Honda Fit

jazz4me

First off, I really appreciate all the postings and check this forum every day for updated info. I own a '91 Civic HB Std. I've written Honda before about bringing back the Civic hatch in Std, DX etc trim. Customer rep called me back and said they do listen to customer concerns. I am going to write them again about why the Jazz/Fit "variation" (Dick Colliver, Honda Exec VP) is taking so long to get here in the U.S. among other issues. Here is the address:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Blvd
Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7D
Torrance, CA 90501-2746

The Jazz line in AU (GLi & VTi/VTi-S) would be "close" to perfect:
Gli SOHC i-DSI 1.3L-1339cc HP 82@5700rpm, Torque 88@2800rpm
Fuel Economy Combined Cty/Hwy-41 Manual

VTi/VTi-S SOHC VTEC 1.5L-1497cc HP 109@6000rpm, Torque 106@4800rpm
Fuel Economy Combined Cty/Hwy-39 Manual

(Info obtained using unit/metric converters)
http://www.taylormade.com.au/billspages/conversion_table.html
http://locost7.info/converter.php
http://www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm

From Autoweek: Michael Robinet, vice president for global forecast services at CSM Worldwide in Farmington Hills, Mich., said the U.S. Fit will arrive early in 2006 as a 2007 model. He said it will be powered by a 1.5-liter engine equipped with dual overhead camshafts and direct fuel injection.

Hurry up 2006! I believe this car will sell like crazy. I'm saving up for it NOW!!

jazvan

Same here. My 96 Civic with 150K miles is still hitting 40mpg on ocassion and I decided I am not going to go backwards (not by much anyway). I was waiting for the Stream - and no-go. I was really disappointed when the Mazda5 came up with 27mpg highway and that is off the list. If Honda doesn't deliver the goods I am waiting until someone else does. The Airwave looks nearly perfect. BTW I can't even find gas for $2.50 here!

-Jaz

jdnewcomb

Ray,
I like your ideas for air but I WANT THE ECONOMY OF THE 83 HP ENGINE. This is plenty of power to haul 5 people around and many will welcome the economy. I know that I would buy an 83 HP Jazz.

204meca

My 92 civic Si with 169K still gets over 30 mpg in mixed driving 40+ on the highway. I had a 92 HX 5 spd that really did get over 50 mpg highway (gave to my son) & a 97 HX CVT sold after a year & went back to Si because HX seats were not comfy enough for my wife.
Now, at 55, I would like a few more comforts such as higher seat position, PW, PL..., but really want an economical hatch for my daily driver. I have considered Ford Focus, Mazda3, Kia Spectra5, Subie Imprezza, Hyundai Elantra GT (nice car, had one of those also -- also went to son) and all the usual suspects, but the lure of magic Honda combo of performance, economy, and overall feel keeps me holding out for the Jazz.
Make my Jazz the 1.5 with CVT. I hope the US model offers cruise control and a sunroof.
I'm writing to Honda as soon as I get off Edmunds!

flubuk

The Airwave looks great. They would sell me one in 2 seconds if they sold it here. It's exactly what I'm looking for. I didn't like the xA or xB because of styling (too funky), and have looked at the Kia Spectra5 (not sure, would like Honda quality) and the Mazda 3 wagon, but this is exactly what I'd want, with Honda reliability and great gas mileage. Great vehicle! C'mon Honda USA!

eatlybird

I am looking at buying one of these small vehicles I also have an option for the Toyota Duet which seems to be the same as the Daihatsu Storia and also related to the Daihatsu Sirion
and the Toyota Vitz and Platz. Anyone care to comment on these car and give a 1,2,3 rating,.
Thanks.
Orville.

204meca

I found this site for the English (UK) version of the Jazz: http://www.honda.co.uk/front.html.
It is loaded with detail on standard equipment, all options (including dealer installed ones)...

