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2009 Honda Fit Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

As the automotive experts at TheCarConnection.com assembled this comprehensive review, covering the 2009 Honda Fit, they looked to a number of other well-respected critical voices. To make the review as useful as possible, TheCarConnection.com’s editors included their own firsthand experience putting the new Honda Fit through the paces.

Likes:

  • Excellent steering and maneuverability
  • Upmarket interior
  • Astonishing cargo and back-seat space
  • Secure, substantial feel on the road
  • Good crash safety relative to rivals

Dislikes:

  • Unimpressive highway fuel economy
  • Tall, stubby design is still far from sexy

Buying Tips:


Prices have climbed substantially for 2009 versus 2008, though standard equipment has increased as well. Don’t think you can get much of a better deal on an ’08 though; due to rising demand for fuel-efficient cars, remaining stock has been in tight supply and selling at sticker price, and lightly used late-model Fits are selling at the same price as new ones in many areas.

The 2009 Honda Fit, a small five-door hatchback and Honda’s lowest-priced U.S. model, has been completely redesigned for 2009. The new Honda Fit is about the same length and width as the standard Honda Civic was when it was last offered in the U.S. as a three-door hatchback (the 2000 model year), yet the five-door Fit is significantly roomier inside due to its tall, upright body style.

The Fit’s proportions make it look more like a scaled-down minivan in some respects, but that’s an indication as to why the five-passenger hatchback has such a spacious interior. The new 2009 Honda Fit gets a more aerodynamic, better-detailed look than the outgoing model on the outside. The windshield has been angled forward, and the roofline flows more smoothly as a result; complementing that is a pair of character lines that run from the snout through the grille and hood. Small side windows ahead of the front doors aid visibility.

Inside, the rakish windshield yields a vast expanse ahead of the instrument panel that translates to an airy feel in front. The instrument panel itself in the 2009 Honda Fit is anything but basic in appearance, with a swoopy, offset two-tiered appearance. The sound system and climate controls are angled toward the driver, along with the navigation screen if so equipped, and the mix of textured and matte-metallic plastic surfaces, along with simple but sturdy upholstery and trim, gives the impression of higher quality than other cars priced in the same range.

“Big on the inside” is how Honda describes the interior. That’s an accurate assessment, as there’s plenty of headroom throughout and a very space-efficient seat design in back. The so called Magic Seat now folds flat by lifting a single lever and pushing the seatback forward, with no need to remove rear headrests in the process; back-seat space are surprisingly commodious, with enough headroom and legroom in back for adults, and the cargo floor is especially low for easy loading and an impressive 20.6 cubic feet of EPA cargo room. Attention to details helps make the 2009 Honda Fit feel all the more space-efficient; there are now two glove compartments (upper and lower), along with many useful storage compartments and cubbies in the center console, dash, and doors, and plenty of cupholders.

The front-wheel-drive Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter, i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 117 horsepower. Performance is quite peppy with the standard five-speed manual and satisfactory with the optional five-speed automatic, which returns up to 29 mpg city, 35 highway. Though the 2009 Honda Fit is a little slower and noisier with the automatic, it actually gets better fuel economy as such; and Fit Sports with the automatic get paddle shifters alongside the steering wheel to aid control on curvy roads.

Steering and handling is a strong point for the 2009 Honda Fit; at low speeds Fit’s electric power steering and quick ratio lend a very responsive, tossable feel and parking ease, and the well-tuned suspension is firm yet absorbent. Despite the tall body and rather light weight, the Fit holds the road confidently at 80 mph, with surprisingly little engine and road noise.

The 2009 Honda Fit is offered in two primary specifications: Fit and Fit Sport. The base Fit comes with air conditioning, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and an MP3-compatible CD sound system, along with a telescopic steering wheel. The Fit Sport gets larger 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, a security system, and USB connectivity for the sound system, along with sporty cues throughout. A package adding the navigation system and electronic stability control is available on the Fit Sport.

