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Honda Fit New Owner Reports
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I lost my Fit, once my wife started using it, says it's perfect for her and how she never realized how badly the oddy fit her. It's a sweetie, ain't it? Enjoy
The speedometer: It's really funny that the speedometer goes to 140mph! The car literally can't go over 110mph (drag limited). I understand that Honda, in trying to appeal to younger males, can't have a speedometer that only goes to 110mph. However, I wish they had stopped at 120 or something and given more room for the critical portion (0-80mph). As it is, there isn't enough resolution to judge your speed better than within 3mph or so. There are faint marks every 5mph.
The radio display: I had read that the radio display can get hard to see in direct sunlight. When we first got in the car, the sun was in the perfect position to show this problem at its worst. Then, I turned on the headlights (I always drive with the headlights on) and the display became impossible to see. I was really concerned about this until I figured out that I could turn the instrument cluster illumination knob all the way up and the radio display would become visible again with the headlights on. It still can get hard to see in direct sunlight, but at least it was usable again.
Aux audio input: When I was filling out the paperwork in the sales person's office I was reading the manual. In the section on the aux audio input it said "all models except Canadian DX". That got me kind of excited, since I have the base model and knew that I wasn't getting all the fancy audio stuff that's in the sport model. However, the base model really doesn't have the aux input jack. It has an "aux" button on the radio, but it doesn't do anything. I wonder if somebody will eventually figure out a way to add an aux input to the base model (not that I have any real reason to use it).
Mike
How much did it cost for the remote entry and security system?
Out of curiousity, what was your reason for getting the base model and then adding remote and security rather than just starting with the sport model? Was it that you really only wanted those two options and you could do it cheaper this way? Or was it that you liked the look of the base better? Or both?
Thanks,
Mike
The wife bought it. (I let her drive it for the first time today- long story)
I didn't want alloy wheels and the base was the one she wanted, but was wistful about giving up the keyless she had on her trade in, so I spent $205 as a Mother's Day present to her.
A luggage cover and cruise control may yet happen, although Honda has no inside track on those.
I went to the Circuit City webpage and I guess you must have gotten the 460HP system (shown as $199.99, installation included). For some reason it says that it's only for cars with fuel injection and automatic transmissions! I think they go carried away with their note that only applies to systems with remote start! :P
I'm curious how these systems which are supposed to work with "all" cars work. I mean do they have instructions on how to tap into every car's factory-installed remote entry and security wiring or do they have some kind of generic way of doing it? I guess I'll go research that with the help of google.
As far as the system you got, I have a few questions:
1) Does it have a loudspeaker for the siren? Does that mount under the hood?
2) Is there some kind of "armed" LED that lights up? If so, where did they put it in the Fit?
3) Do you have options for whether or not you enable the vibration detect?
4) Can you set it up to arm automatically when you lock the car or only when you explicitly arm it?
5) How did you decide which system to get?
6) How long did installation take?
7) Did you watch the installation? Did they treat the car well?
8) Does the installation "look" OK?
9) Are you (or your wife) happy with the results?
Thanks,
Mike
p.s. I looked at a cargo cover at H and A Accessories ( http://www.handa-accessories.com/fit07.html ). I'm not sure if you can beat the $119 somewhere else. At any rate, the installation instructions show that this is definitely a do-it-yourself job.
As gas prices continued to make news every day, I started to shy away from mid-sized SUV's and gravitated toward smaller cars with high gas mileage ratings.
I was focused on the Scion Xa and Xb, low-end Civics, and the Mazda 3 when I saw an ad in the newspaper for the "New 2007 Honda Fit". Huh?
I started researching the fit and it looked VERY promising. The price seemed a bit daunting until I figured out that adding all the same features to a Scion Xa or Toyota Yaris brought me to within $400 of the fit. At that point, being a Honda fan, I just wanted to see a fit to see if there was any reason NOT to buy one.
