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2009 Honda Fit Performance Review

October 30, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

More fun to drive than a team of coked-up sled dogs
Car and Driver

Manual transmission has smooth, light shift action and clutch
ConsumerGuide

Goes down the road and through the turns very well, almost eagerly
Jalopnik

The last generation of Honda Fit wins abundant praise from reviewers for its surprising performance and high fun-to-drive factor. Despite having a more powerful engine for 2009, the second-generation Honda Fit doesn't quite match its predecessor in the performance department.

All models in the 2009 Honda Fit lineup are powered by 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that Car and Driver says gets a "modest power bump to 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque," compared to the 2008 Honda Fit's 109 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. Honda's little four-cylinder is capable, but it has to move a bit more Honda Fit than before, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that it doesn't offer quite as exciting a driving experience. ConsumerGuide notes the Honda Fit is "adequate around town," but "highway passing takes patience." Jalopnik reviewers feel that the "adequetastic 1.5 liter" is "sufficient for its class." Motor Trend observes that the new engine offers "higher peak power and a much flatter torque curve," but Cars.com still findsit offers just "modest acceleration."

The 2009 Honda Fit comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission but, notes Edmunds, "a five-speed automatic is optional." Edmunds adds that "on Fit Sports the automatic comes with manual shift control via steering-wheel-mounted paddles." Reviewers find little to fault with the manual and paddle-shift automatic, but most indicate that the standard automatic is unremarkable. Cars.com notes that the standard automatic "isn't apt to kick down unless you give the pedal a good jab—even when in Sport mode," which leads Jalopnik to deem the transmission "merely decent." The manual gets much more love, however, as ConsumerGuide claims the "Fit feels livelier with the manual," and Cars.com adds it "is well-matched to the new engine's power band." The paddle-shifting automatic is the real standout, though, and ConsumerGuide says it "keeps the transmission in a lower gear than in normal mode for faster throttle response."

The small 2008 Honda Fit, with its low-displacement engine, offers impressive around-town fuel economy, but experts at TheCarConnection.com expect better performance on the highway. The EPA estimates that manual-transmission Honda Fits and Honda Fit Sports with the automatic will get 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The base Honda Fit with the five-speed automatic fares slightly better, with EPA estimates of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Reviewers are still impressed with the way the 2009 Honda Fit handles, though some feel that it has lost a step. Edmunds calls the Honda Fit "highly maneuverable and a great urban runabout," but one Car and Driver reviewer "[notices himself] struggling to find that special something [he] used to love in flooring it, steering it, and halting it." On the positive side, Car and Driver does praise the brakes, which "have lots of feel and never seem overwhelmed," and Cars.com mentions that "the electric power steering has decent feel."

Conclusion

The 2009 Honda Fit still offers a comfortable ride and can be fun with the five-speed manual transmission.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:More fun to drive than a team of coked-up sled dogsCar and DriverManual transmission has smooth, light shift action and clutchConsumerGuideGoes down the road and through the turns very well, almost eagerlyJalopnik The last generation of Honda Fit wins abundant praise from reviewers for its surprising performance and high fun-to-drive factor. Despite having a more powerful engine for 2009, the second-generation Honda Fit doesn't quite match its predecessor in the performance department. All models in the 2009 Honda Fit lineup are powered by 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that Car and Driver says gets a "modest power bump to 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque," compared to the 2008 Honda Fit's 109 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. Honda's little four-cylinder is capable, but it has to move a bit more Honda Fit than before, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that it doesn't offer quite as exciting a driving experience. ConsumerGuide notes the Honda Fit is "adequate around town," but "highway passing takes patience." Jalopnik reviewers feel that the "adequetastic 1.5 liter" is "sufficient for its class." Motor Trend observes that the new engine offers "higher peak power and a much flatter torque curve," but Cars.com still findsit offers just "modest acceleration." The 2009 Honda Fit comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission but, notes Edmunds, "a five-speed automatic is optional." Edmunds adds that "on Fit Sports the automatic comes with manual shift control via steering-wheel-mounted paddles." Reviewers find little to fault with the manual and paddle-shift automatic, but most indicate that the standard automatic is unremarkable. Cars.com notes that the standard automatic "isn't apt to kick down unless you give the pedal a good jab—even when in Sport mode," which leads Jalopnik to deem the transmission "merely decent." The manual gets much more love, however, as ConsumerGuide claims the "Fit feels livelier with the manual," and Cars.com adds it "is well-matched to the new engine's power band." The paddle-shifting automatic is the real standout, though, and ConsumerGuide says it "keeps the transmission in a lower gear than in normal mode for faster throttle response." The small 2008 Honda Fit, with its low-displacement engine, offers impressive around-town fuel economy, but experts at TheCarConnection.com expect better performance on the highway. The EPA estimates that manual-transmission Honda Fits and Honda Fit Sports with the automatic will get 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The base Honda Fit with the five-speed automatic fares slightly better, with EPA estimates of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway. Reviewers are still impressed with the way the 2009 Honda Fit handles, though some feel that it has lost a step. Edmunds calls the Honda Fit "highly maneuverable and a great urban runabout," but one Car and Driver reviewer "[notices himself] struggling to find that special something [he] used to love in flooring it, steering it, and halting it." On the positive side, Car and Driver does praise the brakes, which "have lots of feel and never seem overwhelmed," and Cars.com mentions that "the electric power steering has decent feel." ConclusionThe 2009 Honda Fit still offers a comfortable ride and can be fun with the five-speed manual transmission. 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 (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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