Watching this video 10 years later, haha, because I found a 2015 Honda fit in my area on marketplace. Your video is precise, straight to the point, explains a of information and I’m surprised how you are explaining everything without any script and without any interruption. Good job. Even it was 10 years ago, the video serves the purpose in 2024.
Just got the 2015 Fit EX CVT White. Car is awesome. Visibility is great with that big front windshield. Lot of room, lot of ways to play music, great gas mileage what else can you ask for. Thrilled this will be my car for the next 5+ years. Can't wait for people to start modding it so i can see what i want to do to mine.
It does. It's not a racing car but it does give you awesome MPG and a lot of room. I didn't buy it for it's horsepower. If you are looking for a car that you can take camping, has room to move stuff around, and doesn't kill you at the gas station then look no further lol.
TheSaucySauce Pretty much all new cars can be leased. If you change cars often it's a nice way to go as you don't have up to a 5 year car loan. One drawback is that most leases are 12K/year, but some you can get a 15K/year lease. I got a 2015 Corolla LE Plus on a 2 year/24K mile lease, my first time getting a leased car. I don't do a lot of heavy driving so for me it was a better option than buying, as my lease payment is only $109.24/month after tax and gap insurance. Should I choose to buy it, my residual is around $13,691.
Oh, you missed a recliner mode in both front seats. Something useful for a lunch time cat nap, or even an overnight forced camping. I am not sure how many makes offer this.
wojtek how comfortable is recline mode? I've tried ordinary reclining auto seats, and they always have a noticeable bump at the hinge that makes a good nap difficult.
@@MichaelWebber sorry for late response, but I took one of these on a road trip from Chicago to Seattle (hell of a trek) and the recline feature was comfortable enough to sleep on, but there was a bump between the seats. You really just need to fenangle a bit to get comfy when sleeping in a car.
I just got mine. One thing that Alex mentioned, but the significance didn't hit me until I drove the car for a while, is that unusual well where the driver's legs go. It means that the driver's legs can't tuck under the driver's seat, which is part of my driver posture, although I wasn't conscious of that until I could no longer do it. I am having to learn a new way to sit comfortably.
You sir are the best auto reviewer on youtube. You make longer videos than the average reviewer and give more details and yet you are not boring at all. Keep up the great work. God bless you.
Alex, your 2015 Honda Fit review makes me want to buy it for my college bound daughter... I was hoping to hand down my 1997 Subbie Outback but it quits on me, to her delight (LOL), so I am on the hunt for a reliable car for her. Look like "Honda Fit" fits the bill and ought to be reliable for the next 10 years... I hope to hand it down to the son who is college bound in 4 years!.
Thanks for this video. I'm strongly considering buying my first car some time this year. After scouring the web on reviews for the best practical vehicle, I'm pretty sure I'll go with the Honda Fit.
I was basically in this guy's shoes. I was able to purchase a 2015 Honda Fit LX (the base model) with a CVT and it was $15k OTD. Not bad for a new car. I have no issues with it, and absolutely love it. In fact, I've been going around, checked out a loaded '18 CRV, a '13 Lexus NX, and a '10 Lexus CT200H, and none of them have had the balance of fuel economy, interior space, cargo capacity/flexibility and standard options like the Fit has. I hit 47.5 MPG on highway driving, and average ~37 MPG in suburban Pittsburgh driving (hills and potholes galore.) Upgrades I did make were sound-dampening panels on the doors and trunk area to cut down on road noise, plus a 300 watt amp to drive the speakers and a loaded 10-inch subwoofer to make the sound quality workable. No issues as of today (knock on wood) and the maintenance minder makes it easy to remember when to get service without being annoying. 10/10 would recommend.
Alex, thank you for your review! I purchased an EX today, and am looking forward to many years of fun with this little ride! You nailed the pros and cons on this car, and after comparing to all of it's competition I found this to be the right car for my family and I. Cheers, keep up the excellent reviews!
Just one more thing Alex...while comparing cars you can include safety ratings too. I think that is very important point which people ignore while purchasing cars
vishal sanghavi I have long thought about this but often safety scores are not available when the video is filmed, so it seems unfair to mention scores for one car while others would go without.
When I want to really get a thorough and professional review - one that is easy to listen to and understand and actually looks at every detail I'm interested in I always search for your reviews on youtube Thanks for doing such an excellent job - not only that but you're entire review never misses any details. As far as presentation skills, it must have taken years of practice to get as good as you are at these reviews. I'll occasionally listen to other reviews - they're OK, but yours are at the very top of my list. Thanks for all the time and energy you put into these reviews. It's obvious you're having fun doing these - which means you're not really 'working' - just having fun at an extremely interesting hobby. Please keep it up and we look forward to your next review. Regards. . . .
I laughed quite hard when he locked himself in the trunk because it made me think back to when my Aunt had a Honda CRX 88' and when I would go out with her as a young child, we'd often have a 2nd adult with us so I got to sit "Trunk" and I loved it...
alex nailed it with the seats. I traded my brand new fit for a civic and had to lose a couple thousand dollars because of the fit seats. no lumbar and aggressive headrest doesn't help matters
I bought a 2015 Fit EX with a manual transmission. This review helped me go toward the Fit but I was already focusing in on it. I traded a 2009 Yaris for it. I loved the Yaris with a stick shift but it didn't even come close to the Fit. I didn't even know they had developed many of the features on this car. The first big surprise was the "hill holder," as if this wasn't the easiest shifting manual I have ever driven, it holds on hills, I couldn't believe that. I liked the looks of the Yaris better than the Fit probably because I have odd taste in cars (I think the Fiat 500 is the coolest looking car on the road). That being said I like the looks of this Fit and hands down in my opinion, (with a 6 speed manual) it is the most practical sport car like vehicle ever made. I can't afford most sports cars and the Fiat 500 is too small to be practical. I will direct others to your reviews if they are looking for a car. I also like the Versa but this Fit is what I have been waiting for. Small hatchbacks rule!
Good choice, Sir. Honda scored 1st place in the Top Gear customer satisfaction survey, also carbuyer's poll from 2012-2014. Carmakers like Mercedes & BMW are toped by a long margin by japanese&corean brands like Honda, toyota, mazda and hyundai. In Europe we don't the new Fit (for now), but there is a refreshed Jazz, which is the best in my opinion. The car drives beautiful, and with the new 1.2 petrol + 6 speed manual you get over 60mpg and a decent 90 hp engine for your entertainment. I can't affort a new car right now, but when I get that fat paycheck, it will be this, or a Mazda 2.
I agree with most of the things you said. Great review. I was between the Versa note and the Fit. I really want cruise control, CVT, and power locks/windows. To get this in the Versa, you end up paying more than the Fit LX which already comes with all that. Overall, I liked how the Fit drove over the Versa. Though if you were looking for manual everything, the Versa would certainly be cheaper.
Thanks for this video. I'm strongly considering buying my first car some time this year. I'm pretty sure I'll go with the Honda Fit. it is perfect and also handling is awesome. thanks!!!!
You forgot to mention the location of the fuel tank. On all generation of the Fit, the fuel tank is located under the front seats and not the rear. That's why the rear seat is able to fold down so low and the large amount of space with the bottom cushion flipped up. Regarding the foot space up in the front, you're looking at the stamping on the floor pan for the front mounted fuel tank.
Excellent review, Alex. Great info and right to the point. I did find one error. You mention that the last gen Fit did not have electric power steering. The last gen Fit (2013 was the last year) actually did have electric power steering. I have a 2012 and it has EPS, not hydraulic. I believe the 2015 has a different steering ratio, no rear stabilizer bar and other tweaks to improve ride with a tradeoff in handling. I hear it cruises down the highway better than the last gen. Mine is darty and takes some concentration to keep it in line, especially on a windy day. It may be more fun to drive than the 2015 but has some tradeoffs. I get 40-45 mpg with the 5 speed auto and that amazes me.
