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2008 Honda Fit Full Review
Date Published: 6/17/08
Also in the 2008 Honda Fit Review:
5.
6.
Honda Fit Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Honda Fit Review
The 2008 Honda Fit gets no major changes following its 2007 introduction. This 4-door, five passenger hatchback slots below the Civic as Honda's entry-level model. Base and Sport versions are offered, both with a 109-hp 4-cylinder engine. Manual transmission is standard. A 5-speed automatic is optional; on Sports it includes manual-shift steering wheel paddles. Available safety features include ABS, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Exclusive to Sports are fog lamps, remote entry, cruise control, and digital-audio connection.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The subcompact class is made up of the smallest hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons on the market. These are generally considered economy cars.
Our Best Buys include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4. Our Recommended pick is the Honda Fit.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Scion xD and Smart ForTwo.
Our Best Buys include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4. Our Recommended pick is the Honda Fit.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Scion xD and Smart ForTwo.
News
Fit may be new to America, but it's been sold in Japan since 2001 and in Europe since '02. That implies a redesign fairly soon, perhaps by model-year 2009. We'll keep you posted.
Meantime, Honda says its 2009 lineup will include a compact gas/electric car more affordable than today's Civic Hybrid sedan. This probably won't be based on a next-generation Fit, as Honda calls the new hybrid a "dedicated" design, which we take to mean "unique." Again, we'll keep you posted.
Meantime, Honda says its 2009 lineup will include a compact gas/electric car more affordable than today's Civic Hybrid sedan. This probably won't be based on a next-generation Fit, as Honda calls the new hybrid a "dedicated" design, which we take to mean "unique." Again, we'll keep you posted.
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2008 Honda Fit Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Low-speed acceleration |
| Ride/handling | Quietness |
| Instruments/controls | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Adequate around town, but Fit's engine is slow to gather speed, so highway on-ramps and most passing maneuvers demand judgment and often foot-to-the-floor throttle application. Assertive use of the smooth-shifting manual transmission results in adequate acceleration for most situations. Fit feels notably lazier with the automatic: A Sport took a lengthy 11.4 sec 0-60 mph in our test. Automatic does have handy steering-column shift paddles that help get the most from the engine.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3 |
Adequate around town, but Fit's engine is slow to gather speed, so highway on-ramps and most passing maneuvers demand judgment and often foot-to-the-floor throttle application. Assertive use of the smooth-shifting manual transmission results in adequate acceleration for most situations. Fit feels notably lazier with the automatic: A Sport took a lengthy 11.4 sec 0-60 mph in our test. Automatic does have handy steering-column shift paddles that help get the most from the engine.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an extended-use test manual transmission Sport averaged 31.9 mpg over its 9023-mile evaluation. Another manual-transmission Sport averaged 35.6 mpg with slightly less highway driving. Automatic-transmission Sports averaged 28.7 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving, 38.4 in a test that included mostly highway use. Fit uses regular-grade gas.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 9 | 8 | 8.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an extended-use test manual transmission Sport averaged 31.9 mpg over its 9023-mile evaluation. Another manual-transmission Sport averaged 35.6 mpg with slightly less highway driving. Automatic-transmission Sports averaged 28.7 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving, 38.4 in a test that included mostly highway use. Fit uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Not harsh over bumps, but the tires do thump on potholes and sharp ridges. There are lots of abrupt vertical motions if the road surface is not glass-smooth. Fit's hatchback design invites cargo hauling, but loading a test example with some 300 lb of items caused pronounced tail sag.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Not harsh over bumps, but the tires do thump on potholes and sharp ridges. There are lots of abrupt vertical motions if the road surface is not glass-smooth. Fit's hatchback design invites cargo hauling, but loading a test example with some 300 lb of items caused pronounced tail sag.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Agile, fun even, in low-to-moderate-speed driving. Body lean increases with cornering speed. Tight, fast turns trigger noseplow. Stable at 70 mph, but Fit can wander in gusty crosswinds and on grooved pavement. Some testers want heavier steering feel. Good stopping ability, but one test Fit's brakes reacted abruptly with just a little pedal movement.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Agile, fun even, in low-to-moderate-speed driving. Body lean increases with cornering speed. Tight, fast turns trigger noseplow. Stable at 70 mph, but Fit can wander in gusty crosswinds and on grooved pavement. Some testers want heavier steering feel. Good stopping ability, but one test Fit's brakes reacted abruptly with just a little pedal movement.
