Edmunds: Japanese First Drive: Honda Fit

[Variance]

A month before its showroom debut, we take a close look at — and a hard drive in — Honda's entry-level hatchback

By Peter Lyon

Date posted: 03-09-2006

Honda's mighty little Fit is already big news in Japan and Europe. Arguably the most practical super-mini on sale in both markets, the Fit will finally land in U.S. showrooms in April.

So why did Honda wait until now to introduce its four-door hatchback into the U.S.? Ask the PR types and they'll tell you that the company wasn't sure this small people mover would catch on. Or they might say that it didn't have the size or space for the local market. Well, things have changed over the last couple of years in the U.S. since the Fit took on Europe (and won). Gasoline is more expensive, and with the high-profile hybrids making waves, the mood is changing stateside. People are starting to care more about emissions and mileage. And the success of the chunky Scion xB has proved that compact, well-packaged crossover types have a place in the U.S. market.

Enter the Fit with its sharp looks, great packaging and class-topping performance and handling.

Employing a simple, but uniquely Honda-like, grille and bulbous headlight design inspired by the S2000, the Fit offers best-in-class interior space, on-road performance more like a sports sedan than a minivan and above all, mileage topping 33 mpg (city mode).

Dropped onto a newly developed "global small platform," the technical highlight of this "big" small car is its centrally located fuel tank. Positioned right under the front seats and nestled between the reinforced side members, the 10.8-gallon tank configuration gave designers the chance to pen a flat floor, thus opening up substantial legroom and headroom in addition to a sizable luggage area. Although it's only 157.4 inches long, 66.2 inches wide, 60.0 inches tall and sits on a 96.5-inch wheelbase, the Fit feels as spacious as a minivan one size larger.

The Fit doesn't just seat four adults in comfort; it actually offers minivan-like cabin height and 41.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down. And its numerous seating configurations give you the ability to carry three adults and a 7-foot surfboard — at the same time. It might be packaged like a mini-minivan, but it handles corners like a sports sedan.

The Fit is powered by the latest in Honda's new generation of compact, lightweight i-series engines. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder VTEC produces 109 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Married to either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, the low-vibration front-drive unit delivers strong power and torque response from low down in the rev range right up to the 6,500-rpm redline — surprisingly low for a Honda. The torque curve is flatter than most rivals and comes on power like a much larger engine. To add to the thrill factor, Honda is offering steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the automatic. Obviously, the manual extracts the most performance out of this engine, with its tightly spaced ratios and short-stroke gearshift, but the auto's paddles and unexpectedly quick gearchanges make you feel like an Indy driver, and in a minivan!

So the Fit's VTEC power unit might not be as dramatic as that of the Civic Type-R or NSX, but the little hatch's gearbox ratios are superbly matched to its 1.5-liter's torque curve, thus delivering surprisingly quick acceleration.

But it's not just the well-balanced, fuel-efficient engine and transmissions that enhance the Fit driving experience. A quantum leap in chassis and suspension rigidity takes the Honda into a league of its own in the handling department. One minute of driving is all that is needed to realize just how rigid this minicar is. You soon find yourself leaning into the next corner a little quicker. With bend rigidity jumping 210 percent and twist rigidity up 116 percent, the car feels planted to the road. Completing the Fit's underpinnings in a very un-minivan-like style are MacPherson struts and coil springs up front, an H-pattern torsion beam setup at the rear and side-force-canceling springs — which work to counter body roll.

The speed-sensitive electric power steering is well weighted, if a little heavy, and could do with a touch more natural feedback from the road. Ride quality is stiff but compliant enough for U.S. roads.

The end result is that you can throw the Fit into corners at speeds you shouldn't be able to. Choose your line and enter a corner at 50 mph, and the Fit traces the arc with perfect balance, with just the slightest hint of understeer.

Honda has also incorporated its G-CON high-integrity body frame, which passes the world's most stringent crash standards, including 40-mph offset, 35-mph side impact, and 31-mph rear-collision absorption. Dual front and side-impact airbags, antilock brakes and Electronic Brake Distribution with brake assist have all been fitted as standard equipment.

