2009 Fit
New Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 22
From: WA
The 2009 is more evolution than revolution. There was a link to a Motor Trend article which showed some side-by-side pics. They've done a decent amount of optimization but nothing drastic. I'd feel more than safe buying an '09. It's been out since last Fall and will be available in the US this Fall (hopefully in better numbers than the previous gen showed up in). It will have had a year to show any glaring faults in the hands of customers.
With the current version you're buying a car in its' 7th model year. It's certainly a great car but there have been advances since 2001 when the current generation was introduced and I'd feel better buying a car with some of these advances incorporated than a vehicle which is essentially "end of life". If Honda's revision cycle was a bit shorter (as it usually is with the Civic in the US) I could see buying the outgoing model if I really liked it or felt that the new version didn't appeal to me (as some here feel with the '09 model).
ps - I'm not bashing the current gen or those that prefer it. It's a great looking little car and I can only hope that other manufacturers will start offering models that can compete with it on merit (and style).
With the current version you're buying a car in its' 7th model year. It's certainly a great car but there have been advances since 2001 when the current generation was introduced and I'd feel better buying a car with some of these advances incorporated than a vehicle which is essentially "end of life". If Honda's revision cycle was a bit shorter (as it usually is with the Civic in the US) I could see buying the outgoing model if I really liked it or felt that the new version didn't appeal to me (as some here feel with the '09 model).
ps - I'm not bashing the current gen or those that prefer it. It's a great looking little car and I can only hope that other manufacturers will start offering models that can compete with it on merit (and style).
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 82
From: Canada
for many reasons see below. None of which are what you may think.... Wishing bad things for 2009 Fit owners. I'm pretty sure most know what they are getting into or just ignoring the facts.
As I said I have hopes for my own 2010 Fit, assuming the concerns that have yet to be disclosed are dismissed as non issues. EPA mpg, COST, Reliability to name a few. Honda needs to sell lots of 2009 cars to figure out the predicted bugs. They do have competition in the market so it's no slam dunk the 2009 will sell well. Also, for 3rd party folks like Consumers reports to build enough data to report on them. So I like to see folks that are mature enough to go for the new ones ready to buy.
Those of us that have have owned many cars and been on the planet for some time would take a less optimistic view of a new model. All new cars have design and manufacturing quality issues that will have to be worked out. I'll predict at least 1 Honda recall and 4 stupid things like bumper paint, or dash rattles for the 2009 within the 1st year.
I purchased a 2008 and could of waited for a 2009, but after reading all the issues with the mature USA Fits on this site, other forms and understanding the 2008's are as refined as they ever will be, I made my move in March. So far my 2008 Fit is perfect and free of the defects you can read about on here.
IMHO Those that purchase the 2009 should expect issues. I hope none are safety related, but it's a risk with any redesigned car. You can be optimistic it will be issue free, but the facts are not on your side. I have said more than one time on here based on direct feedback from Honda mechanics that iVTEC is not near as reliable as the VTEC in the car now and I'm sure that will come out as they are purchased.
As I said I have hopes for my own 2010 Fit, assuming the concerns that have yet to be disclosed are dismissed as non issues. EPA mpg, COST, Reliability to name a few. Honda needs to sell lots of 2009 cars to figure out the predicted bugs. They do have competition in the market so it's no slam dunk the 2009 will sell well. Also, for 3rd party folks like Consumers reports to build enough data to report on them. So I like to see folks that are mature enough to go for the new ones ready to buy.
Those of us that have have owned many cars and been on the planet for some time would take a less optimistic view of a new model. All new cars have design and manufacturing quality issues that will have to be worked out. I'll predict at least 1 Honda recall and 4 stupid things like bumper paint, or dash rattles for the 2009 within the 1st year.
I purchased a 2008 and could of waited for a 2009, but after reading all the issues with the mature USA Fits on this site, other forms and understanding the 2008's are as refined as they ever will be, I made my move in March. So far my 2008 Fit is perfect and free of the defects you can read about on here.
IMHO Those that purchase the 2009 should expect issues. I hope none are safety related, but it's a risk with any redesigned car. You can be optimistic it will be issue free, but the facts are not on your side. I have said more than one time on here based on direct feedback from Honda mechanics that iVTEC is not near as reliable as the VTEC in the car now and I'm sure that will come out as they are purchased.