Quietness
The engine is loud at full throttle and maintains its presence at cruising speeds. It's slightly less prominent with manual transmission. Wind noise is not intrusive. Tire thrum is a constant on most surfaces.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 4.1 |
The engine is loud at full throttle and maintains its presence at cruising speeds. It's slightly less prominent with manual transmission. Wind noise is not intrusive. Tire thrum is a constant on most surfaces.
Controls
Gauges set in deep coves and can be hard to read in some daylight conditions. Well-organized dashboard puts simple, smartly designed controls close at hand.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Gauges set in deep coves and can be hard to read in some daylight conditions. Well-organized dashboard puts simple, smartly designed controls close at hand.
Details
Fit's cabin is awash in hard-plastic surfaces, has thin carpeting, synthetic fabrics, and, in one model tested, a few uneven panel gaps. Most of our testers find that unacceptable even at Fit's entry-level positioning. Some testers maintain the interior is nice for the price, with a pleasing mix of textures and colors.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Fit's cabin is awash in hard-plastic surfaces, has thin carpeting, synthetic fabrics, and, in one model tested, a few uneven panel gaps. Most of our testers find that unacceptable even at Fit's entry-level positioning. Some testers maintain the interior is nice for the price, with a pleasing mix of textures and colors.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Adult-size roominess, though the seat cushions are a bit skimpy for larger folks. The driver sits slightly higher than in most other compact cars--a plus. The driving position is awkward because the pedals are mounted close and steering wheel far away. Windshield pillars impede vision to the corners. Visibility is good otherwise.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Adult-size roominess, though the seat cushions are a bit skimpy for larger folks. The driver sits slightly higher than in most other compact cars--a plus. The driving position is awkward because the pedals are mounted close and steering wheel far away. Windshield pillars impede vision to the corners. Visibility is good otherwise.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Impressive for this car's small exterior dimensions. Good head clearance. Decent space for legs and feet; six-footers can ride in tandem without undue cramping. Reclining seatbacks are a nice touch, but some testers criticize overall seat comfort. As in front, upright styling eases entry and exit.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3.1 |
Impressive for this car's small exterior dimensions. Good head clearance. Decent space for legs and feet; six-footers can ride in tandem without undue cramping. Reclining seatbacks are a nice touch, but some testers criticize overall seat comfort. As in front, upright styling eases entry and exit.
Cargo Room
Split rear seat folds easily, creating a wagonlike load floor and expanding a usefully shaped cargo hold from 21.3 cu ft to 41.9--generous for 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-ft long. Small-item storage is ample.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 4.5 |
Split rear seat folds easily, creating a wagonlike load floor and expanding a usefully shaped cargo hold from 21.3 cu ft to 41.9--generous for 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-ft long. Small-item storage is ample.
Value within Class
Though pricier than class rivals, Fit offers an enviable blend of fuel economy, space efficiency, and driving pleasure. Cabin materials fall short of what we've come to expect from Honda, but this frugal subcompact still earns our Recommended honor.
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
Though pricier than class rivals, Fit offers an enviable blend of fuel economy, space efficiency, and driving pleasure. Cabin materials fall short of what we've come to expect from Honda, but this frugal subcompact still earns our Recommended honor.
Total Score
| Sport, manual | Sport, automatic | Class Average |
| 62 | 58 | 55.2 |
Scores for all Subcompact Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 63 |
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2008 Honda Fit Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/16/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| Base 4-door hatchback, manual | $13,950 | $13,453 | $670 |
|
|
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| Base 4-door hatchback, automatic | $14,750 | $14,221 | $670 |
|
|
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| Sport 4-door hatchback, manual | $15,270 | $14,720 | $670 |
|
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| Sport 4-door hatchback, automatic | $16,070 | $15,488 | $670 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, fold-flat passenger seat, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 175/65SR14 tires, wheel covers.
Sport adds to Base:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, 195/55HR15 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2008 Honda Fit Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Fit 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 96.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 157.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 60.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2432 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 41.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 10.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.5 /91 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 109 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 105 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 28/34 |
| 5-speed automatic | 27/34 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Fit 4-door hatchback |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Honda Fit Review:
5.
6.
Honda Fit Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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