On the earth-friendly side, HC and NOx emissions have been reduced by 50 percent and more than 90 percent of the Fit is recyclable.

Each model also gets power windows, power mirrors and central locking. Set to raise the stakes in the small car market, the Fit will start at around $13,000.

Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Featu...rticleId=109580

[Flybrian]

Isn't this thing already 3 years-old? Yay, we get half-cycle leftovers.

[siegen]

Sounds like a good package. I'm just waiting for the big Fit vs. Yaris comparo's that every mag is bound to do the second both vehicles become available. Well, maybe I'm not waiting for it, but it'll be interesting to see how this updated Fit does against a brand new Yaris.

[regfootball]

"109 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm"

[siegen]

"109 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm"

Both the Yaris and Aveo make very similar numbers (if you want to nit-pic, the Fit has the most HP out of both of them), except the Yaris and Aveo only have 4sp Auto's (not sure about the new Aveo), while the Fit has a 5sp Auto.

It ain't no race car

[sciguy_0504]

Both the Yaris and Aveo make very similar numbers (if you want to nit-pic, the Fit has the most HP out of both of them), except the Yaris and Aveo only have 4sp Auto's (not sure about the new Aveo), while the Fit has a 5sp Auto.

It ain't no race car 

It is not made to be a race car. These cars are supposed to be cheap and frugal for first-time, low-income or "I just use it to drive to the train station" drivers.

[siegen]

It is not made to be a race car.

I don't think anybody's arguing against that.

These cars are supposed to be cheap and frugal for first-time, low-income or "I just use it to drive to the train station" drivers.

Not exactly. These are not your normal bare bones, only bought it cause I can afford it, b-segment cars of the past. Surely the Fit will be a lot of first new car purchases, and a lot of low-income families will buy it, but it is not like a Geo Metro or Hyundai Accent (you know, the cars nobody wants but they get good mileage and are cheap?).

Since when did b-segment cars come with side curtain airbags, ABS, electric brake distribution, theft immobilizer, steering wheel mounted cruise controls and paddle shifters, 5sp auto's, a/c with filtration, 160w or 200w sound system standard with speed sensitive volume, power everything you would find in a normal compact car (door locks, windows w/ auto-down, mirrors, etc), and seating for 5? And it is not a bad looking car.

[regfootball]

ok, just don't venture out onto the freeway.......you won't be able to keep up

[Polish_Kris]

"109 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm"

GM's new Aveo is 103 hp, and 107 pounds-feet of torque, Reg I know you love to use ANY excuse to bash anything that Honda and Toyota make, but this round you've lost.

[Polish_Kris]

ok, just don't venture out onto the freeway.......you won't be able to keep up

Actually having over 100 hp in a small car like that is very decent, this car is light, therefore, it will have enough peppiness to keep up on the freeway, don't worry. Maybe one day, they'll make 300 hp econo cars just FOR YOU.

[CARBIZ]

For those of you bashing any of the vehicles in this segment, they are all surprisingly quiet at highway speeds and feel decently stable. Personally, I prefer the look of the Aveo 5 over either the Echo or Yaris because the design is cleaner and more balanced, IMO.

We can all look down our noses at these vehicles while paying $2.50 a gallon. I can GUARANTEE you that at $7-8 a gallon, these vehicles will ALL look so much better to you.

Only in North America do you see people driving anything other than these type of vehicles (except maybe oil rich nations that charge 25 cents a gallon!)

[ReD-DaWg-OnE]

i'm sorry but the echo like you stated is not quite at freeway speeds... nor does it have enough leg room for freeway treks over 100 miles.

[CARBIZ]

Sorry, I was speaking more of the Aveo than the Echo, but my point was they are suprisingly quiet - meaning quieter than expected. One's perspective is drastically effected it one is driving a Lexus or Deville - clearly quieter than most anything on the road. I've driven professionally most of my life (starting as a car jockey in a major downtown hotel in 1981) and have particularly seen how small cars went form raucous and scary on the highway to almost pleasurable.