Well, I've been driving my new fit for 3 days now. Prior to buying the car, I mentioned to my wife that it'd be neat to have a new car but it wasn't like it was going to be exciting (other than when I got to the gas pump). I picked the base model to be responsible with our money. I said that, sure, the car would look new but it wouldn't be like there'd be any real difference between driving it and any other ordinary car.
WRONG!
I actually took some time during my lunch hour on Friday to go find a curvy road to drive on -- just for fun. Today, while driving home from town, I bombed through the corners on the country road that leads to my house -- the same corners which I've driven a million times and have never ENJOYED.
This car (for me, at least) has turned out to be about much more than good gas mileage and lots of cargo space in a small car. I'm having fun driving again. I'm not going to drag race anybody but I find myself seeking out curvy roads just so I can amaze myself at how the car breezes through them. Our old del Sol VTEC with a 160HP engine and less weight could blow the doors off anything when it came to acceleration and passing ability. In the fit, I don't think I'll ever get thrown back in my seat or will punch it from 55-80 in a matter of seconds, but I sure will have fun when we get to the corners. I can't wait until my 600 mile break-in period is over so I can really push it through the curves!
The car has been so fun, in fact, that I'm wishing it looked more like it handles. I want people to look at me in my car and know that the big smile on my face isn't just because I'm getting 35+ miles per gallon. I didn't want the Sport trim, but at least if I had gotten it the car would have looked a little more like it feels. I'm pretty sure I'm going to upgrade the wheels to something shiny and cool. I wish pin striping was still in style because that'd be an easy way to add a little flare. I think a number on the side ala Herbie the Love Bug would be a bit much.
I'm half considering putting Mini Cooper-like stripes on it just so people will know where I'm coming from! The mini drivers would laugh -- until I stayed on their tail as we went through the curves. :P
If you want a Lincoln Towncar kind of drive, don't get the fit. If you want a good car from a proven company with great gas mileage, all the safety features, and tons of cargo space that is ALSO fun to drive, then the fit sure seems like a great choice. Just be prepared for people to wonder why you always volunteer to drive and why you always take the curviest way to get there.
Mike
460HP is correct. There is a $5 shop fee.
1) The whole siren is about the size of your fist. I haven't found it but it sounds like it is under the hood.
2) They put it in the switch blank to the left of the steering column.
3) Vibration detect, as installed, is part of the alarm system.
4) Keyless lock/unlock automatically arms/disarms the alarm system. There is also a way of arming the alarm system while driving that automatically sets the alarm 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off and the last exit door is closed. Stealth arm/disarm is another option.
5) I wanted keyless and alarm without remote start.
6) Installation took 3 1/2 hours. Next one will probably take about 2 1/2 as the tech wrote it up for future reference. I took a book to the mall.
7) Briefly. The tech knew his business but was facing a new model. He did his initial checks for tie-ins and went to work. I came back at 2 3/4 hr. Work was progressing neatly and well so I went to their stereo area and read, out of his way while he buttoned up.
8) I haven't done a total work check, he could have pulled a fast one deep in the guts of it, but he so obviously was taking pride in it that it seems quite unlikely. The obvious and less-than-obvious look like factory on a good day.
9) We like it!
10) I've decided to throw one of the dog blankets from Costco in the back as a cover, if needed, even for the whole luggage area. It can double as a dog carpet if they aren't confined to the far back. $18?
Ken
We've driven over 1800 miles in the 10 days we've had our silver Fit Sport. At our last fill up our mileage was 1798.5 miles, we've put 49.23 gallons of gas in, giving us an average of 36.5 mpg. There's been some of everything - stop and go, lots of major elevation gain (we live at about 6,000 feet and work at sea level), slow and go, some city short trips. Our gas mileage went up when I slowed down over the steepest parts of our commute - while the car can maintain 70 mph on the steepest parts of the Grapevine, it does so by downshifting to 3rd and the rpms go up to 5,000 and over. When I slowed down to 60 over the steepest sections, the gas mileage went way up.
So as far as we are concerned, the Fit is everything advertised and more. We couldn't be happier!
