2008 Honda Fit -- Opinions

[greenitup]

the fit only gets 31 mpg? I'm getting almost that in my truck and it isn't new at all. But then again if i had the fit i could get way better than 31.

[Siaharok]

Quick update. I did buy the Fit, and I love it. With my Scangauge, I'm getting 51pmg easily.

[mcNate]

got my 07 fit in late 06 (but just got my scanguage tonight!).

On the subject of winter driving--last year here in Iowa City we got something like 6 feet of snow over the course of a couple months, with ice storms in between. The fit handled far, far better than I expected--maybe cause of the pricey sport tires. My old car was a beautiful 84 Honda Civic Dx hatch (RIP), and although it easily got 55 mpg highway, it also could skid and lock up in an inch of snow at 5 mph. Fit--good in snow, good in ice. Not so great with big crosswind with snow and ice.

PS: the auto is actually geared for better efficiency than the manual (and you can always use the paddle shifters on the sport if you want 5th when cresting that hill at 40). Throttle cutoff when coasting, pop it in neutral to increase roll, driving's fun again

[Z man]

Originally Posted by mcNate

got my 07 fit in late 06 (but just got my scanguage tonight!).

On the subject of winter driving--last year here in Iowa City we got something like 6 feet of snow over the course of a couple months, with ice storms in between. The fit handled far, far better than I expected--maybe cause of the pricey sport tires. My old car was a beautiful 84 Honda Civic Dx hatch (RIP), and although it easily got 55 mpg highway, it also could skid and lock up in an inch of snow at 5 mph. Fit--good in snow, good in ice. Not so great with big crosswind with snow and ice.

PS: the auto is actually geared for better efficiency than the manual (and you can always use the paddle shifters on the sport if you want 5th when cresting that hill at 40). Throttle cutoff when coasting, pop it in neutral to increase roll, driving's fun again

I have transmission envy!

[alexibu]

I have bought a 2004 Jazz / Fit, and love it.
The way the back seats fold is brilliant because the fuel tank is under the front seats.

Using driving techniques and 40psi tyres we get 4.5 l/100km ( 52 MPG ), whether on the highway at up to 110 km or around town in 50km zones.

This is far better than our 2002 Toyota Echo / Yaris which could not achieve these levels in the city and also used around 6.5 on the highway.

[MetroMPG]

Ah, but what engine do you have, alexibu?

In North America, the only available engine is the 1.5L and a transmission that's geared badly for efficient highway motoring.

[Oval_Overload]

Originally Posted by cmittle

I'm glad you bought the Fit. I bought mine on July 15th 08 and am loving it. The worst mileage I've seen so far is 35.6. My range is has been pretty narrow (only ~2000miles right now) from 35.6-38.9 (Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com). I'm curious to see how it gets around this winter the guy at the dealer said they were one of the easier cars to get around when moving them last winter, he said the accords you could plan on pushing (of course he is a sales guy).

I've had to push an Accord, while my brother ice skated around it

[alexibu]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Ah, but what engine do you have, alexibu?

In North America, the only available engine is the 1.5L and a transmission that's geared badly for efficient motoring.

You are right - I have the 1.3 DSI (dual spark plug engine). It's a great engine - compared to 1.3 echo I had before which on paper had more power and 200 kg less weight, the 1.3 Jazz appears to be subjectively much more drivable with if there is any difference more acceleration.

[BullFrog2]

Hello All:

My wife and I just got a 2009 Honda Sport Fit with 5 spd. using the C4C rebate. Her first two tankfuls were 43.3 MPG (calculated) on rural roads and a little town driving; she is a careful, slow driver, but does no hypermiling. The little MPG meter was a little optimistic @ 49.5 MPG. I have not had a chance to check the odometer so there may be some additional correction later. Tires were pumped up to 38 psi for most of the driving.

The Fit is a great choice for a hatchback or a mini-minivan, offering excellent handling, comfortable seats, lots of interior space and airbags everywhere. Acceleration is almost as good as my '95 Acura Integra (basically a Honda Civic B-18B1 engine, 5 spd and Civic chassis) which gets about 35.0 MPG in similar, but more spirited driving. If the Fit lasts as long as my Acura (300,000+ miles with the worst repair being a clutch replacement), I'll be delighted!

In my opinion, Honda engineering and reliability is superb, especially at the price. And I have had 50 years of driving BMWs, Jags, MGs, Fords, Chevys, Datsuns, Toyotas, Dodges, VWs, Porsches, Plymouths, Mitsubushis, Triumphs, Austin-Healeys and even a Berkley (does anyone remember those?). The Honda products are simply the best of the lot and consistently get excellent FE in normal driving.

[bluetwo]

Congrats on the car!! That said....

My opinion: the Fit is hideous! For that reason alone I could never own one, unless I somehow came into a sweet deal. That pettiness aside I think it's a great compact mechanically and ergonomically that has the Honda navigation as an option, which is for sure one of the best navi systems out there, though it's a little frustrating to operate at first (I've had two cars with it in it). For now I'm happy with having an older Civic as a every-day-car and a nice new truck for when I need it. Seems like the Fit is a great car for you as a primary car though, so again: congrats.