's come out with stability control? And trade the Cube in on a 2011 Fit?
Anyway I just bought at Subaru Impreza '09 sedan on close out on a "can't refuse" deal -it is quiet, accelerates strongly - BUT - it doesn't have the nimble feel of the Honda Fit second gen.
Interestingly, I traded in my 08 Fit for a Subaru Tribeca 7-passenger version and traded in my 07 Subaru WRX wagon for the 09 Honda Fit. The WRX is a great handler but the Fit, with its light structure and overall "smallness" is no slouch....at least the 09 "sport" version.
I personally think such small 1.5L type engines require a manual trans for maximum efficiency, than have the barely adequate power being sapped by the Torque-converter equipped Automatic. Also, I *never* got less than 35mpg and several times over 40mpg, in my 08 Fit in mixed driving conditions.....I don't use any of the "hypermiling" techniques that several people seem to be fond of using, other than the fact that when steady-state cruising or when going downhill, I coast - at or a little over 5mph over the posted limit - with the clutch fully pressed in. The 09 Fit is still being broken in, but based on the partial fillups I did, I got 35.4mpg calculated (36.6mpg as per the computer).....and this is with the fuel sapping break-in driving with constant rpm changes....very, very encouraging. The only unusual thing I do in my Fit, is that I like putting Shell or BP premium fuel than the regular fuel that the manufacturer says is okay, primarily since this is a fairly high compression engine at 10.4:1 and thus can take advantage of premium.
My original intention was to replace the 07 WRX wagon with one of the remaining 09 Subaru WRX STIs but the Fit finally won out, and I am not un-happy.
My 09 Rabbit is my FTD vehicle - they vastly improved the handling over the last generation 2001/2004 editions I had. With the 170 hp and improved handling, it is much more like the GTi than like the former Golf - but with a much quieter cabin.
The Impreza 2.5i four door has a great engine, but the springs are too soft (or the shocks) because it has too much body roll - it wallows - but it has AWD and handles reasonably decently. I've just been spoiled by better handling cars ('09 Focus, the Rabbit, the '08 Fit). Consumer Reports gives the Impreza the "best small car ride" ever gold star, but I wish it had a little more of the WRX DNA in it.
Being a cheapskate and intending to live a long time, I think you made a better choice going with the '09 Fit. But see if you don't eventually come around to agreeing with me that stability control isn't just the wave of the future, it's at least as essential as power windows. I think my corner carving abilities are just fine, and I never push to the point of any drifting or tire drama, but it's nice to know there is an electronic nanny to help me out if I miscalculate slightly (I realize stability control can only help so much) or hit a patch of gravel or something else slippery, like water or ice.
The new Subarus are very cool, from the Impreza and Forester introduced last year, to the Outback this year. They framed the windows, quieted them down, and of course no one has a better reputation for AWD than them.
The Impreza 2.5i four door has a great engine, but the springs are too soft (or the shocks) because it has too much body roll - it wallows - but it has AWD and handles reasonably decently. I've just been spoiled by better handling cars ('09 Focus, the Rabbit, the '08 Fit). Consumer Reports gives the Impreza the "best small car ride" ever gold star, but I wish it had a little more of the WRX DNA in it.
Yeah, the WRX pushes the handling envelope quite a bit over the base Impreza. It has got stiffer suspension all around (without being harsh), beefier stabilizer bars front and rear, significantly more quicker steering with better feel, wider and lower profile tires, Turbo high-revving DOHC boxer engine and a variety of other things that make it feel like a totally different car than the base Impreza.
The STI pushes the chasm even wider. It has even more stiffer (and different) suspension around and differs from the WRX and other Imprezas in having Aluminium suspension bits and also different geometry for the front struts. Unlike the rest of the Imprezas (including the WRX) who have open differentials in the front/rear, the STI has a mechanical Helical differential in the front and a Torque-sensing (torsen) differential in the rear. Also, unlike the rest of the manual-transmissioned Subarus (including the WRX and Legacy GT), who employ a cheaper viscous coupling type center differential, the STI employs a beefy mechanical Planetary-gear-based Center Differential that operates hand-in-hand with electronically controlled but hydraulically actuated Transfer clutches and drives with a majority of the power/torque going to the rear wheels (but can swiftly transfer more to the front - or the sides - if conditions require it). Of course the 6-speed of the STI is WAY more beefier and can take WAY more power than comes stock, unlike the less able WRX transmissions or even the daintier 6-speed employed in the Legacy GT. The 4-piston brembo brakes and dual-piston brembos that the STI employs in the front and rear are WAY more beefier and WAY more capable than the ones that come with the WRX, with larger and more denser rotors that can absorb a LOT more heat to maintain the braking efficacy for longer. Of course that also means that the wheels have to be larger and wider in the STI (18x8.5 vs 17x7 of the WRX) to accomodate the larger brakes.....along with 245mm wide tires vs 225 of the WRX. The HIDs that the STI gets (over all other Imprezas) is just an additional aside.