I stopped by College Hills Honda in Wooster, OH on the way to pick up some discount accessories (wheel locks, fuel lock, cargo cover, floor mats). Friendly folks, I highly recommend them -- they got me my stuff (I pre-ordered/pre-paid, thereby saving sales tax) even though I arrived 45 minutes after closing time on Thursday night.
The Fit cruises nicely at 80mph or even higher on a typical interstate. After putting 1000 miles on the car I wound it up to 110 mph a few times on the Nebraska interstate just to try it out. It's still stable at that speed, but it takes a while to go from 100 to 110...
Mileage on the trip was not great at about 31.5. I attribute that to driving most of the way at 80+ mph. Also, on the mountain interstate west of Denver I did my damnedest to keep the speed up, downshifting like crazy.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the car. The first day and a half featured intermittent driving rain, but the car stuck to the road like glue and I never felt afraid, despite maintaining high speeds.
There's a ton of room in this thing. I had a 2004 Honda Civic Si, and this has more (and more useful) carrying capacity than that thing. Obviously the Fit has much less power than the Civic Si. The Fit is great at changing lanes. Several times on the trip I snuck in front of a vehicle that was laboriously overtaking another vehicle, thus saving time.
I would say that this car is the most fun when you're driving it between 40 and 60 mph. That seems to optimally use the powerband and the car feels the most free-wheeling at this speed. Although coming down an mountain interstate at 90 mph was pretty fun too... the car handles very well, very stable and very sticky in all conditions.
It could use a bit more oomph. I'd be interested to see what simple engine mods (like a cold-air intake) would do to the horsepower. And yes, the gas tank isn't really big enough when you're only getting 30 mph because you're driving like a bat out of hell.
I found the seating to be quite comfy. On the second day I sat in the thing for about 17 hours, so if there were any serious issues with cabin comfort I think I'd have uncovered them.
I officially began looking for a new car only 4 weeks ago because of gas prices. I have a long commute to work every day.
My other car (2001 Nissan Altima) is paid for, but my monthly gas expense was starting to look more and more like a car payment. I've been happy with the Nissan, but it really wasn't my first choice in vehicles. I bought it in haste after a near-death experience in my rear-wheel drive Toyota Tacoma. (I lost control of the Tacoma on a snowy/icy patch of interstate along with about 15 other cars and a semi. Fortunately, no-one was injured and only 2 of the vehicles had a slight amount of damage.)
This time I decided to make my car purchase after careful research and consideration rather than the way I did it last time.
My criteria began with this list:
fuel economy
handling/safety
dependability
comfort
stay within a budget of around $16K
My personal experience with vehicles is limited to what I have owned in the past: Nissans (2), Toyota (1), and Hondas (2). I knew that all 3 makes would satisfy my dependability requirement.
I started with Nissan. Since the Altima is not an economy commuter car, the next step down for Nissan is the Sentra. I drove a Sentra at the dealership and I just didn't like it. It didn't get terrific fuel economy (28/35). It felt CHEAP and unrefined. The interior was a little claustrophobic for me. Nissan's car lines are nice in the upper end models (Maxima, Altima, etc.) but their cars all have the same personality and style which is bland. The Sentra was a just a smaller version of that. Nothing really impressed me about it.
Next I looked at Toyota. I test drove a Yaris and looked at a couple of their Scions. I was ready to put down a deposit on the Yaris but the dealer told me that my color selection with the trim level and options (M/T "S" Sport with Power Package) was going to be difficult to find. They would keep scanning the inbound inventory in our region and call me when my request was available. I liked everything about the Yaris except for the instruments/displays and the engine seemed very noisy when accelerating. The mileage was great, the ride was good, and the exterior styling was good. I could get all the features I wanted in this model. Since I might be waiting a few weeks for the Yaris, I decided to look at a few other models.
