Honda Fit Interior and Passenger Comfort Concerns

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Comments

  • masik03masik03 Member Posts: 10
    The rear seats have two tilt positions. Yours may be in the relax position. Pulling up all the way on the rear backrest release allows you to change the angle of the rear back rest. Hope this helps.
  • ramoramo Member Posts: 66
    Thanks hungarian and masik; I'll go out there and relax! R.
  • bollweevilsbollweevils Member Posts: 2
    I'm 6'9" tall, and if there's anything I've learned it's that the outside of the car (or anything else) has little to do with how well it's going to fit me. I ride a Vespa, if that tells you anything. When I sat in the Fit, it was just okay. I didn't test drive it, but found that it was mildly comfortable for me. If the steering wheel telescoped, I'd be able to put my knees behind the wheel, rather than to its sides. I should say that I sat in a Vibe and a Matrix on the same shopping trip and found them to be much less suitable (and adaptable) to my height.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I'm trying to picture you driving with your knees on either side of the steering wheel, and I can't see how that can be comfortable, or even safe, to do! :surprise:
  • lecracklecrack Member Posts: 6
    Sounds stupid, but I carry a cell phone in my left pocket. When I get in and out of the car, it catches on the rubber door seal and rips my pants just below my pocket. I'm more careful getting in and out now...but if I'm not conciously remembering to watch it, I'll still rip my pants. Gone through 5 pairs now. Hasn't happened for a while, but I'm just wondering if anyone else on earth has experienced this :blush:
  • cmkcmk Member Posts: 59
    Heh heh, not a weird question, I made sure to try laying down in the back when i was at the dealership. I'm 6'2", and I felt like I could sleep in it, I laid diagonally and was pretty comfy.

    But I'd have to have a bag or mat, because I was in the cargo area, not on the seats, because (to answer you actual question) no, the rear seats do not recline past a relaxed upright seating position.
  • mattschechtermattschechter Member Posts: 58
    lol... I did the same thing. The other thing you could do is put it into "Long Mode" and then stack cargo up to the height of the reclined front passenger seat so you have a relatively flat surface. With a sleeping pad, this would give you a pretty comfortable 7'10" to sleep.
  • mattschechtermattschechter Member Posts: 58
    So its been less than a week since I took delivery and I'm already in love with my car (aside from the common complaints, of course). The one catch is that I can't seem to find the perfect seat position that makes both the pedals and wheel in the right place. I can get it to where either the pedals or the wheel are just right, but the compromise position is only adequate for both. It's almost as if the ankle of my pedal foot has to be bent too much to be comfortable for a long period of time. FYI I'm normal size (5'10") and proportion. Is anyone else experiencing this? Any thoughts?
  • dewaltdakotadewaltdakota Member Posts: 364
    My ankle was getting cramps in it, if I had the seat moved far enough forward, to get a decent bend in my elbow. To resolve it, I had to move the seat all the way back, and now hold the steering wheel at "4 and 8", instead of "10 and 2." There's just something weird about the angle of the gas pedal...
  • fitman548fitman548 Member Posts: 172
    I have this problem too, I'm a shade under 6'.

    I need the wheel to come out about 2 inches.
  • mattschechtermattschechter Member Posts: 58
    well it's nice to know i'm not alone... i'm not cramping or anything but I'd agree that the wheel could be further from the dash or the pedals in deeper. despite the Fits lack of seat height adjuster, I don't think this problem would be solved by a change in the seat... it's got more to do with the ergonomics in the dash/drivers-side compartment. so have you guys thought about any solutions? i'm wondering if a thick steering wheel cover might help or maybe even pedal extensions :confuse: ... thoughts?
  • amclamcl Member Posts: 3
    I just picked up my Fit yesterday, love the car but definitely having problems with the seat/petal position. I have tried putting a 1" block under foot, helps somewhat. the pedal seems to be at the wrong angle and could go back 1"- 2" - wonder if it is possible to reposition the pedal ?">
  • rms777rms777 Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking to replace my 94 accord wagon and I can't give it up because tossing my bike in the back without taking off the wheel is too convernient. I'm still waiting for the right solutiom and i guess the Fit won't do it.
  • kingpenguin78kingpenguin78 Member Posts: 5
    Although I am still waiting on my Fit (due Monday) and have only test driven it once I did notice that the placement of the pedals and the seating were different then my current '94 Civic EX Sedan. At first I thought it was weird, but then realized it is because of the fact you are sitting higher then would would in a 'normal' passenger car. It sort of reminded me of my mom's Matrix or the mini-van my parents had a few cars ago.