After I reading the standard equipment list (CVT, SAB, sunroof, driver's seat height adjustable ) plus a myriad of options (including an armrest -- hooray!), and a large number of professional and consumer reviews I am completely smitten. If Honda doesn't bring the Jazz to the USA, I may have to smuggle one over!

georget

Great info on the UK site

fixed link
UK Site

georget

Honda Jazz

40 mpg city
60 mpg highway

Meanwhile, GM is ramping up production of their large SUVs because they are convinced that there will be a huge demand this year, and they make around $3500. profit on each one.

backy

Bear in mind that's the equipment on the UK-spec Jazz. The U.S. version may be quite different. For example, the UK-spec Prius gets a height-adjustable driver's seat and meaty wheels/tires. The U.S.-spec model does not, not even as an option.

hungarian83

The Jazz is an excellent car, but remember...

if you do decide to seriously export to the United States (which many people have thought about!)
at todays exchange rate of £1/US$1,90: £11 800 = US$22 400
(from the information you gave I assume you meant the 1,4 i-DSI SE)
Not to mention shipping costs, customs fees, EPA (?)

Also, the 1,4 liter engine is actually the 1,3 sold in Japan.
If Honda of America decides to sell the Jazz in the US, it would be the 1,5 engine.

Unfortunately, the price is not much better in most other countries either.
France ($17 250 for base model, $22 200 for mid-range CVT)
Hungary ($13 800 for base, $17 700 for mid-range 5 speed -- no automatic available)

As I have said earlier, Americans will be getting quite a price break if the Jazz actually arrives!

makabe

I suspect that the 60 mpg highway and 40 mpg city numbers quoted are for "imperial gallons." If so, then the numbers for US Gallons would be 50 mpg highway and 33.3 city. Remember that a US gallon is only 83.26% of an Imperial Gallon. Also, those numbers were for the 1.2 (1.3?) litre engine which we would probably never get in the US. The 1.4 (1.5?) mpg in US gallons are 46 mpg highway and 36.5 mpg city. Still respectable, but not earth shattering. Now, a diesel in a Jazz in the US...I can dream, can't I?

hungarian83

Actually, the 1,2 liter engine is only sold in Europe, but not Japan

Europe:
1,2 liter engine = 1246 cc
1,4 liter engine = 1339 cc

Japan:
1,3 liter engine = 1339 cc
1,5 liter engine = 1496 cc

The 1,3 liter and 1,4 liter are the same engine, just named differently for the two markets. Out of these engines, only the 1496cc (1,5) would arrive in the US.

georget

Your absolutely right. I forgot about the imperial gallon. I thought it was extra nice of the UK site to list the fuel economy in MPG for us Yanks.

That Honda diesel is suppose to get phenomenal mileage in the Accord.

makabe

The diesel Accord with a manual tranny weighs 3300 lbs and gets 52 mpg hwy and 33 mpg city. The Jazz only weighs 2350 lbs (1.4/manual) so, based on the Accord weighing 40% more than the Jazz, I think it's reasonable to expect better mileage, maybe in the 60-65 hwy/38-43 city range. I'm definitely in for one if it ever comes here! Biodiesel/grease, here I come!

204meca

Yes, I realize that a US spec could be different & the imperial gallon is different. It still sounds mighty good to me & should they market in the USt, hopefully we could get many of the UK goodies. And I certainly would not brave the red tape nightmare of attempting to import one -- notice is said "smuggle"!

As promised, I did send a letter to Honda about a week ago. To my surprise I came home to a message on my answering machine from Honda thanking me for my interest. The bad news is that they said that they had was no information regarding if or when the Jazz might be available in the USA, but that the letter of interest would be passed on. If you believe that the squeeky wheel gets the grease, you might want to take 5-10 minutes & write stating your potential interest in purchasing this model -- you might want to threaten to purchase a Toyotat or Kia also Can't hurt... but holding ones breath could be dangerous at this point!