It looks great and I can't wait to see it in person.
I would probably wait another year to let the kinks let themselves get worked out, because technically it's a first year car of a revamp. Anywhere else in the world doesn't count, unless it comes from the same building facility, period.
But man, what a hot lookin' car.
It's just not surprised that most '08 owners and some 07 are hating on the '09. Honda improved on something on the inside and gave it a pretty slick exterior too.
Some other opinions on vtec/i-vtec debate.
i-VTEC - Car and Driver FAQ - Car and Driver Forums
I have faith in Honda overall.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 49
From: Toronto Canada
[quote=kuba;290824]
I would probably wait another year to let the kinks let themselves get worked out, because technically it's a first year car of a revamp. Anywhere else in the world doesn't count, unless it comes from the same building facility, period.
Japanese and North American Fits are made in the same Japanese factory. So I would say we are getting a second year model, well sort of. The car does look smokin that I'm willing to trade in my Mazda3 GT next spring for a blue fit.
CanadianDriver: Photo Enlargement
I would probably wait another year to let the kinks let themselves get worked out, because technically it's a first year car of a revamp. Anywhere else in the world doesn't count, unless it comes from the same building facility, period.
Japanese and North American Fits are made in the same Japanese factory. So I would say we are getting a second year model, well sort of. The car does look smokin that I'm willing to trade in my Mazda3 GT next spring for a blue fit.
CanadianDriver: Photo Enlargement
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,049
From: lake worth FL
I asked on here (a few times) and you can hear a pin drop.
If they are, the location is the best kept automotive secret ever.
I'm starting to think it's
a bogus info.
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 55
From: Sugar Land, Texas USA
the 2009 Fit
I have heard the 2009 Fit will hit Honda showrooms in the US around September 09 ? Can anyone confirm?
I also heard the 2009 Fit Stereo will have the iPOD connection? and NOT the music adapter connection? Of course I do not use an iPOD since they are so proprietary! I use a solid state SanDisk Sansa E250 running RockBox and my music is in Orbis/Ogg format since Ogg works better than MP3 and it's free and open source. Other than the Fit, Linux rules.
2008 Nighthawk Black Pearl, Honda Fit Sport AT
Panasonic CF-72 Running Kubuntu Linux.
I also heard the 2009 Fit Stereo will have the iPOD connection? and NOT the music adapter connection? Of course I do not use an iPOD since they are so proprietary! I use a solid state SanDisk Sansa E250 running RockBox and my music is in Orbis/Ogg format since Ogg works better than MP3 and it's free and open source. Other than the Fit, Linux rules.
2008 Nighthawk Black Pearl, Honda Fit Sport AT
Panasonic CF-72 Running Kubuntu Linux.
Frequent FitFreak Poster
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 619
From: Houston
says Fall of 2008 here
2009 Honda Fit - The Official Honda Web Site
i'm really looking forward to its release. I'm really interested in the 09's. I need a new daily thats really good on gas and does not use premium grade. The Fit, for the price, cannot be beat. Yaris, scions, etc, all seem like they are a compromise. But the Fit, its a car to enjoy. Plus its CHEAP!
Only negative thing that i didnt like about our old Fit was that it had a small 10.8 gallon fuel tank. i wish it were 13 or more so less frequent fillups after long commutes.
Also, i wonder what colors will be out
2009 Honda Fit - The Official Honda Web Site
i'm really looking forward to its release. I'm really interested in the 09's. I need a new daily thats really good on gas and does not use premium grade. The Fit, for the price, cannot be beat. Yaris, scions, etc, all seem like they are a compromise. But the Fit, its a car to enjoy. Plus its CHEAP!
Only negative thing that i didnt like about our old Fit was that it had a small 10.8 gallon fuel tank. i wish it were 13 or more so less frequent fillups after long commutes.
Also, i wonder what colors will be out
Last edited by 03DSM-RSX; Apr 25, 2008 at 11:21 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 442
From: Ohio
There's no definitive information on the mileage yet, but I'll be driving from Ohio to New England and then probably to the Mid-Atlantic, so I should be able to get a decent real world review in that regard.
Frequent FitFreak Poster
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 619
From: Houston
In a 09 Fit?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 442
From: Ohio
Frequent FitFreak Poster
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 619
From: Houston
I dont think i'ma go Vivid Blue again.