Don't want to get into why but the weather was great today and my wife & kids found ourselves at a Honda dealer, where we had the chance to test drive a 2011 Honda Fit Sport, replete with Nav & everything.

Just want to say that for an entry-level car, it sure seems designed with an enthusiast in mind - perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats were great. The brake pedal feel and steering feel were freakin' perfect. THe handling was, all things considered, excellent, but obviously in a lower league than a GT.

The wife and kids loved the space and utility.

The 5AT with paddle shifters worked wonderfully. I wish the Mustang's AT had such paddles. The 117-hp I-4 worked well, good enough for daily commuting. In short, for a MSRP of less than half of my GT 'vert's, it's a lot more than half of the car.

Conclusion: I don't need a third newish car, but if I did, this one, for the $19K to $20K range brand new, offers a lot of value and utility. The automatic tranny is all I can drive right now, and is very attractive...

PS - One odd thing: the EPA highway mpg was only 33. Shoot, the 4-cyl Accord in the showroom carried a 34 mpg highway rating. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?!?

 

I test drove one several years ago when they first came to the US. I wanted to drive a manual trans Fit, but they only had a couple of autos (they were pretty popular back then), so I test drove an auto. I was very impressed with the interior, and the overall room and utility it afforded. The handling was pretty good as well, better than many other small cars I've driven, but it just couldn't hold a candle to my Mini in that regard. We would have been trading in the Mini for the Fit if we got the little Honda, and I just couldn't bear to part with the Mini. Our kids are 7 & 8, and still fit in the back of the Mini ok. If I were looking for a 4-door subcompact today, I'd take a hard look at the Mazda2, along with a manual trans Fit.

FWIW the auto on the base Fit is rated at 35 mpg highway, while the Fit Sport auto is 33 mpg highway, just like the manual.

 

I have an '09 fit sport auto (the first year of the current model) and it is hands down the best purchase i could have made. it's got get-up-and-go when i want it and it carries so much stuff. was able to fit a small couch in it!
and don't let the mpg numbers fool you. i am making 39.8mpg COMBINED from when i first bought it to now (over 30k miles later).
there are reports abound of people getting way more than what is stickered.

 

If I were looking for a 4-door subcompact today, I'd take a hard look at the Mazda2, along with a manual trans Fit.

I wouldn't ignore the Fiesta either.

 

I'm not ignoring it, it just isn't very high on my list, due mainly to its heavier weight, higher price, and uglier dash (among other things) as compared to the Mazda2.

 

We have an 09 Honda Fit DX with a 5 sp. And it is a great little car. Great gas mileage and loads of room. Great in traffic and around the city. Not really a freeway car though. Handling is awesome actually. Throw some real tires on it and it would rock actually. No body roll, I take most on and off ramp loops at 50 mph.

Picked up a new 46" TV and TV stand with it. The guys at the store about died laughing when I pulled up to load it up. Then their jaws dropped when I dropped the seats and loaded up.

Best part is - teenagers can drive it and the insurance does not kill me. And they can afford to put some gas in it.

 

fiesta > fit




mine is for sale

 

I would test drive a new Hyundai Accent too or a new Hyundai Elantra. Elantra starts at just $15,500.

 

if you haven't made a purchase yet, i would even test drive the new kia rio 5 coming out later this year
(it's great to see all of these subcompact hatchbacks being released!!!)

 

+1 on Rio.

 

looks like a vdub gti

 

Chevy cruze Turbo they look good all around. Especially black with black leather interior. My wife considered one but were not worried about gas mileage she just could not go from her 3.5 altima to the cruze it was very underpowered but that's any economy car. And at 17-20k base to full its definitely worth a look