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Blvd
Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7D
Torrance, CA 90501-2746

backy

That's bad news that Honda didn't have an immediate answer for you on the availability of the Jazz/Fit. Because they have previously made statements to the press about importing the car in 2006. If they now have no public position on availability, that could mean back-tracking on Honda's part.

jazz4me

They also called me today in response to my letter to them. I got the same story about them having no information as to the Jazz/Fit coming to N. America. I was told that there is a market for this type of vehicle in Japan & Europe, but not in the US. They told me that the citizens of the US prefer SUV type vehicles! C' mon members, you need to write Honda and let them know how you feel. The address has been posted twice. (Strength In Numbers)

blackraven

If Honda is really willing to bring the Fit/Jazz to the N.A. market, they should and they better do it soon.

Toyota will bring in its Yaris Hatchback and Sedan (Vitz in Japan) to the US and Canada starting October 10th, 2005 and go all-out beginning January 2006. It would even be more frightening to Honda if Toyota decides to install the "1.4 liter D-4D commonrail turbodiesel engine" on the Yaris.

http://www.donlen.com/buildstart_toyota.asp - articles

Aside from that, Mitsubishi also plans to sell its high-earning mini, the Colt (and perhaps the Colt Plus) on N.A. soil.

And Nissan will also bring a similar car to compete with (either K12 March/Micra or Z33 Cube/Cube Cubic)

It's gonna be an all-out competition for this market segment so you guys definitely hope that Honda won't screw up in bringing the Fit/Jazz (and perhaps their other compact models).

sniffles

I sounds like Honda is telling two different stories about bringing the Fit/Jazz to
the USA. Check this web site out.

http://hondapreview.com/fit/index.htm

strager

confirms plans for Fit. Considering that the Fit sized Scion xA is selling poorly, I'm not sure whether the Fit will do that well. Honda needs to offer a larger 5 door hatch for the U.S., imo.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101661

fhartmann

This is the letter I just put in the mail to Honda. I agree together we might be able to make a difference!

Dear Honda,

I am a very satisfied owner of a 1991 Honda Civic (hatchback). Despite its age and mileage, the car is in excellent condition, or rather has been in excellent condition until recently, when it was rear-ended. Having anticipated that our car would eventually have to be replaced, my wife and I have saved up enough money to pay cash for a new car.

We would like to stay loyal to Honda. But to our dismay we found out that Honda is no longer selling any models similar to the Civic hatchback: An agile, versatile and fuel-efficient car. I spoke to several dealers who recommended the Civic Si. However, I have been less than impressed by the Si’s poor fuel economy.

Through several automotive websites I have learned that Honda might be finally reintroducing a hatchback to the U.S. in 2006, which could be something similar to the Jazz/Fit sold outside the U.S. If such a car would indeed be released soon, I am even willing to drive our (damaged) Civic for another 8-10 months.

I have found out from Toyota that it will begin taking orders on the 2006 Yaris hatchback starting December 10, 2005. If Honda does not have a comparable car on the horizon at this time, I will see myself forced to give up my loyalty to Honda.

Dallas Morning News reporter Terry Box recently wrote that 85% of Scion buyers are new to Toyota, “with most coming from Honda.” It would be very sad if your car company has started to give up on the entry-level and compact car markets. Unfortunately, at the moment this seems to be the case.

backy

Hopefully that is not what Honda will tell us. As for me, if there is no Fit (or whatever the name) in the fall of 2006 when I buy my next car, it will probably be back to Hyundai (the new Accent or Elantra) instead of returning to Honda.

204meca

For now it looks like Honda's right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. I hope that the Honda folks in California are the ones who are wrong.

Great letter Fhartmann - lets help Honda to realize that not all Gringos want a SUV! I am also going to call or send a letter to Larry Mallory of Kirkland Honda (he was referenced in the Autoweek article).