People mistakenly think the difference between the WRX and the STI is a little bit of extra power in the STI but the reality is entirely different. The STI stands alone, and all other Subarus (including the WRX) stands separate from it.
Being a cheapskate and intending to live a long time, I think you made a better choice going with the '09 Fit. But see if you don't eventually come around to agreeing with me that stability control isn't just the wave of the future, it's at least as essential as power windows. I think my corner carving abilities are just fine, and I never push to the point of any drifting or tire drama, but it's nice to know there is an electronic nanny to help me out if I miscalculate slightly (I realize stability control can only help so much) or hit a patch of gravel or something else slippery, like water or ice.
Agreed that Honda should have included the stability control into the Fit and it is a definite plus over not having it. But having driven vehicles with and without it, I guess I don't miss it too terribly, since I just drive within the car's dynamic limits, and don't push excessively beyond it. I managed just fine with the 08 Honda Fit in Minnesota winters, even without Snow tires....and the conditions last winter was especially harsh.
I am surprised the Fit was ok in the winter without snow tires - Consumer Reports in their tests indicated snow tire on a FWD car did equally as well as AWD with all season tires..
The thing I like about the stability control system on the Nissan Cube (and also apparently on the current edition Scion xB based on my research) is that if one wheel starts to slip on this FWD vehicle, the stability control can activate the brake only onthat slipping wheel, essentially pushing the power back to the wheel with traction - so that you get most of the benefits, at least for starting out on a slippery surface, of a limited slip differential.
This is big since my friends cabin at Tahoe, like many cabins, has it's garage at the end of a driveway (downhill) and its tough trying to drive back out since the driveway gets snow plowed much less frequently than the street in front - and the street in front much less frequently than the minor highway servicing that development. Maybe Minnesota is flatter, and you didn't have to struggle up - or back out of - a sloping driveway.
Still it does make you wonder why Calif requires chains at the first threat of snow, while the snow states go merrily on their way with all season tires on FWD and even RWD (small pickups etc.) vehicles.....
Let me preface this by saying that I live in central Georgia, where winter weather is not a major concern. When I bought my Fit, I specifically chose not to buy one with stability control, for two reasons:
1. I like the handling of the Fit as is--it's nimble and tossable. I don't know how aggressively the stability control on the Fit intervenes, but on other cars I've driven, it seems too aggressive in cutting back the fun factor.
2. The stability control on the '09 model is only available in combination with the navigation system. So it adds a lot to the price of the car.
For 2010, stability control is available only with automatic transmission--so if I were buying now, that would be another reason not to, in my opinion, as the autobox saps a significant amount of the car's delightful responsiveness.
Our Accord has traction control (not stability control). It's a plus in very limited circumstances, and has never seemed like a hindrance. But somehow the idea of stability control, regardless of how effectively it might be implemented, just seems much more invasive to me.
The cool thing about the Impreza/STI/Forester is that most of the parts are interchangeable. Most bolt right on.
But note that even though you may be able to do quite a bit of swapping between the Forester/WRX/Impreza and even between the Legacy and the Imprezas, the STI is a bit different (strange as that sounds).
None of these other suspensions (including the one belonging to the WRX) will mount into the STI and vice-versa, since the front/rear geometries are different. The STI's stabilizer bars won't fit into any of the other Imprezas (mounting points are different). The STI's wheels are not swappable onto any other Impreza (or Legacy) based vehicle (totally different specs), which is because the STI has a totally different design of the hubs/axles (all other Subarus employ 5x100 speccd wheels that fit into the smaller hubs, while the STI employs different/larger sized 5x114.3 wheels/hubs and proportionately larger axles).
PS: By "STI", these specs only refer to STIs after the 2004 model year. The 2004 model year STI was similar enough to the WRX to enable its wheels etc to be directly swapped onto the WRXs of that year and also every other WRX or Forester that have come since. Thus the 2004 model year STI wheels in particular, are in great demand by WRX and Forester owners, since they are forged and light, while not having the "aftermarket" look.
I am surprised the Fit was ok in the winter without snow tires - Consumer Reports in their tests indicated snow tire on a FWD car did equally as well as AWD with all season tires..
Agreed. Put snow tires on a vehicle like the Fit and it would be well nigh unstoppable in the snows - even without stability control. In the snow, having narrower tires (like the ones in the Fit) is actually an advantage, unlike say in good weather high-performance driving where a larger contact patch provided by the wider tires, is more advantageous.