I am 6'2" and have no problems sitting in the front or BACK seat of the Aveo, BTW.

[prinzSD]

I would never get into these vehicle on any freeway. With all the large trucks, SUVs and Peterbuilts, etc, these thing with airbags are still death traps. The bumper intrusion alone from a truck is serious business and I don't want to find out first hand. It is scary enough driving in the Corolla and my TA, let alone these tiny cars. Now, if gas prices go up and it swings the other way and more people drive these things, then I am in. Until then, the fifteen miles I travel on the freeway to get to the train station for the rest of my commute will continue in larger cars.

[regfootball]

I would never get into these vehicle on any freeway. With all the large trucks, SUVs and Peterbuilts, etc, these thing with airbags are still death traps. The bumper intrusion alone from a truck is serious business and I don't want to find out first hand. It is scary enough driving in the Corolla and my TA, let alone these tiny cars. Now, if gas prices go up and it swings the other way and more people drive these things, then I am in. Until then, the fifteen miles I travel on the freeway to get to the train station for the rest of my commute will continue in larger cars.

my 99 corolla prizm had 125hp and couldn't get out of its own way or accelrate above 55-60 mph. plus, it had scary braking at those speeds, plus questionable handling on thin tires. no smaller car with less hp will be any better.

at least the ecotec equipped cars have torque to manage the road above 60 mph.

no way do i put me and my kid in a Yaris and feel safe either precrash or during/aftercrash. Saving gas is great, but not if your family is toast in the process.

[Newbiewar]

It is not made to be a race car. 

thats the sad thing... i took an aveo out a few months ago... while its a pretty peppy car, it takes forever to get up to 85 mph... used to my 320hp monster

but some guy tried to race me while i was driving the aveo.... ohh my lord, where has the art of drag racing gone, when a 15 year old japanese box tries to race a newfangled rounded off box with 40% more power? haha 70+Hp compared with the aveo's 100+ hp... wow lol really smart there buddy...

[cmattson]

109 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm

and

To add to the thrill factor

Where else but Edmunds can you read those two quotes in a single car review? Geez, you can't get anymore lapdog than that, can you? They might as well have used "Best of all, it's a Honda" in their review as well. Edmunds shows us again and again why their reviews are far from objective.

[sciguy_0504]

The 103HP in my xB is adequate for me, a 19-year old male. I guess I am weird? I drive on various highways reguarly and I have no problem merging or keeping up with traffic. Granted, everyone wants more power for those fun Saturday afternoon-type drives on back roads. I would not mind it either but one of the reasons I chose the xB was for fuel economy. More fuel economy = less power, for the most part.

[siegen]

Where else but Edmunds can you read those two quotes in a single car review?  Geez, you can't get anymore lapdog than that, can you?  They might as well have used "Best of all, it's a Honda" in their review as well.  Edmunds shows us again and again why their reviews are far from objective.

Well we won't know until we actually see the performance times. Just looking at peak numbers does say much, we need a complete tq plot on a dyno chart and put together with gearing we can see thrust curves and know how well it will accelerate at certain speeds. Gearing plays almost a larger role in accleration than the engine itself.

And you also have to remember, of course it won't be "thrilling" to drive when compared to a Corvette, but maybe, just maybe, when compared to other vehicles in its segment, it might be fun to drive (maybe not thrilling though )

[frogger]

How did all those economy car drivers survive the 90's, its a miracle.

[Intrepidation]

Actually having over 100 hp in a small car like that is very decent, this car is light, therefore, it will have enough peppiness to keep up on the freeway, don't worry.  Maybe one day, they'll make 300 hp econo cars just FOR YOU.

They do: it's called the Caliber SRT-4 (it's a C-segment but still).

How did all those economy car drivers survive the 90's, its a miracle.