Yesterday I drove the Scion TC & Scion xA. Both are nice cars, but don't match my heart's desire. The TC felt quite good -- comfortable seats & rather substancial for a small car, good low end grunt, relatively quiet, smooth ride & took corners very flat (had 18" wheels/tires) but is a little larger than I need & gas milege not that great. Also I read somewhere that when the hatch is wet & opened waters draining in the car - not too great in the wet Pacific NW. The xA also has a very solid feel & moved along reasonably well. The brakes were touchy and the center instruments are smallish and would take a bit of getting used. The seating position was good, but ride seemed on the harsh side at times and no armrest -- not even as an option! Stereos have way too many buttons for us 50+ types - true of Mazda3 also. One of the things that I really like about the Jazz is the fact that the HVAC and sound system appears to have decent sized, straight forward controls.

micweb

There are accessory armrests now...they used to be aftermarket, but the local Scion dealer has them in their catalog now.

badodyssey

we'll have the fit/jazz here by 07 latest. Word from a close insider at Honda I know

I LOVE the car! I've seen hopped up versions from Japan, and can't wait to get one! My wife wanted a scion xb...lol...not in a million years. not that I don't like the car, just won't ever NOT buy a Honda!

Thanks Honda for giving us a great car, great size and great gasmileage!

mebman

The problem is Honda hasn’t yet given us this car. True this is a GREAT car (I've been in one in the UK). But take a look at the 1st posting of this thread. We've been waiting since 2002 for this car to come while the rest of the world has enjoyed its benefits. I'm so mad at Honda I could spit nails. They really keep dragging this out forever while gas is over 2$/gallon and we need a new, more efficient car NOW not 07 or even 06, NOW.
I say bring the Jazz/Fit here now as is, don’t wait for the redesign.

backy

We may have to wait for the redesign because the current Fit was designed long before the IIHS side impact test--might be difficult for such a small, light car to pass it. I have no proof but I suspect that is one of the major reasons why Honda seems to have pushed back from sending the Fit here. They would not want any of their cars to "fail" a crash test, since their other models do very well in such tests.

204meca

I confess to being just a teeny bit confused. The Fit & Jazz appear to be the same vehicle -- is that correct?

backy

Yes... hence the name of this discussion. It's called by different names in different countries. Who knows what it will be called here.

tnash

I'm getting to the end of my patience with Honda for keeping this a big secret. What are they afraid of, losing sales in a market segment that they're already losing sales in by letting us see the car that we already know is coming? Give me a break! I've owned 3 Civics since 1989, but between my exasperation with their glacial engineering progress (this is the first generation Civic where using the windshield washer turns on the wipers too), the incredibly sloppy design, handling and assembly of my '01 coupe, (thanks for discontinuing the double wishbone suspension guys) and now this hand-wringing about releasing a car that could put them back on top of the subcompact game, I'm ready to jump ship. I loved my '89 Si hatchback so much that I drove it for 2 years after it was paid off, put 196,000 miles on it, and felt like I'd shot my dog when I traded it in. In contrast, I despise the overrated, overpriced EX I've got now and can't wait to get rid of it. The local Toyota dealer is getting a Matrix like I want next week, and odds are it'll be in my driveway long before Honda pulls their heads out of their butts. Or if Toyota confirms the Yaris hatch, I may wait for that. And Hyundai is also on my radar. Good luck to Honda in their quest to be the next BMW or Buick, or whatever. I'm going to find the car company that's trying to be the next old Honda, and makes practical, fun, and affordable cars like they used to. And I plan on writing to Honda Customer service like jazz4me and fhartmann and letting them know why they're probably going to lose my business. :mad:

mebman

I couldn’t agree more!
Honda is as slow as can be, and entirely too secretive about their plans. Some of us need to replace an old car with a new one and would like to plan on a model and timetable.
I had 2 cars to replace, and after 3 years of waiting for the Jazz/Fit I just couldn’t wait any longer. So I traded my wife's Honda CRV in for a 05 Toyota Prius. The Prius is a really cool car and the mileage is great, but after having seen the Jazz in London on vacation, I would have bought it in a heartbeat first if it were only available. I will give American Honda until Christmas to bring the Jazz to the US then I am going back to Toyota to replace my 2000 Honda Accord. I have been a Honda owner for 15 years and last week was my first Toyota. Honda had better get the lead out or they will continue to loose more long time customers like me.

