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Honda Fit - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Honda Fit ranks 1 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 18 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Fit, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The larger, sportier Fit still has quality and utility that few subcompacts can match. While it's an expensive car compared to other subcompact cars and hatchbacks, the Fit is a good value over time. It's even the 2009 U.S. News Best Car for the Money in the subcompact class.

Following its first ride on North American roads, the Honda Fit quickly became an auto industry darling for its fun driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and unique cargo and seating modes. It's been one of Car and Driver's "Top 10 Urban Vehicles" for 2008, and a "10Best" for both 2008 and 2009. It was also the recipient of Popular Mechanics' Automotive Excellence Award for 2007. Just two years later Honda has introduced a new and improved Fit that's once again captivated the automotive press with its personality and spaciousness. In addition to a 10Best recognition, the Fit is a nominee for 2009 North American Car of the Year, and is a Consumer Guide Best Buy.

Even the car's perceived shortcomings -- a hefty price tag considering its size and class and no stability control option for the base trim -- do not prevent the overwhelming majority from labeling the Fit one of the best small car or hatchback options. But if you consider the absence of stability control a deal-breaker, keep the VW Rabbit with its impressive cargo space and standard electronic stabilization program on your shortlist of hatchbacks. The Rabbit's MSRP can be somewhat high, however, and its EPA numbers are lower than many subcompacts. Value-conscious shoppers looking to avoid frequent fill-ups should check out the Toyota Yaris. 

The 2009 Fit is now slightly larger and has sacrificed some of the last generation's fuel efficiency to improve the all-around driving experience. The windshield has been moved forward by 4.7 inches to add to the sense of spaciousness and improve visibility from the cockpit. Rear passengers are treated to 1.6 extra inches of rear legroom. The engine's 9 horsepower increase and variable valve timing provides more pep out the gate, while a stiffer chassis facilitates tauter handling. The 2009 Honda Fit still comes as a base model and the Fit Sport.

• "If there's a better combination of thrift, practicality, and fun-to-drive, we haven't seen it yet." -- Car and Driver
• "The Fit is pretty near the top of my favorite-cars list, and not because it's so fast and awesome-looking -- because it oh-so ain't. It has the beauty of a certain well-wrought urn, exactly what it needs to be -- self-defined, lightly perfect." -- Los Angeles Times
• "The new Fit seems to do it all in spades. ... No doubt the Versa, Yaris and Scion vehicles will need to respond. Let's just hope their checklist is as long and as thorough as Honda's was this time around." -- Motor Trend
• "Thanks to the 2009 Honda Fit, 'affordable subcompact' no longer equals 'chintzy penalty box.'" -- Edmunds
• "The new Fit is frugal with fuel yet rich with style." -- Road and Track
• "Good news: Though the 2009 Fit is an all-new design, it hasn't changed much -- it's still the champ when it comes to hauling people and stuff all at once." -- About.com

Fit Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)

Most test drivers say the changes made to the 2009 Honda Fit's powertrain and chassis made a good-driving vehicle even better. Edmunds writes, "The 2009 Honda Fit drives a lot like the previous model, only better. Like all subcompacts, it's highly maneuverable and a great urban runabout. Where the Fit rises above the rest is in the way it actually drives." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about the driving experience. continue

Fit Exterior - 7.6 (Good)

Newsday says the funny thing about subcompacts like the Fit is "the higher gas prices go, the bigger they look. And the better they look" -- a sentiment that's proven in the numerous reviews that appreciate the redesigned Fit's diminutive style. Check out our Honda Fit photos to see the variances in the car's design, or continue with our full Exterior Review for more opinions on the styling. continue

Fit Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

With a spacious cabin featuring high quality amenities and the still popular Magic Seat, the 2009 Honda Fit has one of the most well-liked interiors of its class. Several auto writers also praise the car's glasshouse feel with its larger triangular windshield. Car and Driver writes, "We were impressed with the high-quality appointments and design that distinguished the interior of the first Fit, but the makeover raises both elements of the inner car by a coupe of notches. It also improves the usefulness of this amazingly voluminous small car." Continue with our full Interior Review for details on the mystical seating, or click through our Honda Fit photos to see how the seats fold. continue

Fit Safety - NA

The 2009 Fit has not been crash tested, but reviewers express confidence in Honda's standard safety equipment. But there are a few complaints that electronic stability control is not available for the Fit's base model. The 2008 Honda Fit received good scores in both federal government and insurance industry crash tests. Our full Safety Review gives details on the previous generation Fit's safety scores. continue

Fit Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Honda Fit reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Honda Fit has a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles, and powertrain coverage for the first five years or 60,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review for more information on Honda warranties. continue