You make the most awesome and informative reviews, Alex!!! The Fit's new styling is definitely modern compared to the competition. My only gripe on this car are the infotainment touchscreen and cabin noise. The 7 inch screen needs physical buttons and Honda should have put more sound deadening materials to reduce NVH. Can't really complain though since other car manufacturers fall short on reducing NVH on this segment. Overall, I think the new Fit provides the best value on this segment giving consumers great fuel economy, flexible cargo space, technology, features (leather, sunroof, lanewatch), and Honda reliability. I'm still anxious to see how the new Fit perform on the small overlap lap test since the outgoing model did so poorly. Could you do a review of 2014/2015 Ford Fiesta ST? Thanks Alex! You're awesome!
well even after my purchase of a 2015 Honda FIT EX on saturday,I can return to the video review and learn even more than I learned at the dealership..I take posession of my car march 14th and thanks to Alex's road test I feel I have made a great choice
Alex, great review. Just one correction, Lane Watch turns on automatically, and only, for right turns. That is because the screen is to the right of the driver. Honda doesn't want people turning left and looking to the right to see whats coming on. Cheers!
Lots of discussion about the various CVT options among all vehicles in this class. Of course, this would satisfy the average buyer. But the Fit I'm interested in is the EX model with the 6-speed manual. I drove one the other day, and I can say, from a vast reservoir of manual trans experience (I've owned more than 20 in 32 years), it's the best one I've ever driven. The gears are snickety-snick, the ratios are excellent, the clutch takeup is perfect. For a FWD, cable-actuated (I assume) system, it's fantastic. And poof -- there goes all your concerns about the automatics finding the right ratio! Very thorough, detailed review.
Another great review Alex! Clear, concise, and very precise. I can always rely on you to give me the ins and outs of a vehicle! You've answered every question I've had regarding this vehicle. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
Really an excellent review. I'm still interested in how a car drives, rather than what type of electronic gadgetry it contains, and this video gives us a nice test drive. My only complaint is that the tested model is the EX-L rather than the LX which is what most people shopping in this segment really need. The upper trim levels actually have less head room, lower fuel economy and a much higher overall cost of ownership than the LX, and Honda tends to offer excellent incentives on the LX models of all its vehicles. Those complaints aside, there is a lot of useful information packed into this review giving the viewer a chance to make a well-informed decision based on both the positive and negative aspects of the vehicle (and ALL cars have negative aspects).
Thanks for the feedback. Honda claimed at launch that the expect the EX to be the bulk of sales, the EX-L to be second and the LX to be a little less than 25% of sales. I'm not sure if that has turned out to be the case or not, but that;s the logic they use to put cars into the hands of the press. The cars are usually either the most popular configuration or second most popular.
Alex great review. I just purchased a 2015 Fit ex in black. It looks great and lots of room. Very practical, sporty, fun, and economical. With Honda's great reputation for reliability I won't buy anything else.
Awesome review man. Well articulated, all info coming out of your mouth were 100% useful. Thanks so much!! AMAZING. Great choice of shots and framing too. All very well executed and thought out.
Thank you Alex, for another fantastic car review. Your attention to detail and your ability to convey those details is incredible. One thing though, you might want to pay attention to your use of the phrases "right there" and "little bit". I spent years teaching Public Speaking, and we all have certain phrases we tend to rely on. If you'll look back at all your videos, I think you'll be surprised how many times those 2 phrases are repeated. Not criticizing, just pointing out. Again, thank you for the hours of entertainment/education. And I look forward to many more in the future!
I really like the thoroughness of your reviews. I would really like to be able to see the gauges while you are driving though to get a feel for how the car actually drives.
The reason why the 2nd row folds flat is the gas tank is under the front seats. This also explains the intrusion beyond the front seats. The 2nd row does not have a center armrest. I agree this needs a height adjustable center armrest. You should point out the multiple seat modes. You can avoid using the swipe volume control by using the steering wheel mounted buttons.
Good review. Great actually. Drive this car and love it too. I have one problem with it: when the trunk is full, and the trunk needs to be accessed at night, luggage blocks the trunk light. It ticks all the other boxes though. The hybrid option gives you an additional 20-30hp when you need it.
Do you have any rattles. I test drove one. I really liked it. Was dissapointed by the build quality. It's not really a big deal to me but I just don't want it to start rattling if I got it.
@@baronvonjo1929 the gearbox is clunky. The hybrid variant, which I drive daily, sounds cheap; it makes its presence known when shifting into drive. Maybe that’s because the engine is usually off and it’s in EV mode when starting from rest; CLICK it goes. It’s very quiet then, so stuff is heard that isn’t in normal cars. However when you figure out that is an actual gearbox and not a CVT - and how seamlessly it interfaces with the engine, you’ll forgive the sounds you hear. As for build quality, it seems to hold up better in the dent and ding department better than anything I have ever owned. NVH too, aside from the gearbox, I’d give top marks. Windows wound up and AC on is an insular experience. It also has a Swiss Army knife seating configuration which makes the best utility of the available space. It’s the best little car I’ve ever driven.
Haven't purchased for my daughter but my niece jut bought the 2015 FIT EX... nice little car. $20400...Out the Door price which includes paint sealant, door edge guards, floor mats, trunk cargo cover, wheel locks, stripes, mud guards, and, wait for it,... nitrogen filled tires.
Fantastic review! I would add some comparison on reliability and also resale value. Honda is going to excel at both of these…cost isn’t just at purchase but over the life of ownership. Thanks again!
Wow your review was amazing, not just because I'm interested in this particular vehicle, but because you took some quality time with a lot of the cars aspect, and plenty of info/comparison for those wanting to buy a new car in the sub compact market. I subscribed.
All Honda Fit's get the back up camera. I drove a manual Versa and it seemed pretty peppy, but I don't like that the Versa's back seats don't lay down flat.There is a big hump at the base of the seat back and the rest of the floor. It doesn't have the versatility or the cargo capacity of the Fit (38.2 vs 53.7) the Versa has less Hp (109 vs 130) and you don't get as many amenities as standard features as you do on the Fit.However, you did make some good points about front seat comfort in the Fit.I am 6'4" and I have only driven a Fit around the block.My biggest issue is being able to stretch my legs out as my knees get tired on long drives, but I found the amount of knee bend to be average to every other car in the segment.The best small car I have found for leg room for a tall person is, believe it or not, the Mini Cooper.I will have to go back and recheck the Fit again maybe take it for a longer drive.The Fit is at the top of my list.I would think if one could afford the Fit, it would be a far better all around choice over the Versa.(I don't think the Versa did too well on reliability in past years) Have you done any reports on the 2015 VW Golf yet?
Thanks for the information on less sound proofing in the LX. I passed on the LX this year due to a noisy cabin. Honda says they have improved sound proofing for 2018. I look forward to your 2018 test. I wonder if they just pushed the EX level sound proofing down into the LX. Or, if they improved the sound proofing on the EX and also on the LX - but whether the EX will still be the quietest trim line. Amazing mileage given the ups and downs of your commute, and given decelerating into curves and accelerating out of them. Thanks for you excellent comments on the quality of the CVT, especially on how quickly it will "down shift" and how it will hold "gear" exiting a curve if its in sport mode. Did you find Econo mode adequate for ordinary driving (as opposed to the driver being in "sporty" mode)?
I have a '12 Honda Fit Sport automatic (couldn't find a manual) and it's just a super fun car to drive. I think it looks better than the new Fit in my opinion, especially now that I'm finally seeing a few on the road. I'm still out on the new design but I may warm up to it. I even wonder if the new Fit would look better without the kinks at the front and rear of the beltline. Somehow, I think it would look less frumpy if it was straighter as it is on the previous generation. However, since the new model appears to have less emphasis on sport, I may not upgrade from my current vehicle since that's what I enjoy most about it. Anyway, thanks for the review and I'll be looking forward to your take on the new Yaris.
