So in my search for a daily driver, I couldn't help but go test a few of the new entry-level imports. I checked out the Yaris, xA, and Fit.

The Fit was the last car I drove, and it won hands-down. One of the first things the salesman did was show me how there was enough room for two full-size mountain bikes in the back. Then, he took me out on a twisty road near the lot. I was driving the sport model, which has the 5-speed padels. I would have sworn it had closer to 160hp than 109hp, and the handling was right there with almost any FWD vehicle I've driven. It almost felt like something I'd have fun in a canyon with, as crazy as that sounds. The fit and finish was better than either the Yaris or xA, and the stereo is pretty solid for stock... although the design makes aftermarket seem impossible.

If it wasn't for the $995 mark-up, I would seriously consider it. Maybe I'll just wait until they can be had for under MSRP....

 

I would recommend another test drive. At highway speeds the FIT really shows it's weaknesses. There is alot of road noise, no passing power, and the car is unstable under crosswinds. The gas tank is small too and the gas mileage isnt what you would expect from such a light car. For another $500-$1000 you can get into a Honda Civic LX. Personally I believe the civic (4-dr version) is also safer. The FIT is for those who need the cargo room (ie, people with small businesses). It may handle well, but thats all it really has going for it (vs. the civic). Test drive a civic LX if you get a chance.

 

The Fit has a great amount of room inside, more versitile than the Civic or Accord.

IMO the Fit is a tad over-priced at MSRP. Obviously the market doesn't agree with me if they are charging over. But I drove all three Fit, Civic, and Accord. If the Fit was a bit cheaper it'd be killer. I think the Civic drives better and has a much better engine (power and more refined). The Accord is a much more substantial car and drives very nicely as you would expect from a 3200 lb car (vs Fit 2400 lbs).

The Accord SE with I4 and MT, the internet price was about $19,500. If the Fit is ~$16K thats just $3500 difference.

The Fit comes with drum brakes (rear) and gets 33/38 mpg (call it 35 average) the 5-speed I4 Accord is rated at 26/34 (30 average)

12K miles per year the Fit will use 57 gal less gas (per year) than the Accord, that works out to less than $4 per week extra gas.

 

The place I currently like to ride my bike is 30 miles from here. I would love to be able to put my bike in the Fit instead of the back of my truck. Better yet would be a safe place to ride near where I live...

 

Interesting. I've had this bug lately to go test a Fit too, even though I love my GTI. I did have the odd pleasure of "testing" a Hyundai Accent as a rental. As much as I didn't want to pay the stupid-high daily rate on it (picking it up in one state and dropping it off in another), it was a plenty capable and well made car, that performed admirably for the 2 days I had it.

As for the wind noise and instability in crosswinds angle, the Accent was very much a crosswinds target, and passing huge semis on the highway took more guts than just about any passing move I've ever performed in my GTI. I think these two low points are just par for the course in a class of small underpowered cars. It may be another 5-10 years before cars like this don't feel so unsafe.

 

I'm not sure where in Orange County you're located but Weseloh Honda in San Juan Capistrano isn't marking up their allotment of Fit's. You may need to put a deposit and wait two weeks to receive the car you want in the color you want but if you're not in a hurry, that is a viable alternative.

You also might try Pierceman here on this board.

 

My Fianc

 

I second the Civic. My buddy just picked up an LX for $17,000 even last week, auto with a/c and power windows. I forget what the sticker price was...$18,500 maybe?

 

My dad bought a base crv for 19, only $500 more.

Where does it end?

A base fit is $13,800 msrp.

If you want one in that price you'll have to wait. It can be done though.

 

I traded in my Evo8 for a Fit in Feb 07. I currently have about 5k on the odo.
No regrets at all, if you keep in mind that this car is for economy use.
Here is my take on the Fit.

Pros:
Handles really nice.
The magic seat is very useful.
It fit my 40 inch lcd tv with the box, also 2 inch to spare on both sides. ( Amazing )
Avg 33mpg 70% highway at avg 75mph. My Evo8 20mpg same style driving.
Great fit and finish
Saving money everyday with it.

Cons:
Yes, there is wind noise, at high speeds.
Yes, u'll need to compensate for high winds, at high speeds.
Yes, lack power, but expected.

You could get an Civic lx at invoice which is about the same
price as a Fit Sport. To me the Fit is much more fun to drive then
the Civic. Most places around my area don't mark up, but definately
not less then Msrp. Good luck.