I really thought the Yaris was going to be my next car, so I was just doing my homework on Hondas as a formality. The Civic has changed a lot since my last 2 (1985 1500S hatchback and a 1991 LX sedan). They are now bigger cars, way more expensive, and don't get the same fuel economy as those earlier models. I played with the trim levels and everything to see if I could make the Civic work, but it was going to be a stretch and I wanted something smaller with all the comfort and convenience feature on the Yaris. Then I heard about the Fit. I configured one to be equipped the same as the Yaris S with Power Package and the price came very close. By the time I added the items to the Yaris that were standard on the Fit Sport (remote entry, foglamps, and side-curtain airbags) the Fit was cheaper! I decided that I should at least look at the Fit. I read that they were in short supply so I figured I could just pick up a brochure. I had also read on this forum
about the Fit's 'problems' with the lack of seat height adjustment and no dead pedal. I went to the Honda dealer near work on my lunch hour and found that they had just gotten one in (Blue M/T Sport). The saleperson showed me the "magic" seats which were very impressive. I test-drove it for about 10 minutes. The shifter was one of the best 5-speeds I've ever felt. The steering and acceleration were better than the
Yaris and the engine sound was not objectionable. I'm only 5'7" but the seat and driving position suited me to a tee. The visibility all around was excellent and a little better than the Yaris. I stated my immediate impression of the Fit to the saleman: "This is exactly the car that I've been looking for". I was ready to buy the Fit right then, but I found out that the dealer had added over $1200 in "junk" to boost the price.
I asked if they could remove the items I didn't want and he said no. I thanked him for his time and walked out. That weekend I put in an email request for a Fit quote through Honda's website. By Monday a local dealer was already on it and called me to confirm my color and option choices. They gave me a firm quote in writing. On Friday they called and said that my car had come in and that I could pick it up Saturday morning. Less than a week for my request to be filled is really remarkable compared to what I've read and heard. I did have to pay $298 over MSRP because it already had pinstripes and "paint sealant" charged on this particular vehicle. I guess that's the premium for the demand. So $16,117 before tax, lic, etc. including add-ons: pinstripes, mats, paint sealant, and 1st oil change.
I really like this Fit. I reminds me so much of the 1985 Civic 1500S: 1.5 5 speed M/T, miniwagon hatchback body-style. Both fun to drive. This is much nicer with 20 years of additional technology (VTECH, antilock brakes, airbags, "magic" seats) and lots of additional features - power everything, foglamps, A/C standard, leather wheel, alarm, anti-theft, modern instruments.
If the Yaris had been readily available I would have ended up with that car. I would have liked it too, except for the weird-looking center dash instrument cluster. That is Toyota's biggest mistake. The Honda Fit is the perfect car for me. It has been a joy to drive these last 3 days.
I have to admit that that particular car was the most "fun" of any car I have ever owned. It was an extremely willing engine even though it was only 86 horsepower. It had a 2 barrel carburetor. Todays's Fit is 109 hp due to VTEC technology. It's funny, but this car makes me feel young again -- probably due to memories of that 85 Civic. Yes, I remember the price I paid for this car. Probably overpaid, because I had bad credit and all that -- $8,500. That is about half of what I paid just now for the Fit, but with inflation, the additional features and technology I think it's worth it.
Hope this helps,
Rip
Then I remembered that my fit has "refresh mode". I pretty much had considered it a cute gimmick, but decided that now was the time to give it a try.
I put the passenger seat into refresh mode and climbed in. Initially, I sat up with the back of the back seat reclined the little bit that it reclines. As I got more comfortable and more relaxed, I decided to try lying down. This didn't seem like it would work, since the refresh mode "bed" has several ups and downs in it. But, after putting my coat under my head as a pillow, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself almost falling asleep. Yes, it was quite a bit short to be a comfortable bed and, yes, the ups and downs had to be adjusted to just right, but it really did work.
I'm still not what you would call "refreshed", but that's got more to do with my cold and the cold medicine than it does with the refresh mode of the fit.
Mike
I used to dread being the carpool driver, preferring to nap on the way to work. Now I lament every missed opportunity to drive the Fit.
Last weekend I took the Fit through its paces as the official bridesmaids' vehicle for my friend's wedding.
First task? Pick up the gown. A disbelieving store manager gasped when I opened the hatch to reveal "long" mode. Eight-foot garment bag? No problem.