The 2009 Honda Fit has not yet been crash tested, but it has an improved, more crashworthy ‘ACE’ body structure, according to Honda, and the outgoing Fit has been one of the best-performing small cars in tests from the federal government and IIHS. Side airbags and side-curtain bags are standard, along with anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control, a feature that’s rare among inexpensive small cars, is now optional, though oddly only with the navigation system.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Honda Fit, also consider:

Reason Why:

The 2009 Honda Fit is priced significantly higher than most of its small-car competitors, but it feels much more substantial from behind the wheel, with a firm but well-controlled ride and better steering and handling than most inexpensive small vehicles. The automatic transmission in the Fit has five speeds—one more than the competition—which helps bring good performance and fuel economy, along with relaxed highway cruising. The Fit’s engine also lacks the fatigue-inducing boominess and coarseness at high-rev acceleration or higher cruising speeds that most of these rivals have. Anti-lock brakes, which are standard on the Fit, are optional or not available on many of its competitors. Among these competitors, all but the Rio5 have a softer ride than the Fit, but it doesn’t necessarily bring more ride comfort; the Rio5 handles quite well but isn’t as comfortable at high speeds, and the Versa rides and handles like a larger, heavier car, lacking the Fit’s nimble feel. And none of these models match the Fit’s cargo or back-seat space. The xD, with its taller body and boxier appearance, is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Fit, but the materials used inside the Scion feel cheaper and there’s not nearly as much cargo space or seating space in back.

The Bottom Line:

The all-new 2009 Honda Fit’s appearance might not be pulse-quickening, but with a peppy fun-to-drive character, an astonishing amount of interior space, and a high-quality feel throughout, it’s close to the perfect affordable small car.

As the automotive experts at TheCarConnection.com assembled this comprehensive review, covering the 2009 Honda Fit, they looked to a number of other well-respected critical voices. To make the review as useful as possible, TheCarConnection.com’s editors included their own firsthand experience putting the new Honda Fit through the paces. Likes:Excellent steering and maneuverabilityUpmarket interiorAstonishing cargo and back-seat spaceSecure, substantial feel on the roadGood crash safety relative to rivalsDislikes:Unimpressive highway fuel economyTall, stubby design is still far from sexyBuying Tips: Prices have climbed substantially for 2009 versus 2008, though standard equipment has increased as well. Don’t think you can get much of a better deal on an ’08 though; due to rising demand for fuel-efficient cars, remaining stock has been in tight supply and selling at sticker price, and lightly used late-model Fits are selling at the same price as new ones in many areas. The 2009 Honda Fit, a small five-door hatchback and Honda’s lowest-priced U.S. model, has been completely redesigned for 2009. The new Honda Fit is about the same length and width as the standard Honda Civic was when it was last offered in the U.S. as a three-door hatchback (the 2000 model year), yet the five-door Fit is significantly roomier inside due to its tall, upright body style. The Fit’s proportions make it look more like a scaled-down minivan in some respects, but that’s an indication as to why the five-passenger hatchback has such a spacious interior. The new 2009 Honda Fit gets a more aerodynamic, better-detailed look than the outgoing model on the outside. The windshield has been angled forward, and the roofline flows more smoothly as a result; complementing that is a pair of character lines that run from the snout through the grille and hood. Small side windows ahead of the front doors aid visibility. Inside, the rakish windshield yields a vast expanse ahead of the instrument panel that translates to an airy feel in front. The instrument panel itself in the 2009 Honda Fit is anything but basic in appearance, with a swoopy, offset two-tiered appearance. The sound system and climate controls are angled toward the driver, along with the navigation screen if so equipped, and the mix of textured and matte-metallic plastic surfaces, along with simple but sturdy upholstery and trim, gives the impression of higher quality than other cars priced in the same range. “Big on the inside” is how Honda describes the interior. That’s an accurate assessment, as there’s plenty of headroom throughout and a very space-efficient seat design in back. The so called Magic Seat now folds flat by lifting a single lever and pushing the seatback forward, with no need to remove rear headrests in the process; back-seat space are surprisingly commodious, with enough headroom and legroom in back for adults, and the cargo floor is especially low for easy loading and an impressive 20.6 cubic feet of EPA cargo room. Attention to details helps make the 2009 Honda Fit feel all the more space-efficient; there are now two glove compartments (upper and lower), along with many useful storage compartments and cubbies in the center console, dash, and doors, and plenty of cupholders. The front-wheel-drive Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter, i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 117 horsepower. Performance is quite peppy with the standard five-speed manual and satisfactory with the optional five-speed automatic, which returns up to 29 mpg city, 35 highway. Though the 2009 Honda Fit is a little slower and noisier with the automatic, it actually gets better fuel economy as such; and Fit Sports with the automatic get paddle shifters alongside the steering wheel to aid control on curvy roads. Steering and handling is a strong point for the 2009 Honda Fit; at low speeds Fit’s electric power steering and quick ratio lend a very responsive, tossable feel and parking ease, and the well-tuned suspension is firm yet absorbent. Despite the tall body and rather light weight, the Fit holds the road confidently at 80 mph, with surprisingly little engine and road noise. The 2009 Honda Fit is offered in two primary specifications: Fit and Fit Sport. The base Fit comes with air conditioning, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and an MP3-compatible CD sound system, along with a telescopic steering wheel. The Fit Sport gets larger 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, a security system, and USB connectivity for the sound system, along with sporty cues throughout. A package adding the navigation system and electronic stability control is available on the Fit Sport. The 2009 Honda Fit has not yet been crash tested, but it has an improved, more crashworthy ‘ACE’ body structure, according to Honda, and the outgoing Fit has been one of the best-performing small cars in tests from the federal government and IIHS. Side airbags and side-curtain bags are standard, along with anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control, a feature that’s rare among inexpensive small cars, is now optional, though oddly only with the navigation system. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Honda Fit, also consider:Chevrolet AveoKia Rio5Nissan VersaToyota YarisScion xDReason Why:The 2009 Honda Fit is priced significantly higher than most of its small-car competitors, but it feels much more substantial from behind the wheel, with a firm but well-controlled ride and better steering and handling than most inexpensive small vehicles. The automatic transmission in the Fit has five speeds—one more than the competition—which helps bring good performance and fuel economy, along with relaxed highway cruising. The Fit’s engine also lacks the fatigue-inducing boominess and coarseness at high-rev acceleration or higher cruising speeds that most of these rivals have. Anti-lock brakes, which are standard on the Fit, are optional or not available on many of its competitors. Among these competitors, all but the Rio5 have a softer ride than the Fit, but it doesn’t necessarily bring more ride comfort; the Rio5 handles quite well but isn’t as comfortable at high speeds, and the Versa rides and handles like a larger, heavier car, lacking the Fit’s nimble feel. And none of these models match the Fit’s cargo or back-seat space. The xD, with its taller body and boxier appearance, is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Fit, but the materials used inside the Scion feel cheaper and there’s not nearly as much cargo space or seating space in back. The Bottom Line:The all-new 2009 Honda Fit’s appearance might not be pulse-quickening, but with a peppy fun-to-drive character, an astonishing amount of interior space, and a high-quality feel throughout, it’s close to the perfect affordable small car. As the automotive experts at TheCarConnection.com assembled this comprehensive review, covering the 2009 Honda Fit, they looked to a number of other well-respected critical voices. To make the review as useful as possible, TheCarConnection.com’s editors included their own firsthand experience ...