Hey I have a Dodge Shadow (first car) and it's a great little car. It's not a speed demon, but it's not that slow. Man if only I had the 2.2L Turbo version...that has 174 hp and 210 pounds of torque...cuz that's a pretty quick Shadow. But oh well.

I'm curious to see edmunds to a comparosin test against the new/redesigned Accent, Yaris, Fit, and Aveo...and later the Dodge Hornet.

Edited March 12, 2006 by Dodgefan

[Polish_Kris]

They do: it's called the Caliber SRT-4 (it's a C-segment but still).

That's like comparing apples to oranges.

The Fit and Aveo fall into the A-class (sub-compact) and the Caliber is a C-segment (compact), trust me, 100 hp is more than enough for a car that weighs around one metric ton.

[ToniCipriani]

I'm really interested to see the NHTSA and IIHS results for this one.

It's one soda can.

[Polish_Kris]

The 103HP in my xB is adequate for me, a 19-year old male.  I guess I am weird?  I drive on various highways reguarly and I have no problem merging or keeping up with traffic.  Granted, everyone wants more power for those fun Saturday afternoon-type drives on back roads.  I would not mind it either but one of the reasons I chose the xB was for fuel economy.  More fuel economy = less power, for the most part.

Hey, if you have a 5-spd, the car should be peppy, the autos, however robs the little 4 cyl of much of it's power.

[regfootball]

and

Where else but Edmunds can you read those two quotes in a single car review?  Geez, you can't get anymore lapdog than that, can you?  They might as well have used "Best of all, it's a Honda" in their review as well.  Edmunds shows us again and again why their reviews are far from objective.

hey cmattson, i checked the Fit out at the autoshow here yesterday.

WHAT A PILE OF DUNG!!!!!!!

Seriously! its complete and total crap compared to what else you can buy.

-ugly

-tinny

-uncomfortable

-dash equally as ugly and cheap looking as the new civic's

you want this car? Go buy an AERIO wagon and you'll get a more useful, more comfortable and better looking microcar with 50 more hp! And a warranty, all for about the same price.

Seriously, the whole thing about this car being space efficient is hogwash. It was way too small and the cargo hold was not that spacious. Any of the competition hatchbacks are a better buy.

I'm gonna have to eat a little crow on this next one...I REALLY liked the Yaris and aside from the DUMB AS HELL center gauges and childish looking climate controls (and useless motor), I would have to say the Yaris to me is a highly desirable runabout in either form, assuming the price is cheap. I still would pass on it unless it had exceptional safety scores. The Yaris had a nicer interior it seemed than many other cars in the show at prices up to 3 times as much. And its extremely roomy. If the Yaris were available with a 180hp engine, or even 150hp, I would be checking it out. The Yaris is much cooler than the old fart's Corolla. The new Accent / Rio combo looks third world in comparison and the Yaris absolutley blows away the LAME ASS fit in comparison. IMO. I would have ot say anyone who is remotely interested in a Fit simply is not a very good shopper, because I just don't think its got the attributes for the American market. No looks, no power, no comfort, tinny, not as much space as they suggest in their hype.

Get a Yaris, or a base Caliber, or a Vibe, or an Aerio or Reno, or a base outlander

BTW, the new Aveo's interior is REALLY nice. That car is gonna SELL!

Edited March 12, 2006 by regfootball

[Intrepidation]

That's like comparing apples to oranges.

The Fit and Aveo fall into the A-class (sub-compact) and the Caliber is a C-segment (compact), trust me, 100 hp is more than enough for a car that weighs around one metric ton.

Well duh, I know the Caliber falls under the C-segemt, but base models are still priced at "economy" it was a joke, like your joke about there being a 300 hp econobox in the first place. I am well aware of the class differences. damn

Edited March 12, 2006 by Dodgefan

[regfootball]

I'm really interested to see the NHTSA and IIHS results for this one.

It's one soda can.

oh, they'll be fine. Honda is cutting the big checks to send their way right now.........

