I've noticed that the transmission has a delay before it shifts into first when slowing down. Example: when slowing to an almost-complete stop, then starting off again, the car will jerk as the transmission finishes shifting. If you don't want the jerk, you have to intentionally either come to a complete stop for a moment or just be extremely light on the accelerator.

I have adjusted my driving style accordingly to account for this but I am wondering: IS THIS NORMAL? OR IS MY CAR DEFECTIVE?

Please chime in.

Car is a 2012 Base FIT.

 

I don't have an automatic Fit.. but I believe your scenario is abnormal. Transition between gears should be smooth and fairly seamless.
Recently finished tackling dodgy shifting on a mazda/ford. It struggled at the 3-4 transition, approx. 50mph with overdrive on (4 speed auto). couldn't decide which gear to be in and transitions were notable. It had a misfire on its 4th cylinder (v6, so only 1/6 loss of power) caused by a bad ignition coil as well as some mild transmission leaks at the cv shaft seals. In my case, I believe the faults worked off each other.

i'd recommend checking trans fluid and if that doesn't yield your answer, scanning/getting it scanned just to make sure it's running well and there's no hidden oddities regarding air, ignition, egr, ect.
Dodgy shifting at low speed could also be caused by rolling resistance. think brake caliper/pad binding/rotors, alignment.

So.. ATF, then scan, then check behind the wheels.
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I have the same symptom as the OP describes. From day one. Still does it today. You kind of have to learn how to do it so the car doesn't jerk.

Mine is a 2014 Canadian Fit sport.

 

FWIW, on our 2010 Fit Sport with auto that we purchased with 100k miles four months ago we are not getting any odd delays or jerking. I know the previous owner had the servicing done at the Honda dealership every 5k miles so I assume they were on top of transmission fluid changes.

 

I have a 2010 Sport AT with 55,000 miles, the AT operates smoothly with no delays or jerks.

 

Uber late to this tread (forgive the revival) but the honest and detailed answer to OP's question.

When under 20 MPH and coming to a stop, all 5AT automatic Fits will stay in 3rd gear until 6 MPH THEN they'll down shift into 1st. That's just their shift logic and you can monitor this on Sport trims with "manual" mode engaged via the gear indicator in the gauge cluster. Also keep in mind that weak engine and transmission mounts can amplify this feeling as well.

You can easily bypass this if you have a Sport with paddles by down shifting into 2nd gear before hitting that 6 MPH threshold and make coming to a stop much smoother.

Now the down shift logic when coming to a stop goes as follows... (The opposite is true to up shift INTO the next gear as well)

5th to 4th - 30 MPH or less.

4th to 3rd - 20/21 MPH or less.

3rd to 1st - 6 MPH or less.

Now... That is assuming that the vehicle has been well maintained and not having any transmission issues. Failing pressure switches are an issue on Fits that do not see routine ATF replacement and do cause up shift AND downshift abnormalities.