Second task? Pick up the bride and whisk her off to her nail appointment. Matron-of-honor meets us at nail salon. The Fit easily swallowed the honeymoon luggage, matron-of-honor luggage, assorted gifts, a twelve-foot veil, two bridesmaids' dresses on hangers, a box of service bulletins and a shopping bag full of champagne, candles and the like. Oh, yeah, and there was still room for all of us, and a fourth wedding participant whom we picked up downtown. Had we more time to think about the positioning of each item, I'm sure we could have fit even more.
Third task? Rehearsal dinner. No sweat here, except the restaurant valet driver who most certainly did not adhere to break-in period driving practices.
Speaking of valets, the next morning while leaving the hotel where the bride and bridesmaids had spent the night, all three hotel valets were standing at a distance admiring the Fit and murmuring their approval.
The bride, ever the pop culture maven, took every opportunity to say "the Fit is go!" when something fit in the Fit. At first, I thought Honda's name for its new little car was ridiculous. Now I know better: it fits in tiny parking spaces, and it holds a ton of stuff.
Having secured a plum parking spot in front of the church, I was only mildly surprised when two friends asked to go for a drive in the new car during the reception. So we sneaked out and went for a spin. (Shhhh. Don't tell the happy couple.)
The Fit is the perfect car for me. At 5'5" with short legs, I find the seating perfect. I enjoy the height of the car, which seems to help it hold its own among SUVs and minivans. It's getting good mileage so far (32.7 mpg mostly city). It held me and four of my coworkers and still had some oooommph left over for merging and passing (and that was after the two-servings-each-and-dessert Indian lunch buffet). The small length and width make urban parking bearable.
I have few complaints so far. I was spoiled by the integrated storage in my last car (1993 Honda Civic del sol), so I do miss having a compartment for everything. Stuff in the cargo area has a tendency to roll (extra windshield fluid, champagne). I'd prefer a gas tank that locks. The over-the-left-shoulder visibility is non-existent. Other than that, I can't think of much else I'd change.
Mike
http://automobiles.honda.com/models/audio_accessories.asp?ModelName=Fit&PHOTO=0
:surprise: :surprise: :surprise:
Not to be rude, but... dear god no.
I have a Fit (base) 5-speed MT since April 18.
I have found acceleration, particularly higher end (4000+ rpm) to be excellent with over 1000 miles now on the car.
I did a lot of research On this car. I looked at the HHR, scion. avero, caliber, mazda 3-5 door even a used Prius. We test drove them all. We wanted a good en expensive car with good gas mileage and good space. I narrowed it down to the Fit and the HHR. The HHR has good space so so gas mileage. But to get all the stuff the Fit has. It would cost between $4000 & $6000 dollars moore. We Already have 3 other cars I have 2005 Astro Van I use for my bussiness which gets 15 mpg. Ouch. The
Fit is a great little car. We call it the scooter. My wife drives it to work. We use it for all our erands,We take our 110lb Golden retrever To the dog park. It meets all our needs. I was able to find a console armrest. $79.00 deliverd From Sinapore. A fit emblem to dress up the dash bord on the passenger side. A chome fit rear bumper applique. Rear cargo liner, Mats, exhust tip.I paid sticker price For the Fit. I live in Florida So I had to get the windows tinted. The car rides very well. Brakes are great. It is amasing that a car with 109 HP could drive so well.
I'd really want those items if and when I get my Fit.
Thanks,
Mike
I am getting soft as I get older and would not put up with crank windows on a 4-door car now. On a 2-door, sure. But I really like being able to lower the rear windows from the driver's seat for ventillation without stopping the car and getting out of it. But then, I have also become addicted to remote locking, and I lived without that for most of my life. The more we have, the more we want.
the fit emblem www.collegehillshonda.com. If you need more info let me know.
Buy it now price is $9.99 Plus shipping. The place is in hong kong. received it within a week. It is brushed allu With chrome fit letters It looks like it came on the car.
