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2008 Honda Fit Review

July 14, 2008

STYLING | 5 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a wedgelike affair that resembles many of today's larger vehicles
Cars.com

plastic surfaces...thin carpeting...uneven gaps
ConsumerGuide Automotive

lines suggest function more than fashion
Kelley Blue Book

[the] design works and is instantly likeable
Motor Trend

it looks neat...actually is bringing sexy back
Road & Track

The 2008 Honda Fit will probably not win any beauty contests...but then, looks aren't really the point with this vehicle.

One of the most perceptive comments found by the experts at TheCarConnection.com was mentioned on Cars.com, where the reviewer points out--quite sensibly--that the "simplest, quickest and most affordable way to improve your fuel economy substantially is to buy a smaller vehicle." The Honda Fit was designed for economy, not looks, a fact also noted by Kelley Blue Book in its comment about function over form.

That said, the Honda Fit does manage to avoid some pitfalls in the design department. Despite its attempts to look like the larger offspring of a station wagon and a minivan, it has managed to avoid a "frumpy," soccer-mom vehicle appearance. Motor Trend actually praised the design, calling the vehicle's "lines and attitude...edgy enough to steal sales" from serious competitors. Road & Track adds that the 2008 Honda Fit is showing American drivers that it's "sexy to be small."

Another issue to keep in mind here is that the designers of the 2008 Honda Fit were more concerned with interior space and comfort than outward appearance. While comfort levels are generally considered adequate (see below), the interior, according to ConsumerGuide Automotive, left a great deal to be desired with its cheap, ill-fitting materials. Nonetheless, Road & Track approved of the interior layout, calling it "fantastically well thought-out...top notch."

Conclusion

If practicality and frugality are utmost on your mind, the 2008 Honda Fit may be a "good fit" for you--but don't buy this vehicle for its looks.

STYLING | 5 out of 10Expert Quotes:a wedgelike affair that resembles many of today's larger vehiclesCars.complastic surfaces...thin carpeting...uneven gapsConsumerGuide Automotivelines suggest function more than fashionKelley Blue Book[the] design works and is instantly likeableMotor Trendit looks neat...actually is bringing sexy backRoad & Track The 2008 Honda Fit will probably not win any beauty contests...but then, looks aren't really the point with this vehicle. One of the most perceptive comments found by the experts at TheCarConnection.com was mentioned on Cars.com, where the reviewer points out--quite sensibly--that the "simplest, quickest and most affordable way to improve your fuel economy substantially is to buy a smaller vehicle." The Honda Fit was designed for economy, not looks, a fact also noted by Kelley Blue Book in its comment about function over form. That said, the Honda Fit does manage to avoid some pitfalls in the design department. Despite its attempts to look like the larger offspring of a station wagon and a minivan, it has managed to avoid a "frumpy," soccer-mom vehicle appearance. Motor Trend actually praised the design, calling the vehicle's "lines and attitude...edgy enough to steal sales" from serious competitors. Road & Track adds that the 2008 Honda Fit is showing American drivers that it's "sexy to be small." Another issue to keep in mind here is that the designers of the 2008 Honda Fit were more concerned with interior space and comfort than outward appearance. While comfort levels are generally considered adequate (see below), the interior, according to ConsumerGuide Automotive, left a great deal to be desired with its cheap, ill-fitting materials. Nonetheless, Road & Track approved of the interior layout, calling it "fantastically well thought-out...top notch." ConclusionIf practicality and frugality are utmost on your mind, the 2008 Honda Fit may be a "good fit" for you--but don't buy this vehicle for its looks. 2008 HONDA FIT STYLING | 5 out of 10 Cars.com: "a wedgelike affair that resembles many of today's larger vehicles" ConsumerGuide Automotive: "plastic surfaces...thin carpeting...uneven gaps" Kelley Blue Book: "lines suggest function more than fashion" Motor Trend: "[the] ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Honda Fit

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for the 2008 Honda Fit

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for a 2008 Honda Fit near you

See the Honda Fit in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (1 total)

  1. By CHUCK HILL #1, Posted: 5/22/2008

    BEST FOR THE PRICE

    WHILE SHOPPING FOR THE MOST FUEL EFFICENT/LEAST HARMFUL TO THE WALLET, I TESTED THE TOYOTA YARIS, VW RABBIT, CHEVY AVEO, AND THE HONDA FIT. THE FIT WAS BY FAR THE BEST OF THE LOT. THE STANDARD AMENITIES ARE EXCEPTIONAL AND THE INTERIOR ROOM IS PHENOMINAL. GETS MY VOTE AND WILL SOON HAVE ONE IN THE DRIVEWAY.

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