I recently bought a U.S. 2008 Fit (Base Model, 5M/T). Here are some early impressions after my first 1,000 miles.

Gas mileage: I don't know why this seems so controversial on the forum but my first couple tanks (early break-in, mixed city/rural driving) were in the 33-34 mpg range. On my first 300-mile road trip (all high-speed highway with lots of accelerations) I logged 38.8 mpg. Damn good! I could easily get over 40 if I'd kept it steady at 65 mph.

TPMS: There have been a number of questions about the 2008 requirement for the tire pressure monitors. Anyway, living in New England I bought a winter wheel and tire package (Tirerack, of course!). 14-inch steelies (without TPMS) and some Michelin X-Ice tires (175-65 r14). The entire set was just over $500 shipped. An excellent deal. I switched them out in the driveway and went driving around and no TPMS or tire pressure light! I assumed it would at least throw the TPMS light, but not yet, at least.

By the way, the OEM Dunlops on the base model are some of the worst tires I've driven on in years. Mine had some early highway speed vibration issues that the dealer thought might be due to shipping-related flat spots. They didn't go away after 500 miles so I'm taking them in under warranty and hoping to get them to give me some new rubber. The Michelin snows are smoother and quieter than the Dunlops, although as expected they are a little squishier around corners. Maybe I'll just trash the OEM wheels and tires and go for that good deal on 2007 HFP 16's!!

Blind Spots and Visibility: I've seen a lot of discussion on the forum about this. I don't see where there's a problem. I don't perceive any issue looking straight out the back even with the rear headrests in the way. I do perceive the Fit has slightly less visibility out the rear quarter views than my Civic, but that is easily solved by "proper" mirror adjustment. Most people don't seem to run their outside mirrors as wide as I think they need to be. The outside mirrors are designed to help you see what's next to you, not what's behind you. I adjust mine so I can no longer see any part of the side of my car. I find most people like to have them so they can just see the side of the car, probably as a reference I guess. But one you get used to setting them at a wide angle it's much, much better.

Driving: This car is absolutely amazing, especially for its price point. I'm not surprised it made the C&D Top Ten. It's easy to drive (important for my wife) and really fun to run through the gears. The drivetrain seems just perfect. I recall that maybe it was an Edmunds review that said the engine starts to "strain" at 80. Maybe he's never driven a Honda and doesn't realize that's what they sound like when they're HAPPY! Especially the VTECH motors. I don't perceive any lack of power whatsoever. I'm particularly impressed with how well it accellerates at highways speeds in 5th gear for lane changes, passing trucks, etc. Very responsive. Plus, I can run around in 5th gear going as slow as 40 and still have plenty of low-end torque, unless I'm going up a hill or something. My old Honda 5speeds didn't have any real low end torque and you had to keep the revs up. The Fit is much more civilized in that respect.

Steering is tight and handling is surprisingly solid for such a light car, even with the base level wheel and tire combo. Brakes seem kind of grabby at first and I'm not used to them yet, but they stop the car fine. I just don't feel like I've found the right touch yet, compared with how easy it was to get dialed in to the throttle, gear shift, steering, etc. I like the way the pedals are laid out.

Storage is amazing, of course. I can't get my road bike in the way I want without taking the front wheel off, but that's what I have to do in the Civic anyway. But what I've found is that if I put the rear seat, drivers side, in the "tall" position and the passenger side rear in the "long" position it works great. I take the front wheel off, put the bike in from the drivers side with the rear wheel down on the floor and the forks resting on the exposed back of the folded down seat. It holds the bike perfectly in my preferred vertical position without getting chain lube all over the fabric (you should see the back of my Civic!). I could easily figure out how to carry two bikes in there.

The black fabric was a mistake from the perspective of someone that likes to drive around with a Golden Retriever. But I just got one of those lint roller things to keep in the car. Not really a big deal.

And the best part? I think my friends with Priuses are kind of jealous I got such a cool car for at least $10k less than their fancy (and not so fun to drive) hybrid.

 

Thanks for that great report, Percy! Sounds like you're really pleased with the car!

 

I am very pleased with the car and recommend it highly. I guess I could have just said that in my initial post

 

Thats a great report! Im glad to hear your pleased with your Fit.
I have nothing bad to say about mine still and im at 6500miles, such a fun little car! Good point about the Honda engines, they love to rev, its not strain on the engine at 80mph, the engine is just happy lol!

 

i agree... the engine definatley did not strain at all at 80... its just happy!!!! i love the way it sounds! good report... i agree with everything u say )minus the problems with black interior, but i understand why... i just dont have pets! lol)