[regfootball]

The 103HP in my xB is adequate for me, a 19-year old male.  I guess I am weird?  I drive on various highways reguarly and I have no problem merging or keeping up with traffic.  Granted, everyone wants more power for those fun Saturday afternoon-type drives on back roads.  I would not mind it either but one of the reasons I chose the xB was for fuel economy.  More fuel economy = less power, for the most part.

Yeah, on those 4 hour trips ont he interstate where traffic moves at 80+mph I bet.....

[siegen]

hey cmattson, i checked the Fit out at the autoshow here yesterday.

WHAT A PILE OF DUNG!!!!!!!

Seriously!  its complete and total crap compared to what else you can buy.

-ugly

-tinny

-uncomfortable

-dash equally as ugly and cheap looking as the new civic's

you want this car?  Go buy an AERIO wagon and you'll get a more useful, more comfortable and better looking microcar with 50 more hp!  And a warranty, all for about the same price.

Seriously, the whole thing about this car being space efficient is hogwash.  It was way too small and the cargo hold was not that spacious.  Any of the competition hatchbacks are a better buy.

I'm gonna have to eat a little crow on this next one...I REALLY liked the Yaris and aside from the DUMB AS HELL center gauges and childish looking climate controls (and useless motor), I would have to say the Yaris to me is a highly desirable runabout in either form, assuming the price is cheap.  I still would pass on it unless it had exceptional safety scores.  The Yaris had a nicer interior it seemed than many other cars in the show at prices up to 3 times as much.  And its extremely roomy.  If the Yaris were available with a 180hp engine, or even 150hp, I would be checking it out.  The Yaris is much cooler than the old fart's Corolla.  The new Accent / Rio combo looks third world in comparison and the Yaris absolutley blows away the LAME ASS fit in comparison.  IMO.  I would have ot say anyone who is remotely interested in a Fit simply is not a very good shopper, because I just don't think its got the attributes for the American market.  No looks, no power, no comfort, tinny, not as much space as they suggest in their hype.

oh, they'll be fine.  Honda is cutting the big checks to send their way right now.........

Yeah, on those 4 hour trips ont he interstate where traffic moves at 80+mph I bet.....

Wow you're just full of useful insight aren't you?

[FAPTurbo]

Ba-zing...

[pow]

I'm really interested to see the NHTSA and IIHS results for this one.

It's one soda can.

It got four stars in the E-NCAP crashes.

[ToniCipriani]

But didn't someone mention that Euro NCAP is lenient compared to IIHS?

[Polish_Kris]

you want this car?  Go buy an AERIO wagon and you'll get a more useful, more comfortable and better looking microcar with 50 more hp!  And a warranty, all for about the same price.

The Aerio is not a Microcar, it's actually big enough to compete with the HHR.

[pow]

But didn't someone mention that Euro NCAP is lenient compared to IIHS?

Their frontal offset test is the same as the IIHS's. Their side test is between the IIHS's and NHTSA's in difficulty.

[sciguy_0504]

Yeah, on those 4 hour trips ont he interstate where traffic moves at 80+mph I bet.....

The drive to and from the Outer Banks, NC was fine. The speed limit in NC is 70MPH so traffic naturally moves around 85-90MPH and there was no problem. I would never drive down there again unless I was in the back of a Bentley. It is the sort of thing you do once and learn your lesson.

[MyerShift]

I drove a 93 hp Buick Skyhawk, and that thing would do an honest 90 mph on the freeway. So any complaints about 100 or more horsepower not being able to accelerate to 65 of more is a load of horse crap. And in today's police infested world, more power isn't neccesarily better, just good for those to boast about it so they may support their frail egos.

The Fit looks old, bland and outdated compared to the ugly Yaris and the much better looking new Rio.

Sorry, but until Ford or DCX make anything like the Fiesta or (God forbid) the Hornet, the Aveo is probably going to be my pick. It's American branded, American owned and even if a bit gawky, decent looking. The new Kia Rio would be my second pick. Both the sedan and hatch are very good looking, where-as the current Aveo (not sure about the next one) looks rather dweeby as a hatch.

