Honda Fit 1.5 review - a cheap efficient small car
After reviewing the Honda Fit, we found it to be a cheap, efficient small car, returning great fuel economy without the need for expensive hybrid technology - just a small engine tweaked for low fuel consumption.The auto version of the Fit is even more economical than the manual which is very unusual. The downside of the auto is its pretty sluggish especially when you need it to change down a gear for some extra power. The manual is a more engaging drive and would be our transmission choice. It is not much less efficient than the auto, recording EPA figures of 27 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway, while the automatic does 28 miles to the gallon on the city cycle and 35 on the highway.
A 1.5 liter four cylinder engine provides the Honda Fit's power and variable valve timing helps to give pretty decent acceleration for such a small engine. Although this is a refined modern engine, like so many cars of this size, it can be a bit noisy. Road handling is very good though, as is the braking.
The interior cabin is another of the Honda Fit's best features. Its unusual for a cheap car to have such a well thought out space. Its a roomy passenger cabin with plenty of cargo space and some clever storage options. Honda's Magic Seat has three different storage configurations and still manages to be a very comfortable rear seat. Design elements like the 10 cup holders make this a very practical space.
Safety is a mix of good and bad if you're considering the base model car. The Honda Fit got excellent government crash test scores but anti skid and stability control systems are not available on the base model, even as an option. This does not compare favorably to most efficient small cars.
Despite this the Honda Fit is a great car and other reviewers agree. Its cheap, reliable and economical and has picked up several awards. It has been voted among the 10 Best by Car and Driver three years in a row.
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