I've been looking at the Fit for quite a while now and am pretty intent on buying one. But, I thought I should check out a few more cars just to be sure.

What do people recommend checking out in the same price range? Not surprisingly, the big draw here is the cargo space as I need to be able to fit furniture in it (small chairs, the occasional love seat, nothing huge).

I'd love to know what people test drive before buying their Fit!

 

The cars in the same class (maybe not by cargo room), are the Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Hyundai Accent, Scion xB, and Nissan Versa. There are a few more in that price/size class but not really worth mentioning.
In terms of cargo space, The Elantra Touring and Mazda 5 are worth a look. There is also the Toyota Matrix, but it lags behind the competition these days. I'd also have a look at the higher end Ford Focus, Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza.
Honda Fit rocks though.

 

also look at the Suzuki SX4, not as sharp handling or clever inside as the fit, but a good drive and awd with an available manual.

 

Here are some sites that might help if you don't know yet.. You can do side by side comparison. Good luck.

Cars
Vehix
Edmunds

 

Thanks! I have been using those sites, I just wanted information specifically from Fit owners.

 

Sorry, well I bought mine used so the price was the motivation there. But I've owned a Corolla and currently also have an '07 Hyundai Elantra.

None of the other two can touch the versatility of the Fit and is also the most fun to drive. Don't now about the new Corolla or Elantra. Though the new Elantra looks pretty sharp and comparably priced, you might have to put the love seat on the roof. ;-)

 

teriaki, apart from the exceptional cargo space that you already knew, here are the other main differentiators that made me go for the FIT when considering between my previous shortlist of FIT and Suzuki AWD... you may agree or disagree depending on your own priorities...

1) Better reliability report from Consumer Report - made directly in Japan

2) better fuel efficiency than Suzuki

3) More spacious cabin feel in the FIT. don't feel like a small car until getting out of the car

4) Magic seats folding backwards. I place two utility racks on the floor of the magic seats to transport groceries and daily stuff. This way, I avoid using the tailgate on a daily basis to preserve the wear and tear of the compress air power hinge and tailgate handle

5) Back passenger doors open up to almost 90 degrees to the body of the car... only vehicle in its class to do that.... providing super easy access

6) fuel tank below the driver seat. I consider this as the safest place for the fuel tank because if I am seriously knocked from behind, I have the protection of 4 to 5 feet of metal of cargo area to absorb crash force from behind..remember.. little air bags protection from behind. Comparatively, for vehicles with regular mounted gas tank below the back passenger seats or below the cargo area... their gas tank only have about 2 to 3 feet of distance from back bumper before the crash from behind puncture the gas tank...... the intent is to get out of such crashes alive without being burnt by fire so that I can enjoy a brand new FIT to replace my totaled one

 

Teriaki, so did you finally get one yet?