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2009 Honda Fit Safety Review

October 30, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Standard safety equipment for the 2009 Honda Fit includes antilock disc brakes
Edmunds

Something else that buyers are going to like is the even better view out
Car and Driver

Electronic stability system will be optional, a rarity in this vehicle class
Cars.com

Safety is a paramount concern on all vehicles, but with subcompacts like the 2009 Honda Fit, it seems even more crucial that a host of safety features is included. For the 2009 model year, the Honda Fit includes quite a few standard features, as well as one very significant option.

The 2009 Honda Fit has not yet been crash tested by either NHTSA or the IIHS, but most experts agree that the 2009 Honda Fit should perform well in crash tests once those tests are conducted. Cars.com says the Honda Fit "employs Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering," which they say is "designed to engage the crumple zones of taller vehicles optimally in a collision."

In addition to a resilient body structure, the 2009 Honda Fit offers a list of safety features that rivals any other car in its class. Edmunds reviewers say "standard safety equipment for the 2009 Honda Fit includes antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags," and "full-length side-curtain airbags." ConsumerGuide adds that "front-seat active head restraints" and a "tire-pressure monitor" also come standard on all Honda Fit models. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that an electronic stability control system is also available. However, most reviewers, like those at Jalopnik, are disappointed to find that "the only way to get stability control" is to spring for "an optional navigation system."

Driver visibility is one of those important safety features that, for some reason, often gets overlooked by automotive reviewers. The 2009 Honda Fit is a different story, though, as virtually all of the reviews read by TheCarConnection.com praise the Honda Fit's improved visibility. Jalopnik claims "the Fit's outward visibility is amazing, obstructed laterally by only the narrowest of pillars." ConsumerGuide agrees and reports that "it's better straight back than it used to be thanks to rear headrests that retract flush with the tops of the seatbacks."

Conclusion

All the early signs point to the 2009 Honda Fit remaining the safest car of its size.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Standard safety equipment for the 2009 Honda Fit includes antilock disc brakesEdmundsSomething else that buyers are going to like is the even better view outCar and DriverElectronic stability system will be optional, a rarity in this vehicle classCars.com Safety is a paramount concern on all vehicles, but with subcompacts like the 2009 Honda Fit, it seems even more crucial that a host of safety features is included. For the 2009 model year, the Honda Fit includes quite a few standard features, as well as one very significant option. The 2009 Honda Fit has not yet been crash tested by either NHTSA or the IIHS, but most experts agree that the 2009 Honda Fit should perform well in crash tests once those tests are conducted. Cars.com says the Honda Fit "employs Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering," which they say is "designed to engage the crumple zones of taller vehicles optimally in a collision." In addition to a resilient body structure, the 2009 Honda Fit offers a list of safety features that rivals any other car in its class. Edmunds reviewers say "standard safety equipment for the 2009 Honda Fit includes antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags," and "full-length side-curtain airbags." ConsumerGuide adds that "front-seat active head restraints" and a "tire-pressure monitor" also come standard on all Honda Fit models. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that an electronic stability control system is also available. However, most reviewers, like those at Jalopnik, are disappointed to find that "the only way to get stability control" is to spring for "an optional navigation system." Driver visibility is one of those important safety features that, for some reason, often gets overlooked by automotive reviewers. The 2009 Honda Fit is a different story, though, as virtually all of the reviews read by TheCarConnection.com praise the Honda Fit's improved visibility. Jalopnik claims "the Fit's outward visibility is amazing, obstructed laterally by only the narrowest of pillars." ConsumerGuide agrees and reports that "it's better straight back than it used to be thanks to rear headrests that retract flush with the tops of the seatbacks." ConclusionAll the early signs point to the 2009 Honda Fit remaining the safest car of its size. 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.

Next Steps:

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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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