Hi Alex, just saw your video today after buying a "new to me" 2015 Honda Fit LX. Very informative review with the other reviewers on how helpful this is. I do have a few suggestions for future videos. For those of us who are short would be very helpful if you have a 5'tall companion to show us if the seats move up far enough and the view plane is clear shorter folks. Also would be very useful to see you spin it around in a cul-de-sac or other area so we can see the turning radius. I'm moving up from my little 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback which spins on a dime and this matters to me as it is handy to do U-turns in my residential area. 'll be using my Fit to haul my dog and his agility equipment so more of a concentration on showing us how flat or not the seats fold down, if there are useful hinges etc that we can tie down equipment to so it does not roll around, clearance for tall objects like dog crates, etc would be very useful. This video was showing the basics and how it compares to other models. Useful to me as an initial vid and now I am looking for one that explains all the different buttons, etc as cars have really changed since the very simple, easy to use features of my 1999. Thanks again for doing the video. I look forward to seeing more of yours next time I am comparing cars.
Great speaker... I don't think I heard one "err" or "umm" at all in all that talking (of course there was a lot of short segments edited together). Great review also!
Nice review Alex. I test drove a 2014 a few weeks ago. It was good but, like you I found I needed a few extra inches of legroom. Otherwise, headroom was good and it drove alright.
Earth Dreams engine?! That makes me even more excited.Currently I am driving rental- a red 2013 automatic Still a treat to drive, as my usual car is a 2003 Civic. This video is wonderful, the thrid I've seen as I prepare to retrieve my lawn mower (also Honda) from the repair shop. I neede to see just how well the mower was going to fit into the Fit. I like hearing about the improvements they have made since the first version. I surely enjoy your explanation of its attributes and I hope I'll be buying one someday.Many folks comment to me how nice looking the Fit is.
Very informative and detailed descriptions. I just bought a Fit and am waiting for it to be delivered. These cars are in high demand, and are hard to find sitting at the dealership. There is also very little wiggle room in the price due to the demand of this car.
the best review of honda fit found on youtube. i liked the way u took an example like the nissan versa and ford fiesta which are close competitors to it and did a review of the honda fit.i thought 18 cu.ft of space was too less but after seeing those roller bags(and u) stack up behind the back seats like that now i knew how much 18 cu.ft of space is.thanks a lot i was in a lot of dilemma wether to go with the honda fit but am a lot clear now.just gonna take a test drive of it in a few days time and hopefully book one too. i like the blue color of the honda fit more.thank u Alex on Autos
Any news on the AC system. I have heard that the AC system tends to shut off when in a stationary position. Is this the case? I live in Arizona and the AC shutting off is not really a good thing.
You have excellent reviews. I tried the Honda Fit but didn't like the cabin noise, as well as the air conditioning, which had to be cranked up to be effective. I know the area you're driving oh so well, although I'm always on a bike.
Alex on Autos Aww man. I guess that makes sense :-/ I wish they'd give you guys one of each. That would be so perfect. Side by side tests even. Now I'm really dreaming
Josh H I test drove a manual Saturday 7 18 15 and it was very strong for a n/a 1.5. The salesman and I with the a/c on and it gave me all 130 hp. I was able to shift without the clutch also. It want roll backward on hills (I could have done without that feature) but I notice a reduce power thing when I took it up high n 1st and shift to 2nd. It's like the computer didn't want me to bark 2nd gear. It will also pull pretty good n 5th gear at 40mph. Never did get to 6th gear.
Josh H I went to the dealer n Marietta, Georgia (just north of Atlanta) and all was manuals but 1. The 6 speed was pretty strong for a 1.5. The Fit maybe my 1st new car. I fill up my 96 Tahoe Saturday and it cost $67 for 25.5 gallons.
***** I don't know, I never put it n 6th but it is a 1.5 liter n a 2500 lbs+ car. It wouldn't be much fun to drive if u had to down shift on every hill.
What do you suggest we look at, I'm 6'3 and quite large... We're looking at a honda fit / subaru impreza... However we have a 7 month old baby and I'm finding the impreza back seats are way to small for me to sit in front of the seat... We'd ideally like a very small efficient vehicle as we have a big truck and trailer for long trips... this is just for commuting around town and primarily for my wife.
At 6'3 you won't really find much that would allow a rearward facing seat behind you, so you'll be left to putting the rearward facing seat behind the other seat assuming your passenger isn't also tall. Even something like a mid-size sedan would be a tight squeeze. I suggest looking at something like a base Honda Accord, put the child seat in the middle and make sure you have at least 2 inches between the seat and the child seat. Another option is the Kia Soul, it is very upright and that lends itself to simpler positioning. Also the Nissan Sentra is a solid sedan option on the less expensive side. The best thing to do is to take a child seat with you when you test drive. Take everyone that will regularly be using the car and just spend ad much time in the car as possible to see how well it works for you. If your dealer doesn't want you putting child seats in the car, run away. I wouldn't want to buy from a dealer that isn't interested in my family's comfort and safety.
Alex on Autos Thanks for replying, much appreciated. Looks like we're going to live with having me drive the vehicle whenever I'm in it. I don't think we're wanting to spend that much more to get an accord and we're hoping for a smaller vehicle so I guess we're going to live with it as it were. Also, one thing you may want to include on your reviews are the IIHS results, info is easy to be had but it would be nice to have it all in one place. Thanks allot, you do a great job on your channel.
Nice to see the '15 Fit has elegant, horizontal headlamps...nothing cartoonish, puffy, and overly swept-back, thank you! The only styling disappointment: a hidden exhaust tip. Why oh why? Why is Honda / Acura choosing this path?
Thanks Alex, Great review as always. I think this review pretty much secured my decision on my next vehicle and the fit it is. Thanks again. Keep up the great work.
Alex, you mentioned the usefulness of paddle shifters on a CVT. I think it is about how you apply it. I haven't driven Honda with a CVT yet, but my friend has a 2011 Subaru Outback with a CVT. One thing I like about that set is that on drive mode i.e. without even putting the lever on manual mode, if you tap the down shift lever the car does a simulated downshift. and if you accelerate or drive like that for a while it upshifts. If you are going downhill until you hit the accelerator it remain on that simulated lower gear position. With that feature you can slow down the car without braking and you can slow down the car faster and sooner with the braking. I think this alone is enough to chose a CVT - on Subaru at least - over a conventional Automatic. I recently test drove a 2015 Legacy with the CVT is even better on that car the shifts are quicker and smoother. Especially when you are approaching fast to a car in front of you the feeling with the simulated shifts and the practical application of it, actually gives a feeling when you downshift a manual and wait to brake until you feel a little rush. I also like the tap shift when I pass a car as well. especially, when I need to adjust timing. I can keep the car on higher rev longer and eliminate the delay time to CVT rev up when I hit the accelerator.
My problem with the paddles is that they are not as crisp as a good automatic. No CVT comes anywhere near the shift speed in a ZF 6 or 8 speed automatic. The Honda CVT is supposedly the fastest and the average shift speed is about 400-450 milliseconds which is 4x longer than a ZF. I would personally prefer something like L1 and L2 where the CVT kept the engine at a specific RPM for engine braking. Say around 3,000 for L2 and 5,000 for L1. The odd thing about the imitation ratios is that optimum acceleration happens when you let the CVT work without "shifts". Every CVT I have tested so far is several tenths faster to 60 if the CVT doesn't imitate shifts. This also goes for passing manoeuvres in most CVT vehicles. I have yet to see a 50-70 MPH passing test result that was better when commanding the CVT manually. It is of course a personal preference which is why I lean towards manuals despite the fact that they are usually slower and less efficient than a modern automatic.