    Is this a bad thing? Not really... At first it is 'different', but like all things given enough time you grow used to it. Then when you get back in a classic passenger car configuration you will feel that it is completely foreign.

    I guess the moral to the story here (for everyone) is don't judge things on first impressions. Sure, you don't get a passenger side mirror or an armrest but these are things that can be solved aftermarket. Totally not reasons to not buy such an innovative car as the Fit.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    This issue has been discussed a lot in the Addressing the Fit's Shortcomings discussion. One thing to try is to get a wedge-shaped seat cushion and put the thicker part of the cushion in the front. Theoretically it should allow you to move the seat further forward while still providing sufficient thigh support. I am 5'10" too and have the same problem with the Fit's driver's seat.
  • amclamcl Member Posts: 3
    I have been driving with a towel rolled up under my right knee, seems to help. I hope
    to eventually get comfortable driving this car, so far it really bothers my knee & hip, I test drove this car 4 times and didn't notice this problem - will check out the wedge shape cushions.
  • mattschechtermattschechter Member Posts: 58
    So I drove for about 200 miles in the Fit this weekend and for long distances the seat/pedal position is definitely not fantastic. The wedge shaped seat cushion/towel idea seems good, but I feel like the real problem is too much ankle-bending. It's as if the default position of the gas pedal is too close to vertical and so my foot has to bend upward with too acute an angle to be comfortable. I find that my foot is much more comfortable when accelerating than cruising (could this layout be an intentional ploy by Honda to get us to zip around and enjoy the acceleration?? J/K)

    Compounding the problem is the large distance between the bottom of the pedal and the floor, which means that my foot needs to be close to the plane of the pedal in order to reach it safely (I've got size 11 feet). Because my foot needs to be close, my ankle has to bend up higher than it would if I could have my foot further away. Next time your driving, try lifting your ankle off the floor and moving it back a few inches toward you... it's a better position if only you didn't have to keep your leg lifted!! This makes me think that a partial fix would be to decrease the floor-pedal distance with a flat thick object. Last night I tried my LA Thomas Guide map book (about 1.5 inches thick) and it seemed to help. Of course, this isn't a permanent fix but if one were to sandwich some foam between two floor mats and thereby raise the entire floor of the drivers side compartment I think this could help a lot... I'm going to be experimenting this week and I'll let you guys know what happens. One issue I'm expecting to encounter is loss of seat contact at the front edge of the seat and the lower thigh... this may be remedied by the wedge foam device that Backy suggested. Do you guys think this could work?

    Of course, other than the above problems, the distance driving was a blast... uphill acceleration was great and the high-speed cornering on freeway transitions was too much fun to be good for me.
  • mattschechtermattschechter Member Posts: 58
    So I haven't figured it all out yet but I have an interesting initial observation... I measured the vertical distance from the level floor of the drivers compartment to the bottom edge of the pedal in the various cars that I have access to. The Nissan Pathfinder and the Volvo V40 Wagon both had a vertical distance of 3" (+/-.25") while the Fit had a distance of 5". Me thinks this is indeed the root of the problem. Raising the floor is an option but so too is adding some sort of lowering extension on the pedal... a combination of the two might be best as there is a limit to lowering the pedal while keeping the full range of motion. Developments as they break.
  • fit_nessfit_ness Member Posts: 58
    I raised the floor pan area with one of those heavy duty black all weather storm mats which "Fit" nicely. Then, I topped it off with a rear mat from a set of BJ's heavy duty 50 oz carpet mats. (The front mats from the package Fit both sides of the rear floor very well and very snugly.) This combo completely protects and covers the cheap Honda carpet in the driver's area, raises the floor at least 1 1/2 inches, does not slide around, and does not interfere with the pedals. It doesn't Fit quite so nicely on the passenger side because of the different shape, but works OK.

    (I drive long distances barefoot or in socks, including two 1000 mile drives. 5'11", Size 10 1/2 and comfortable.)
  • frogdaddyfrogdaddy Member Posts: 33
    Anyone know what the 4 anchors are in the rear cargo area for?
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    Anything you want to hook in.

