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2009 Honda Fit Quality Review

October 30, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Affordable subcompact' no longer equals 'chintzy penalty box
Edmunds

The new Fit has 10 cup holders, man
Car and Driver

Seats themselves are comfortable and there's plenty of headroom
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 Honda Fit is designed to make the most of its tidy exterior dimensions, and it offers impressive passenger and cargo room.

The interior of the 2009 Honda Fit is spacious enough to seat five passengers comfortably. Cars.com reports that the Honda Fit's "interior size belies its exterior dimensions," since "at 6 feet tall," reviewers there "had substantial headroom surplus, and legroom was good enough that [they] had to inch the driver's seat forward a bit to get full extension on the clutch pedal." Edmunds also notes that "taller drivers will be more comfortable," thanks to a "standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel [that] has made the driving position far more agreeable." ConsumerGuide finds the front "seats themselves are comfortable," and is even more surprised by "how much rear seat room there is in such a small vehicle." ConsumerGuide claims that rear seat "headroom and legroom are more than adequate for adults, even with the front seats fully rearward." Edmunds agrees, remarking that "an extra inch of rear legroom makes it pretty hospitable in back, too."

Cargo space is one area where the 2009 Honda Fit truly shines. The versatile Honda Fit earns high praise in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com for its overall functionality, which, ConsumerGuide declares, "is Fit's forte." Edmunds elaborates that "if the rear seat is folded completely flat, the Fit can provide 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space," which is "considerably more than last year's 41.9 cubic feet." ConsumerGuide says "the rear seatbacks easily fold flat to provide a large, cubic storage area," while "the front seatback can be folded flat to accommodate long, narrow items" as well. One feature that generates a lot of buzz among reviewers is the so-called Magic Seat, which Edmunds reports "can be configured in a variety of ways" and allows for "the rear seatbacks [to] fold completely flat with just the pull of a lever." The cabin of the Honda Fit is brimming with space as well, and Jalopnik claims the "nook-and-cranny factor has been expanded, with lots of little compartmentlets and even a small top-secret hidden stashbox under the rear seats." In addition, Jalopnik proclaims the Honda Fit "will hold the hell out of your cups, with ten receptacles provided for that purpose alone."

Another area where the 2009 Honda Fit excels in relation to its competitors is fit and finish. ConsumerGuide says "nothing comes off as being cheap" inside the Honda Fit, and "the overall look is par for the subcompact course." Cars.com also praises the "generally high-quality interior" and "pretty upscale" look, especially on the Honda Fit Sport. Motor Trend reviewers aren't particularly surprised by the nice finishing touches on the Honda Fit, since "if there's a company that sweats the details, it's Honda."

The 2009 Honda Fit also offers a moderately well-insulated cabin. However, Cars.com reviewers note there is "significant engine noise when accelerating moderately to heavily." On the positive side, ConsumerGuide does mention that "bump noise is well suppressed." Furthermore, several reviewers praise the ride, including ConsumerGuide, which assesses the new Honda Fit as "commendably solid and reasonably compliant over bumps."

Conclusion

Despite its size, the 2009 Honda Fit can haul everything and the kitchen sink—in surprising comfort.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Affordable subcompact' no longer equals 'chintzy penalty boxEdmundsThe new Fit has 10 cup holders, manCar and DriverSeats themselves are comfortable and there's plenty of headroomConsumerGuide The 2009 Honda Fit is designed to make the most of its tidy exterior dimensions, and it offers impressive passenger and cargo room. The interior of the 2009 Honda Fit is spacious enough to seat five passengers comfortably. Cars.com reports that the Honda Fit's "interior size belies its exterior dimensions," since "at 6 feet tall," reviewers there "had substantial headroom surplus, and legroom was good enough that [they] had to inch the driver's seat forward a bit to get full extension on the clutch pedal." Edmunds also notes that "taller drivers will be more comfortable," thanks to a "standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel [that] has made the driving position far more agreeable." ConsumerGuide finds the front "seats themselves are comfortable," and is even more surprised by "how much rear seat room there is in such a small vehicle." ConsumerGuide claims that rear seat "headroom and legroom are more than adequate for adults, even with the front seats fully rearward." Edmunds agrees, remarking that "an extra inch of rear legroom makes it pretty hospitable in back, too." Cargo space is one area where the 2009 Honda Fit truly shines. The versatile Honda Fit earns high praise in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com for its overall functionality, which, ConsumerGuide declares, "is Fit's forte." Edmunds elaborates that "if the rear seat is folded completely flat, the Fit can provide 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space," which is "considerably more than last year's 41.9 cubic feet." ConsumerGuide says "the rear seatbacks easily fold flat to provide a large, cubic storage area," while "the front seatback can be folded flat to accommodate long, narrow items" as well. One feature that generates a lot of buzz among reviewers is the so-called Magic Seat, which Edmunds reports "can be configured in a variety of ways" and allows for "the rear seatbacks [to] fold completely flat with just the pull of a lever." The cabin of the Honda Fit is brimming with space as well, and Jalopnik claims the "nook-and-cranny factor has been expanded, with lots of little compartmentlets and even a small top-secret hidden stashbox under the rear seats." In addition, Jalopnik proclaims the Honda Fit "will hold the hell out of your cups, with ten receptacles provided for that purpose alone." Another area where the 2009 Honda Fit excels in relation to its competitors is fit and finish. ConsumerGuide says "nothing comes off as being cheap" inside the Honda Fit, and "the overall look is par for the subcompact course." Cars.com also praises the "generally high-quality interior" and "pretty upscale" look, especially on the Honda Fit Sport. Motor Trend reviewers aren't particularly surprised by the nice finishing touches on the Honda Fit, since "if there's a company that sweats the details, it's Honda." The 2009 Honda Fit also offers a moderately well-insulated cabin. However, Cars.com reviewers note there is "significant engine noise when accelerating moderately to heavily." On the positive side, ConsumerGuide does mention that "bump noise is well suppressed." Furthermore, several reviewers praise the ride, including ConsumerGuide, which assesses the new Honda Fit as "commendably solid and reasonably compliant over bumps." ConclusionDespite its size, the 2009 Honda Fit can haul everything and the kitchen sink—in surprising comfort. 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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