boomchek

The jazz/fit is coming but Honda isn't releasing it till March of 06 cause it might take away from the sales of the redesigned 06 civic coming in september. Thats the news we honda dealers got here in Canada.

ludexr

Can anyone confirm a Honda Fit next generation sport coupe.
Found photo on a Russian site.
http://www.prelude.ru/internetclub/account.pl?type=atcl_more&to=hondaauto&id=469
Thanks,
Ludexr

newangeles

Is there anybody out there who likes to customize the JAZZ/FIT?

PF_Flyer

In addition to asking here, you might want to check out our latest addition to the boards here and see if anyone is working on their Jazz/Fit over on the Speed Shop: Tuning & Modification board!

PF Flyer
Host
News & Views, Wagons, & Hybrid Vehicles

The Mazda Mania Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule

hungarian83

No, that is not a future model of the Jazz or Fit. It is a badly done photoshop, as are some of the other pictures on the page...the worst being the "picture" of the Civic sedan.

This issue actually came up previously in this forum, but just to restate the facts. It is quite obvious that the rear half of the so-called "Jazz" is actually the Toyota Ist (sold in the United States as the Scion xA). I don't remember where the front of the car is from, but this is not a real Honda model.

kewk

In China they sell a Sedan version of the Fit. Considering Americans generally do not embrace hatchbacks, I'm hoping they bring it to the US. Anyone heard rumors on this?

fjac1207

Dear fhartman I want You to know that after I read Your opinion in this forum I decided to login just to tell You that this car the Honda Fit or Jazz is an excellent vehicle and my wife owns one, the year model of it is 2004 and I just have to tell You that this car is a little wonder in come with ABS brake system, power windows and lock and also power mirrors, SRS Airbag for driver and passenger, security bars on the doors, air conditioning, power steering and also oem magnesium wheels that makes it a full package for the price that it has, My wife's car give Us a very good fuel economy running about 45 miles per gallon this is wonderful if You're looking for a good gas mileage car oh! and I forget to tell You that this one has an automatic transmission that runs very smooth. About the interior space this one is the roomiest of all when You're inside You feel that the old 91 Civic is smaller and I told You that because I also had a 91 Civic Hatchback, now I have a 1994 Civic LX and this is a wonderful car and I just have to tell You that I'll be forever Honda. So go ahead wait and buy it You will be thankful again with Honda, bye. and by the way I'm writing You from Guatemala in Central America. Good Luck.

jmiller1984

I've followed this discussion with interest as I'll soon be in the market for a new car and I want to keep it small, keep it simple, and keep it economical. Oh, and I want it to be well made and retain a decent resale value. Sounds like a Honda or Toyota, or maybe a Mazda, right? In fact, at present, my wife drives an Acura 3.2TL, my son drives a Mazda Protege5, my daughter drives a Scion xA.... and get the New Beetle. I want to replace the aging VW.

Now, about the Fit. I think the real problem for Honda is the fact that they appeal mainly to more mature drivers. That's not to say "old", but rather not necessarily the very youthful drivers that once were their core customer base. Scion, Hyundai, and others have taken many first-time buyers from Honda. During this same time, Honda designs have reflected a more mainstream and mature focus, with the exception of the the Element, which is too expensive for most first-time buyers. So if Honda wants to sell the Fit in the U.S. they will have to make some serious marketing changes or their potential buyers won't even appear on the corporate radar.

Even more challenging for Honda is the fact that there are only so many butts in America that are capable of fitting in a Fit. Americans keep getting bigger so, while smaller, more efficient cars are exactly what is needed for lots of reasons, the average American rear-end simply cannot squeeze into a Fit. The Koreans can undercut the Japanese automakers, and Scion is already pretty well established. Certainly a several year headstart and with Toyota bank-rolling them, Scion has a real advantage.