Alex on Autos Yes, I understand what you are saying. Nevertheless, I guess it is also related to the driving style as well. In theory, Whether you down shift a simulated gear, or just simply step on the gas for passing there shouldn't be any difference for a CVT. In daily driving situations, on a manual car, you will never down shift fast, especially at milliseconds range. Quick downshifts are for race track where you don't care about jerky shifts. once the gear ratio is achieved, the acceleration is not different whether you reach that gear ratio and the rpm. Even the fastest shifting gear box, on manual mode reacts only as fast as the driver. What I mean by that is that if the driver decides a little late to shift the gear the result will be unnoticeable in daily driving. Race track of course is a different issue. When you test the car, you reach a constant speed and then do your acceleration test. Say, you are going with constant 50 mph, you floor the pedal and measure the time. or you drive 50 mph you downshift and floor the pedal and measure time. My observation is that people, in real traffic, usually approach a car with 70 mph and they slow down to 50 mph at top gear, hence the lowered rpm. When the road is free then they make their pass. However, as you are well aware of that when you approach the car in front of you, by lowering the gear instead of breaking, when you decide to make your pass the engine is already at the proper rpm to make the pass shorter. This is just one example. This works in stop and go traffic even more efficiently. If you have the habit of checking in the traffic far ahead and don't adjust your driving by just the car in front of you, and prepare for whatever you are going to do a little ahead, the shortcomings of a CVT only comes at the limits of sporty driving, or probably at an emergency but I don't think at an emergency it will make such difference. Now, of course, I am aware that you are not fanatically against CVT's. Since, we are talking about adjusting the simulated gearing of a CVT, we should consider that with a manual, you don't shift fast all the time, I don't think fast shifts is a big issue. I used to shift very slow and even sometimes let the car coast while my foot is on the clutch pedal, to decide whether I should downshift or upshift or put the car back at the same gear I pulled out, depending on the traffic ahead. So, I think in a daily driving situation a sensible driver who is accustomed to manual gear box, could really utilize the simulated gearing on a CVT. I am aware that you are comparing the CVT with ZF automatic. And you are right. Actually, GM transmissions are not bad if not as good as the ZF transmissions. The mapping of the traditional automatic is easier and it functions better on shifts. My comment is actually about comparing the CVT with a manual gearbox, which I think car makers do the same. And manual, as the name indicates, highly dependent on how the driver uses it. And lastly, as I mentioned, on Subaru's, I don't know about Honda since I haven't driven it yet, to utilize the simulated gears, you don't need to put the shift lever on manual mode. The moment you start to touch the shifters the car responds as if it is on manual mode and when you stop, touching the shifters the car turns back to drive mode of its own. This application alone is a plus for me, over manual or a traditional automatic. By the way, your reviews improved a lot. For example, when you have mentioned other brands, and make a comparisons, I used to think that you favor those other brands over the car you were reviewing, Now, you explain clearly that you are doing this to asses the car among other brands which has some significance in the market one way or another. I appreciate that. So, I want to thank you for the quite objective and informative reviews.
You can of course use the HDMI input for anything and display it on the screen, however as I understand it the HondaLink app for navigation has not yet been released on Android. BUT, you can get the HondaLink app for streaming audio right now.
This is going to be a tough choice when buying my new car. I currently have a 2009 Fit and I was considering a 2015 Versa Note. Also you mentioned the Ford Fiesta which I am also looking at. I usually drive alone so driver comfort is important. Looking forward to your review of the 2015 Versa Note. I'm kinda leaning toward that car. Thanks for your reviews. They are awesome! :)
I have a 2014 Versa Note review on my channel, its not *too* old and there were essentially no changes for 2015 that matter in regards to the review. 2014 Nissan Versa Note Review and Road Test
Thanks, this is the by far the best review of the Fit that I have watched! I haven't had a subcompact before and I do have two concerns. My highway trips range from 2-4-6-8 hours, and I keep close to the speed limit, but I hope I don't regret it on the highway. And did you discuss safety? This would be my main concern in a subcompact.
I visited a dealership today and they did not have any Fits on the lot. The salesman tried to move me to a Civic. Is this because their profit margins are low on a sub compact? Is there any disadvantage such as in cost to ordering from the factory? I am in no hurry so time is not a factor unless of course we are talking months.
kindly review suzuki swift, toyota vitz and the FAW V2. I love ur style and detail, i would love to see u review FAW V2 and suzuki swift. these two are growing rivals here in Pakistan. plz make a detailed comparison btwn V2 n Swift
OK!!! I've watched this whole video. Very well put together and thorough. However, my one question was not answered. I'd like to know if the metal gas flap that covers anything from going into the gas tank after you remove the gas cap is suppose to be there or has been taken out this year. I ask because mine is missing and I'm worried that it broke off into the tank. Thanks!
Great review as always Alex. To answer your request for feedback, I don't like the new exterior styling as much as the previous generation, though I do like the new tail light design a lot. Inside the new in-dash cup holder to me is emblematic of why you want a Honda - all the super-smart consumer conveniences - and it's brilliant, but I'm disappointed again about road noise and iThing-only infotainment. I'd go manual not because I'm against CVTs but thinking of the long term replacement cost - is that a meaningful difference as I assume? For new reviews, I'd love to see a comparison series on the EV (sub)compact-around-town cars, that is the electric Fit, Smart, Mini, Golf, whatever else is coming out. Because you've reviewed so many of their gas-driven counterparts I guess you could do one episode. I'd also love to see a general comparison of the German-owned cars - maybe by looking at reliability and real cost to operate together with True Delta - in order to figure out which cars are the best lifetime _value_ including in diesel, gas and electric motors.
Watching this video 10 years later, haha, because I found a 2015 Honda fit in my area on marketplace. Your video is precise, straight to the point, explains a of information and I’m surprised how you are explaining everything without any script and without any interruption. Good job. Even it was 10 years ago, the video serves the purpose in 2024.
Did you buy it? How much did it cost you?
Just got the 2015 Fit EX CVT White. Car is awesome. Visibility is great with that big front windshield. Lot of room, lot of ways to play music, great gas mileage what else can you ask for. Thrilled this will be my car for the next 5+ years. Can't wait for people to start modding it so i can see what i want to do to mine.
Does this car have enough power? Great car!!!
It does. It's not a racing car but it does give you awesome MPG and a lot of room. I didn't buy it for it's horsepower. If you are looking for a car that you can take camping, has room to move stuff around, and doesn't kill you at the gas station then look no further lol.
TheSaucySauce Did you purchase it or rent
purchased, didnt know you could rent it
TheSaucySauce Pretty much all new cars can be leased. If you change cars often it's a nice way to go as you don't have up to a 5 year car loan. One drawback is that most leases are 12K/year, but some you can get a 15K/year lease. I got a 2015 Corolla LE Plus on a 2 year/24K mile lease, my first time getting a leased car. I don't do a lot of heavy driving so for me it was a better option than buying, as my lease payment is only $109.24/month after tax and gap insurance. Should I choose to buy it, my residual is around $13,691.
Dude you're honestly a legit car reviewer. Amazing stuff, thank you.
Oh, you missed a recliner mode in both front seats. Something useful for a lunch time cat nap, or even an overnight forced camping. I am not sure how many makes offer this.
wojtek how comfortable is recline mode? I've tried ordinary reclining auto seats, and they always have a noticeable bump at the hinge that makes a good nap difficult.
@@MichaelWebber sorry for late response, but I took one of these on a road trip from Chicago to Seattle (hell of a trek) and the recline feature was comfortable enough to sleep on, but there was a bump between the seats. You really just need to fenangle a bit to get comfy when sleeping in a car.
hi. you are the first person who signifcantly expalined in detail about cabin noise, and the differentce between the different trim models. Great info
I just got mine. One thing that Alex mentioned, but the significance didn't hit me until I drove the car for a while, is that unusual well where the driver's legs go. It means that the driver's legs can't tuck under the driver's seat, which is part of my driver posture, although I wasn't conscious of that until I could no longer do it. I am having to learn a new way to sit comfortably.
