Preview: 2009 Honda Fit

We’ve been looking forward to driving the new Honda Fit since we first saw it at the New York Auto Show last March. We liked the old one, and this one addresses some of the complaints we had before, such as the driving position. (It now has a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.)

Now Honda has released a few more details on the new Fit, including pricing and features. First, the bad news: The base price went up about $600 and a top-of-the-line Fit, which includes a built-in navigation system, is almost $19,500. The good news is that you get more features for the price.

Notable new features include a USB jack to control an iPod from the Fit’s stereo, 10 cup holders, and rear seats that are easier to fold.

We had been looking forward to electronic stability control becoming available on the new-generation Fit. It is available, but only as part of a $1,850 option package that includes a navigation system. That is a steep price to pay to get a proven safety device, especially for buyers who would rather use an aftermarket navigation system or would prefer the simplicity of the standard radio controls. We think this feature should be available a la carte, especially on base models that may appeal to younger, less-experienced drivers.

After a brief drive of a preproduction car at a New York event sponsored by Honda, our initial impressions from is that the Fit has grown up somewhat. It sounds quieter and more refined, and is certainly more comfortable to drive.

The engine is now rated at 117 hp, up from 109, which feels like just enough to compensate for the new model’s extra two inches of length and 44 pounds. EPA fuel economy ratings remain at 31/38 for the automatic transmission, but drop 1 mpg for the manual transmission due to slightly lower gearing.

The 2008 Fit is now sold out, according to Honda. The new model goes on sale August 26th, and widespread availability is expected by mid-September. We’re looking forward to conducting a complete test on a production example. In the meantime, we still think the new version will likely fit the needs and budgets for a lot of people.

—Eric Evarts

Updated 8/22/08.

Comments

[John]

The Fit looks like a great everyday car. Great gas milage, but really... 10 cup holders? Why so many.

John,
Car Dent Prevention

[P. Lang]

The previous Fits have been rated poor for rear impacts by IIHS.
Do you have any idea of when these results will be available for the '09 Fit? Do you have any suggestions for a safer automobile with a similar price & mpg rating? I looked @ Volvo's & even the smallest of them have lousy mpg.

Thank You. PS Lang

[Stupid Flanders]

It is disappointing that Honda doesn't make VSA readily available on the Fit (not even available on non-SI Civics). Lack of VSA is the only reason that I haven't purchased a Civic. I was considering a 2009 Fit on the promise of stability control. However, I won't pay nearly $20k for a FIT with VSA.

I hope that Honda corrects this omission on the 2009 Civic (or at least makes it a stand-alone option). If not, no Civic for me. I avoid Toyota because they play stupid games with trim levels and option packages. I love that Honda keeps it simple and hope that they don't adopt Toyota's customer-unfriendly schemes.

[Jon]

Actually, Honda will have electronic stability control standard on the Civic Si, Hybrid, and EX-L for 2009. But that's it, no other models (at this time) will have it.

[Andy]

Is there a reason that CR is aware of, why Honda won't offer even a manual seat height adjuster as standard feature on the Fit? Honda seems to offer this basic feature as standard everywhere else, just not in the U.S.. I think this should be an essential safety feature, to allow all drivers to find a comfortable driving position.

Perhaps CR could persuade Honda to reconsider this omission.

[Glenns]

So let me get this straight. Honda makes a small car that gets sub-par crash test results, and now when their only opportunity to redeem themselves of this serious deficiency is to add stability control to the Fit, they do so to the tune of a $20,000 MSRP? And I can only get it with Nav, which I will never, ever use in the first place?
Is there a reason why Honda is telling us that a nav system is more important than our own safety? Especially in a sub-compact, that's already unsafe, due to its small dimensions?
Is there a reason why Consumer Reports agrees with Honda's assertion that vehicle safety takes a back-seat to a gimmick on the dashboard by recommending this rolling tin can?

Gas mileage is important but certainly nowhere as important as my livelihood. Why would Honda want marginally cleaner air at teh expense of the health of the people that buy their cars?

[FP]

Absolutely right Andy! We bought a 2008 Corolla earlier this year instead of the 2008 Fit simply because of the Fit's lack of a seat height adjuster. The Fit's dash is pretty high for a short driver. The Corolla is a great car but we wanted something smaller. A car the size of our old 95 Corolla or 91 Civic. The Fit is at least as practical as the Corolla while being way more fun to drive. The thin sheet metal used would be my only other concern about the Fit. Honda's are exceptionally easy to door ding. Fits seem even more sensitive. I've seen several almost new Fits with many door dings. Am I the only person who disliked the looks of the Fit Sport? It's a shame that the better looking and more practical Base model had such a limited options list.

[Dennis Murawski]

An '08 Corolla is a joke in contrast with the '09 Fit. My wife is diminutive; when we sat in the new model this afternoon, the telescoping steering wheel enabled her to feel comfortable in the driver's position. As for door dings, I'd suggest that you park a couple spaces away from other cars. If you disliked the looks of the new Fit, maybe you should travel to countries abroad to see the future. In Japan, the Fit was the car of the year. I have nothing against Toyota: I owned a Celica GTS back in the day; however, to bash the Fit is misguided thinking. Did you bother to take a test drive to compare the mushy handling of the Corolla versus the tight handling of the Fit? If you don't trust my acumen, check out Road and Track, Motortrend, and Car and Driver....