This is big since my friends cabin at Tahoe, like many cabins, has it's garage at the end of a driveway (downhill) and its tough trying to drive back out since the driveway gets snow plowed much less frequently than the street in front - and the street in front much less frequently than the minor highway servicing that development. Maybe Minnesota is flatter, and you didn't have to struggle up - or back out of - a sloping driveway.
Under such conditions, a Fit with snow tires would scoot right up without even blinking an eye, as long as the snow is not too deep. Snow tires are designed to remain pliable, even when the temperatures drop to negative levels and the tread pattern is designed to dig in. IMO, snow tires would be the primary factor that will help under such conditions, even though having stability control will be an added plus.
Ground clearance is another factor that comes into play, since in deep snow, these vehicles simply would not have the ground clearance to go through (even if the tire is able to dig in with adequate grip), since they would just "float" in deep snow. Under such conditions, vehicles like the Subaru Outback or Tribeca or Forester with adequate ground clearance will be needed (if not an SUV).
The good thing about Minnesota is that since there is a lot of snow, the infrastructure of the cities are geared to swiftly clear them out, as soon as it snows. People tend to have snow plows (hand-operated or vehicles with snow plough attachments - depending on the size of the area or driveway that need to be cleared) and thus private driveways etc are pretty quickly cleared off too. Thus deep snows through travel roads etc are not very common and a Fit (especially with snow tires) would do just fine.
I have to agree with the above statement about a small FWD car with good snow tires. I have been driving a small 17 year old Toyota for quite some time now in Northern New England and I can say that I have not once gotten stuck or stranded due to snow or ice. I have even lived at the top of a street in Vermont with a 16% grade and with snow tires never had a problem getting up the street and in my driveway. Although I don't currently own a Fit, I am considering one for my next vehicle and would not even flinch based upon snow concerns to purchase another small FWD vehicle.
Another thing to consider when purchasing winter tires, maybe downsize your tire width and accordingly adjust the aspect ratio as contrary to popular belief, a narrower tire is better in snow than a wider tire. I run a 155/80-13 snow tire (pizza cutters) and my vehicle still performs great during wintery and colder dry conditions.
The Fit, especially in Sport trim, doesn't have much ground clearance. If I lived in deep snow country I'd be more worried about ground clearance than about traction. Then again, if I lived out there, I"d probably drive an Xterra instead.
I don't really need more ground clearance for snow... my roads get plowed before it gets too high. But they don't get plowed quickly enough to assure that you won't be driving on an inch or two, and my area is hilly. My 2007 fit with its all-season tires cannot make it up the hills out of my neighborhood until after the plows come, whereas I had no problem with the AWD vehicles I've had in the past. Maybe I'll try snow tires this year. If that doesn't do it, my next car may be an Element. I'd sure miss the MPG though.
Fit is a great for short distance run or as a commuter car - if you're willing to live with the bouncy ride. The good mileage (33 mpg avg when driving around suburbs), fun-to-drive factor, and huge cargo space makes it a decent utility car, but not a great long-distance car. To quote my daughter' who suffered 8 hour ride on the back seat, the ride is very bouncy. To quote my wife, the passenger seat seems to be more uncomfortable than the driver's seat.
BTW, if you drive a lot on long stretches of highway, buy auto tranny, not manual. The auto revs little below 3,000 rpm when you hit 80mph, but the manual will go upto 4,000. I did not like the engine noise if I sustained the rpm over 4000 for extended period.
Here's what I "learned" when driving a Fit Sport (auto) on a long trip with total of 2 adults and two teenagers.
- when trying to quickly accelerate to about 80mph, you have to force downshift to 4th gear. The rpm goes over 4,000 and the engine whines for a short while, but it's worth it. If you don't, the car WILL NOT accelerate - especially if you are already going about 70 mph and there's a big SUV tailgating you.
- The engine noise at cruising speed ( 80 mph, and 3k rpm) is acceptable in my mind, but near 4000 rpm, it starts to bother me as the sound becomes more whinny. I think the road and wind noise is about "normal" for a compact car.
- The car felt stable even at 90mph, though it took a while to reach that point.
- it's easier to use cruise control to control speed and maintain the same speed. If not using cruise control, you often drop speed without realizing and it takes an effort to get it up there again. The cruise control will automatically drop the gear to 4th when you go up a hill. BTW, my GPS showed 81 mph, when the speedometer was slightly less than 80 mph.
- imperfect road surface gives you very BOUNCY ride.
- you really have to focus keeping the car in the lane when there's some cross winds.
- front bumper area picks up all sorts of dirt and road grime, but the windshield is relatively free of bug spots.
- driving through mild rain was okay. I haven't tried driving through heavy rain yet.
- The sound from speakers somehow start bothering you after about 1 hour of listening. I think the sound quality lacks ... something... bass maybe ?