[regfootball]

The Aerio is not a Microcar,  it's actually big enough to compete with the HHR.

right. MORE CAR for the money. and a hell of a lot more fun.

[siegen]

right.  MORE CAR for the money. and a hell of a lot more fun.

So I take it you've driven both of the cars then (how else would they be fun, fun to look at?)? So how does the Fit drive anyway?

Btw, that extra 50hp in the Aerio also gets you a crappy 25/31 mileage rating. Guess what, a 97-01 Integra Type R gets the same mileage, and has another 50 hp, and if you think that little Suzuki is more fun, well you're just crazy.

[PurdueGuy]

still saddens me not to have something more like the s-series. 100 hp/40 mpg hwy. Actually, a number of people with teh 124hp engine can get the 40 mpg highway, too, though they're EPA rated at 35 highway.

[siegen]

still saddens me not to have something more like the s-series.  100 hp/40 mpg hwy.  Actually, a number of people with teh 124hp engine can get the 40 mpg highway, too, though they're EPA rated at 35 highway.

Well the Fit is rated to 33/38. Comparing real world numbers to epa estimates is pointless if you ask me. For all we know, the Fit could get more like 35/40 real world, it all depends on the driver.

[Polish_Kris]

So I take it you've driven both of the cars then (how else would they be fun, fun to look at?)? So how does the Fit drive anyway?

regfootball possesses a special gift on this board, he is psychic. He knows how a car drives/performs, how it's built, and if it will be reliable just by looking at a picture, glancing at the interior through the window, or by looking at the badge.

Edited March 14, 2006 by Polish_Kris

[regfootball]

JUST ABOUT ANY 100HP MICROCAR DRIVES LIKE CRAP

[siegen]

JUST ABOUT ANY 100HP MICROCAR DRIVES LIKE CRAP

There you go again, making blanket statements like that.

[regfootball]

trade that 3 series for a FIT

[Intrepidation]

I like the interior of the Fit, it has a pretty nice dashboard, and the NA market fit has a cool redesigned center stack. The outside is bland, it's not particularly attractive, but there's worse designs out there. Personally I'd probably get a new Aveo or a Rio, cuz both cars (particularly the Rio) look nice. However I'd much rather spend the extra money and get a Caliber If they make the Hornet, I may consider it...

Edited March 15, 2006 by Dodgefan

[Polish_Kris]

There you go again, making blanket statements like that.

I told you, don't mess with this guy, he's psychic

[PeterJ]

hey cmattson, i checked the Fit out at the autoshow here yesterday.

WHAT A PILE OF DUNG!!!!!!!

Seriously!  its complete and total crap compared to what else you can buy.

-ugly

-tinny

-uncomfortable

-dash equally as ugly and cheap looking as the new civic's

you want this car?  Go buy an AERIO wagon and you'll get a more useful, more comfortable and better looking microcar with 50 more hp!  And a warranty, all for about the same price.

Seriously, the whole thing about this car being space efficient is hogwash.  It was way too small and the cargo hold was not that spacious.  Any of the competition hatchbacks are a better buy.

I'm gonna have to eat a little crow on this next one...I REALLY liked the Yaris and aside from the DUMB AS HELL center gauges and childish looking climate controls (and useless motor), I would have to say the Yaris to me is a highly desirable runabout in either form, assuming the price is cheap.  I still would pass on it unless it had exceptional safety scores.  The Yaris had a nicer interior it seemed than many other cars in the show at prices up to 3 times as much.  And its extremely roomy.  If the Yaris were available with a 180hp engine, or even 150hp, I would be checking it out.  The Yaris is much cooler than the old fart's Corolla.  The new Accent / Rio combo looks third world in comparison and the Yaris absolutley blows away the LAME ASS fit in comparison.  IMO.  I would have ot say anyone who is remotely interested in a Fit simply is not a very good shopper, because I just don't think its got the attributes for the American market.  No looks, no power, no comfort, tinny, not as much space as they suggest in their hype.