    More specifically though the cargo net accessory has two positions, one of which uses all four of the anchors.
  • ramoramo Member Posts: 66
    We had a 3 person snooze for 2 hrs.One person was in refresh mode and got a good nap (6 ft. sleeper). Child slept on floor, behind front seats, passenger area, Driver reclined seat over child. I won't trade this car except maybe for a hybrid Fit.
  • getnfittywiditgetnfittywidit Member Posts: 50
    stuff rolls around pretty good back there. I have my metal (tall) tennis ball hopper anchored to two of them with little bungi cords. Works great to keep it standing and off to the side leaving plenty of room for the racquets and gym bad. Also have two bag chairs in there and there's still room for more. I love the cargo area. Thought I couldn't do without my '95 Accord Wagon, but we're managing pretty well. I never put a bike in my wagon, though, so can't help you there.
  • familyofmoonfamilyofmoon Member Posts: 9
    I keep the passenger front seat reclined all the way back so that my 3 year old can sit on that side with her legs on the back of the front seat, doesn't cut off her circulation, gives me a good view of her and she doesn't drop things on the floor.
    had to stop for a rest the other day and i lay on that front seat very comfortably i'm 5'8"
    i love my fit
  • ilkirkilkirk Member Posts: 3
    You do realize that there is a hitch available that you stick a bike rack on, right? According to the web site, it'd be pretty easy to install, too.

    http://www.etrailer.com/products.asp?model=Fit&category=hitch&year=2007&make=Hon- da&t1=&h=e
  • marbsmarbs Member Posts: 2
    Pehaps I am just hyper-sensitive to this seeing as this is my first new car in quite a while (I have been driving a Ford Festiva since 1994), but it seems when the AC is on it cycles quite frequently (every 8 or so seconds) and drastically. Also the cycling is quite noticable as far as a pushing and pulling feeling when driving. It is especially noticable when accelerating from a stop. When the AC is turned off (but fan still on) I feel none of this. I have a manual sport. The sensation when the compressor turns off and on is like the feeling of an automatic shifting gears. One other slight thing I noticed is that when going fairly slow and then braking (to go over a speed bump) the fan drops dramtically for about a second then comes back up. This seems to correspond with the rpms dipping momentarily below 1000. Again this is only when the AC is on. I am just wondering if anyone else notices these things at all. I absolutely love my car, so I just want to make sure everything is working as it should. I have only driven 200 miles or so, trying to keep it below 2500 rpm as much as possible. Thanks.
  • carfanatic007carfanatic007 Member Posts: 267
    Sounds normal to me. AC does steal some HP from the engine.
  • elsabaeelsabae Member Posts: 4
    I have a manual base model. The AC does not cycle noticeably and does not noticeably impact the power. I would say you have something wrong. The only difference between our cars is some accessories.

    Just in case, you might want to read up on the Lemon Law and keep a diary of all your interactions with your dealer. They get 3 shots to fix something, but you have to be able to prove each attempt.

    BTW, I didn't start getting great mileage until after I had 2000 miles. Now I am getting 40-41 in mixed rural/highway driving. And I love "fitting" into those little parking places!
  • 91hatchback91hatchback Member Posts: 6
    I've noticed similar behavior with my base MT Fit. I would not say it is drastic, but I can feel it when the AC compressor cycles on. I have not measured the frequency, so I can't say if it cycles every 8 seconds or so.... I'll have to see the next time I have the AC on. Do you notice it cycling that frequently all the time or just on really hot days? I'll have to see if I notice the same behavior as your Fit....
  • marbsmarbs Member Posts: 2
    I live in the south so it is pretty much always hot down here. I have tried turning the temp on the AC to warmer and it still does it with as much frequency. Usually from a dead stop to 5th gear (~50mph) It has cycled off,on,off and on. I will [non-permissible content removed] into say 2nd and it will shut off, giving the car more pickup. I shift into third at a steady acceleration and halway through the 3rd gear it turns on slowing me down a bit and cutting the acceleration. It doesn't happen at the same rpm or gear each time. Does anyone else notice the fan cutting out when lettign the foot of the accelerator and immediately braking (especially when the blower is on 4)?
  • bprendersonbprenderson Member Posts: 99
    Marbs,

    Take your Fit asap to the dealer get it fixed. Something is wrong! :sick:

    Bubba
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    I have noticed this as well on my 5MT. Yesterday I was stuck in quite a bit of rush hour traffic and for much of the time I was just rolling around in 1st gear. Sometimes at lower speeds when I started to accelerate, the A/C would cause a jerking sensation. If I turned the A/C off, it subsided. It's just the load placed on a smaller engine by the A/C, so I wouldn't worry. However, if you are concerned, I would just ask the Honda dealer. I'm not really worried, but I might ask my dealer when I do the oil change.

    When I shifted into 2nd, it never happened.
  • fitman548fitman548 Member Posts: 172
    Sport AT.

    Never had these cycling problems with the AC. It isn't really really cold (not like wife's TSX) but it's ok. I do disengaged the AC button when I go to merge on the highway sometimes.
  • dewaltdakotadewaltdakota Member Posts: 364
    If you're thinking you'll get away from the cycling A/C issue by getting an '06 Civic, you're in for a disappointment. They're complaining about the very same thing over on the Civic boards.

