2007 Honda Fit Review

Specifications

Micro Size, Macro Space

Provided that you arent living under a rock, by now youll have certainly heard about Hondas new Fit. Although its only slightly larger than a pebble, Hondas smallest is really making waves and getting noticed, which is no small feat, especially after the launch of the award-winning Civic. The word on the Fit is spreading surprisingly fast, despite the fact that it isnt backed up by much advertising. Yes, theres the ten-second long, “What Fits in the Fit?” ad, which you might have seen while watching the previews prior to a movie on the big screen, and a number of internet banners on top-tier sites (like this one) but not much else; at least not as much as the Civic enjoyed.

Of course, the grassroots excitement surrounding the Fit is justifiable. As weve already experienced in the first two weeks of testing our long-term car, its one of the strongest performers in the subcompact class, although, considering its surprisingly efficient packaging, this thing could very well rub shoulders with cars in the compact class, one step above. What allows the Fit to feel so spacious is its monobox styling; the tall shape and low-mounted seats give this tiny Honda a head and shoulders advantage in roominess. One after another, staffers, friends and family have entered the Fit, only to leave comfortable, free of cramps and with jaw firmly planted on floor, bewildered about how much space there is inside, in front and in back.

As were settling into the Fit, its made itself clear as a strong performer in all the categories which are important to us. Normally, little cars, except the Smart fortwo, are nothing to write home about, but not so with the Honda. The 1.5-liter engine is small, but at 109 horsepower its more than adequate to move the cars frame, and it steers and rides aplomb. Then theres the fact that the attention to detail in the cabin is better than cars five times the price.

But given the fact that its generating a great deal of hype, can you imagine the kind of uproar that the Fits introduction caused when it was launched in Japan four years ago. Come to think of it, what was on the market four years ago? Here in North America, there wasnt much available aside from the Toyota Echo Sedan and the usual assortment of Korean or Korean-built subcompacts. In Europe, the Fit, or Jazz as its called, still managed to cause a fuss, even against Peugeots, Volkswagens, Citroens and Renaults. Thats impressive for a company that built the Honda Logo, what might be one of the most widely forgettable superminis to ever grace the road (outside of North America).
Of course, now that weve had the Fit for a few weeks, all the accolades make sense.

And now, to the logbook. Over the past couple of weeks weve been generally adjusting to the Fit, and finding out what really can fit inside…

Odometer: 1,164 miles

Jonathan: Well, the Fit passed its first big hurdle in my eyes. The standard “will it fit an Ikea bookshelf” test was summarily dispatched by dropping the back seats and pretty much sliding the packaged shelving unit over the super-low lift-over and in behind the passenger seat. We only had to nudge the passenger seat forward a bit to handle the 64.6 inch length of the package. I felt so smug loading up the big box and driving away as I watched the guy next to me struggling to tie down something he had loaded into his pickup-truck bed. I also feel pretty smug putting on the many miles that I have and not needing to fuel it up, yet. Maybe Ill leave Justin with the gas bill. Nahhh, that would be evil, even though it wouldnt be that bad. Before loading up the Ikea package, I tried figuring out how to configure the Magic Seats for the maximum space from trunk to dash, but if its possible, the manual doesnt explain it: you can either use the back cargo area with the rear seats down, or unite the front seats with the rear in Long mode, but I guess you cant get Americano length (somebody back me up on my espresso joke, please…) by accessing the fold down rear seats and getting the front passenger seat out of the way. Where has all the Magic gone?

Addendum: Being the dedicated (obsessive-compulsive) journalist that I am, I decided to go back outside and finally figure out this mysterious long-object mode as described by other journalists who attended the informative event. My confusion stemmed from the fact that I thought it was some clever machination, an integrated combination of folding seats, but I was defeated in this case by my own overly complicated expectations, and the fact that it is not clearly diagrammed in the handy, color-coded quick reference guide for Fit owners. When in Utility mode (i.e. the rear seats folded flat), you simply recline the passenger seat until it hits the rear cargo floor. Granted, this leaves an awkward “unflat” surface, but hey, you can still lug a 7-foot ladder (or some other object measuring up to 94.5 inches (or 7.5 feet) in length. The other failing is that it leaves the front seat fabric exposed to the degradations of cargo accommodation. How utilitarian! Anyways, a canvas drop sheet could quickly remedy that, but its execution is so simple that it hurts my head to think about it.

