The dilemma is that most of my driving is just puttering around town. The Si already isn't exactly a torque monster as it is, and all of its power is up top. It's pretty difficult to punch it up to 8,000 rpm on a regular basis in the city/traffic. So then I question the wisdom of owning a car that gets 23 mpg city, takes premium, and can't even hold a large box. However, when I can get it onto some open road it is just an absolute blast.

Thanks, that is good to know!

 

If I do end up getting a FIT, it will be my first one. Definitely not my first Honda tho. We have a '12 Accord, '91 CRX and a 98 type R. Logic tells me that I should sell something before I get another car, but, well, you know how that goes, LOL.

 

Are you saying that you got to test drive a manual transmission car? If so, please tell us more.

 

I drove one today (sadly, not a 6-speed), and not sure how I feel about it. Most of the drive was in traffic, but it did respond well when I got on it a bit. Seemed to be pretty good on the little bit of highway, which did surprise me.

Seats were comfortable. A/C was ok, not a powerhouse though. In fairness, it had been sitting in the sun, all shut up, so it was hot to begin with. Not sure how cool the back seat was.

The navigation thru the "Hondalink" was a disappointment. Maybe once I learned more about it, it would be ok. What I didn't like is that Google maps didn't really work. It'd show the map as long as you were in park, but once you put it in drive, the screen went blank, but the voice part still came thru. Maybe the built in navi is better. With either one, you have to be parked to program it, which kinda sucks.

The dealer only had two, but they said they were expecting more next week. They'll call, and I'll go look.

 

Tweeter -

Was that an EX-L you test drove, then?
Just curious, since you mentioned the seats, and I'm debating between an EX and EX-L right now.


In answer to the OP question, yes, this will be my first Fit.
Was about to pull the trigger on a 2013 at the end of last year when I learned about the new model and decided to wait.

It will be replacing, unfortunately, my 2001 Civic which is starting to die on me at only 150K miles. I had high hopes of taking it over 200K, but it's just not worth it considering it needs a new transmission.

 

It was an EX. I'm not that crazy about leather seats, but that's just me. I'm short (a little under 5'3) so sometimes adjusting the seats can be a problem, but no problem with these seats.

Sorry about your civic, 150K is pretty low mileage. My DIL sold hers (2000) to a local teenage girl and we still see it running up and down the roads. It had 258K when she sold it 2 years ago! Just routine maintainence on it too.

Think I need to try a 6 speed before I make a final decision...or look at one with a navi. decisions, decisions, decisions.

 

Thanks, glad to hear you felt the seats were comfortable.
The upholstery seemed okay to you as well, qualitywise?
I'm 99% certain I'm going with an EX, just last minute second guessing.

Yeah, I'm pretty bummed about the Civic.
I could repair it, but not sure I want to spend that much money on it (it's pretty beat up as well). The Fit is a better car for me anyhow, given that my work requires me to haul around a good amount of stuff, etc. Plus, regardless of the mileage, once I start thinking twice about whether or not I should take my car on a long drive it's time to get something new.

I've never been a real 'car guy,' so the only things that really matter to me are utility, reliability and efficiency. And the Fit has all three of those pretty well sewn up.

 

Upholstery quality was good, better than I expected. I would think they would last a good long time without having any "wear" spots, or places where the material would just plain wear out.

Definitely impressed by the amount of cargo room as well. And it's so nice to be able to put the rear seats up or down with just one hand...easy peasy. I didn't notice any road noise, but I usually drive the ITR, and it's a bit on the loud side.

Next time I go down to drive one, I want to ride in the back seat to see how the a/c is back there. Not that I expect to have too many people riding in the back but summer in NC can be unpleasant if the a/c isn't good.

 

Just got my EX. I traded in a 335i (with sport package) for for it (BMWs are complete crap, i was sick of it being in the shop).

So, my horsepower drop was close to 170... And i dont really care. No the Fit doesnt slam you back into the seat and no it doesnt accelerate from 70 to 110 in the blink of eye. But i could not be happier.

Edit: and yes this was my first Fit.

 

Thanks for that mini review. It is especially helpful understanding what cars you have owned in the past and what you are looking for out of the Fit.