You sir are the best auto reviewer on youtube. You make longer videos than the average reviewer and give more details and yet you are not boring at all. Keep up the great work. God bless you.
You have THE BEST car reviews on UA-cam.... it's not even close.
this is by far one of the best review i've ever seen! good job
Just got a very nice used 2015 Fit LX, no accidents, 1 owner, 68k mi for $12,800
Alex, your 2015 Honda Fit review makes me want to buy it for my college bound daughter... I was hoping to hand down my 1997 Subbie Outback but it quits on me, to her delight (LOL), so I am on the hunt for a reliable car for her. Look like "Honda Fit" fits the bill and ought to be reliable for the next 10 years... I hope to hand it down to the son who is college bound in 4 years!.
Thanks for this video. I'm strongly considering buying my first car some time this year. After scouring the web on reviews for the best practical vehicle, I'm pretty sure I'll go with the Honda Fit.
2 years later, I'm curious if you did indeed buy the Fit and, if so, how you like it.
I was basically in this guy's shoes. I was able to purchase a 2015 Honda Fit LX (the base model) with a CVT and it was $15k OTD. Not bad for a new car. I have no issues with it, and absolutely love it. In fact, I've been going around, checked out a loaded '18 CRV, a '13 Lexus NX, and a '10 Lexus CT200H, and none of them have had the balance of fuel economy, interior space, cargo capacity/flexibility and standard options like the Fit has. I hit 47.5 MPG on highway driving, and average ~37 MPG in suburban Pittsburgh driving (hills and potholes galore.) Upgrades I did make were sound-dampening panels on the doors and trunk area to cut down on road noise, plus a 300 watt amp to drive the speakers and a loaded 10-inch subwoofer to make the sound quality workable. No issues as of today (knock on wood) and the maintenance minder makes it easy to remember when to get service without being annoying. 10/10 would recommend.
3 years later, I would like to know as well
6 years later and I would love to knowww 👀
Did you get one??
Alex, thank you for your review! I purchased an EX today, and am looking forward to many years of fun with this little ride! You nailed the pros and cons on this car, and after comparing to all of it's competition I found this to be the right car for my family and I. Cheers, keep up the excellent reviews!
how'd the fit go
Just one more thing Alex...while comparing cars you can include safety ratings too. I think that is very important point which people ignore while purchasing cars
vishal sanghavi I have long thought about this but often safety scores are not available when the video is filmed, so it seems unfair to mention scores for one car while others would go without.
I just bought this car ex 6speed. Very impressed and fall in love with it more every day. Good review of this fantastic car.
When I want to really get a thorough and professional review - one that is easy to listen to and understand and actually looks at every detail I'm interested in I always search for your reviews on youtube Thanks for doing such an excellent job - not only that but you're entire review never misses any details. As far as presentation skills, it must have taken years of practice to get as good as you are at these reviews. I'll occasionally listen to other reviews - they're OK, but yours are at the very top of my list. Thanks for all the time and energy you put into these reviews. It's obvious you're having fun doing these - which means you're not really 'working' - just having fun at an extremely interesting hobby. Please keep it up and we look forward to your next review. Regards. . . .
I laughed quite hard when he locked himself in the trunk because it made me think back to when my Aunt had a Honda CRX 88' and when I would go out with her as a young child, we'd often have a 2nd adult with us so I got to sit "Trunk" and I loved it...
Yeah... professional as always... very well aware on details and on technical and numerical data. Good job Alex!
Alex you are genius..I love your style and skill of telling the story of cars..well done sir
Your reviews are always getting better.
I am glad you mentioned the drivers legroom, I was concerned about that and you are the only reviewer who has addressed that concern, thx
alex nailed it with the seats. I traded my brand new fit for a civic and had to lose a couple thousand dollars because of the fit seats. no lumbar and aggressive headrest doesn't help matters
I bought a 2015 Fit EX with a manual transmission. This review helped me go toward the Fit but I was already focusing in on it. I traded a 2009 Yaris for it. I loved the Yaris with a stick shift but it didn't even come close to the Fit. I didn't even know they had developed many of the features on this car. The first big surprise was the "hill holder," as if this wasn't the easiest shifting manual I have ever driven, it holds on hills, I couldn't believe that. I liked the looks of the Yaris better than the Fit probably because I have odd taste in cars (I think the Fiat 500 is the coolest looking car on the road). That being said I like the looks of this Fit and hands down in my opinion, (with a 6 speed manual) it is the most practical sport car like vehicle ever made. I can't afford most sports cars and the Fiat 500 is too small to be practical. I will direct others to your reviews if they are looking for a car. I also like the Versa but this Fit is what I have been waiting for. Small hatchbacks rule!
Good choice, Sir. Honda scored 1st place in the Top Gear customer satisfaction survey, also carbuyer's poll from 2012-2014. Carmakers like Mercedes & BMW are toped by a long margin by japanese&corean brands like Honda, toyota, mazda and hyundai. In Europe we don't the new Fit (for now), but there is a refreshed Jazz, which is the best in my opinion. The car drives beautiful, and with the new 1.2 petrol + 6 speed manual you get over 60mpg and a decent 90 hp engine for your entertainment. I can't affort a new car right now, but when I get that fat paycheck, it will be this, or a Mazda 2.
Alex Seicean I believe the Fit and Jazz are the same thing.
In the EU we don't have the Fit. They call it the new Jazz.
The Yaris looks better than the 2nd and 3rd gen fit. The overhang on the fit is a bit too much and some other design aspects.
I wonder if Blayde still owns the Fit and how he liked/likes it.
The crescent shaped area under the floor pan is the fuel tank which is located mid-body under the front seats (except for the tunnel area).
I agree with most of the things you said. Great review. I was between the Versa note and the Fit. I really want cruise control, CVT, and power locks/windows. To get this in the Versa, you end up paying more than the Fit LX which already comes with all that. Overall, I liked how the Fit drove over the Versa. Though if you were looking for manual everything, the Versa would certainly be cheaper.
Thanks for this video. I'm strongly considering buying my first car some time this year. I'm pretty sure I'll go with the Honda Fit. it is perfect and also handling is awesome. thanks!!!!
You forgot to mention the location of the fuel tank. On all generation of the Fit, the fuel tank is located under the front seats and not the rear. That's why the rear seat is able to fold down so low and the large amount of space with the bottom cushion flipped up. Regarding the foot space up in the front, you're looking at the stamping on the floor pan for the front mounted fuel tank.
Excellent review, Alex. Great info and right to the point. I did find one error. You mention that the last gen Fit did not have electric power steering. The last gen Fit (2013 was the last year) actually did have electric power steering. I have a 2012 and it has EPS, not hydraulic. I believe the 2015 has a different steering ratio, no rear stabilizer bar and other tweaks to improve ride with a tradeoff in handling. I hear it cruises down the highway better than the last gen. Mine is darty and takes some concentration to keep it in line, especially on a windy day. It may be more fun to drive than the 2015 but has some tradeoffs. I get 40-45 mpg with the 5 speed auto and that amazes me.
You make the most awesome and informative reviews, Alex!!! The Fit's new styling is definitely modern compared to the competition. My only gripe on this car are the infotainment touchscreen and cabin noise. The 7 inch screen needs physical buttons and Honda should have put more sound deadening materials to reduce NVH. Can't really complain though since other car manufacturers fall short on reducing NVH on this segment. Overall, I think the new Fit provides the best value on this segment giving consumers great fuel economy, flexible cargo space, technology, features (leather, sunroof, lanewatch), and Honda reliability. I'm still anxious to see how the new Fit perform on the small overlap lap test since the outgoing model did so poorly. Could you do a review of 2014/2015 Ford Fiesta ST? Thanks Alex! You're awesome!
well even after my purchase of a 2015 Honda FIT EX on saturday,I can return to the video review and learn even more than I learned at the dealership..I take posession of my car march 14th and thanks to Alex's road test I feel I have made a great choice
This is now what I call an actual review..good job
Keep up the great work Alex, you have a lot of respect from all of your fans
Alex, great review. Just one correction, Lane Watch turns on automatically, and only, for right turns. That is because the screen is to the right of the driver. Honda doesn't want people turning left and looking to the right to see whats coming on. Cheers!