So is there really a meaningful market for another subcompact? It's going to be difficult competing on price with Hyundai, and on quality with Toyota. This is nothing new for Honda, and I understand the Fit has sold very well in markets where heart disease is not the number one killer. I sure hope I get a chance to find out if I can fit my backside in a Fit.

204meca

The Scion xA seems a worthy - perhaps best competitor (for cars available in US), to the Fit, Althought not a match for interior space. It is definitely on my short list for an urban driver, thought the ride is a bit stiff. What kind of milege does you daughter get with her xA?

jmiller1984

I'm sure the xA is capable of getting better mileage than allowed by my daughter. She is a very attentive driver, but she's just 18 and, like many teenagers, tends to drive a bit aggressively. Come to think of it, I'm way past my teens and I tend to drive aggressively too! Anyway, she's averaging about 24 mpg with most of her driving done around town. The a/c is used occassionaly and the car is an automatic.

The Fit will have to be an excellent vehicle to compete, but I'm sure Honda will get it right and then we'll have two great subcompact options. I'm hoping that I have the opportunity to replace my Beetle with the Fit. Then we can have both in the family and enjoy two economical, well-built cars that are perfect for zipping around town and for short commutes.

micweb

It might not be your daughter's lead foot. I get terrible mileage in the city too. I think the EPA "city" ratings are way off.

texas_jazz

You are exactly right. To get better fuel economic on cars, we American need to trim down not just the rear-end, but the whole body. It will be good for the health (so U.S. will not be the #1 heart disease in the world) and the environment (lighter car and lighter occupant for better fuel economic).
I still would like Fit to compete in the U.S. so the people want to save the environment and the pocket book will have a incentive to loose the extra pounds to FIT in the FIT. This way we can all be FIT, do you get it? I hope Honda uses the name FIT, it is a perfect name for the U.S.
If everyone driving light footed, does not matter it is a Hybrid or regular, we all get better fuel economic combine and save the environment together.
I just have one question, when people will start to trade in the monster SUV? May be when oil price reach $100 a barrel. When those above $100 oil reality hit U.S. it will be too late for the Big Three to start re-tool for small fuel efficient cars. This time it will be worse than 1973, since the price of oil will not come back down for good. G.M. will lay off not just 25,000 worker they announced few days ago, it will be more like 100,000 plus. If GM starts to make small fuel efficient car today, GM may save 75000 jobs in the next 3 years.
I am one of those American that suck more than 25% world's oil. I am frustrated that I have to wait more than 4 years(since Fit is available all over the world) to save the environment and depleted oil natural resources.
Honda just don't understand the reality same as the U.S. policy maker. Since the cheap oil will be no longer coming, everyone is on the same boat for the future.
Even at $200, there may not be enough oil to go around. Then the people will feel like a fool not trade in their SUV why they can. Because it will be very difficult to give away when gas is not available.

georget

Other than a 77 Subaru that only lasted 60k miles, ALL of my other cars that I have ever owned have been American. The quality of cars has gotten much better over the years, but so has the salary, benifits and pension of the US auto worker, which totals close to $60.00 an hour. Do they deserve it? Sure they do. Can a US car manufacturer build a small car that sells for $10,000 and make a profit? No way.

The only vehicles that make business sense are the big pricy SUVs. They loose money on anything smaller and cheaper.

