2011 Camaro SS Owner
2011 Camaro SS Owner
Hi all. So, I bought a 2011 Camaro SS a few weeks ago and have been thinking about a 2nd car to use as a commuter for work and for weekend trips, etc. The Camaro is going to be more of a garage queen, and I'd like to keep it's miles low. I want a 2nd car with great gas mileage so I was looking into the small hatchback class of vehicles and discovered the Fit. Originally, I was going to get a Chevy Aveo, but I think it's just too crappy.....although, the new one looks like it'll be much nicer. I don't want to wait for that one to come out however (mid next year) because I need a car sooner rather than later. My Camaro is getting too many miles on her too quickly. SO, that being said, I don't know much about this car. Can you guys enlighten me please? What do you like and dislike about it? What should I look for when I go the dealer (as far as issues on the interior/exterior)? How does it drive? Any known/popular issues? Is the sport package worth it? I've priced out a base one for purchase and lease, and haven't decided which I'm going to do. But, give me a feel for this car if you can before I head to the dealer to drive it. Are there any must-have options I should get? I went on Sunday to look at them but wasn't able to sit in one. I'm drawn to it's mileage and interior room/luggage space. The cargo capacity is incredible. So, help me out please. Thanks!
It truly is a great car. It didn't get rave reviews from car magazine's for nothing. It will be a great DD to accompany the Camaro. As far as choosing between sport and base, well that's a personal preference. I chose sport mostly because I liked everything it offered... cruise control, side skirts, spoiler, alloy wheels, fog lights, etc. Those are things I would want that the base didn't offer. However, if you don't really care about looks or aren't really going to be driving long distances, those features may not appeal to you. For the difference in price, it was definitely worth it for me. Good luck with the test drive, I think you'll enjoy it!
Compared to your new Camaro the Fit is gonna seem very slow. But keep in mind that the Fit is a blast to drive in the upper RPM ranges. I am a professional mechanic that has owned my own shop for 10 years now. I have driven almost any car on the roadways now. I have even driven the new Camaro SS and one of my good friends bought a new Challenger SRT8. The Fit is a great all around car for the money. I paid like 20k flat for mine and I see it as the best investment that I have made. While I do wish for it to be faster, it is very nimble and a great on twisty roads.
I love my fit...it's fun, practical and gets good mpg.
I love the Sport because of the cruise control, alloy wheels and keyless entry (although there is a trick for easily putting keyless into a base). I also like the interior colors better with the Sport--and if I had an automatic, the Sport would be where it's at because of the paddle shifters.
Just a few of my first thoughts.
I love the Sport because of the cruise control, alloy wheels and keyless entry (although there is a trick for easily putting keyless into a base). I also like the interior colors better with the Sport--and if I had an automatic, the Sport would be where it's at because of the paddle shifters.
Just a few of my first thoughts.
Thanks for the responses guys. I'm going for a test drive in about an hour or so. Cruise control is probably a must.....considering the car is for longer commutes. I guess that means sport package.
Great car for the money, and as a daily driver probably one of the better choices out there - as it can also haul a lot of stuff as well. The car also doesn't exactly reek of 'econobox cheapo car' the way a base Cobalt/Accent/Rio, etc does. With the sport version you get a lot of extra stuff. Only downside to this car is it is very slow, and lacks heated mirrors (since you are in the snow-belt).
the MT folks report much higher MPG numbers than the AT folks do. Since MPG are a top consideration, you should consider the MT.
Many owners here reported the front seats bolts are improperly torqued, some even are finger loose. Try to feel for any slight "pops" or clicks or shifts in the driver seat, it's almost imperceptable at first, but you will recognize/assume it as a loose bolt immediately after you feel it happen. The click usually happens when cornering while deaccelerating (for me anyway, and usually on a left hand turn). Easy fix at the dealer, but it will save you the extra trip back.
Many owners here reported the front seats bolts are improperly torqued, some even are finger loose. Try to feel for any slight "pops" or clicks or shifts in the driver seat, it's almost imperceptable at first, but you will recognize/assume it as a loose bolt immediately after you feel it happen. The click usually happens when cornering while deaccelerating (for me anyway, and usually on a left hand turn). Easy fix at the dealer, but it will save you the extra trip back.
bought crosstour in April of this year... bought fit sport a/t last month... everything good has been said... fit ran over 1K now and no complaints... couldn't be more happier!
Last edited by ThEvil0nE; Jul 12, 2010 at 10:36 PM.
I'm not sure about the MT vs AT but the AT is rated for higher MPG.