    The general consensus is that Honda has things set up to automatically turn off the compressor, once you hit a certain rpm level. Once you drop back down below this threshold (around 3500?), then the compressor will kick back in. It's supposed to help provide you with power when you need it, by reducing the strain on your engine.
  • getnfittywiditgetnfittywidit Member Posts: 50
    This is so weird. I've been driving the car with the AC on nearly CONSTANTLY for the past 6 weeks. I have never noticed the recycling AC problem. And I run warm (I'm always hot), so I'd think I would have. Is it possible it's not happeneing on every model?

    Much like the fact that I'm getting only 29mpg while others are topping off at 38-41? Not all cars are doing the same things.
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    I've been wondering the same thing - that not everyone is getting the same thing out of their cars. I haven't noticed any cycling with the AC, but I don't think it's the most efficient one I've ever had. I'd call it adequate as long as you aren't in direct sunlight. I keep saying I'm going to get the windows tinted because I've noticed the sun through the windows when I'm driving home in the late afternoon does raise the temperture quite a bit, especially when it is over 100 degrees outside. When I get in the shade (sun behind a building or mountain) it feels cooler.
  • pueopueo Member Posts: 6
    To make it up steep hills I turn off the AC in my trusty 20 yr old Toyota Tercel wagon (whose orig AC is nice and cold unless it is a hot day!) and turn it back on after I crest the hills. Been doing this for years. Always wondered if it wore out the compressor to be turned on and off, but apparently not, as Honda has now built in this feature automatically.

    Also figured that my beloved old car's engine would probably outlast its AC compressor, and I'd have to send it up north for its final years, where AC isn't so critical. Plenty of miles left in this fine old car.

    Following a 4-month wait, my new Fit is supposed to arrive in 2 wks. I'm ready.

    Anyone up north want a great basic transportation Tercel with good karma and manners? ;) (never stranded me ever. not once!)
  • hqly2001hqly2001 Member Posts: 92
    I've noticed that the air coming from my A/C is cool and not cold. It's comfortable but on hot days like the heatwave we got last week, it feels really weak. Is it a problem that can be solved? Can I have someone add more fridgerant? to it?
  • kagedudekagedude Member Posts: 407
    I agree. I thought the Mazda 3i A/C was bad but the Fit's is about the same or worse. I find myself turning the fan constantly from 2 to 3 yesterday. The first week I started doing this, it wasn't even that hot. The radio said 82 degrees with 48% humidity. Fan level 2 blows air but the a/c cycles off for a bit and you feel hot stale air during this time before it blows cold air again.
  • hqly2001hqly2001 Member Posts: 92
    could it be low level of freon?
  • kagedudekagedude Member Posts: 407
    It looks to be by design. The air is cold when the condenser is on. When it cycles off is the problem. Its very noticeable.
  • munchie1munchie1 Member Posts: 9
    You might want to take it back to the dealer.I've had mine since april, an I live in Florida. And the A/C freezes my wife and me out.
  • kagedudekagedude Member Posts: 407
    This just started happening. When I push the a/c button, it doesn't lock/hold in place. I have to do it more than a few times before it finds its groove and locks. I drive 99% with the a/c on so maybe the heat messed up the "unlock state". :confuse:
  • kagedudekagedude Member Posts: 407
    One of the discussed shortcomings of the Fit was the unavailability of a driver side adjustable height seat.

    I'm really wishing they had made that available. I've been doing a lot of driving lately (9K miles already) and I'm starting to feel pain and fatigue behind my right knee/right thigh. I think this is due to the front of the seat angled too low that it doesn't support that part. :sick:

    Anyone experiencing this as well?
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    Honda Fit A/C problems
  • lfifferlfiffer Member Posts: 1
    I just bought the FIt last month. I have had intermittant problems with the a/c on. On both occasions the car was in drive stopped at a red light. Suddenly the engine races and I had to exert more pressure on the brake pedal. Yesterday, the car engine started racing again while at the red light. I had to exert extra pressure on the brake and finally shut off the engine to resolve. Since this car is used primarily by my young daughter I am very concerned. I have made an appt with the dealer. If they do not resolve it I will contact Honda directly. this is safety issue!
  • shneorshneor Member Posts: 66
    I have a base manual and over half my driving is with AC on.Never felt amy difference at all - it adds about 100 rpm on the tach. No jerkines, or other symptoms, but it does sometimes cycle off. MPG ranges from 35 to 37.5, nearly all in a commute that's 80 pct freeway. I have over 4300 miles on my Fit.
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    Honda Fit seat and pedal positions are uncomfortable
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    One solution is to wear the Chippendale-style tear-aways! :blush: :P
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