tigerhonaker
05-21-2006, 08:18 PM
May 2006
First Look: 2007 Honda Fit
Overview. Honda launched the four-door Fit hatchback this spring amid skyrocketing gasoline prices, reminiscent of the original Civic's well-timed introduction in the early 1970s. That's when Honda made its reputation in the United States with a small, economical Civic that offered an affordable, reliable alternative to large domestic cars during that era's gas crisis.
As the Civic grew in size and price, however, it left a gap in Honda's U.S. lineup for another small entry-level model that is fuel efficient. Enter the Fit. This car has been available elsewhere in the world since 2001; it's called the Jazz in Europe and the Fit in Asia. Honda isn't alone in reading the economic forecast; the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris are two other small "world" cars being introduced in the U.S. in 2006.
We bought two Fits for an upcoming comparison test: a base model with an automatic transmission for $15,200 and a Sport model with a manual transmission for $15,720. All Fits come with standard power windows, locks, mirrors, antilock brakes, front side air bags, and side-curtain air bags. The Sport is distinguished by a dressed-up exterior, 15-inch wheels, premium audio system, keyless remote entry, and cruise control.
Initial impressions. Despite its modest 151-inch length, the Fit defies the usual cramped and noisy budget-car formula. It feels spacious, with room for adults front and rear. The relatively high seating position affords impressive visibility, and getting in or out is easy. The cabin is well finished with high-quality materials and a convenient control layout.
With the fuel tank mounted beneath the front seats instead of its traditional location under the rear seat, the Fit offers surprising roominess and versatility in its seat folding possibilities. Both front passenger seats can slide forward, making room for the rear seats to fold flat (complete with the head restraints slotting under the front seats) revealing a spacious cargo space for such a small car. Alternately, the rear-seat bases can fold upward, opening a tall floor-to-headliner space behind the front seats that's about four feet high and convenient for carrying, say, a bicycle.
On the road, cabin noise is only moderate--mostly wind and road rush at highway speeds. Handling is fun and agile. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, while the manual offers precise, crisp shifting. The 109-hp, 1.5-liter engine is not especially powerful, but it's smooth, pleasant sounding and accelerates willingly. We do not have fuel-economy test results yet, but logbook notes indicate that the Fit will likely return mpg in the low 30s. The ride is pleasantly absorbent, though a little choppy on the highway.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/news/first-look-2007-honda-fit-5-06/overview/-0605_honda-fit_ov.htm
First Look: 2007 Honda Fit
Overview. Honda launched the four-door Fit hatchback this spring amid skyrocketing gasoline prices, reminiscent of the original Civic's well-timed introduction in the early 1970s. That's when Honda made its reputation in the United States with a small, economical Civic that offered an affordable, reliable alternative to large domestic cars during that era's gas crisis.
As the Civic grew in size and price, however, it left a gap in Honda's U.S. lineup for another small entry-level model that is fuel efficient. Enter the Fit. This car has been available elsewhere in the world since 2001; it's called the Jazz in Europe and the Fit in Asia. Honda isn't alone in reading the economic forecast; the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris are two other small "world" cars being introduced in the U.S. in 2006.
We bought two Fits for an upcoming comparison test: a base model with an automatic transmission for $15,200 and a Sport model with a manual transmission for $15,720. All Fits come with standard power windows, locks, mirrors, antilock brakes, front side air bags, and side-curtain air bags. The Sport is distinguished by a dressed-up exterior, 15-inch wheels, premium audio system, keyless remote entry, and cruise control.
Initial impressions. Despite its modest 151-inch length, the Fit defies the usual cramped and noisy budget-car formula. It feels spacious, with room for adults front and rear. The relatively high seating position affords impressive visibility, and getting in or out is easy. The cabin is well finished with high-quality materials and a convenient control layout.
With the fuel tank mounted beneath the front seats instead of its traditional location under the rear seat, the Fit offers surprising roominess and versatility in its seat folding possibilities. Both front passenger seats can slide forward, making room for the rear seats to fold flat (complete with the head restraints slotting under the front seats) revealing a spacious cargo space for such a small car. Alternately, the rear-seat bases can fold upward, opening a tall floor-to-headliner space behind the front seats that's about four feet high and convenient for carrying, say, a bicycle.
On the road, cabin noise is only moderate--mostly wind and road rush at highway speeds. Handling is fun and agile. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, while the manual offers precise, crisp shifting. The 109-hp, 1.5-liter engine is not especially powerful, but it's smooth, pleasant sounding and accelerates willingly. We do not have fuel-economy test results yet, but logbook notes indicate that the Fit will likely return mpg in the low 30s. The ride is pleasantly absorbent, though a little choppy on the highway.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/news/first-look-2007-honda-fit-5-06/overview/-0605_honda-fit_ov.htm