That Said.... I'm getting almost 38mpg over the life of the car (5MT) and I've just barely had it for a year with 14K on the odometer.
Benefits...
38mpg - less than 500 miles worth of highway travel - all country roads.
1 oil change at $38 (mobil 1 synthetic) at the dealer.
Hauls the family and our stuff with NO issues.
Go-Kart Fun-ness.
Sport is worth the extra $$ as it adds many things that will seriously add-up and make your commute better. USB audio, Cruise control, Armrest, overall better sound system.
Worth it... YES.
~SB
That Said.... I'm getting almost 38mpg over the life of the car (5MT) and I've just barely had it for a year with 14K on the odometer.
Benefits...
38mpg - less than 500 miles worth of highway travel - all country roads.
1 oil change at $38 (mobil 1 synthetic) at the dealer.
Hauls the family and our stuff with NO issues.
Go-Kart Fun-ness.
Sport is worth the extra $$ as it adds many things that will seriously add-up and make your commute better. USB audio, Cruise control, Armrest, overall better sound system.
Worth it... YES.
~SB
Last edited by specboy; Jul 12, 2010 at 07:39 PM.
I have an 08 supercharged Trailblazer SS that currently gets about 12 miles to the gallon. I use my Fit to suppliment the miles I would put on the SS.
Figure this: I put 30,000 miles on my fit since Sep 09. Average price of gas for my fit has been around $2.50 and I've averaged around 40mpg.
30,000/40 = 750
750 * 2.50= 1875
The SS would have been: Increase the fuel for premium so add .20 per gallon
30,000/12= 2500
2500*2.70= 6750
By not driving my SS and saving my motor I only come about $200 out of pocket for my fit in just gas savings.
So, my recomendation for getting a fit for commuting is yes.
Figure this: I put 30,000 miles on my fit since Sep 09. Average price of gas for my fit has been around $2.50 and I've averaged around 40mpg.
30,000/40 = 750
750 * 2.50= 1875
The SS would have been: Increase the fuel for premium so add .20 per gallon
30,000/12= 2500
2500*2.70= 6750
By not driving my SS and saving my motor I only come about $200 out of pocket for my fit in just gas savings.
So, my recomendation for getting a fit for commuting is yes.
Why didn't you get the '11 GT? Faster, Higher MPG, Better Visibility, Better Handling, About the same price... And not constructed with taxpayer money
I'm just saying if I was in the market for a new sports car...
Well, too late now (unless they still have that 30 day no question return?) at least the fit is the best in its class
I'm just saying if I was in the market for a new sports car...
Well, too late now (unless they still have that 30 day no question return?) at least the fit is the best in its class
Last edited by Lyon[Nightroad]; Jul 13, 2010 at 03:48 AM.
Well, I went and test drove this bad boy last night. My fiance also wanted to drive the Insight so we did that as well. I hated the Insight. It's waaay too slow and when the car turns off at every stop, it takes a slight second or two to start back up when you want to go.
The Fit however, was great. I really like it, and plan on buying or leasing one in the next few weeks. I'd like to sell my motorcycles first before purchasing but definitely am going to take advantage of the financing offers before they run out regardless of whether I sell the bikes. I'm getting base + sport package. The cruise control is totally necessary, and the sport package adds a few nice touches that make it look a little more aggressive. All in all, this car is a nice package, and perfect for a commuter.
Haha. I looked at and drove the new GT. It's nice, just not as nice as the Camaro. It wins comparisons because it's got better handling (and they use Ford test cars with shorter gear ratios), but from my test drives, the handling wasn't that much better. And the acceleration on the Camaro is better. Read the August Road and Track comparison. Camaro beats the Mustang in every acceleration test (same gear ratios). Braking is about the same. And styling goes to the Camaro. The problem with the Mustang is that it looks like last years car, and they are everywhere. I also can't stand the taillights. But, to each their own. I did give it a fair shot tho
FYI - I also looked at the WRX STi, 370z, Genesis Coupe, Lancer Evo, 1 series, 3 series.......and a few others
The Fit however, was great. I really like it, and plan on buying or leasing one in the next few weeks. I'd like to sell my motorcycles first before purchasing but definitely am going to take advantage of the financing offers before they run out regardless of whether I sell the bikes. I'm getting base + sport package. The cruise control is totally necessary, and the sport package adds a few nice touches that make it look a little more aggressive. All in all, this car is a nice package, and perfect for a commuter.
Why didn't you get the '11 GT? Faster, Higher MPG, Better Visibility, Better Handling, About the same price... And not constructed with taxpayer money
I'm just saying if I was in the market for a new sports car...
Well, too late now (unless they still have that 30 day no question return?) at least the fit is the best in its class
I'm just saying if I was in the market for a new sports car...
Well, too late now (unless they still have that 30 day no question return?) at least the fit is the best in its class