Get a Yaris, or a base Caliber, or a Vibe, or an Aerio or Reno, or a base outlander

BTW, the new Aveo's interior is REALLY nice.  That car is gonna SELL!

Hey Reg,

I went to the Minneapolis Autoshow...twice. The only Fit at the show was up on a rotating platform with all the doors closed. So I'm curious how you were able to form such a STRONG impression about it without being able to actually sit in it or touch anything.

My $.02 about the cars in this segment...I was actually pleasantly surprised at how the Fit came across in person. Didn't care at all for the color they showed it in, but other than that, it looked far better than I expected it to based on pictures. It is definitely narrow, but other than that the height and hatch area make it look like something you could carry four people and a decent amount of luggage in. I'm not a Honda-guy by any stretch but the Fit went from something I had zero interest in to a car I'll probably test-drive, based on a 15 foot away view of it.

Since we're also talking about competitors in this segment, I was likewise pleasantly surprised by how the Nissan Versa looked. Like the Fit, this was also up on a platform but at least they had the driver and passenger door open. Compared to the Fit, it looks more like a C segment car and is definitely playing to a more mature audience. It looks to be the size of a Golf III from the outside but looked very roomy in the interior.

They had two Yaris' on the floor, the hatch and the sedan. I'd agree with Reg that these are very well-executed, like the Scions...but they just aren't my thing. Center instruments are a deal-killer for me on anything but a Mini. Stupid deal-killer maybe, but it is what it is. Also, I'm looking for a five-door hatch and the Yaris offers nothing there. Personally, I thought the Yaris and new Hyundai Accent felt very comparable...in fact I'd get the Accent between the two based on styling and a normal instrument panel, alone.

Agreed on the exterior and interior (especially) of the new Aveo. Very well done. Can't wait to see the 5-door and wish it were available for me to check out this summer. No thanks to the current one.

As for C-segment cars that you might cross-shop w/ the Fit and others...the Caliber fell off my list based on the auto show experience. In many ways its a great piece and has a lot of nice touches. I think it will do very, very well for Dodge. But for me, the styling doesn't do it (totally subjective) and I also thought the interior was very cramped. The fastback styling takes away a lot of headroom and cargo space...even the leg room was really tight in the back. I thought they did a pretty mediocre job of packaging for a brand new design. I'd bet $100 the Fit will feel more comfortable just sitting in it on a much smaller footprint. I really liked the Golf V and was already sold on the Mazda 3. It's gonna be fun shopping in June!

Final thought...ya all have to remember that these C-segment cars run about 2500 lbs. or less. 110 or so HP is going to be plenty to motivate these cars for their purpose, which is to serve as a commuter car for one or two adults or an an adult/child...in the city about 90% of the time. As another poster said, all those people in the 90's (and the 80's) survived just fine in cars with far less safety equipment and in many cases about 20-30 ft lbs less of HP and torque. Not every 4 cylinder engine is as lifeless as the Toyota unit in Reg's old Prism. Plus, there's more to driving fun than straight-line acceleration. My family had an Omni GLH back in the 80s w/ about 100 hp...never found that to be anything other than fun.

[regfootball]

Hey Reg,

I went to the Minneapolis Autoshow...twice. The only Fit at the show was up on a rotating platform with all the doors closed. So I'm curious how you were able to form such a STRONG impression about it without being able to actually sit in it or touch anything. 

My $.02 about the cars in this segment...I was actually pleasantly surprised at how the Fit came across in person.    Didn't care at all for the color they showed it in, but other than that, it looked far better than I expected it to based on pictures. It is definitely narrow, but other than that the height and hatch area make it look like something you could carry four people and a decent amount of luggage in.  I'm not a Honda-guy by any stretch but the Fit went from something I had zero interest in to a car I'll probably test-drive, based on a 15 foot away view of it.

