This forum is amazing! I read the latest 300+ posts in the "What you don't like about your Fit" thread and found it invaluable. Car review magazines may only drive the cars for a few days, but this forum has input from people who've had the car for over a year. Here's 2 questions I had before I commit to buying a 2011 Fit:

1. I read that even in Sport AT paddle shifter mode, the PCM may still force a downshift if you're in 4th/5th gear (if your vehicle speed is low enough, or you step on the brakes). Is this a frequent occurence, or does the PCM usually let you stay in 5th gear? I've only driven MT cars my entire life (5 different MTs), and I'm reluctant to switch to AT, but I'm willing to do it if I can choose my AT gear.

2. When I checked out the car at the dealership, it seemed to me that the HVAC hot/cold temp, windshield/vent/foot selector, and recirc/fresh controls were mechanical linkages rather than electronic. Only fan speed was electronic. That's not a dealbreaker, but it seems really ghetto (even for an econobox) to have HVAC mechanical linkages in the year 2011. Can owners confirm if this is the case?

 

For 1: The forced downshifts are about where you'd expect. Ie 5th -> 4th if you slow past 35, 4 -> 3 at about 20 and 3 -> 1 at about 5. Since the transmission detects inclines, those numbers can change going up or down hills. Basically, it downshifts when the higher gear would lug the engine. In S mode, I've never had the engine downshift as part of braking that I've noticed.

For 2: The fan speed selector is electrical, not electronic. But yeah, if I'm reading the service manual correctly, then yes, most of that is a mechanical cable instead of wires. Personally, I appreciate the simplicity of the system. The knobs are large, easy to adjust and easy to grok their function. Given how confusing most electrical button interfaces on cars are, I'm inclined to think that the knobs are the right choice.

That said, I'd prefer the automatic climate control system non-US fits gets. IME, honda's auto-climate systems work well.

 

1.) From the OM, when in normal drive (D) mode and using paddles:

When in sequential (S) mode and using paddles:
That's from the OM. malraux up above hit the nail on the head with his post:

Unless I am in dreadful rush hour traffic on I-95, I am usually always in "S" mode with the paddles, and I've never had it downshift unexpectedly on me.

2.) The fan is electic; other HVAC components are mechanical. This is especially apparent when operating the slider to switch between fresh air and recirculate modes. It is a very straightforward, intuitive system, and should in no way influence your decision to purchase/not purchase a Fit.

 

1. thanks for the info about the forced downshifting while paddle shifting in S-mode. That sounds good to me, 5->4 at 35mph, 4->3 at 20. I was concerned about a forced downshift (like normal AT cars) whenever I accelerate in 5th gear. Preventing lugging is an acceptable reason to override my gear selection.

2. I wasn't talking about having an automatic HVAC. I just meant each knob should be an electrical control that send a signal to a servo motor, rather than using mechanical cables/linkages. It's still the exact same straightforward knobs. That's how it is for the Civic.

Mechanical is not smooth, the resistance level changes depending on lever position, and is prone to degrading over time (getting too sticky or too loose). Not a dealbreaker for me, but I just thought these things were standard even in entry-level cars now.

 

1) answered by others

2) if you think this is the only ghetto (cheap) thing, keep looking harder.
The only 1 armrest for the driver, and only on the Sport model? car petting that will wear just by looking at it. cargo floor that seems to be made out of flimsy cardboard. But at this price, it is to be expected. Thrash the car, and actually use it.
By the way, if it makes you feel better, power steering is electric rather than hydraulic, if that modernization makes up for the "outdated" mechanical HVAC.

 

on the HVAC, you might be able to import a Climate control HVAC system from abroad... elsewhere the fit has an auto climate control system, just not in the US. Not sure if it is a plug & Play system or not... you'd have to research it well.

~SB

 

@raytseng: your post made me LOL. Actually, I do feel somewhat better knowing that it has a more modern electrical power steering vs hydraulic. Didn't know that before. That would probably explain why there's some complaints about the over-responsive steering, I'm guessing people aren't used to the different feel of electrical vs hydraulic.

Don't worry, the mechanical HVAC wasn't a deal breaker, I bought a Fit!

Regarding the S-mode paddle shifting, I was initially concerned about the computer overriding my manual gear selection. But after driving, I realized the logic is perfect. It only downshifts you from 5 to 4, or 4 to 3 if you're lugging the engine, which is rarely. And downshifting to 1st when below 6 mph is necessary because when you're making a braking and turning, unlike a stickshift, you can't paddle downshift because the paddles are turning with the steering wheel.

 

You've made some interesting observations - raytseng's post made me laugh as well. I especially like your paddle shift comments. I'm a manual shifter and never looked at the auto quite like that nor heard the comment before.

Welcome to the freakworld - search out my age thread and sign on.

The Fit makes us all a bit ghetto - I'm going to add something to that effect to my sig - any complaints raytseng?

 

<---Ghetto freak! lol...

 

At least it comes standard with electric windows Some yarises still have the manual windows...

 

My fit has manual windows. I have to push that button down, or lift it up. I tried talking to it once but that didn't do crap.

~SB

 

I had a 1964 Riley Elf that had sliding windows and was right hand drive. Brought it back to the states and it was so small I could reach right across slide open the window and pay the toll collector.

 

I could easily roll down both hand-cranked windows at the same time in my Chevy S10 pickup. Who needs power windows when you can do that? In the fit, I can reach straight to the right and touch the window glass with no problem.

Yes, I has monkey arms.

OP: I'd suggest sitting in it for a while. Go to the dealership and just sit there in the driver's seat. They'll be annoyed, but they want to sell you a car, so they'll accomodate you. Some like the seat, some don't, but the issues aren't usually apparent until you've sat in it for a bit. Particularly, the seat bolstering.