Haha. I looked at and drove the new GT. It's nice, just not as nice as the Camaro. It wins comparisons because it's got better handling (and they use Ford test cars with shorter gear ratios), but from my test drives, the handling wasn't that much better. And the acceleration on the Camaro is better. Read the August Road and Track comparison. Camaro beats the Mustang in every acceleration test (same gear ratios). Braking is about the same. And styling goes to the Camaro. The problem with the Mustang is that it looks like last years car, and they are everywhere. I also can't stand the taillights. But, to each their own. I did give it a fair shot tho

FYI - I also looked at the WRX STi, 370z, Genesis Coupe, Lancer Evo, 1 series, 3 series.......and a few others
Last edited by Showtyme5; Jul 13, 2010 at 10:32 AM.
Yea the Fit has one every thing in its class great DD. i love the Camaros but i think they were priced to high due to dammand. Also every one has one now. I see more of them here than Fits. But i would love to see pics of it. and im sure every one else would sas well
Here's a picture of my Fit's garage mate:

I also went with the sport model to get cruise control. Other parts of the sport package weren't important to me. I just made my first long trip in the Fit. While the fuel mileage is great the range on my Vette is much better due to the 18 gallon fuel tank. But the Fit still manages to go about 350 miles before I get too nervous about filling up.

I also went with the sport model to get cruise control. Other parts of the sport package weren't important to me. I just made my first long trip in the Fit. While the fuel mileage is great the range on my Vette is much better due to the 18 gallon fuel tank. But the Fit still manages to go about 350 miles before I get too nervous about filling up.
Last edited by loubob57; Jul 13, 2010 at 10:44 AM.
I have the '10 Sport MT and LOVE it. I drove a sports car for 3 and 1/2 years and traded it for my Fit. SO glad I did. I spent $24 on gas Sunday before last and I'm just under half a tank now! My bet you'll like it more than your Camaro
Here's a picture of my Fit's garage mate:

I also went with the sport model to get cruise control. Other parts of the sport package weren't important to me. I just made my first long trip in the Fit. While the fuel mileage is great the range on my Vette is much better due to the 18 gallon fuel tank. But the Fit still manages to go about 350 miles before I get too nervous about filling up.

I also went with the sport model to get cruise control. Other parts of the sport package weren't important to me. I just made my first long trip in the Fit. While the fuel mileage is great the range on my Vette is much better due to the 18 gallon fuel tank. But the Fit still manages to go about 350 miles before I get too nervous about filling up.
Cool pic. Nice Vette!
I'll try to get some pics up later



