2009 Honda Fit Waterville ME

November 18, 2009   By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor



2009 Honda Fit

DriverSide Overview
The 2009 Honda Fit can only conjure up clichés with its aptly applied name: its excellent fuel economy fits in with today's high gas prices, its petite body at just 161.6 inches fits well in urban environments and its 117 horsepower won't be ill-fitting on highway roads. In all seriousness, the Fit – oh, we’re just going to say it – fits! When it first debuted in the US in 2006, the pint-sized Fit packed a big punch and has been a sales leader for Honda. Now, with its 2009 redesign, the second-generation Fit has our heads spinning – with joy, that is. The increase in horsepower, more upscale options like navigation and a much-improved transmission means the Fit has once again hit the nail on the head.








What's to Like
Fuel economy, something coveted in our current climate, is still great despite not improving over the 2008 model. The compact styling fits five passengers comfortably, and easier folding for the rear seats give you additional cargo room with just a pull of a lever.

What's Not to Like
The rear seats aren't cushioned enough to make long roads trips feels any shorter. Stability assist isn't standard and only an option on the Sport trim. The Fit's engine struggles up steep hills, during which your foot will have to remain firmly planted on the floor.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
This subcompact car blows away others in its class when comparing steering and handling. A tighter steering ratio translates into easy cornering and less effort on the twisty back roads. Improved suspension and an added rear stabilizer on the Sport trim give the Fit better handling than we've previously experienced. For cars with limited but economy-conscious engines, we always feel the manual transmission best demonstrates the engine's full range of power. Honda's Fit is no exception, with the manual letting you control the punch with silky smooth gearshifts. The automatic doesn't disappoint though. You'll notice sluggish shifts at times but for around town the transmission feels fluid and dynamic. Honda has increased the wheel sizes for the Fit - the base is kitted out with 15-inch wheels and the Sport features 16-inch ones. That said, road noise on the 16s is slight, but not noticeably more than others in its class. All in all, and despite its small size, the Fit proves to be an impressive road warrior.

Engine and Drivetrain
2009's Fit features a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It produces 117 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque for the base and Sport trim, an increase over the previous model’s 109 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. The front-wheel drive car comes with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
The Magic Seat system continues to wow us. Within the Fit, you are able to fold the rear s...

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