Odometer: 1,184 miles

Justin: I wanted to be the first to move something with the Fit, but I guess the honors go to Jon. Having seen a fully-assembled Expedit bookshelf, and the size of the box that it came in, I have a feeling that sooner or later Ill be taking the Fit out to Ikea for some furniture shopping adventures of my own. I think, though, itll be later, as I dont have a craving for any Swedish furniture at the moment (I had my fill last summer), but, surely Ill figure out something to move, be it, clobber, clutter… or university students who are now on summer break. In the meantime, the Fit seems to be hauling around clutter, namely my knapsack and a whole bunch of textbooks, which I have been meaning to get rid of.

Odometer: 1,434 miles

Linda: When I first saw the Honda Fit pull up on my driveway, I really didnt know what to think. It was odd-looking with those big headlights, and Im not particularly fond of tall shapes; the Fit reminds me of a minivan. However, when I got inside my opinion of the little Honda changed. The gauges, knobs and buttons all laid out nicely, and are easily accessed, and the seating position isnt at all like a van. I particularly like the bright-blue backlit stereo - its really chic. Exterior appearances are truly deceiving.

I havent taken the Fit very far, just around the block and on a couple of quick errands, but Ive noticed something. The first time my foot touched the gas pedal there was this big jolt of speed. Controlling acceleration is a bit jumpy to start, but it didnt take long to find the right amount of pressure for smooth starts.

Odometer: 1,663 miles

Justin: Yesterday, I saw a Honda Fit on the road. It was a Milano Red, car with the five-spoke plastic wheel covers, though, I couldnt tell if it was a base model or not. Either way, it looked identical to our tester. Not a few hours later, I saw another car, a blue Sport model, and it looked to be driven by a couple of suits from Honda. I say this not by the fact that its a brand new Honda, but the fact that one of them had a Honda lapel pin on his black sport-coat. I reckon that he was particularly pleased, not only because the Fits a fantastic car to drive, but also, that its going to be a very hot seller.

I think that its going to only be a matter of a couple of weeks before Fits start popping up all over the place. Word is that from San Diego to Seattle theyre showing up left right and center. Somehow, this doesnt surprise me; the Fit is smart and trendy looking, especially in Sport trim level. I think itll be perfect for those young, West Coast fashionistas.

Odometer: 1,805 miles

Linda: At 54″, I am neither as tall as Jon or Justin, and this poses a bit of a problem for me when driving the Fit. If I position the steering wheel perfectly for my height, the top of steering wheels rim cuts off my view of the speedometer. This means that the entire range of speed from 60 mph to 100 mph is out of view. In order to see exactly where the needle is pointing, or what my speed is, I need to duck down to take a quick peek. To fix this, I have to drive with the steering wheel slightly more elevated than I am used to. This wouldnt be so much of a problem if the car had armrests. Theyd really come in handy.

Also, on that note of complaining, I also wish that the Fit was available with a sunroof. In Europe, the Fit (sold over there as the Jazz) has one, so why cant we?

Odometer: 1,918 miles

Justin: Drop. Drop. DropDropdropdropdrop… Ah, thats the sound of rain, and another spring day in my part of the world. Not a couple of minutes later, the pitter pattering of raindrops on the Fits roof has turned into a constant downpour in the form of sheets, but the Honda has no trouble dealing with this kind of weather, none in the slightest. The big windshield is effectively swept dry by the oversized wipers, and with the air conditioner on, theres not a misty patch in sight. And while I normally wouldnt mention this, it even has a rear windshield wiper, something that our Yaris long term car doesnt have.

But the truly amazing thing about the Fit in this weather is how stable it is. The standard 175-width Dunlop SP31 tires have a good deal of grip, providing enough stopping power to haul the car down from roadway speeds to stop without tripping the ABS. Of course, being one to never turn down a curvy stretch, I took the long way home, passing through one of my favorite roads. Tackle a corner a bit too enthusiastically, with too much throttle and the Fit will wash wide, but thats nothing that backing off a little cant cure. Unlike some subcompact cars, the Fit wont snap when you lift off, its back end stays firmly planted to the road, with no tendency for rear lift.