Test drive: 2009 Honda Fit
Tuesday August 19, 2008
After just two years -- the original Fit made its US debut in 2006 as an '07 model -- Honda is already introducing a new version of their subcompact Fit hatchback. The new Honda Fit is all-new from stem to stern, but aside from the look, little has changed -- and that's actually a good thing. Get the details in my 2009 Honda Fit test drive and review. Want photos? You'll find lots of 'em in my 2009 Honda Fit photo gallery. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Really, “12 more cubes than a full size Chevy Suburban”? I just can’t believe it. It looks like it would fit in the back of a Suburban.
I liked the old Fit (and have written so, here on these pages) and I really like the new one. It’s a really sharp little car. An awesome starter car for a college kid or especially for a young family. The thing I can’t figure is why its gas mileage is not higher. This little car should be getting 40-45 mpg unless the gearing is wrong. My hwy mpg on my Mini is always well over 40 mpg and this Fit seems no heavier and looks more aerodynamic. Go figure!
Chris – I think Aaron meant with the seats folded in the Fit it has 12 more cubic feet than behind the third row of the Suburban. The Suburban actually has 137 cubic feet behind the first row with the seats folded.
Some of the other reports I’ve read report that the Fit is a great car around town, but that the engine gets kind of buzzy and a bit wheezy at higher speeds and they’ve suggested that a 6-speed manual transmission would remedy that. Would I want to drive down the Interstate all day at 80 mph in one?
Aaron did you happen to notice what the engine RPMs were on the freeway? Johnster’s comment reminded me of our 04 Civic manual–it needed one more gear. All I’ve ever gotten from Honda guys is a blank stare when I’ve said that, but approx. 3800 rpm @ 75 mph is tiring to listen to (even stressful) and not very efficient.
Mike, I don’t remember the exact RPM, but it was pretty high — around 3500 or so. But a little noise is acceptable in a car this inexpensive. And high RPMs aren’t necessarily less efficient — it all depends on how the engine is designed, methinks.