Expert reviewers at TheCarConnection.com consulted what the most authoritative auto critics have written about the new Honda Fit to produce this conclusive review of the new Honda Fit. TheCarConnection.com editors also drove the Fit to be able to interweave our expert opinion to help you make the right decision on a new car.
Likes:
- High driving position
- Great visibility
- Quick steering and excellent maneuverability
- Substantial feel
- Secure roadholding
- Awesome build quality
- The best seat/cargo configuration of any small car
Dislikes:
- Awkward-looking design from some angles
- Narrow cabin doesn't allow much elbow room
- Harsh ride quality
The 2008 Honda Fit is the lowest-priced Honda, a subcompact five-door hatchback sedan that slots in below the Civic. The base model comes standard with air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, as well as an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player. A Sport model can be ordered with 15-inch wheels, steering-wheel paddle shifters (with automatic), appearance upgrades, cruise control, and an improved 200-watt audio system.
Designed to be small on the outside, but big on the inside, the Honda Fit has a roomy, five-passenger-capable interior with signature Magic Seat layout that allows astonishing passenger comfort or cargo capability; it's possible to carry objects as large and unwieldy as a standard-sized bicycle.
The Honda Fit comes with a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder VTEC engine developing 109 horsepower, which proves to be plenty for peppy performance with the standard five-speed manual or adequate giddyap with the available five-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. High fuel-efficiency is another plus; the 2008 Honda Fit is capable of returning 34 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in city driving. The seating position is high, the beltline is low, so visibility is stellar, and the quick-ratio steering allows great maneuverability--all aspects that make it a natural for the big-city commute or places with lots of compact-only spaces. Even tall drivers will have plenty of headroom and decent comfort, and the Magic Seats allow enough space for adults in back, or a very low, flat cargo floor.
The Fit is up near the top of its class in safety and is much better equipped with safety features than much of the competition in the sub-$15,000 class, the 2008 Honda Fit comes with standard side curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact bags, and anti-lock brakes. The Honda Fit gets top five-star scores in the federal government's frontal and side tests, except three stars for rear-seat occupants, and in insurance industry tests the Fit has top 'Good' scores in frontal offset and side protection but 'Poor' results in rear crash protection.
The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Honda Fit is one of the smallest cars on the road, but it's fun to drive, huge inside, and a tremendous value.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Honda Fit, also consider:
- Chevrolet Aveo
- Kia Rio5
- Toyota Yaris
- Scion xD
Reason why
The Fit outdoes nearly all of its competitors when it comes to accommodating passengers and cargo. Those who look for a sprightly feel might also consider the Rio5, but it's not as refined overall as the fit, nor is the Aveo, which has disappointing performance but a smooth ride. The xD is the looker of the group, most would agree; and the Yaris is more fuel-efficient, at 29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, but it gets relatively poor marks for safety.
Buying Tip:
A completely redesigned Honda Fit has arrived. The new 2009 model will gets a sleek new design, along with an improved ride and more refined interior. The much-loved Magic Seat design returns. What this means regarding the '08 is that if it's still good for you, you should manage something of a deal.
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Review was originally published at TheCarConnection.com
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