Other Choices:

The 2009 Honda Fit is priced significantly higher than most of its small-car competitors, but it feels much more substantial from behind the wheel, with a firm but well-controlled ride and better steering and handling than most inexpensive small vehicles. The automatic transmission in the Fit has five speeds—one more than the competition—which helps bring good performance and fuel economy, along with relaxed highway cruising. The Fit’s engine also lacks the fatigue-inducing boominess and coarseness at high-rev acceleration or higher cruising speeds that most of these rivals have. Anti-lock brakes, which are standard on the Fit, are optional or not available on many of its competitors. Among these competitors, all but the Rio5 have a softer ride than the Fit, but it doesn’t necessarily bring more ride comfort; the Rio5 handles quite well but isn’t as comfortable at high speeds, and the Versa rides and handles like a larger, heavier car, lacking the Fit’s nimble feel. And none of these models match the Fit’s cargo or back-seat space. The xD, with its taller body and boxier appearance, is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Fit, but the materials used inside the Scion feel cheaper and there’s not nearly as much cargo space or seating space in back.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Honda Fit from a dealer near you

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See the Honda Fit in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (9 total)

  1. By joe #1, Posted: 10/23/2008

    salesman

    I sell this car and could care less if I ever sell another. The mark up is so small, it's not worth bothering with. Selling the car sticker yields a massive $100 commission. Sell twenty a month and my family still starves. Hey Honda, screw off.

  2. By Cliff A #2, Posted: 4/29/2009

    Design Flaws Cost Owners Money!