I do agree that the ride on a Honda Fit could be a bit bouncy, mostly because of the use of a torsion beam rear suspension to increase rear interior space (we're not talking the current Honda Civic, which uses a sophisticated and somewhat space-robbing multilink rear suspension). However, the current 2nd-generation Fit does ride WAY better than the original model, mostly because Honda redesigned the body structure so you don't feel every bump on the road like you get with the older model.
I did put snow tires on my 07 Fit this year, just on the front tires. And we have had the weather to test them out! So I wanted to report, yes, they indeed make a big difference. The lightly snow-covered hill I couldn't get up last year felt like a dry road this year. The bigger hill after that gave me just the slightest loss of traction at one point, but I still had no problem getting up safely in my first attempt. I'm sure it's still not as good as a heavier all-wheel drive with traction control, and of course it makes sense to use caution on slippery roads no matter what, but it's nice to not feel trapped at home on bad weather days anymore.
Be careful not to fish tail. The rear doesn't have the same level of traction as the front, so in a steady state turn, the rears will break loose first every time.
Just take it easy, and consider gettting snows for all 4 corners.
For 2012, Asian and European versions of the Honda Fit/Jazz are receiving a new CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and enhancements to exterior and interior. A Hybrid model option, with unique visual treatment and a CVT, will also be available.
Honda USA has not yet confirmed which updates will be implemented for N. America.
According to the first link, it will get 30KM/L, or about 70mpg! Why can't we get this exact car here? Maybe it would cut into the Insight's sales too much.
Is there going to be a 2012 FIT exported to the USA this year?
The FIT assembly line is between Tokyo and the Radiation site. It has been plagued by power outages hampering production. Additionally, other countries have rejected the importation of cars from other plants in that area due to high levels of radiation detected on the cars. (although the FIT was not specifically mentioned.)
Will Japan be able to pull it together to get a 2012 FIT into US showrooms or will this be a lost year? I see no new FITS at all at dealers lots in my area right now.
Will they need to manufacture the FIT elsewhere?
Will this mean the end of the FIT production for the USA for a while? :confuse:
It almost seems too easy to Fit out Americans with a gas-saving vehicle like this one. I desperately want a practical hybrid, but as soon as there's hope, up pops another regulation on exporting or something of that nature.. figures.
hello, got new honda fit sport model, and really love it ! its fun to ride and sporty..!!
there is one thing which is pretty strange ..when getting out of car, if my headlights are on, and if i lock the car and walk on, headlights stay ON !!! i lost total battery today and had to call for jumpstart... i had 04 accord which i traded in and it used to turn light off..so never realized..I leave home early during earlt dark hours and by the time reach work, its daylight so dont notice that i left lights on.
is it just with my fit or anyone in townhall have seen same? if its true then really a bummer..!!
Has anyone got wind of the Fit Shuttle (extended version of the Fit) coming to the US. The sales people are totally worthless and looked at me like I was speaking swahili or something. Looks like I'm going to be waiting till the 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show because also the new 2012 CR-V going to be there too.
The dealership that I purchased my 2010 Honda Fit Sport from has some kind of trade in program because they claim they have high demand for used Fits and Civics, so they are offering to put me in a new Fit with the same or lower monthly payment. I haven't look at the 2012 Fit Sport, but I really love the Fit. Has anyone heard of this trade-in come-on? My car has 10,000 miles on it and I'm in Northern California. The dealer I bought it from had the best price of any dealership in this area, so I was pretty happy with the experience. I wouldnt mind a new car, but do I really need one? probably not.
It's a scam. I get those all the time and so does everyone else. Dealerships contract with a marketing company to send those out to get you in the door to sell a new car and low ball your used car and sell financing. Been going on for years for all makes and models. That marketing is targeted to someone who currently has "new car dreaming" on their mind to get them to the dealership.
The way to save money, and have money in the bank is to buy one reliable car and drive it until the wheels fall off.
I do appreciate wanting a new car and I too look at the new Fits in the lot when I drive by the dealership weekly. But I am saving so much $$ each month on my 2009 base Fit, that I am loving it, so I forget about it.
I agree...it's a big SCAM. Plus when they say your monthly payment will be the same what they don't tell you is that you'll be making the monthly payment for a longer period of time. So you're payments for your 2010 may be done in 3 years, but if trade in and buy new you're paying for the next 5 years.
Any advice on what I need to do to keep up with the maintenence? It runs like a charm. Dont like that it takes 10,000-12,000 before it needs a oil change. I like to do it around 4,000. But the repair guys say its not necessary, I should wait till the monitor gets to 15%-10%. Ive already had the minor service check service done on the car with front brakes a few thousand miles later. Plus 1 rear shock was replaced. Any idea when a tune up or coolant flush should be done? Or lastly.. When should the hoses be replaced? I do alot of freeway driving mostly.