For me, I have been soo incredibly impressed by my 2009 Fit over the past 5 and a half years of ownership. I feel that the only way the new Fit could let me down would be by not continuing the Fit's stellar record of reliability, utility and fuel efficiency.

Honestly, there is nothing I really dislike about my current Fit other than its slightly rough econocar ride quality and its lack of integrated Bluetooth phone connectivity. Nevertheless, I want a new one, just because I want a NEW car. And the fit is so cheap and holds its value so well, I see little downside to buying a new one to replace the one I have with only 35,000 miles on it.

So far the only issues, that have disappointed me about the new Fit are:

1. The lack of a leather wrap steering wheel on the EX. My 2009 sport has this and I like the feel and look of it allot

2. The fact that many have commented the center armrest on top of the new center storage is not high enough and is positioned too much to the rear. As the fold down center armrest on my 2009 is located in just the perfect place for me to comfortably hold the steering wheel and shift without lifting my elbow.

3. The loss of the upper glove box and passenger side drink holder at dashboard height.

These are little nits to pick and I don't think any of them will cause me any long term concern. But since I will not have to opportunity to drive a new 6MT until I get to pick mine up, since the dealers here in Hawaii do not intend to "stock" any 6MTs without a customer order. And since my order is 3 months old, I am most interested in hearing reviews of any new manual transmission owners. And especially those who previously owned a Fit!

 

Glad to hear your new Fit is living up to your expectations! I have previously owned 5 different BMWs and each of them had enough issues that had to be repaired under warranty that I sold each one soon after the warranty ran out and have trouble considering ever buying another for primarily that reason. Even though as a car guy, I loved driving my BMWs.

 

One hint, is to get the windows tinted with ceramic tint. The Fit has allot of glass and now with the sunroof even more sunshine coming in to heat it up. The AC on my 2009 is more than adequate here in Hawaii, but only with my tinted windows.

 

Brand new EXL Navi in my driveway. First Fit!

 

Congrats man, your in the family now!!!

Don't forget pics and post impressions!!!

 

I'll do pictures later.

I like its pickup. The CVT feels good and doesn't go all grabby like the cvt in hybrids I have driven (assist motor programming issues I'm looking at you Insight). I have really broad shoulders and it's comfortable obviously it's a small car but I fit in it nicely.

My XL QT cup doesn't fit in the lower cup holder but it does in the driver dash cup holder the only issue there is that the QT cup blocks most the air.

The AC is frigid! If you do turn it all the way up its loud. When I say frigid this is in TX with about a 90 degree day with the setting mostly on 2 occasionally on 3.

No paint issues at all. Now to go hit the tint shop to get propper TX tint.

 

Advanced thanks from us for the effort on the pics to follow. Glad that CVT is working out for you and for all who currently own them. The impressions so far, has been extremely rewarding ones.

As for physical fitment, my 300 lbs. 6' tall cousin would enjoy riding with me as he occasionally does when I fetch him in my GD. With my stature, probably will feel comfortable in even a sub-sub compact!!!!

Cup holder.............as long as they fit with my favorite can of beer, I'm a happy camper!!!

Frigid A/C in the hot Texas sun??? Music to my ears as that is the one feature I can't live without.

No paint issues...here's hoping that none will surface anywhere.

Tint......what brand are you planning on??? Am choosing between Madico and Llumar. Heard that metalized are not the best for cell phone transmission. Any suggestions???

 

Don't have a Fit yet, but I'm seriously looking.
Had a 1982 Civic that we sold at about 175,000 miles, and currently have a 1992 Accord with just under 200,000 that the Fit would replace.
Oh, and that doesn't include 2 Honda lawnmowers over the last 30 years. Do they count?

 

Hell yes, they count. Had a Toro for 15 years and finally saw the "light". Sold it on Craigslist 5 yrs. ago and got myself a Honda "self-propelling" model. Its the best mower I've ever used/owned.


My current GD has been outstanding to own, maintain and drive but its time to pass it on. Getting older. Need some new wheels to reinstill some youth back into this household!!!

 

The shop by my house uses Vista, LLumar, and Formula one.

 

As Promised!