Lots of discussion about the various CVT options among all vehicles in this class. Of course, this would satisfy the average buyer. But the Fit I'm interested in is the EX model with the 6-speed manual. I drove one the other day, and I can say, from a vast reservoir of manual trans experience (I've owned more than 20 in 32 years), it's the best one I've ever driven. The gears are snickety-snick, the ratios are excellent, the clutch takeup is perfect. For a FWD, cable-actuated (I assume) system, it's fantastic. And poof -- there goes all your concerns about the automatics finding the right ratio! Very thorough, detailed review.
Another great review Alex! Clear, concise, and very precise. I can always rely on you to give me the ins and outs of a vehicle! You've answered every question I've had regarding this vehicle. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
Really an excellent review. I'm still interested in how a car drives, rather than what type of electronic gadgetry it contains, and this video gives us a nice test drive. My only complaint is that the tested model is the EX-L rather than the LX which is what most people shopping in this segment really need. The upper trim levels actually have less head room, lower fuel economy and a much higher overall cost of ownership than the LX, and Honda tends to offer excellent incentives on the LX models of all its vehicles. Those complaints aside, there is a lot of useful information packed into this review giving the viewer a chance to make a well-informed decision based on both the positive and negative aspects of the vehicle (and ALL cars have negative aspects).
Thanks for the feedback. Honda claimed at launch that the expect the EX to be the bulk of sales, the EX-L to be second and the LX to be a little less than 25% of sales. I'm not sure if that has turned out to be the case or not, but that;s the logic they use to put cars into the hands of the press. The cars are usually either the most popular configuration or second most popular.
Alex on Autos excellent review. Do you have any experience with the manual transmission? I'm curious on the real world highway mpg on the manual.
@@curtis1951 I get 30-31mpg in combined driving with emphasis on road vs hwy. Given how nice the shifter action is, I drive relatively aggressively.
@@jovenguardian
Thanks 👍🏻
Alex great review. I just purchased a 2015 Fit ex in black. It looks great and lots of room. Very practical, sporty, fun, and economical. With Honda's great reputation for reliability I won't buy anything else.
Awesome review man. Well articulated, all info coming out of your mouth were 100% useful. Thanks so much!! AMAZING. Great choice of shots and framing too. All very well executed and thought out.
Thank you Alex, for another fantastic car review. Your attention to detail and your ability to convey those details is incredible. One thing though, you might want to pay attention to your use of the phrases "right there" and "little bit". I spent years teaching Public Speaking, and we all have certain phrases we tend to rely on. If you'll look back at all your videos, I think you'll be surprised how many times those 2 phrases are repeated. Not criticizing, just pointing out. Again, thank you for the hours of entertainment/education. And I look forward to many more in the future!
\My problem seems to be that as soon as I attempt to banish one repetitive phrase I sprout another...
best review channel by far
I really like the thoroughness of your reviews. I would really like to be able to see the gauges while you are driving though to get a feel for how the car actually drives.
Just checked the site, Backup Camera is STANDARD on all Honda fit models including the Base LX
The reason why the 2nd row folds flat is the gas tank is under the front seats. This also explains the intrusion beyond the front seats. The 2nd row does not have a center armrest. I agree this needs a height adjustable center armrest.
You should point out the multiple seat modes.
You can avoid using the swipe volume control by using the steering wheel mounted buttons.
Good review. Great actually. Drive this car and love it too. I have one problem with it: when the trunk is full, and the trunk needs to be accessed at night, luggage blocks the trunk light. It ticks all the other boxes though. The hybrid option gives you an additional 20-30hp when you need it.
Do you have any rattles. I test drove one. I really liked it. Was dissapointed by the build quality. It's not really a big deal to me but I just don't want it to start rattling if I got it.
@@baronvonjo1929 the gearbox is clunky. The hybrid variant, which I drive daily, sounds cheap; it makes its presence known when shifting into drive. Maybe that’s because the engine is usually off and it’s in EV mode when starting from rest; CLICK it goes. It’s very quiet then, so stuff is heard that isn’t in normal cars. However when you figure out that is an actual gearbox and not a CVT - and how seamlessly it interfaces with the engine, you’ll forgive the sounds you hear. As for build quality, it seems to hold up better in the dent and ding department better than anything I have ever owned. NVH too, aside from the gearbox, I’d give top marks. Windows wound up and AC on is an insular experience. It also has a Swiss Army knife seating configuration which makes the best utility of the available space. It’s the best little car I’ve ever driven.
Best vehicle reviewer in the planet.
Haven't purchased for my daughter but my niece jut bought the 2015 FIT EX... nice little car. $20400...Out the Door price which includes paint sealant, door edge guards, floor mats, trunk cargo cover, wheel locks, stripes, mud guards, and, wait for it,... nitrogen filled tires.
Fantastic review! I would add some comparison on reliability and also resale value. Honda is going to excel at both of these…cost isn’t just at purchase but over the life of ownership. Thanks again!
One of the best review that I've seen on this car. Thanks!
Mazda 2 is the handling champ of the sub compact class of hatchbacks also the best shifter feel.
Wow your review was amazing, not just because I'm interested in this particular vehicle, but because you took some quality time with a lot of the cars aspect, and plenty of info/comparison for those wanting to buy a new car in the sub compact market. I subscribed.
All Honda Fit's get the back up camera. I drove a manual Versa and it seemed pretty peppy, but I don't like that the Versa's back seats don't lay down flat.There is a big hump at the base of the seat back and the rest of the floor. It doesn't have the versatility or the cargo capacity of the Fit (38.2 vs 53.7) the Versa has less Hp (109 vs 130) and you don't get as many amenities as standard features as you do on the Fit.However, you did make some good points about front seat comfort in the Fit.I am 6'4" and I have only driven a Fit around the block.My biggest issue is being able to stretch my legs out as my knees get tired on long drives, but I found the amount of knee bend to be average to every other car in the segment.The best small car I have found for leg room for a tall person is, believe it or not, the Mini Cooper.I will have to go back and recheck the Fit again maybe take it for a longer drive.The Fit is at the top of my list.I would think if one could afford the Fit, it would be a far better all around choice over the Versa.(I don't think the Versa did too well on reliability in past years) Have you done any reports on the 2015 VW Golf yet?
Thanks for the information on less sound proofing in the LX. I passed on the LX this year due to a noisy cabin. Honda says they have improved sound proofing for 2018. I look forward to your 2018 test. I wonder if they just pushed the EX level sound proofing down into the LX. Or, if they improved the sound proofing on the EX and also on the LX - but whether the EX will still be the quietest trim line. Amazing mileage given the ups and downs of your commute, and given decelerating into curves and accelerating out of them. Thanks for you excellent comments on the quality of the CVT, especially on how quickly it will "down shift" and how it will hold "gear" exiting a curve if its in sport mode. Did you find Econo mode adequate for ordinary driving (as opposed to the driver being in "sporty" mode)?
btw base LX trim 5.0" infotainment system is NOT a touch screen. Though you do retain steering wheel mounted audio controls
I have a '12 Honda Fit Sport automatic (couldn't find a manual) and it's just a super fun car to drive. I think it looks better than the new Fit in my opinion, especially now that I'm finally seeing a few on the road. I'm still out on the new design but I may warm up to it. I even wonder if the new Fit would look better without the kinks at the front and rear of the beltline. Somehow, I think it would look less frumpy if it was straighter as it is on the previous generation. However, since the new model appears to have less emphasis on sport, I may not upgrade from my current vehicle since that's what I enjoy most about it.
