I noticed that there are quite a few new members (welcome) in the market for a FIT, but not sure to go for the 08 or 09. They are reposting quite a bit because a) they do not read the 66+ pages on the 09, and/or b) do not search.

This thread will be just a list of differences with no opinions, just facts/specs. It also will be focusing on Fits in America.

2008:

BASE and SPORT have the same engine (vtec 1.5L109hp@5800 and torque:105@4800) and suspension.

The SPORT has a body kit, spoiler, aux jack, cruise control, and paddle shifters (for the AT), and 15" Alloy rims (BASE has 14" hubcabs).

colors:
Milano red (MR)
Nighthawk black Pearl NHBP)
Silverstorm Metallic (SSM)
Vivid Blue Pearl (VBP)
Tidewater Blue Metallic (TWB)
Blackberry Pearl (BBP) sport only
Blaze Orange Metallic (BOM) Sport only.

Prices: MSRP without transportation fee ($670)
BASE MT: $13,950
BASE AT: $14,750
Sport MT: $15,270
Sport AT: $16,070
Good luck getting these prices...




2009:

Arriving in "late September," as quoted by some dealers taking deposits.
80,000 total units for the 2009 model.


Colors: Outside/inside
Sport:
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
BLUE SENSATION/BLACK
TIDEWATER BLUE METALLIC/BLACK
ORANGE REVOLUTION/BLACK
BLACKBERRY PEARL/BLACK
MILANO RED/BLACK
STORM SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
TAFFETA WHITE/BLACK

Base:

CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/GRAY
BLUE SENSATION/GRAY
TIDEWATER BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
MILANO RED/GRAY
STORM SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
TAFFETA WHITE/GRAY //

Model numbers and Prices:

GE8729EW BASE MT - $14,620 (autoblog & egmcartech base price)
GE8829EW BASE AT~$15,420
GE8749EW SPORT MT~$15,940
GE8849EWSPORT AT ~$16,740
GE8769GW SPORT MT VSA&NAV -TBD CO dealers quoted ~$1800 extra
GE8869GW SPORT VSA&NAV -TBD
Will not have skyroof option and/or AWD, go to Japan for that.

Transmission is the same for the AT.
Apparently, the mt's transmission's ratio was lowered 3-8% which will improve acceleration but lower mpg.
Only Canadian AT's will not have spare tire

How the 09 is different:

i-vtec
maf sensor
117hp@6600
106 lb/ft @ 4800
10 cup holders
Dead pedal
Armrest
second glove box (for ipod)
"secret" compartment under rear seats.
smaller rear seat head rests.
Navigation Option
USB jack (AUX is still there)
Steering wheel mounted controls
Windshield pulled forward 4inchs
daytime running lights
maplights

Available Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSAŽ) Only with NAVI

Enhanced Suspension Calibration improves straight-line stability & handling with less understeer than before.

New power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with a revised rack to reduce steering effort a low speed. As speed rises, the power-assist gradually increases steering effort to a more reassuring level.

Reengineered chassis improves structural rigidity by 164 percent

Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel

Two vertically mounted stiffeners positioned inside the D-pillar above the rear springs work in conjunction with the other rear modifications to bring the rear end around quicker and flatter

New supportive sport seats built around larger full-size frame

And is generally bigger:

Wheelbase has been increased 2 inches to 98.4 inches (base-15" sport 16")
Overall Length goes up 2.2 inches to 153.5 inches.
Overall Width is 0.8 inch wider
Front Track is 1.4 inches wider
Rear Track is 1.2 inches wider
Larger Front Bushings
Torsion-Beam setup has gained another 0.8 inch in travel

NEW VIDEO
Click here to see a video on the 09 (it has a lot of repeat info)
This is the official Honda 2009 site.
and this is some more official honda stuff

2009 fit accessories
Feel free to post anymore new info on the 09. including more pics and videos.

Remember, this thread is for a list of facts. If you want options click here.

Again, welcome to the site and choose what is best for you.

 

This can also be added under the 09 Differences section:

Available Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSAŽ)

Enhanced Suspension Calibration improves straight-line stability & handling with less understeer than before.