I have looked online to see if anyone sells a direct link. I saw one at mp3mycar.com or something like that. Not sure it's legit. Anyone know?
I'm really stuck between a sport and just a regular fit. I really want to get a good price...but it seems that the sport is worth the extra bucks (it has a sportier look and the keyless entry is something I would hate to give up!).
Best reason for the sport is the cruise control.
1) Even though there is no actual dead pedal, there is a protrusion in the driver's wheel well that my left foot naturally found and is quite comfortable.
2) I love the visibility, especially the windshield. Wide screen and tall view of the world. I call it the "IMAX windshield". Much better than a sunroof in my opinion
I spoke to Honda. They are willing to do something for us 2007 Honda Fit buyers who supported their product in the begining with regard to offering a DEAD PEDAL and a headlight upgrade but ONLY if WE ALL write letters to them about it. This is very important, as no dead pedal will cause lower back problems in drivers who drive more than 45min at a time. They were quite nice, but very clear that us owners have to write to them about these two things:
By Fax
(310) 783-3023 (24 Hours)
By Mail
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7D
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
I'm not a big fan of the toy-looking wheels on the base model, but I can deal with it -- and for some reason, I don't find them as annoying with the white as with the other colors. Score one for white, eh?
I don't find a problem with not having a dead pedal because my foot rests nicely, as someone else pointed out, on the wheel hump.
My only real "complaint" is that the gas tank doesn't lock, but I can deal with that, too.
I got the car this past Thursday with 95 miles on it (transfer) and now have 510 miles on it, and after about 355 miles, I had to fill 'er up with a whopping 9.2 gallons. What's that like, 38 mpg? LOVE IT!
It may be a base model but it's got power windows and locks, a CD player, A/C and it kicks major butt. I honestly couldn't be happier and can't stop talking about my new little Fit. I think the thing that made me fall madly in love with the car, was when I basically did a U-turn into a parking spot -- no putting the car in reverse and pulling forward, reversing to move the car or anything.
All I can say is...The FIT IS GO!
I got my Storm Silver Base Model with A/T on Friday. I have just under 200 miles and proceeded to get a speeding ticket the first day driving it. How's that for proof that it moves along okay? (I was going 40 in a 25...who knew???) This is a fun little car, but takes some getting used to regarding the smoothness of ride. Even my daughter mention feeling the bumps! You see, we HAD a 13 yr. old '95 Accord Wagon...the BEST car I've ever owned. My objective in buying the Fit was downsizing and seeing some fuel economy. And I sure have done that.
I've already noticed the needed headlight adjustment and I'm thinking I can't live without the keyless entry as I originally thought. The Accord Wagon allowed me to pop all four doors plus the hatchback with the key from any lock including the hatchback. With the Fit, I have to use the driver side door only to unlock the whole car. Not convenient with kids, when I'm carrying groceries and the like. Black interior was probably not such a good idea. The lint already! I have a lint roller in the car now.
But otherwise...I'm pretty happy with my $15,200 purchase. I paid sticker, plus taxes and fees...there weren't many in VA so not much haggling has been going on. I was able to pre-order mine, luckily. It took less than two weeks to get it. I'm sure I'm gonna continue to be happy with it and I'm pretty pleased I'm one of the first owners in town! :shades:
I have no quibble with the dead pedal. I don't notice it. I'm only 5'3" and just rest my foot there on the wheel well thingy. I feel my back is MUCH better supported in this car than my Accord. I DO have a problem with not being able to unlock the whole car from the hatchback tho'. Never realized how much I needed that.
You don't notice it during test drives, but on the hour long commute, I'm getting a little sore. Either a telescoping wheel or a small seat lift under the thighs would help me.
Seat adjustment would help my arm fatigue due to having to put the steering wheel in the HIGH position in order to see the instrument panel. At the LOW adjustment it's too close to my thighs and feels like a tight fit(no pun intended) plus blocks the gauges slightly.
Of course, these are just piddly complaints. I know I'm stepping down from the comfort of the Accord. And it's a trade off for economy.