How is the Fit MT gearbox quality? I test drove an AT fit and while I hate ATs in general, the AT in the fit was not too bad as far as ATs go.

However I dislike buying a car sight unseen... no dealers in the seattle area seem to have any MT fits to test drive. Is the fit's MT a good feel? Not too heavy or light, or clunky? No crappy clutch?

 

clutch is slightly on the soft side for my taste, but on par with most other stock honda clutches.

 

how about the shifting?

 

feels about the same as the civic shifter, throw might be slightly shorter.

 

It should get better too once broken in.

 

The tranny should be plenty durable, and it shifts well. Similiar to a Civic, but a little less notchy. The clutch travel was a little different as well.

 

The stock shifter needs some different bushings at a minimum IMO. I thought the feel was not that great compared to my 95 cx. The throws were not particularly short, either. It's far from the worst that I've driven, but far from the best. I'd describe it as adequate for a daily driver.

 

IMO, the best shifter has been in my 1994 Prelude VTEC. It's also been reknown for it's shifter. I also love the short throws in my S2000 albeit a bit notchier. In my 2001 S4, it was like rowing a boat. A UUC short shifter solved that problem though. When I test drove the manual Fit, I thought the shifter felt as good as the Prelude but not as notchy and the throws are longer. I would be happy with the manual Fit but will be getting an AT.

 

I have seen comments about pedal placement elsewhere--too close together? Any comments out there on this? Are the pedals just well placed for heel-and-toe and non-enthusiasts don't get it?

 

Coming from an xA, the shifter feels worlds better. It's much smoother and actually allows you to shift from 1st gear to 2nd gear smoothly unlike the xA. And yes, the pedals are a bit close together (especially the clutch). I've worked around this by getting pedal covers and moving it as for to the left as possible. You get used to it.

 

I feel the clutch is as good as any normal OEM Honda clutch. Shift it good and not notchy. I feel the car could use a much lighter flywheel though...

 

yeha i hit the edge of the brake whilst shifting gears with my left foot, sort tight down there !!!!! dougie what pedal covers did you get?

 

u cant test drive?

are close pedals bad? my bro likes it cuz he can heel toe easier

 

The clutch is close to the brake, and coming from my xB that threw me for a bit, but now I don't even notice it and it feels perfectly natural. I haven't had any issues with hitting the brake while shifting, but I have small feet (9) so someone with bigger feet it may be an issue. My only complaint, and it's minor, is the narrowness of the clutch engagement -- my xB was much wider and had more room for error, so it's taking a little time to get used to having to be a bit more accurate with my revmatching and shift timing, w/ is a good thing in the long run.

 

The clutch and brake pedals are about 1" closer than civic. Now I'm getting used.

 

I think it's even better than my rsx no second gear grinding

 

I wear size 13 shoes, and I definitely had problems at first with touching two pedals at the same time. In my 3rd week of ownership though, I've grown used to it.

 

The mazda3's gearbox is excellent. Honda could learn a lot from it...

The craziest one i've used is the subaru wrx sti... talk about ferocious...!

 

I don't think Honda needs to learn from anybody. IMHO they make one of the best feeling gearboxes. I drove my friend's Mazda 3 and thought the gearbox was nice. I also liked the gearbox on my old Audi S4, my friend's M3 and even the Toyota Matrix. I would not say they are any better than any of the Honda's I've driven. It all depends on the person.

 

i have big feet and it was a PITA to work, plus the clutch engagment was so far forward

it did shift smoothly though