[Robert Wyatt]

Just bought my 2009 Fit ... odd timing and a fluke to be one of the first. This is my third Fit, the two previous ones are 2007 models. Still have the others. I love my Fits and the new one even has the Navigation. Only 70 miles into the new car, but so far, it is amazing. It handles as good or better, and absorbs the road more that the older models (my only really driving wish for the previous ones). The navigation system is a treat, but isn't the reason to buy the car. The rework of the front windshield produces better visibility. The driver's seat is improved with the arm rest and generally feels more comfortable. Telescoping steering wheel (this is great). Now includes a MPG info panel on the tripmeter knob. Quieter ride, but then again, put Yokohama 520's on the old Fit and you get quite an improvement there too.

Aside from the clown car number of cup holders, they have added the USB port and an extra "closed nook" to store the iPod. It is big enough for general storage.

Generally, I didn't mind the looks of the old Fit, but this new one is sharp. I like that the aero skirts don't flare out as much. The car looks like they've pulled in some of the outlying trim elements.

Dealer pointed out a neat touch. The fuel filler door "looks" like it is latch released from the inside, but you "push" on the door to release it. Said he figured that piece of info was worth passing on since it took him 15 minutes!

Looks like the maintenance minder has been updated to count out the other various service intervals, not just oil change times. Since I never use the dealership, this might be fun to make sure non-Honda folks can reset these minder triggers.

Ended up paying MSRP, but that seems about right with the demand and a "friend" connection.

Anyway, if there's interest, I'll post more after I've driven for a month. That's how long others are going to be waiting for these to start showing up in any numbers from what I understand.

In closing, this is an improvement on the 2007/2008 model and the MSRP increase, in this economy, seems reasonable.

Robert

[Jon]

As an owner/lover of an '07 (orange) fit with two kids, I'm not sure 10 cup holders is enough!

[Bob]

Robert, I would be interested in any info you could put out. I have a 2009 on order, but the demand has made deliveries slow. The only Fit (base model)that arrived here was sold in less than a day.

Thanks for the info on the fuel door. I have been looking for the release in all of the photos, but haven't found one for obvious reasons.

Bob

[Lorrie]

Robert, I would like to know more about the navigation system. I get lost easily even with maps so I'm thinking this would be an important tool. Having it built in seems more convenient than buying a separate unit, especially in such a small vehicle. Lorrie

[michael]

Enjoyed reading the comments here...I almost bought a used '97 Fit Sport and was going to drive to NC from IN to get it when my friendly local Honda dealer suggested I could get a brand new 2009 for about $1500 more! I hadn't even considered it til I started looking at '09 previews online and it was a no brainer! Just got the call that my Fit Sport (Blue Sensation) arrived and is ready for delivery, 1st one in town.

I'm excited about care but dissappointed in the color...the new blue is MUCH darker than the web site or brochure depicts...I thought I was getting a bright blue like the '07-08 model but the new blue is almost a navy and I HATE dark colors! I considered rejecting it and even called Honda Corporate to complain (1st time ever in 25+ years of ownership!) but what can I do? I've had 4 white Hondas and wanted something jazzier for my Fit and I LOVED last years blue! Any comments from others re: color? (I won't own red either so only other choices are white- again- or Tidewater Blue?!)

[Brenda Ashy]

Why would you WANT the VSA system? The VSA system is defective in my Honda Odyssey 2005 van and twice now has decided to "take over" my van. I live in Beaumont where Hurricane Ike struck. The VSA system on my van decided to come on during evacuation and the only way to get it off is to turn the car off. It shuts my car down to 20 mph and causes extreme vibration. It is VERY dangerous. I live across a sharp turn that leads immediately to railroad tracks. There is no other way to get to my house. I can't make this turn without the VSA shutting my van down. I can't cross a major highway or sit at a red light without having to turn my car off and back on again and hope that I can dart across where I need to go. [EDITED] The dealer is "sorry" they can't loan me a vehicle while this DEFECT is being repaired. They are "sorry" that because of Hurricane Ike there are no rental vehicles within a 100 mile radius...they are "sorry" that I am on a waiting list for a rental car...they are sorry that I am an insurance adjuster and need a car to get to people who need to file claims. [EDITED] The lot manager is sitting down there with hundreds of cars. I have a 20 year flawless driving record. He won't loan me a car for a day or two because "someone" in the past lied to them about having auto insurance. I told him I could PROVE I had insurance but he's still "sorry" he can't help me. So, I have a $40,000 2005 Honda Odyssey [EDITED] with a note of nearly $700 a month and this car has been in the shop more times than I can remember.

[Dort]

Michael,
I wonder if the color of the car is the blackberry color. Maybe they ordered you the wrong color.

