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2009 Honda Fit Review

October 30, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Honda went for refinement with this car from a dynamic, interior, and styling standpoint
Car and Driver

Audio controls are high mounted, handy, and clearly marked
ConsumerGuide

Outside, it looks much bigger as well, and not in a positive way
Jalopnik

Subcompact cars in the United States are still a bit eye-catching due to their relative rarity, but other than that, there's little to keep bystanders staring at the 2009 Honda Fit.

Honda's redesigned 2009 Honda Fit is "a subcompact four-door hatchback available in two trim levels: base and Sport," according to reviewers at Edmunds. Compared to the 2008 Honda Fit, Motor Trend finds that the latest model is "longer by 2.2 in., wider by 1.4 in.," and "longer in wheelbase by 2.0 in.," though it is still among the smaller cars on the road today. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that most are less than impressed with the new styling on the 2009 Honda Fit. Jalopnik describes the new 2009 Honda Fit as "more bulbous, less of a bullpup and more of a breadvan." Reviewers at Motor Trend highlight some of the major changes for 2009, which "include larger front quarter windows, larger, shapelier headlights, and sportier body-kit-like moldings." Despite those sporty cues, the 2009 Honda Fit doesn't come across as a speed machine.

The interior of the Honda Fit is also redesigned for 2009, and this side of the Honda Fit fares somewhat better with reviewers. Jalopnik reviewers first notice the "abundant blue LEDs at important marks" on the instrument dials, yet they lament the "poorly integrated but functional" navigation system. ConsumerGuide reviewers are impressed with the "high mounted, handy, and clearly marked" audio controls, as well as "rotary climate controls [that] are stacked to the right of the steering wheel and are easy to reach and use." Car and Driver also mentions that the interior seems much improved over the 2008 Honda Fit, reporting that "Honda went for refinement...from a dynamic, interior, and styling standpoint."

Conclusion

The 2009 Honda Fit's new clothes don't fit quite right, but the Fit does show that true beauty is on the inside.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Honda went for refinement with this car from a dynamic, interior, and styling standpointCar and DriverAudio controls are high mounted, handy, and clearly markedConsumerGuideOutside, it looks much bigger as well, and not in a positive wayJalopnik Subcompact cars in the United States are still a bit eye-catching due to their relative rarity, but other than that, there's little to keep bystanders staring at the 2009 Honda Fit. Honda's redesigned 2009 Honda Fit is "a subcompact four-door hatchback available in two trim levels: base and Sport," according to reviewers at Edmunds. Compared to the 2008 Honda Fit, Motor Trend finds that the latest model is "longer by 2.2 in., wider by 1.4 in.," and "longer in wheelbase by 2.0 in.," though it is still among the smaller cars on the road today. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that most are less than impressed with the new styling on the 2009 Honda Fit. Jalopnik describes the new 2009 Honda Fit as "more bulbous, less of a bullpup and more of a breadvan." Reviewers at Motor Trend highlight some of the major changes for 2009, which "include larger front quarter windows, larger, shapelier headlights, and sportier body-kit-like moldings." Despite those sporty cues, the 2009 Honda Fit doesn't come across as a speed machine. The interior of the Honda Fit is also redesigned for 2009, and this side of the Honda Fit fares somewhat better with reviewers. Jalopnik reviewers first notice the "abundant blue LEDs at important marks" on the instrument dials, yet they lament the "poorly integrated but functional" navigation system. ConsumerGuide reviewers are impressed with the "high mounted, handy, and clearly marked" audio controls, as well as "rotary climate controls [that] are stacked to the right of the steering wheel and are easy to reach and use." Car and Driver also mentions that the interior seems much improved over the 2008 Honda Fit, reporting that "Honda went for refinement...from a dynamic, interior, and styling standpoint." ConclusionThe 2009 Honda Fit's new clothes don't fit quite right, but the Fit does show that true beauty is on the inside. 2009 HONDA FIT STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: " Honda went for refinement with this car from a dynamic, interior, and styling standpoint" ConsumerGuide: "Audio controls are high mounted, handy, and clearly marked" Jalopnik: "Outside, it looks much bigger as well, and not in a ...

Read More of this Review:

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

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.

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See the Honda Fit in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (8 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

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