One thing to note about synthetic oils is that the monitor is showing you the amount of protection that the oil has left. If it actually reaches 0, then it's not "time to change it", but it's that the oil is essentially water at that point in terms of protecting the engine.
Most manufacturers are changing the monitors to be half as long so that when it says 0, it's actually at 50%.
GM (this I've personally verified) and most manufacturers now are recommending to change synthetic oil about every 6K miles or 6 months. It costs twice as much, so it's the same cost per year, essentially. Just less waste in our environment and less imported oil.
A reporter would like to speak with a Baby Boomer who recently (within the last year) purchased a compact or subcompact car. If you can assist, please contact pr@edmunds.com with your preferred contact information by July 17, 2013
Comments
No visible changes or changes in specs.
One tantalizing ad blurb on the "Performance" page -
Metro Dynamo!
A revised suspension makes it quick on the draw with shockingly sporty handling.
But that's just a web blurb - can't tell whether handling on the 2010 was actually upgraded, possibly in response to magazine and web viewers who complained the second generation Fit doesn't handle as well as the first generation (at least as shipped to America) - or whether the "upgrade" refers to the first generation/second generation differences (which weren't an upgrade, in handling at least). The specs page shows a 17mm rear sway bar on the Sport but none on the Base; to get a real upgrade in handling, they'd need to add the sway bar to the Base and bump the tire size on both models from 175/185, respectively, to 195.
Since the Sport actually rides a little harsh on the 16 inch wheels, while the Base tends to lean too much, it still looks like the sweet spot in handling and ride would be a Base model with 195 performance tires on the 15 inch rims plus an aftermarket rear sway bar to kill the lean without making the ride too harsh (the diameter of the 195 tire upgrade, assuming you do a 60 profile, matches the stock tire).
A little bit of background on how I replaced my 08 Fit and managed to snag an 09....I paid a little less than $15K for my base 08 Fit MT and traded it in, a year and 17,000 miles later, for $12,000 flat ! After having traded it in and when I drove off the dealer's lot with my new 7-seater AWD vehicle (which we need in my neck of the woods), I felt rotten at having let the versatile and fuel-sipping Fit go. It almost felt like abandoning a child at a stranger's location and I could not sleep the whole night, just thinking of not having a Fit in the garage. I went back a couple of days later, shelved my plans to get a high-performance car and bought an 09 Fit Sport. Now all is well with the world, with a Fit in the garage. Whew ! :shades:
For my 08 Base, I bought some take-off "Sport" 15" rims with the 195 tires and thus drove extensively with the Sport 15" rims/tires and also the "Base" 14" rims with the narrower 175 tires.
My opinion is that the 15" rims of the 08 sport with the 195mm wide tires were definitely grippier and was more confidence inspiring in the turns (when compared to the 14"/175mm tires of the "Base" model) but rode a bit harsher and even more importantly, extracted a whopping 3-5mpg penalty on the car. That was significant. I of course swapped the base wheels back onto the car before trading it in and still have the 08 15" Sport wheels (with TPMS sensors) lying at home and might sell it off on fitfreak.net shortly.
Now to come to my impression of the 09 Fit Sport MT....
The car immediately feels more "substantial", considerably more stiffer (in a good way) and more planted than the 08 Fit versions. The handling is definitely more confidence inspiring when compared to the 08 and feels distinctly sporty. The Civic-SI sourced steering on the 09-Fit-Sport feels right at home. However, I liked the shifter-feel of the 08s WAY more than the 09s, since IMO, the 08s had the classic Honda snickety-snick feel while the 09s feel a bit less so with a dry-rubby feel....I am hoping it is a matter of needing to get used to it a bit more. Overall I am VERY impressed with the 09s and hope to keep it around for a while and not have to go through the trauma of not having a Fit in the garage.
Well and if Honda had quieted down the Fit a little more. It still gets bad marks from the usually accurate Consumer Guide online ratings for noise levels, and that was borne out by my '09 test drives.
I am, alas, not completely happy with the Nissan Cube I bought. The CVT is FANTASTIC but the blockiness of the car means I get a fair amount of wind noise. More significantly it is prone to getting buffeted by strong crosswinds, which are rare but not as rare as my previous cars would have led me to believe (they didn''t get squirrelly the way the Cube does).
Anyway I just bought at Subaru Impreza '09 sedan on close out on a "can't refuse" deal -it is quiet, accelerates strongly - BUT - it doesn't have the nimble feel of the Honda Fit second gen.
Oh well. I don't think I could have justifed a return to a Fit even if they had fitted it with stability control - the reason I bought the Subaru is for hauling the family around this year and upcoming years to go skiing and visit winter Yosemite. So I really need AWD at this point.
I drove the Cube to work this morning, in a cross wind free environment, and it brought a smile to my face. It is zippy and handles surprisingly well.
Maybe if I can justify keeping a mini-fleet of cars, I will keep the Cube until my stepdaughter can drive.
