What I liked about the Honda Fit:
- Great division of space between front seat, back seat and cargo bay
- Fantastic manual transmission (and the automatic's pretty good, too)
- Huge cargo bay and flexible folding seats
- Great gas mileage
What I didn't like:
- Electronic stability control is only available on the most expensive model
- Expensive when lavishly equipped
Who should buy the Honda Fit:
Those who want mid-size carrying capacity with subcompact fuel economy
Who should not buy the Honda Fit:
Small car buyers who need maximum passenger space rather than maximum cargo space
Details and specs:
- Body style: 5-door hatchback
- Seating capacity: 4
- Trim levels: Base, Sport
- Price range (including options): $15,220 - $19,430
- Base engine: 1.5 liter inline four-cylinder, 117 hp @ 6600 RPM, 106 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM
- Optional engines: None
- Premium fuel required? No
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
- Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 27 MPG city/33 MPG highway/29 MPG combined (manual), 28/35/31 (Base automatic), 27/33/30 (Sport automatic)
- Where built: Japan
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side (torso) airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes
- Optional safety equipment: Electronic stability control
- Major standard features: Power windows, mirrors and locks, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo
- Major options: Navigation, iPod adapter, remote keyless entry, cruise control
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: None
Best rivals:
This test drive was conducted at a manufacturer-organized press event. Test vehicles and fuel were provided by Honda.