Anyway, thanks for the review and I'll be looking forward to your take on the new Yaris.
Hi Alex, just saw your video today after buying a "new to me" 2015 Honda Fit LX. Very informative review with the other reviewers on how helpful this is. I do have a few suggestions for future videos. For those of us who are short would be very helpful if you have a 5'tall companion to show us if the seats move up far enough and the view plane is clear shorter folks. Also would be very useful to see you spin it around in a cul-de-sac or other area so we can see the turning radius. I'm moving up from my little 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback which spins on a dime and this matters to me as it is handy to do U-turns in my residential area. 'll be using my Fit to haul my dog and his agility equipment so more of a concentration on showing us how flat or not the seats fold down, if there are useful hinges etc that we can tie down equipment to so it does not roll around, clearance for tall objects like dog crates, etc would be very useful. This video was showing the basics and how it compares to other models. Useful to me as an initial vid and now I am looking for one that explains all the different buttons, etc as cars have really changed since the very simple, easy to use features of my 1999. Thanks again for doing the video. I look forward to seeing more of yours next time I am comparing cars.
wow, just found your channel.. GREAT job!
keep this high quality up!
Great speaker... I don't think I heard one "err" or "umm" at all in all that talking (of course there was a lot of short segments edited together). Great review also!
Nice review Alex. I test drove a 2014 a few weeks ago. It was good but, like you I found I needed a few extra inches of legroom. Otherwise, headroom was good and it drove alright.
Earth Dreams engine?! That makes me even more excited.Currently I am driving rental- a red 2013 automatic Still a treat to drive, as my usual car is a 2003 Civic. This video is wonderful, the thrid I've seen as I prepare to retrieve my lawn mower (also Honda) from the repair shop. I neede to see just how well the mower was going to fit into the Fit. I like hearing about the improvements they have made since the first version. I surely enjoy your explanation of its attributes and I hope I'll be buying one someday.Many folks comment to me how nice looking the Fit is.
Very informative and detailed descriptions. I just bought a Fit and am waiting for it to be delivered. These cars are in high demand, and are hard to find sitting at the dealership. There is also very little wiggle room in the price due to the demand of this car.
the best review of honda fit found on youtube. i liked the way u took an example like the nissan versa and ford fiesta which are close competitors to it and did a review of the honda fit.i thought 18 cu.ft of space was too less but after seeing those roller bags(and u) stack up behind the back seats like that now i knew how much 18 cu.ft of space is.thanks a lot i was in a lot of dilemma wether to go with the honda fit but am a lot clear now.just gonna take a test drive of it in a few days time and hopefully book one too. i like the blue color of the honda fit more.thank u Alex on Autos
Any news on the AC system. I have heard that the AC system tends to shut off when in a stationary position. Is this the case? I live in Arizona and the AC shutting off is not really a good thing.
Ok so I'm in Jamaica 🇯🇲 and we have this model in 2014 and it looks amazing but you have now sealed the deal im getting mi one thanks much
Absolutely fantastic review as all yours are..very spontaneous and intuitive..way to go Alex
I think the reason for the oddly shaped floor pan in the Fit is that the gas tank is under the front seats rather than under the back seats.
I think the diver power seat is an important consideration for most consumers because this type vehicle, the owners will drive themselves a lot.
You have excellent reviews. I tried the Honda Fit but didn't like the cabin noise, as well as the air conditioning, which had to be cranked up to be effective. I know the area you're driving oh so well, although I'm always on a bike.
I think the car aged extremely well. I wasn't a fan of the looks when it came out, but in black with some nice alloys, it's a good looking car.
You make amazing videos, keep on rockin!
Damn why do reviewers never review the manual models. I prefer manual but always have a hard time finding video reviews of how the manual performs. :(
Josh H We can only review what Honda lends us and for some reason that's almost never the manual.
Alex on Autos Aww man. I guess that makes sense :-/ I wish they'd give you guys one of each. That would be so perfect. Side by side tests even. Now I'm really dreaming
Josh H I test drove a manual Saturday 7 18 15 and it was very strong for a n/a 1.5. The salesman and I with the a/c on and it gave me all 130 hp. I was able to shift without the clutch also. It want roll backward on hills (I could have done without that feature) but I notice a reduce power thing when I took it up high n 1st and shift to 2nd. It's like the computer didn't want me to bark 2nd gear. It will also pull pretty good n 5th gear at 40mph. Never did get to 6th gear.
Josh H I went to the dealer n Marietta, Georgia (just north of Atlanta) and all was manuals but 1. The 6 speed was pretty strong for a 1.5. The Fit maybe my 1st new car. I fill up my 96 Tahoe Saturday and it cost $67 for 25.5 gallons.
***** I don't know, I never put it n 6th but it is a 1.5 liter n a 2500 lbs+ car. It wouldn't be much fun to drive if u had to down shift on every hill.
What do you suggest we look at, I'm 6'3 and quite large... We're looking at a honda fit / subaru impreza... However we have a 7 month old baby and I'm finding the impreza back seats are way to small for me to sit in front of the seat... We'd ideally like a very small efficient vehicle as we have a big truck and trailer for long trips... this is just for commuting around town and primarily for my wife.
At 6'3 you won't really find much that would allow a rearward facing seat behind you, so you'll be left to putting the rearward facing seat behind the other seat assuming your passenger isn't also tall. Even something like a mid-size sedan would be a tight squeeze. I suggest looking at something like a base Honda Accord, put the child seat in the middle and make sure you have at least 2 inches between the seat and the child seat. Another option is the Kia Soul, it is very upright and that lends itself to simpler positioning. Also the Nissan Sentra is a solid sedan option on the less expensive side. The best thing to do is to take a child seat with you when you test drive. Take everyone that will regularly be using the car and just spend ad much time in the car as possible to see how well it works for you. If your dealer doesn't want you putting child seats in the car, run away. I wouldn't want to buy from a dealer that isn't interested in my family's comfort and safety.
Alex on Autos Thanks for replying, much appreciated. Looks like we're going to live with having me drive the vehicle whenever I'm in it. I don't think we're wanting to spend that much more to get an accord and we're hoping for a smaller vehicle so I guess we're going to live with it as it were.
Also, one thing you may want to include on your reviews are the IIHS results, info is easy to be had but it would be nice to have it all in one place.
Thanks allot, you do a great job on your channel.
gary lucas The Kia Soul has decent leg and head . I'm 6'1 and I was more than comfortable driving one with space for an average passenger behind me.
Nice to see the '15 Fit has elegant, horizontal headlamps...nothing cartoonish, puffy, and overly swept-back, thank you! The only styling disappointment: a hidden exhaust tip. Why oh why? Why is Honda / Acura choosing this path?
Thanks Alex, Great review as always. I think this review pretty much secured my decision on my next vehicle and the fit it is. Thanks again. Keep up the great work.
thank you for such a clear review. sealed the deal for me. all the best!
great review, broski. I really like how different your views are on the Versa. Keep up the great work!
would the interior volume be comparable to a civic? better worse? and same question as far a leg room?
Alex, you mentioned the usefulness of paddle shifters on a CVT. I think it is about how you apply it. I haven't driven Honda with a CVT yet, but my friend has a 2011 Subaru Outback with a CVT. One thing I like about that set is that on drive mode i.e. without even putting the lever on manual mode, if you tap the down shift lever the car does a simulated downshift. and if you accelerate or drive like that for a while it upshifts. If you are going downhill until you hit the accelerator it remain on that simulated lower gear position. With that feature you can slow down the car without braking and you can slow down the car faster and sooner with the braking. I think this alone is enough to chose a CVT - on Subaru at least - over a conventional Automatic.
I recently test drove a 2015 Legacy with the CVT is even better on that car the shifts are quicker and smoother. Especially when you are approaching fast to a car in front of you the feeling with the simulated shifts and the practical application of it, actually gives a feeling when you downshift a manual and wait to brake until you feel a little rush.
