Hi all:
Having owned an '86 Civic Si for 20 years and 234,000 miles, and having read of the Fit on this board, in addition to the positive reviews in both Autoweek and Car and Driver magazines, I viewed the Fit to be a worthy successor to my Si ( my all-time favorite vehicle).
I purchased my Fit in April and have been quite disapointed. Let me explain: driving conservatively, my mileage, after 1,200 so far,has averaged 28-29 MPG as opposed to my Si's 30-35 MPG.
My major concern is a severe lack of performance.
In 5th gear running 70-80 MPH,when encountering even the slightest incline, the speed bleeds off quickly. Acceleration is also uninspiring.
We've all read of the Fit's top speed (114-115 MPH ). Now, not meaning to ruffle any feathers,since 1963 I've taken every vehicle that I've ever owned, both 2 and 4-wheeled varieties, to a very remote 2 mile stretch of level highway to observe the vehicle's top speed. Foolish? Maybe.The Fit in 5th gear( Paddle shifters) top speed:83 MPH.Really.Top speed in 4th gear at only 5200 RPM: 101MPH.
MY question is this: is this normal or might my car have some type of glitch, other than the loose nut at the wheel?
Oh,by the way, in my 20-year ownership my beloved Si, I NEVER wound the engine to the redline; the closest to it was, in 5th gear, at 121 mph. Other than that ONE time, not even close.

Thanks much,
Charlie

 

You must have a Sport Auto. I have a Base Manual, and I've had it up to 90 accidentally - with plenty of room to go on the gas pedal. It's so easy to accelerate without even noticing. I can go up steep hills at 70 at least, carrying over 600 pounds. But from what I have read, there isn't much performance difference between auto and manual. I think you should have it checked by the dealer.

 

Top Speed 83mph? Hmmmn, I've gone past that many times with my A/T Fit Sport, and I just past 1600 miles on my odometer.

 

I have heard of a few auto transmission Fits having problems getting lower than expected mileage, but yours is the first where it seems that it is just sluggish, too.

I would take your data (hopefully you have your odometer readings written down, along with how much gas you filled up with) to the dealer, and have a tech ride with you, or even drive it.

It's got a warranty. Use it. Let us know how it comes out.

 

My wife had a '92 civic Si and I drove it a lot. We both feel that our Fit Sport (AT) feels a lot like that car in the performance department. I am trying to be gentile with break-in but I did pass someone and easily hit 80+ with the shifter in D. The Fit is down on HP vs. that Si but has the same torque number (nearly) so the acceleration and response feel similar. I wonder what would be going on with your car? You would think that on-board diagnostics would pick up something wrong (like a bad oxygen sensor or something). I would definately take it in. Any chance of talking to the dealer about drinving another one for comparison?

Better yet, any FitFreaks out there nearby that can let Charlie drive their Sport AT for comparison?

 

I have a base automatic and I think this car accelerates better than either my '90 Civic HB or my '02 Civic. As a matter of fact, I would refer to it as quite peppy. It zips up to 70 in nothing flat. While my mileage has been between 28-30, I think that will improve since I haven't had it out on the highway much.

 

The mileage is pretty common compared to all of us, but the top speed is seriously an issue. Either there was a beastly headwind that day or there is somethign seriously wrong with you car. I had my Fit up to almost 90 by accident, and I've noticed that this car is surprisingly able on the freeway at speed for 109 HP. I keep getting impressed at its high end agility and acceleration. Talk to your dealer and let em know your car can't pass 83 MPH.

Tre

 

I'm on par with everyone else it sounds like. I've taken my Fit sport manual to about 95mph on I-4 in Orlando with plenty of room left on the tach for higher speeds. I can't remember what rpm I was at when I hit 95; I think it was about 5300 rpm ish but don't quote me on that

 

I'd have the dealer check on that. I cruise on the highway around here at 85-90 usually just keeping up with normal traffic without any power issues and room on the tach to get at least another 20 mph out of it.

 

Thanks guys for all the responses thus far.
I spoke with mt local dealer's service manager(nice fellow) today. He said that although no bulletins have come in indicating such a problem, he would contact Am. Honda.
Futhermore.I'll take ol' Freddy Joe Fit in to be checked next week.
Again,my thanks,
Charlie

 

Regarding red-lining Hondas.

My dealer/serviceman for the first two years (I have 2002 Jazz) told me that my 1.4 i-DSI engine does not need running in, I should avoid driving for a long time close to the red line, until 10000km when the special oil is changed for a normal one.

Then I told him what my driving pattern will be, so he told me to take it out of the town and run it to red line (electronic stop, my engine around 6200rpm) in 2-4th gear, and try hitting max speed (tech 170kmph, odom 175kmph) if legal.

I was quite surprised, since everyone tells me to take it easy in the first 1500km. He said, with more than a lot pride, this is a Honda, not some other machine. Honda makes engines, more than anything else. If the engine needs nursing then it is either broken of from another manufacturer. I smiled (and thought, oh yeah) but he was dead seriius, and he said that if I have any problems with the engine alone, they will order a replacement unit, they will not try to repair it. I asked him if this was a serious offer, he confirmed. Later, I have learned that he drove various Hondas on the track, before motorsport was banned in Switzerland.

I have learned that people who service/sell Hondas, rarely drive anything else privately. My three different services, and nothing but Hondas in three different countries (Switzerland, Croatia and Hungary). Two wifes and one girlfriend included (I will not comment on the price, since HOndas are not the cheapest in any of those three countries).

 

So... did you have those two wives and one girlfriend at the same time, 'cuz I hear that can get to be pretty expensive, as well!

 

I meant two serviceman wives and one dealer girlfriend, but it sounds much better the way you understood it...