Otherwise I will have to sell it.
But I definitely still have Fit fever. My 2008 was one heck of a fun daily driver, and got awesome gas mileage, and the flat floor with nice rear seat meant I could easily haul 3 small kids in the back - and it was cross wind terror free. How many small cars can do that.
Sigh. I definitely still have Fit fever. I wonder if I can keep the Cube until the 2011's come out with stability control? And trade the Cube in on a 2011 Fit?
Interestingly, I traded in my 08 Fit for a Subaru Tribeca 7-passenger version and traded in my 07 Subaru WRX wagon for the 09 Honda Fit. The WRX is a great handler but the Fit, with its light structure and overall "smallness" is no slouch....at least the 09 "sport" version.
I personally think such small 1.5L type engines require a manual trans for maximum efficiency, than have the barely adequate power being sapped by the Torque-converter equipped Automatic. Also, I *never* got less than 35mpg and several times over 40mpg, in my 08 Fit in mixed driving conditions.....I don't use any of the "hypermiling" techniques that several people seem to be fond of using, other than the fact that when steady-state cruising or when going downhill, I coast - at or a little over 5mph over the posted limit - with the clutch fully pressed in. The 09 Fit is still being broken in, but based on the partial fillups I did, I got 35.4mpg calculated (36.6mpg as per the computer).....and this is with the fuel sapping break-in driving with constant rpm changes....very, very encouraging.
My original intention was to replace the 07 WRX wagon with one of the remaining 09 Subaru WRX STIs but the Fit finally won out, and I am not un-happy.
The Impreza 2.5i four door has a great engine, but the springs are too soft (or the shocks) because it has too much body roll - it wallows - but it has AWD and handles reasonably decently. I've just been spoiled by better handling cars ('09 Focus, the Rabbit, the '08 Fit). Consumer Reports gives the Impreza the "best small car ride" ever gold star, but I wish it had a little more of the WRX DNA in it.
Being a cheapskate and intending to live a long time, I think you made a better choice going with the '09 Fit. But see if you don't eventually come around to agreeing with me that stability control isn't just the wave of the future, it's at least as essential as power windows. I think my corner carving abilities are just fine, and I never push to the point of any drifting or tire drama, but it's nice to know there is an electronic nanny to help me out if I miscalculate slightly (I realize stability control can only help so much) or hit a patch of gravel or something else slippery, like water or ice.
The new Subarus are very cool, from the Impreza and Forester introduced last year, to the Outback this year. They framed the windows, quieted them down, and of course no one has a better reputation for AWD than them.
But I still like the Fit.
Yeah, the WRX pushes the handling envelope quite a bit over the base Impreza. It has got stiffer suspension all around (without being harsh), beefier stabilizer bars front and rear, significantly more quicker steering with better feel, wider and lower profile tires, Turbo high-revving DOHC boxer engine and a variety of other things that make it feel like a totally different car than the base Impreza.
The STI pushes the chasm even wider. It has even more stiffer (and different) suspension around and differs from the WRX and other Imprezas in having Aluminium suspension bits and also different geometry for the front struts. Unlike the rest of the Imprezas (including the WRX) who have open differentials in the front/rear, the STI has a mechanical Helical differential in the front and a Torque-sensing (torsen) differential in the rear. Also, unlike the rest of the manual-transmissioned Subarus (including the WRX and Legacy GT), who employ a cheaper viscous coupling type center differential, the STI employs a beefy mechanical Planetary-gear-based Center Differential that operates hand-in-hand with electronically controlled but hydraulically actuated Transfer clutches and drives with a majority of the power/torque going to the rear wheels (but can swiftly transfer more to the front - or the sides - if conditions require it). Of course the 6-speed of the STI is WAY more beefier and can take WAY more power than comes stock, unlike the less able WRX transmissions or even the daintier 6-speed employed in the Legacy GT. The 4-piston brembo brakes and dual-piston brembos that the STI employs in the front and rear are WAY more beefier and WAY more capable than the ones that come with the WRX, with larger and more denser rotors that can absorb a LOT more heat to maintain the braking efficacy for longer. Of course that also means that the wheels have to be larger and wider in the STI (18x8.5 vs 17x7 of the WRX) to accomodate the larger brakes.....along with 245mm wide tires vs 225 of the WRX. The HIDs that the STI gets (over all other Imprezas) is just an additional aside.
People mistakenly think the difference between the WRX and the STI is a little bit of extra power in the STI but the reality is entirely different. The STI stands alone, and all other Subarus (including the WRX) stands separate from it.