New power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with a revised rack to reduce steering effort a low speed. As speed rises, the power-assist gradually increases steering effort to a more reassuring level.

Reengineered chassis improves structural rigidity by 164 percent

Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel

Wheelbase has been increased 2 inches to 98.4 inches

Overall Length goes up 2.2 inches to 153.5 inches.

Overall Width is 0.8 inch wider

Front Track is 1.4 inches wider

Rear Track is 1.2 inches wider

Larger Front Bushings

Torsion-Beam setup has gained another 0.8 inch in travel

Two vertically mounted stiffeners positioned inside the D-pillar above the rear springs work in conjunction with the other rear modifications to bring the rear end around quicker and flatter

New supportive sport seats built around larger full-size frame

 

Color availability broken down by package:

Models:

Base - 5 MT, 5 AT
Grey interior
Taffeta White
Storm Silver Metallic
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue Sensation Pearl
Tidewater Blue Metallic
Milano Red

Sport - 5 MT, 5 AT
Sport VSA/NAVI - 5 MT, 5 AT
Black interior
Taffeta White
Storm Silver Metallic
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue Sensation Pearl
Tidewater Blue Metallic
Milano Red
Orange Revolution Metallic
Blackberry Pearl

 

Confirmed exact release date and available volume:

"Production allotment now stands at 60,000 units but will increase to 80,000 when the redesigned Fit arrives Oct. 1, says John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda."

 

Official Model Numbers along with exterior/interior colors again:

GE8729EW 2009 FIT 5DR 5MT KA
GE8749EW 2009 FIT 5DR SPORT 5MT KA
GE8769GW 2009 FIT 5DR SPORT VSA&NAV 5MT KA
GE8829EW 2009 FIT 5DR 5AT KA
GE8849EW 2009 FIT 5DR SPORT 5AT KA
GE8869GW 2009 FIT 5DR SPORT VSA&NAV 5AT KA

Sport:

CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
BLUE SENSATION/BLACK
TIDEWATER BLUE METALLIC/BLACK
ORANGE REVOLUTION/BLACK
BLACKBERRY PEARL/BLACK
MILANO RED/BLACK
STORM SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
TAFFETA WHITE/BLACK

Base:

CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/GRAY
BLUE SENSATION/GRAY
TIDEWATER BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
MILANO RED/GRAY
STORM SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
TAFFETA WHITE/GRAY //

 

^^^excellent information. copy/pasted

thanks for the sticky.

 

Is the 80,000 units released this year? or for the 2009 model? It is phrased a little funny for me...

 

The '09 has so many things that my '08 is lacking, but it's hideous like you stated. However, I've never had a telescoping wheel, of in dash nav in ay previous car, so I don't know what I'm missing I guess. The features on the new '09 are a definite upgrade.

 

60,000 units is the current year allotment.

80,000 units is the annual allotment for the 2009!

 

2008 vs 2009 USDM Fit Images:

 

great thread! repped for it!

 

Current available 2009 USDM Fit Images:

 

Two more and some photoshop 2009 USDM Fits by fANTOM & hondaacclx84:

 

*cough* opinion *cough*

another opinion

 

This is the first I have seen of the car without the overpriced, useless SATNAV, anyone have any more pictures of the interior of this car?

 

Also, full 360 degree exterior view of the new fit:

YouTube - Vancouver 2008 Auto Show

46 seconds in.

 

^^^Thanks for all the comparsion photos!



The ugly comment is a fact that many find it ugly

And a yaris can never be best for anybody!







(It is me just being silly)

 

I think a full, side profile view of the 08 versus the 09 would be helpful if we can find one. Straight-on side profile shots of the US market 09 Fit seem to be really hard to find for some reason. The are always taken at another angle.

 

SIDE PROFILE of current 07-08 model for the US market:




SIDE PROFILE of upcoming 09+ model for the U.S. market:

 

It would be nice if this truly was a thread devoid of opinion, but even you have violated your own rules.

It is a fact that many people have found the 2009 to be ugly, but that is a secondary issue. The original intent of this statement IS an opinion.