    I bought my first Honda based on value and reputation for quality. Love the car - or DID, until the repairs started coming up. Fog Lights have zero protection - BOTH were broken by stones at 15k miles, at $180 EACH to replace. At 22,685 miles, I'm stuck with a $900 A/C condenser replacement, caused by "road debris," not covered under warranty. A little Internet research shows this is a very common problem caused by defective design - huge holes in the lower grille allow large stones or debris to pass through, and the low clearance makes the condenser extremely vulnerable to damage. Honda should do the right thing by designing a new grille or other protection - then issue a recall to deal with the problem. Instead, they deny there is a problem, advising customers to call their insurance companies. I'll buy an aftermarket grille from eBay to protect against a repeat - more expense. I have sent my information to www.honda-lawsuit.com to participate in the class action litigation being filed. I still think it's basically a good car - but I won't do business with a company that won't stand by its products and screws its customers.

  3. By Cliff #3, Posted: 4/29/2009

    Design Flaws Cost Owners Money

    I bought my first Honda based on value and reputation for quality. Love the car - or DID, until the repairs started coming up. Fog Lights have zero protection - BOTH were broken by stones at 15k miles, at $180 EACH to replace. At 22,685 miles, I'm stuck with a $900 A/C condenser replacement, caused by "road debris," not covered under warranty. A little Internet research shows this is a very common problem caused by defective design - huge holes in the lower grille allow large stones or debris to pass through, and the low clearance makes the condenser extremely vulnerable to damage. Honda should do the right thing by designing a new grille or other protection - then issue a recall to deal with the problem. Instead, they deny there is a problem, advising customers to call their insurance companies. I'll buy an aftermarket grille from eBay to protect against a repeat - more expense. I have sent my information to www.honda-lawsuit.com to participate in the class action litigation being filed. I still think it's basically a good car - but I won't do business with a company that won't stand by its products and screws its customers.

  4. By Neil #4, Posted: 7/28/2009

    Early front wheel bearing failure. Love the car but watch out for the early wheel front bearing failure problem. An internet search shows that this is a common problem from 20,000-40,000 miles. Costs me $300 a time to get fixed!

  5. By Thaly #5, Posted: 7/30/2009

    Honda does not stand by there product. I can say that if a major problem occurs with a car. You can replace parts and cars but you can't replace a life. I bought a brand new 09' Fit. Compared it with other vehicles. Turns out barely two months later the EPS(Electric Power Steering) light comes on as I'm driving down a busy road. I read the manuel right away and followed the instructions. Small issue I thought. Boy was I wrong. Almost hit another car while I was pulling in a Walmart parking lot. The steering wheel locked up on me. Honda is not being understandable about how dangerous and unacceptable it is. They will only tell you that under warranty they are not obligated. I told them straight out that I do not feel safe or comfortable with that car. I don't want to be driving along the road with my daughter or anyone else in the vehicle and have the EPS lock up on me. They pretty much do not care about the consumers peace of mind. People buy new cars for many reason. Mine was so that I would not have to worry about anything going wrong with the car I am driving. I'm not looking to get my money back from honda or getting a new Fit. I told them I don't want to drive the car or pay any extra cost for trading for a different car. Why should I have to pay any extra fees for Honda's manuefacturers error. It is Honda's problem when they build a vehicle that malfunctions.

  6. By francine #6, Posted: 8/29/2009

    We bought a new Fit three weeks ago. So far we love the car. Was dismayed to read the other comments. Love the visibility and the room.

  7. By Peter Warner #7, Posted: 11/1/2009

    Honda has stopped selling or providing the optional compact spare tire for Honda Fit, promised in their brochure. If you get a flat, pray the hole is small because all you have is the can of compressed goop. If you get a large hole flat on a remote road in Northern Canada in winter(where I live) or in East LA anytime, your life is over!!
    Shame on Honda for dropping the ball on safety

  8. By Peter Warner #8, Posted: 11/1/2009

    Honda has stopped providing the optional compact spare tire for Honda Fit, promised in their brochure. If you get a flat, pray the hole is small because all you have is the can of compressed goop. If you get a large hole flat on a remote road in Northern Canada in winter(where I live) or in East LA anytime, your life is over!!
    Shame on Honda for dropping the ball on safety

  9. By Lizzy #9, Posted: 11/16/2009

    What was told to me was that the manual version has the spare but they took it out of the automatic....why? Don't know exactly.
    Q: Does anyone else sometimes have problems with starting the car? Is this common problem I don't know...because I will sell the damn thing if that's the case. I wanted something reliable so I wouldn't have to worry about anything...unlike my last junker.

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