Being a cheapskate and intending to live a long time, I think you made a better choice going with the '09 Fit. But see if you don't eventually come around to agreeing with me that stability control isn't just the wave of the future, it's at least as essential as power windows. I think my corner carving abilities are just fine, and I never push to the point of any drifting or tire drama, but it's nice to know there is an electronic nanny to help me out if I miscalculate slightly (I realize stability control can only help so much) or hit a patch of gravel or something else slippery, like water or ice.
Agreed that Honda should have included the stability control into the Fit and it is a definite plus over not having it. But having driven vehicles with and without it, I guess I don't miss it too terribly, since I just drive within the car's dynamic limits, and don't push excessively beyond it. I managed just fine with the 08 Honda Fit in Minnesota winters, even without Snow tires....and the conditions last winter was especially harsh.
We have an 09 Forester but I helped pay for my mom's Fit so I guess I'm part owner of that.
I am surprised the Fit was ok in the winter without snow tires - Consumer Reports in their tests indicated snow tire on a FWD car did equally as well as AWD with all season tires..
The thing I like about the stability control system on the Nissan Cube (and also apparently on the current edition Scion xB based on my research) is that if one wheel starts to slip on this FWD vehicle, the stability control can activate the brake only onthat slipping wheel, essentially pushing the power back to the wheel with traction - so that you get most of the benefits, at least for starting out on a slippery surface, of a limited slip differential.
This is big since my friends cabin at Tahoe, like many cabins, has it's garage at the end of a driveway (downhill) and its tough trying to drive back out since the driveway gets snow plowed much less frequently than the street in front - and the street in front much less frequently than the minor highway servicing that development. Maybe Minnesota is flatter, and you didn't have to struggle up - or back out of - a sloping driveway.
Still it does make you wonder why Calif requires chains at the first threat of snow, while the snow states go merrily on their way with all season tires on FWD and even RWD (small pickups etc.) vehicles.....
1. I like the handling of the Fit as is--it's nimble and tossable. I don't know how aggressively the stability control on the Fit intervenes, but on other cars I've driven, it seems too aggressive in cutting back the fun factor.
2. The stability control on the '09 model is only available in combination with the navigation system. So it adds a lot to the price of the car.
For 2010, stability control is available only with automatic transmission--so if I were buying now, that would be another reason not to, in my opinion, as the autobox saps a significant amount of the car's delightful responsiveness.
Our Accord has traction control (not stability control). It's a plus in very limited circumstances, and has never seemed like a hindrance. But somehow the idea of stability control, regardless of how effectively it might be implemented, just seems much more invasive to me.
But note that even though you may be able to do quite a bit of swapping between the Forester/WRX/Impreza and even between the Legacy and the Imprezas, the STI is a bit different (strange as that sounds).
None of these other suspensions (including the one belonging to the WRX) will mount into the STI and vice-versa, since the front/rear geometries are different. The STI's stabilizer bars won't fit into any of the other Imprezas (mounting points are different). The STI's wheels are not swappable onto any other Impreza (or Legacy) based vehicle (totally different specs), which is because the STI has a totally different design of the hubs/axles (all other Subarus employ 5x100 speccd wheels that fit into the smaller hubs, while the STI employs different/larger sized 5x114.3 wheels/hubs and proportionately larger axles).
PS: By "STI", these specs only refer to STIs after the 2004 model year. The 2004 model year STI was similar enough to the WRX to enable its wheels etc to be directly swapped onto the WRXs of that year and also every other WRX or Forester that have come since. Thus the 2004 model year STI wheels in particular, are in great demand by WRX and Forester owners, since they are forged and light, while not having the "aftermarket" look.
Agreed. Put snow tires on a vehicle like the Fit and it would be well nigh unstoppable in the snows - even without stability control. In the snow, having narrower tires (like the ones in the Fit) is actually an advantage, unlike say in good weather high-performance driving where a larger contact patch provided by the wider tires, is more advantageous.
This is big since my friends cabin at Tahoe, like many cabins, has it's garage at the end of a driveway (downhill) and its tough trying to drive back out since the driveway gets snow plowed much less frequently than the street in front - and the street in front much less frequently than the minor highway servicing that development. Maybe Minnesota is flatter, and you didn't have to struggle up - or back out of - a sloping driveway.
Under such conditions, a Fit with snow tires would scoot right up without even blinking an eye, as long as the snow is not too deep. Snow tires are designed to remain pliable, even when the temperatures drop to negative levels and the tread pattern is designed to dig in. IMO, snow tires would be the primary factor that will help under such conditions, even though having stability control will be an added plus.
Ground clearance is another factor that comes into play, since in deep snow, these vehicles simply would not have the ground clearance to go through (even if the tire is able to dig in with adequate grip), since they would just "float" in deep snow. Under such conditions, vehicles like the Subaru Outback or Tribeca or Forester with adequate ground clearance will be needed (if not an SUV).
