Hi Everyone,

I was considering to buy the 2015 Fit LX for a few months, but was waiting for my move to happen. I finally just moved to suburbs of Houston, TX and from what I have heard from Houston friends - this is not a city for small/compact cars! Considering the wide roads, ample of parking and higher number of accidents they advised me against it. They also said due to these reasons you would not get a good resale value if you ever decide to sell it. I even noticed myself that there are very few hatchbacks or small cars on Houston roads compared to my earlier city.

I wanted to know from anyone in Houston, whether the Fit is not as good an option in Houston (specially the suburbs)? Also who is the best dealer in/around Houston? Any other constructive comments/advise would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

 

Houston is a diverse mix of people who cannot drive and/or are usually distracted while driving on the freeways. On the outskirts of Houston or other non-freeway/interstate/toll roads roads, traffic is usually more relaxed. Still would have to stay on your toes in any situation though.

From experience with my first gen GD3, the Fit isn't shabby in Houston since it is a very nibble and agile hatch. In simple light to light metro areas in downtown or puttering around in more open suburb areas is no big deal... BUT it is underpowered so you MAY have to be able to judge gaps between cars if you plan on frequent freeway driving with congested traffic.

There are PLENTY of times where I've traveled back from an autocross event near Bush Intercontential and had to pretty much fight traffic ALL THE WAY down to the southern section of Beltway 8 (Just north of Pearland) due to rolling road blocks, frequently getting cut off, or drivers that carelessly speed and weave though traffic. So basically, if you're on the freeway at anytime plan on constantly being at least 10 to 15 MPH over the limit just to keep UP with traffic. Off the freeway, it is not nearly as bad... low speed limit city streets and suburb areas are pretty much the Fit's natural habitat in my honest opinion.

Mind you, with the 3rd/current gen Fit having 130 BHP and weighing 2514 lbs Manual/2544lbs CVT it'll have a better power to weight advantage than the prior two when accelerating stock for stock. Though compared to most cars on the freeway in Houston, it's still underpowered.

I would suggest test driving a Fit at your local Honda dealer in an environment that you're currently or driving situations familiar with... THEN when you're down in Houston test drive another in the driving situations that you would typically be in while you're staying HERE.

 

Thougth FIT CVT HP and TQ numbers are less compared to bigger cars, it is at least as fast as previous generation and hybrid cars (8g Accord, Civic, CRV, prius and similar cars) which I see everywhere on roads. Speed is not a problem.

 

You're right... CONSTANT speed is not a problem. Accelerating to pass while at speed, that's what can get you.

 

I've driven my fit in almost any traffic. While Houston is Truck country, you'll be laughing all the way to the pump. Its cheap now... but just wait.
As for traffic, you'll do fine, just realize that you only have a limited amount of power and torque. Plan your passes just a bit and you'll be fine. I've had no issues driving across Texas at 90+ (chasing a McLaren, traffic was tight so all those windows helped out hugely).

 

I drive a 2015 LX 6MT fit in Houston, six months and 13000 miles. Check out the crash test videos, they are pretty good. I'm sure a real life crash would be much worse, especially a head on crash, but I dont feel unsafe. Okay it is unnerving driving 45 down a small road with one lane incoming, nothing separating us but a yellow line, but that's not the fits fault. Also, there are a lot of standard and small cars on the road. Like seriously, a ton. Keep your eyes peeled next time you're driving. Getting 37 mpg on a highway tank, 32 on my city streets commute.

 

Thanks everyone and especially Hootie. I also felt the sudden acceleration while merging or passing would be a challenge. Unfortunately there is no Honda showroom near my daily route. Will try to test drive one anyways - wish they would let us rent the car for a day.

Also any of you recommend or not recommend any Honda dealers in Houston?