2007-2008 Honda Fit: Road Test

Acceleration is adequate around town, but the Fit's engine is slow to gather speed. So, highway on-ramps and most passing maneuvers demand judgment and often require foot-to-the-floor throttle application. Assertive use of the smooth-shifting manual transmission results in adequate acceleration for most situations. A Fit feels notably lazier with automatic: One test automatic Sport model took a lengthy 11.4 seconds to reach 60 mph. Automatic on Sport models does have handy steering-column shift paddles that help get the most from the engine. Fuel economy is a big bonus. An extended-use test manual-transmission Sport averaged 31.9 mpg. Another manual-shift Sport averaged 35.6 mpg with slightly less highway driving. Automatic-transmission Sports have averaged 28.7 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving, and 38.4 mpg in a test that included mostly highway use. Fits use regular-grade fuel. Ride comfort could be better. A Fit is not harsh over bumps, but tires thump on potholes and sharp ridges. Plenty of abrupt vertical motions occur if surfaces are not glass-smooth. The hatchback wagon design invites cargo hauling, but loading a test example with some 300 pounds of groceries and household items caused pronounced tail sag. Fits score better in handling, qualifying as agile-even fun-in low- to moderate-speed driving. Body lean increases with cornering speed, however, and tight, fast turns trigger noseplow. Fits are stable up to 70 mph, but can wander in gusty crosswinds and on grooved pavement. Some test-drivers would have preferred heavier steering feel. Stopping ability is good, but one test Fit's brakes reacted abruptly with just a little pedal movement. Fits aren't as quiet as some subcompacts. The engine is loud at full throttle and maintains its presence at cruising speeds, though sounds are slightly less prominent with a manual transmission. Wind noise is not intrusive, but tire thrum is a constant on most surfaces. Gauges sit in deep coves, and can be hard to read in some daylight conditions. The Fit's well-organized dashboard puts simple, smartly designed controls close at hand. Testers have been divided on relative quality of cabin materials. Most of them cited an abundance of hard plastic surfaces, thin carpeting, synthetic fabrics, and (in one model tested) a few uneven panel gaps as unacceptable even at Fit's entry-level positioning. Others have maintained that the interior is nice for the price, with a pleasing mixture of textures and colors. Adult-size roominess is the rule up front, though seat cushions are a bit skimpy for larger folks. The driver sits slightly higher than in most other compact cars-a significant plus. Yet, the driving position is awkward, because pedals are mounted close and the steering wheel is far away. Windshield pillars impede vision to the corners, though visibility is good otherwise. Rear-seat space is impressive for this car's small exterior dimensions, with good head clearance. Legs and feet get decent room, and six-footers can ride in tandem without undue cramping. Reclining seatbacks are a nice touch, but some testers have criticized overall seat comfort. As in front, upright styling eases entry/exit. The split rear seat folds easily, creating a wagon-like load floor and expanding the usefully-shaped cargo hold from 21.3 cubic feet to 41.9-generous for this class. Flip-up rear-seat cushions make room for side-door loading of objects too tall for the main cargo bay. Seats can also be arranged to carry items up to 7 feet long. Fits also offer ample small-items storage.

Value for the Money
Given the tiny footprint it places upon the road, Fit is likely the most space-efficient vehicle on sale in the United States. Though pricier than class rivals, Fit also offers an enviable blend of fuel economy and driving pleasure. Sure, a little more money could buy a more substantial-feeling car, including Honda's own Civic, Mazda 3, or Hyundai Elantra. But you'll be hard pressed to match Fit's blend of thrift, clever packaging, standard safety features, spry road manners, and Honda pedigree. Cabin materials fall short of what we've come to expect from Honda, but this frugal subcompact still earns our Recommended honor.