[Caroline]

I saw the new blue on a lot, and agree that there it appeared to be essentially a navy blue in appearance. I was surprised it looked to different in person than in the pictures, as well.

My understanding also is that VSA comes with an on/off switch, so that it can be turned off in the rare situations when it does more harm than good.

[jimbo]

how comfortable is the Fit on long trips(500 miles a day)? I am comparing to a 97 Accord.

[Jennifer]

I'm also interested to know how comfortable the 2009 Fit Sport Manual shift is on long trips. I'm comparing to a 97 Civic.

[CBrad]

I just bought a 2009 Fit AT base model with some added bonuses that the dealer threw in (basically, the dealer found the base model I wanted with some perks and ate the cost of those perks (6 speakers instead of 4, center console/armrest, rear bumper applique, plus a few additional goodies). I paid MSRP, which was the best offer from 9 dealerships plus my credit union's auto finder service. The dealership I purchased from also came with a free lifetime powertrain warranty. If I didn't need a car now (my car was stolen), I may have put the purchase on hold to wait for the price to drop below MSRP. But, if you are trying to choose between a first generation or a second generation Fit, definitely pay the extra money to get the latter.

I used to own a '97 Accord SE and before that I owned an '85 Accord, so I am definitely a Honda person. So far, I have no major complaints with my Fit. I test drove the '08 Fit and can easily see and feel the second generation improvements. All of the seats are far more comfortable and the telescoping steering wheel is definitely a plus. The slightly more powerful engine has more torque, something I definitely felt the '08 model was missing. I do enjoy that the engine is definitely a Honda engine in sound and feel. The visibility has improved in all respects. The windshield placement has a big part to do with visibility, but the rear view mirrors are also enormous in a good way. There is also increased visibility out the back (assuming no passengers or cargo). I am impressed with the standard safety features--many of them I didn't know about until I read the manual (i.e. the headrests move forward in an accident for extra head support, the steering column collapses in an accident, etc.)

I do have few minor complaints - most of which are easily corrected with a little money. I wish that floor mats came standard with the vehicle as well as keyless entry. I also wish that my model had map lights and/or the vanity mirrors in the visors had lights. These are all minor details that shouldn't stop anyone from buying a Fit since they are easily fixed.

[Jennifer]

Please post your impressions of freeway driving (30 or more continuous minutes) once you've had a chance to evaluate.

[A. Amores]

Bought my first Honda and it's a '09 Fit Sport in storm silver/manual trans for $250 below MSRP from Loma Linda/CA(80 miles from home). Dealer really wanted to make a sale so he found one for me through dealer trading. Two weeks later they had a sale of in stock Fits (mostly auto trans.) at invoice. I am very happy with mine, despite the fact that I had to take it in to the dealer one week later because the TPMS indicator wouldn't turn off. 4 hours later it was fixed; Honda provided transportation to my home and picked me up when the car was done. Pleasantly surprised with the sporty drive and the peppy acceleration. I keep coming out of the line too quickly, leaving others in the dust. I need to remember that this is not good for my gas mileage and need to hold back. Car doesn't come with floor mats, wheel locks or cargo cover. Dealer wanted to charge me $800 for these items. I bought these on the Internet for about $300 (shipping included); go to College Honda or even better Bernardi. I would have also liked the stability control and steering wheel radio controls but it only came with the navigation system; I wasn't going to pay for navigation that I would never use. Wish it came with a power sunroof.

[Toni]

Just got our 2009 Fit Sport model. Very impressed with its handling and design both inside and out. I didn't get the Nav so no VSA while that's disappointing I'm still a fan of the car.

Pricewise, the time of year and the economy may be having an impact - we got our manual at dealer invoice. From previous blogs, I see that's virtually unheard of so we feel lucky.

Keep reminding the dealers that gas prices have come down and that the uninformed are heading back to SUVs, that helped us.

[Camron]

I just had last rites said over my Volvo that I purchased new in 1987. I'm considering a used (2006) Volvo S60 and a 2009 Fit. I want many, many opinions before I see and test-drive the Fit. In particular: What is VSA? Could someone comment on all the glass. The CR video makes me think of the old Pacer of the 70's. The commentator even compares the Fit to being in a fishbowl. (That doesn't impress me.) Is $19,500 really considered inexpensive nowadays? Is there really no cargo cover or is it part of a pricey option package? Can anyone speak to how the Toyota Yaris compares to the Fit? Thanks.

[kenVa]

I am considering the Fit Sport. I am undecided about the auto vs the manual. I would like to know the rpms at 60MPH in top gear for both cars. Can you guys that own them help me out?
Thank You,
kenVa

[pigeon]

I bought a new honda honda fit sport. I really like the cup holders. The motor has very slow aceleration compared the civic or insight. I was very disappointed with the fuel economy. My 2007 civic got much better gas milage. When i got the car inspected the honda dealer tried to sell me an overpriced ventalation system filter for $60 even though the filter was fairly clean. I expect the fit to provide very reliable transpotation. but I would not buy another one.