I also like the tap shift when I pass a car as well. especially, when I need to adjust timing. I can keep the car on higher rev longer and eliminate the delay time to CVT rev up when I hit the accelerator.
My problem with the paddles is that they are not as crisp as a good automatic. No CVT comes anywhere near the shift speed in a ZF 6 or 8 speed automatic. The Honda CVT is supposedly the fastest and the average shift speed is about 400-450 milliseconds which is 4x longer than a ZF. I would personally prefer something like L1 and L2 where the CVT kept the engine at a specific RPM for engine braking. Say around 3,000 for L2 and 5,000 for L1.
The odd thing about the imitation ratios is that optimum acceleration happens when you let the CVT work without "shifts". Every CVT I have tested so far is several tenths faster to 60 if the CVT doesn't imitate shifts. This also goes for passing manoeuvres in most CVT vehicles. I have yet to see a 50-70 MPH passing test result that was better when commanding the CVT manually. It is of course a personal preference which is why I lean towards manuals despite the fact that they are usually slower and less efficient than a modern automatic.
Alex on Autos
Yes, I understand what you are saying. Nevertheless, I guess it is also related to the driving style as well. In theory, Whether you down shift a simulated gear, or just simply step on the gas for passing there shouldn't be any difference for a CVT.
In daily driving situations, on a manual car, you will never down shift fast, especially at milliseconds range. Quick downshifts are for race track where you don't care about jerky shifts. once the gear ratio is achieved, the acceleration is not different whether you reach that gear ratio and the rpm.
Even the fastest shifting gear box, on manual mode reacts only as fast as the driver. What I mean by that is that if the driver decides a little late to shift the gear the result will be unnoticeable in daily driving. Race track of course is a different issue.
When you test the car, you reach a constant speed and then do your acceleration test. Say, you are going with constant 50 mph, you floor the pedal and measure the time. or you drive 50 mph you downshift and floor the pedal and measure time. My observation is that people, in real traffic, usually approach a car with 70 mph and they slow down to 50 mph at top gear, hence the lowered rpm. When the road is free then they make their pass. However, as you are well aware of that when you approach the car in front of you, by lowering the gear instead of breaking, when you decide to make your pass the engine is already at the proper rpm to make the pass shorter. This is just one example. This works in stop and go traffic even more efficiently. If you have the habit of checking in the traffic far ahead and don't adjust your driving by just the car in front of you, and prepare for whatever you are going to do a little ahead, the shortcomings of a CVT only comes at the limits of sporty driving, or probably at an emergency but I don't think at an emergency it will make such difference.
Now, of course, I am aware that you are not fanatically against CVT's. Since, we are talking about adjusting the simulated gearing of a CVT, we should consider that with a manual, you don't shift fast all the time, I don't think fast shifts is a big issue. I used to shift very slow and even sometimes let the car coast while my foot is on the clutch pedal, to decide whether I should downshift or upshift or put the car back at the same gear I pulled out, depending on the traffic ahead. So, I think in a daily driving situation a sensible driver who is accustomed to manual gear box, could really utilize the simulated gearing on a CVT.
I am aware that you are comparing the CVT with ZF automatic. And you are right. Actually, GM transmissions are not bad if not as good as the ZF transmissions. The mapping of the traditional automatic is easier and it functions better on shifts. My comment is actually about comparing the CVT with a manual gearbox, which I think car makers do the same. And manual, as the name indicates, highly dependent on how the driver uses it.
And lastly, as I mentioned, on Subaru's, I don't know about Honda since I haven't driven it yet, to utilize the simulated gears, you don't need to put the shift lever on manual mode. The moment you start to touch the shifters the car responds as if it is on manual mode and when you stop, touching the shifters the car turns back to drive mode of its own. This application alone is a plus for me, over manual or a traditional automatic.
By the way, your reviews improved a lot. For example, when you have mentioned other brands, and make a comparisons, I used to think that you favor those other brands over the car you were reviewing, Now, you explain clearly that you are doing this to asses the car among other brands which has some significance in the market one way or another. I appreciate that. So, I want to thank you for the quite objective and informative reviews.
I thought all models had the back up camera including the base LX?
nice review as always
Wow! What an in-depth review! Love it!
Great advice and description about this car.
So you can't use and Android phone with the HDMI hookup?
You can of course use the HDMI input for anything and display it on the screen, however as I understand it the HondaLink app for navigation has not yet been released on Android. BUT, you can get the HondaLink app for streaming audio right now.
Alex on Autos That is so lame.
hi can you put the digits you said on screen?when you comparing ? its more convenient that way
Very through and pleasant review...subscribed.
This is going to be a tough choice when buying my new car. I currently have a 2009 Fit and I was considering a 2015 Versa Note. Also you mentioned the Ford Fiesta which I am also looking at. I usually drive alone so driver comfort is important. Looking forward to your review of the 2015 Versa Note. I'm kinda leaning toward that car. Thanks for your reviews. They are awesome! :)
I have a 2014 Versa Note review on my channel, its not *too* old and there were essentially no changes for 2015 that matter in regards to the review. 2014 Nissan Versa Note Review and Road Test
I have a 2014 Nissan Versa Note (Alex knows this, lol) and I highly recommended it. I test drove both and would recommended the Versa Note more.
damn! That was so detailed I now feel like I've owned a 2015 Fit for a while.
Thanks, this is the by far the best review of the Fit that I have watched! I haven't had a subcompact before and I do have two concerns. My highway trips range from 2-4-6-8 hours, and I keep close to the speed limit, but I hope I don't regret it on the highway. And did you discuss safety? This would be my main concern in a subcompact.
Can the trunk of Fit hold two check-in size bags ?
I love the new look. But, the new 2016 mazda 2 looks amazing (best in class even though its not out). What do you think?
I love this car, great review Alex!
I visited a dealership today and they did not have any Fits on the lot. The salesman tried to move me to a Civic. Is this because their profit margins are low on a sub compact? Is there any disadvantage such as in cost to ordering from the factory? I am in no hurry so time is not a factor unless of course we are talking months.
kindly review suzuki swift, toyota vitz and the FAW V2. I love ur style and detail, i would love to see u review FAW V2 and suzuki swift. these two are growing rivals here in Pakistan. plz make a detailed comparison btwn V2 n Swift
So helpful. Informative, detailed, answered all my questions. Thank you!
ford fiesta is good up until 40,000 miles i have one and problems pops up every month
Great review! Thanks. Just bought the 2015 Honda Fit.
Great thorough review. Considering buying the EX-L with navigation in white. KBB Fair Purchase price is around $20500. Anyone get a better deal?
Very good review, love the detail, its really great to hear so much about a car that I am interested in.
OK!!! I've watched this whole video. Very well put together and thorough. However, my one question was not answered. I'd like to know if the metal gas flap that covers anything from going into the gas tank after you remove the gas cap is suppose to be there or has been taken out this year. I ask because mine is missing and I'm worried that it broke off into the tank. Thanks!
Great review as always Alex. To answer your request for feedback, I don't like the new exterior styling as much as the previous generation, though I do like the new tail light design a lot. Inside the new in-dash cup holder to me is emblematic of why you want a Honda - all the super-smart consumer conveniences - and it's brilliant, but I'm disappointed again about road noise and iThing-only infotainment. I'd go manual not because I'm against CVTs but thinking of the long term replacement cost - is that a meaningful difference as I assume? For new reviews, I'd love to see a comparison series on the EV (sub)compact-around-town cars, that is the electric Fit, Smart, Mini, Golf, whatever else is coming out. Because you've reviewed so many of their gas-driven counterparts I guess you could do one episode. I'd also love to see a general comparison of the German-owned cars - maybe by looking at reliability and real cost to operate together with True Delta - in order to figure out which cars are the best lifetime _value_ including in diesel, gas and electric motors.
Great review!