Just bought the 2010 Fit. Still driving through the break-in period. A little disappointed in the power and was wondering if this car will make it up the Blue Ridge Mts. for my trip down south?

 

Very doubtful. It will go down them just fine though.

 

You could wind out the engine on winding mountain roads, but if your car's fully laden and your only way up the mountains is a straight road with a severe incline, the Fit sadly won't do very well.

 

Even with just one other passenger and a couple of small bags??

 

I can't think of any highway that I'd be reluctant to take my Fit. A little light on power? Perhaps, but that is what gears in the transmission are for.

 

Have you taken your Fit on a long trip over the mountains (any mountains)?

 

If you are so hesitant it makes me wonder why you bought the car? Do you really think it may not go up some of the hills? If so take the bus.

 

you're going to feel it past 3000ft elevation. just the way it is on these 4 bangers... they were not made to go fast.

 

Long trips? No. About 4 miles from my house is Catalina Highway that goes from 2,000 feet elevation to over 8,000 feet in 26 miles. It is a beautiful curving road that goes thru a national forest and is perhaps the most beautiful drive in s.e. Arizona. It is not a problem for the Fit. I never even thought it might be.

 

The Blue Ridge/Smoky Mts don't go above an elevation of 6700ft, so I guess I will be alright

Thanks whaap for your helpful posts. I guess I am just having new buyer anxiety.

 

Hmm i went over the mountain from CA to Arizona just fine. Yes some times the whind up there felt it was going to blow me off the road but never had a problem with the engine not having enough power to climb. I have made plenty of trips in my Fit from CA to FL back to OH than to TX and back to FL. I love road trips. Never had a problem so far in it.

 

Good to know. Thanks 08fithappy.

 

you will be fine because i have taken my fit through the blue ridge. ive got fam in the area and its waaaay fun driving through them.

 

Thanks OddsEvens. That eases my mind.

 

I drive the BRP in my GD all the time. You won't have any issues man. I can think of any cars that would, actually.

 

I just finished a 1000 mi. trip to VA and back. Sandstone mtn in WV is several miles of 7% grade. The Fit did just fine. In 3rd gear most of it, though. But 3rd gear (AT) is good for 85-90 mph.

 

I drive from California to Colorado 3-4 times a year. If it's anything like the rocky mountains you'll be fine. You'll just be going really slow uphill, so plan accordingly.

 

I take our Fit anywhere in the country and don't think twice about it. Want trouble? Try flogging a Taurus over the continental divide in the Rockies. The Fit's naturally aspirated engine is going to lose power due to less dense air at higher altitudes, but the Blue Ridge--no way you'll notice much. You'll really enjoy the view out that big windshield.

Wish I was headed that way.

Cheers.

 

I can't speak for the Fit on real mountains (the highest mine has gone was 1800 feet on CA-17 from Santa Cruz to San Jose).

But... In 2003, I drove a Toyota Echo, with two passengers and 500 lbs of junk in the trunk up to 8500 feet in Arizona. It did fine.

I fairly regularly drive a section of freeway with a 5.4% grade. It bogs in 5th, but downshift to 4th (or leave it in D) and it climbs it OK. It'll need to drop to 3rd to pass, and that requires patience!

In 2005, I drove a first-gen CR-V through the mountains of TN and northern AL. With the 4-spd automatic connected to a gutless B20 engine, and having the overeager transmission jump to third at the slightest sign of an incline, it was annoying, but the car did just fine.

Think about the typical engine in a European car (over 2L is considered a large engine). Now think about what Europe looks like. Think about the low displacement and power in your typical JDM car. Picture Japan's landscape. It'll be fine.

(No, it won't feel like a V6 or V8 charging up the mountain in overdrive)

 

I've taken my Fit in the Rockies--does just fine.. Use the paddle shifters. The Fit does better than my Ford Escort or Toyota Corolla did.