US auto worker = $60 / hour
Japanese auto worker = $20 / hour
Chinese auto worker = $2 / hour

I would love to see the US design an ultra simple, cheap, fuel efficent car that they can make a decent profit on, and still pay there workers $60 an hour.

texas_jazz

You are right about the business side of the theory to make expensive SUV to hold the corperate profit line. What about the limited supply of oil and environmental effect of gas guzzler? When only few doctors, lawyer, Hollywood movie stars and Bill Gates can afford the $ 200plus oil. Then what do you think it will happen? The current way of thinking is irresponsible. GM makes $2 / hour car in China, but it sold in China. Many American cars GM sold in the U.S. were made in Mexico and Canada. Don't blame everything on China! U.S. government is brain washing the public to focus problem far away. It is the corperate greed that make the CEO shut the U.S. plant down and headed south across the boarder. Don't try to mix the problem by pointing finger far away. Since China will not sell Made in China cars in the US until 2007. Japan has been building cars in the U.S. for more than 20 years. How can Japan building cars here and U.S. brand can not? So your theory does not work? May be you need to do a little more research before posting misleading info to the public. The US auto worker rate is the same rate as the Japanese cars made here in the US. There is nothing wrong with American pride, but the fact is more important. Until the corperate greed replace with American pride, the U.S. Auto industry is heading into a dark territory! Now comapny like GM losing Billions of dollar is the managment problem, when years ago CEO and management decided to use cheaper parts to maximize profit. The stage already set, it will be very difficult to bring back the consumer confidence. I believe most Americans are patriotic, but many of them are not rich, so to strech the falling value of US doallar to the fullest, everyone has to get the most for the bucks. High price of US made cars spent most of the cost on wage and mangement million dollar bonus(when company is losing money, management still getting big bonus by laying off American workers) than quality parts. Sure there are few lucky ones that their American cars last quite a while, but you have to look at the big picture-the average. We are talking about the facts, I have nothing go against America. Go online and look at all the servey you will know the answer. Bring back the American Pride, Kill the Corperate greed. Enron is a good example of the Corperate greed.

bhogge

I agree as well. i have seen the jazz / fit or whatever branding tag is put on this vehicle and must say that it is a winner. on the road in japan, indonesia, thailand, singapore and a few other asia outposts and must say that you see many of them - which when considering the cost of autos in some places like singapore - tells a story. you see families...middle age people and grandma behind the wheel. this is on my radar screen as a next car - as a near down town resident of houston the idea of very small - very agile - and high economy sounds great. at 6' 3" the idea that the interior space is good is a must and a plus. judging from honda's past of giving folks my size a pretty confortable ride is a plus. i remember looking at a rav4 when shopping for my 97 crv - it didn't take long. the toyota is a fine vehicle but you need to be a dwarf to fit. so the crv fit the bill and has done so well in the 8 yrs of ownership. having bought five hondas over time and usually opting for keeping cars simple i can foresee the jazz / fit making into my driveway and being there for 8 to 10 years. i just hope the interior space is right - if so - it is a done deal.

troynoh

I do think with the exception of the current Civic all Honda have been worth the wait. Honda wait way to long to update Acura models and now all the models are selling very well. Some so well you can't get them here in Ohio w/o a wait. The Fit will be a best seller in its class. Honda has done many things I do not like, but I will say they create the best car on earth. Having owned a Hyundai, which is a HUGE REGRET, I will never do it again. One must think that Honda knows what they are doing. They are, by far, the most conservative car company and likes to play it safe. So if we have to wait for excellent products to come on the market then we should. I find Toyotas to be the Japanese Buick. No style whatsoever and no character in driving. Look at a 98 Camry and a 98 Accord. Which one still looks good? Of course the Accord. Honda is also one of the few companies that still widely offers manual transmissions. I for one an happy they do! No if they only made a Ridgeline with a manual!

milkylog

ok, I'm walking around Hot Import Nights taking pics and what do I see tucked away in the corner??

THE SPOON SPORTS FIT!!! The steering wheel was even on the right hand side!

The Album is here:

http://fitfreak.net/gallery/

http://fitfreak.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=9

http://fitfreak.net/gallery/albums/2005_06_HIN/DSC004851.jpg

jojojo

if the FIT ever comes out.. will there be a wait list? i hope not! am trying to keep my 84 civic wagon going until i can get a FIT. almost broke down and got an xa but it's a toyota.. :P