Bloomberg.com Comes Down on the Honda Fit
Unlike the LA times and many recent publications that seem to have a glowing review of the new Honda Fit, Jason Harper from Bloomberg.com didn’t seem to like it quite as much. Harper states that people might take the many positive reviews that the car has been receiving as an indication that it’s a “refined and grown-up sort of car.” Harper thinks it isn’t.
He said that in his 400 mile test drive the meek 117hp engine struggles up hills and while the chassis has been stiffened in the 2009 model there is still significant body roll through turns. Harper states that the seats are cheap, uncomfortable and don’t offer proper lumbar support, the interior looks cheap and overall he thinks the car is ugly. While the “ugly” is just an opinion, he’s right about most of his complaints, although he *is* talking about a $16k car.
The article didn’t only have bad things to say about the Fit though. Harper liked the cabin and cargo space, the large windows with no blind spots, navigation system and other amentities that have made the car so popular.
Read the full article on Bloomberg.com.
The LA Times loves the 2009 Fit
From the LA Times’ review of the 2009 Fit:
You may have guessed: The Fit is pretty near the top of my favorite-cars list, and not because it’s so fast and awesome-looking, because it oh-so ain’t. It has the beauty of a certain well-wrought urn, exactly what it needs to be — self-defined, lightly perfect. One of these days I’ll buy one, if I can ever get near the dealership.
Nothing like having the local paper justify your recent car purchase. 
A Look at the Physical Differences Between the 2008 and 2009 Honda Fit
The physical changes between model years 2008 and 2009 of the Honda Fit might be minor at first glance, but when viewed side-by-side, they become much more apparent. Wheel size went from an optional 15″ to 16″, the body became more curvaceous, while at the same time looking more aggressive with a profile similar to the honda si hatchback from a couple of years ago. Personally I love the changes they made, especially when looking at the car front-on, but to each their own. -kent
Honda hates Americans with right arms…
… at least this is the only explanation I have for why the ‘07-’08 Fit was released in North American without a center console. As I drive around in my ‘08 Fit, I find myself constantly looking for a place to comfortably rest my right arm. It just doesn’t feel right to let my arm fall limp onto the e-brake in the center. I can place my arm behind the passenger seat, but when I’m driving with a buddy, that isnt the most appropriate thing to do.
Of course, Japanese and European owners of the Fit (or its Euro counterpart the Honda Jazz) do not have this problem… which begs the question: Why does Honda hate Americans? Or at least Americans with 2 arms?
Possible Solutions:
Thankfully, there are a few solutions of which I am considering to rectify this problem.
- Import a JDM center console - This is probably the most ideal solution in that I’d not be using an aftermarket part, but rather a real Honda part that they simply didn’t feel like including with the American version of the Fit. A few places online offer this piece with the price ranging from $200-$300. Pretty expensive sadly. Check out an install video of the JDM center console w/ armrest here.
- Cup holder based arm rest - I’ve seen a few of these online like here and here. These things seem to just plug right into the cup holders in the back of the current US center console. This is definitely an ugly solution. I’ve seen these range from $50-$200 on various sites and on eBay.
So far, I’m not really happy with any solution I’ve found. Importing a JDM center console is just way too expensive, but the cup holder arm rests all just look way too cheap. Is my arm destined to always be sad? Anyone else out there have a creative solution?
The 2009 Honda Fit!
Looks like Honda has created a new site for the 2009 Honda Fit. Check it out here.
As a recent 2008 Fit owner, I’m a bit saddened that I no longer have the new hotness, but honestly I think I prefer the look of the older Fit over the 2009. I do wish the satellite linked navigation and iPod controls were an option when I bought, but I’ve been eyeing the Pioneer Avic F700BT, which should do everything the stock Honda Sat Nav system does and a lot more.
One interesting thing to note is that it appears Honda has squeezed a little more horsepower out of the going from the somewhat underpowered 109HP to a more average 117HP.
…and Honda has apparently abandoned the “Fit is Go” campaign, now going with a comic book inspired campaign. That bums me out a little bit. Sadface.
The Honda Fit Blog is Go!
Hello and welcome to HondaFitBlog.com. As a relatively new Honda Fit owner, this blog will chronicle my journey of Fit-ness. In the coming weeks and months, you’ll see detailed write ups on stereo installs, aftermarket parts and, of course, the reason to buy a Fit: Gas Mileage.
Riding shotgun on this blog will by my sherpa in all things Honda, Kento, who also writes The S2K Blog and is a lifelong Honda nut.
If you have any questions, comments or general feedback, please email us. We’d love to hear from you.
Again, welcome to The Honda Fit Blog. These are exciting times for Fit owners and now the Fit AND this blog are GO!