The good thing about Minnesota is that since there is a lot of snow, the infrastructure of the cities are geared to swiftly clear them out, as soon as it snows. People tend to have snow plows (hand-operated or vehicles with snow plough attachments - depending on the size of the area or driveway that need to be cleared) and thus private driveways etc are pretty quickly cleared off too. Thus deep snows through travel roads etc are not very common and a Fit (especially with snow tires) would do just fine.
Another thing to consider when purchasing winter tires, maybe downsize your tire width and accordingly adjust the aspect ratio as contrary to popular belief, a narrower tire is better in snow than a wider tire. I run a 155/80-13 snow tire (pizza cutters) and my vehicle still performs great during wintery and colder dry conditions.
Still, I wouldn't be out there unless I had snow tires - at least.
BTW, if you drive a lot on long stretches of highway, buy auto tranny, not manual. The auto revs little below 3,000 rpm when you hit 80mph, but the manual will go upto 4,000. I did not like the engine noise if I sustained the rpm over 4000 for extended period.
Here's what I "learned" when driving a Fit Sport (auto) on a long trip with total of 2 adults and two teenagers.
- when trying to quickly accelerate to about 80mph, you have to force downshift to 4th gear. The rpm goes over 4,000 and the engine whines for a short while, but it's worth it. If you don't, the car WILL NOT accelerate - especially if you are already going about 70 mph and there's a big SUV tailgating you.
- The engine noise at cruising speed ( 80 mph, and 3k rpm) is acceptable in my mind, but near 4000 rpm, it starts to bother me as the sound becomes more whinny. I think the road and wind noise is about "normal" for a compact car.
- The car felt stable even at 90mph, though it took a while to reach that point.
- it's easier to use cruise control to control speed and maintain the same speed. If not using cruise control, you often drop speed without realizing and it takes an effort to get it up there again. The cruise control will automatically drop the gear to 4th when you go up a hill. BTW, my GPS showed 81 mph, when the speedometer was slightly less than 80 mph.
- imperfect road surface gives you very BOUNCY ride.
- you really have to focus keeping the car in the lane when there's some cross winds.
- front bumper area picks up all sorts of dirt and road grime, but the windshield is relatively free of bug spots.
- driving through mild rain was okay. I haven't tried driving through heavy rain yet.
- The sound from speakers somehow start bothering you after about 1 hour of listening. I think the sound quality lacks ... something... bass maybe ?
Just take it easy, and consider gettting snows for all 4 corners.
Still, the front brakes do most of the stopping. I'd want snows on all 4.
For 2012, Asian and European versions of the Honda Fit/Jazz are receiving a new CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and enhancements to exterior and interior.
A Hybrid model option, with unique visual treatment and a CVT, will also be available.
Honda USA has not yet confirmed which updates will be implemented for N. America.
http://world.honda.com/news/2010/4101008All-New-Fit-Hybrid/
http://world.honda.com/news/2011/4110301Geneva-2011/index.html
No matter...nobody is buying the Insight anyway.
The Insight is too low and cramped to appeal to Fit buyers seeking economy AND convenience\comfort.
The 2012 Honda Jazz (European Honda Fit) model information is now available online for your viewing pleasure.
Follow the link:
2012 Honda Jazz
The FIT assembly line is between Tokyo and the Radiation site. It has been plagued by power outages hampering production. Additionally, other countries have rejected the importation of cars from other plants in that area due to high levels of radiation detected on the cars. (although the FIT was not specifically mentioned.)
Will Japan be able to pull it together to get a 2012 FIT into US showrooms or will this be a lost year? I see no new FITS at all at dealers lots in my area right now.
Will they need to manufacture the FIT elsewhere?
Will this mean the end of the FIT production for the USA for a while? :confuse:
Check your tires:
bruce scher
got new honda fit sport model, and really love it ! its fun to ride and sporty..!!
there is one thing which is pretty strange ..when getting out of car, if my headlights are on, and if i lock the car and walk on, headlights stay ON !!! i lost total battery today and had to call for jumpstart...
i had 04 accord which i traded in and it used to turn light off..so never realized..I leave home early during earlt dark hours and by the time reach work, its daylight so dont notice that i left lights on.
is it just with my fit or anyone in townhall have seen same? if its true then really a bummer..!!
pl tell
fifthwheel
Odie
The way to save money, and have money in the bank is to buy one reliable car and drive it until the wheels fall off.
I do appreciate wanting a new car and I too look at the new Fits in the lot when I drive by the dealership weekly. But I am saving so much $$ each month on my 2009 base Fit, that I am loving it, so I forget about it.
Most manufacturers are changing the monitors to be half as long so that when it says 0, it's actually at 50%.
GM (this I've personally verified) and most manufacturers now are recommending to change synthetic oil about every 6K miles or 6 months. It costs twice as much, so it's the same cost per year, essentially. Just less waste in our environment and less imported oil.