Or, to be more specific, is the smallness of the rear view window dangerous? I'm used to a very large rearview window that gives me a good awareness and view of everything behind my car in every lane. It struck me during a test drive of the Fit that I could only see cars directly behind the vehicle through the window. Is that something you just get used to? And does it create blind spots?

 

I think the view out the rear window is small because the whole car is small! Any blind spots can be eliminated by properly aiming your side mirrors or simply turning your head to check before merging.

 

 

The rear window isn't too small, the third brake light is too damn big!

 

It is small, but not dangerously small. The visibility from the Fit rearwards is adequate but not spectacular in my opinion; however, it is better than quite a few other cars made today. Good sight lines from the cabin are rather uncommon unfortunately, partly because of crashworthiness requirements (stronger body structure and roof support structure required than in the past, which generally requires bigger pillars and higher belt lines), and partly because of current styling trends.

You might also want to see about getting a stick-on fresnel lens decal if you want a wider view. They're not very expensive, and can be removed without any damage to the window, and do give you a much wider view. They only work well when the rear window is pretty nearly vertical—the Fit's should be OK in that regard. (These decal things are most commonly used with RVs and vans and similar vehicles; they work pretty well, especially during the day, but light at the wrong angle can mess up the view.)

 

Go drive a Fiesta and compare. Next to that, the Fit has GREAT rear visibility. (and cargo space, and leg room, and hip room, and head room, and... )

 

I have a '13 Fit. Before I bought it, I compared it to all the other cars in the class. Better visability than the rest. The Fit rear seat head rests fold down and don't block the view thru the rear view mirror. Most of the other cars don't have that feature. Try looking thru the rear view mirror with 2 headrests in the way. arghhhh Plus, the Fit was the only one that had rear seats that fold flat. That was a big deal to me. So glad I have the Fit.

 

I have a 2007 Fit. I've found that having the seats lowered or having the rear headrests removed gives a greater visibility. All in all, I love the visibility of the Fit and feel very safe and aware of my surroundings in it.

 

the only blindspot that i noticed on this car is on the other side of the big a-pillar (front) on the driver side. if you set the side mirrors wide (outward) you should have zero blind spots on this car. ive back into parking lots, tight parking spaces with no issue.

 

That's not entirely true—you can reduce the blind spots, and move them to places that are less likely to be occupied, but they still exist. With the mirrors swung wide, for example, a motorcycle splitting lanes next to the back of the car would be pretty much invisible. Beyond that, there are areas that are entirely impossible to see regardless (at least without cameras or additional mirrors)—low down close to the front or rear of the car car, for instance.

Having properly adjusted mirrors is definitely good; it's just not a panacea, and it's still important to check with a head turn and a glance before merging or whatever.

 

not for me. i can see bikers at my current setting. i shoulder check out of habit, but not necessary with side mirrors setup correctly.