[mpb2000]

I am comparing the 2009 Matrix with the 2008 (soon to be 2009) Honda Fit. First off, I know, I should be comparing the Fit to the Yaris or something, but I hate the Yaris and a hatchback is a necessity. So, I pretty much prefer everything about the Fit except the size. The Fit gets better gas mileage and it seems to be designed more intelligently, ie all the seating configurations. The addition of "Tall Mode" is a great idea, not only for carrying stuff, but also for traveling with my english bulldog. I love him to death, but he's not too bright. The way the Matrix seats fold flat, they leave space between the back of the front seats and the folded rear seats because the headrests don't retract (as they intelligently do in the Fit). He would find some way to get himself wedged in there, part of him anyway. In the 2009 Fit, with the seats folded flat, they are pretty much flush with the back of the front seats, which is great. Even better, he could just roam around the floor in tall mode. Another gripe I have with the Matrix is that with the base model, the front passenger seat doesn't fold flat. What a joke!

My only real issue with the Fit is cargo space. Comparing the 2008 Fit to the 2009 Matrix (which isn't accurate, I know, as the Fit is getting slightly larger), the Matrix cargo volume with seats down is 48.9 cubic feet compared to 41.9 for the Fit. Also, the depth in the cargo area with the seats up is 26" for the Fit and 33" for the Matrix. The Matrix cargo area is also wider in certain areas because of the wheel well positioning. I guess I don't really have a question, I'm just throwing this out there looking for some thoughts. Maybe some people compared the two cars as well. Obviously, this is a biased site for feedback, but oh well.