Since we're also talking about competitors in this segment, I was likewise pleasantly surprised by how the Nissan Versa looked. Like the Fit, this was also up on a platform but at least they had the driver and passenger door open.  Compared to the Fit, it looks more like a C segment car and is definitely playing to a more mature audience. It looks to be the size of a Golf III from the outside but looked very roomy in the interior. 

They had two Yaris' on the floor, the hatch and the sedan. I'd agree with Reg that these are very well-executed, like the Scions...but they just aren't my thing.  Center instruments are a deal-killer for me on anything but a Mini. Stupid deal-killer maybe, but it is what it is. Also, I'm looking for a five-door hatch and the Yaris offers nothing there. Personally, I thought the Yaris and new Hyundai Accent felt very comparable...in fact I'd get the Accent between the two based on styling and a normal instrument panel, alone.

Agreed on the exterior and interior (especially) of the new Aveo.  Very well done.  Can't wait to see the 5-door and wish it were available for me to check out this summer. No thanks to the current one.

As for C-segment cars that you might cross-shop w/ the Fit and others...the Caliber fell off my list based on the auto show experience. In many ways its a great piece and has a lot of nice touches. I think it will do very, very well for Dodge. But for me, the styling doesn't do it (totally subjective) and I also thought the interior was very cramped. The fastback styling takes away a lot of headroom and cargo space...even the leg room was really tight in the back. I thought they did a pretty mediocre job of packaging for a brand new design. I'd bet $100 the Fit will feel more comfortable just sitting in it on a much smaller footprint. I really liked the Golf V and was already sold on the Mazda 3. It's gonna be fun shopping in June!

Final thought...ya all have to remember that these C-segment cars run about 2500 lbs. or less. 110 or so HP is going to be plenty to motivate these cars for their purpose, which is to serve as a commuter car for one or two adults or an an adult/child...in the city about 90% of the time. As another poster said, all those people in the 90's (and the 80's) survived just fine in cars with far less safety equipment and in many cases about 20-30 ft lbs less of HP and torque. Not every 4 cylinder engine is as lifeless as the Toyota unit in Reg's old Prism.  Plus, there's more to driving fun than straight-line acceleration. My family had an Omni GLH back in the 80s w/ about 100 hp...never found that to be anything other than fun.

they had a second fit on the floor that was open and i sat in that one. Didn't like it. Versa looked cool, but what's the point, get a new Sentra.

well, as far as power, my Prizm was under 2500 pounds and had 125hp and that wasn't enough. Under 50mph or so it was ok, but not even fervent shifting of the manual could make it safe transport in 65+ long distance traffic. JMO.

[PeterJ]

they had a second fit on the floor that was open and i sat in that one.  Didn't like it.  Versa looked cool, but what's the point, get a new Sentra.

well, as far as power, my Prizm was under 2500 pounds and had 125hp and that wasn't enough.  Under 50mph or so it was ok, but not even fervent shifting of the manual could make it safe transport in 65+ long distance traffic.  JMO.

I don't know what it was about that power plant in your Prism and Corollas of that generation, but I agree. I had a Corolla as a rental on a couple occasions and that engine was breathless on the highway. My wife used to have a '92 Corolla...I think that had all of 105 HP...and somehow it felt a lot stronger. No hemi mind you but plenty adequate w/ a stick.

Goes to show you how thoroughly I looked at the Honda display...missed the Fit on the floor. That was really the only Honda I was interested in looking at so I didn't gravitate too far from the turntable.

I'd probably be more interested in the Versa than the Sentra for the same price range...for me, that fifth door is what makes any B or C sized car work But the plus for the Versa is that it should come in anywhere from $2-4000 less than a Sentra comparably equipped and from what you hear it may be as large or larger than the Sentra inside. Everything I've read says about $15,500 loaded. I was surprised with that one...comes across a lot better in person than pictures.

[PurdueGuy]

I sat in a fit at the Chicago Auto Show. I wasn't paying too close attention to it, since I dont' really have much interest in Hondas, but it overall struck me as just ok for what it is. No strong positive or negative feelings.