I'm a pre-delivery inspection tech at a Honda dealership so I drive quite a few of these. It's always interesting to hear an outsiders point of view. My thoughts: The 6 speed manual box is far superior to the CVT. If you know how to drive a stick, that's the one you'll want. If not, learn. With 130hp in such a small car and a manual transmission, the Fit is actually quite a lot of fun to drive. If you're 6 feet tall like I am though, hope you never have to sit in the passenger side of this car because your left knee will be smashed into the dash. The driver side has enough room. The EX has nearly all the features of the EX-L minus leather and heated seats. It's the best trim IMO.... you get plenty for your money and the EX-L trim is spoiled by the CVT they force on you.
CJRhoades Here are my concerns about the 6-speed manual: 1) My commute is mostly dominated by stop-and-go traffic. Shifting the car myself in traffic wouldn't bother me, but the drop in fuel economy vs. the CVT (29 vs. 32, or 33 with the base model) would be a concern to me. 2) This generation's 6th gear is about as short as the old generation's 5th gear. At 70 mph, this car even revs as high as my parents' old 2001 Civic with the 5-speed manual. Obviously, it doesn't seem to penalize fuel economy as much, but on road trips I would probably drive myself crazy listening to the engine rev at 3000+ rpm for 8 hours straight.
blondejokes495 If all you're concerned with is fuel economy and a quiet ride then the CVT is probably for you. The 6 speed manual is much more fun though.
CJRhoades I'm sure it is. I had a lot of fun driving my parents' 2001 Civic with the 5-speed manual, even though it only had 115 HP. I miss that car, even with its loud noise on the freeway, like you wouldn't believe.
I like it. What u pay for is what u get. Simple and has a few features that lots dont have. As stated it aint a viper and what much can u do with 130hp with a cvt.
Woowhooo! Victory when drag racing a Prius! I'm going Prius-hunting today with my '15 EX. I think I can also smoke all model year Smart cars, and the 19'87 Yugo (unmodified).
Hard-boiled egg yolk isn't my color but I'll give Honda credit for "jazz-ing" up their color palette. If only they could do the same with their interiors...
Do you think the 2019-20 Fit is still a viable option as a new car purchase despite it's age? Consumer Reports recommends it and then isn't as kind in it's review??? Thanks for the great work you do Tom.
I had a similar spec FIT in a couple weeks ago, and calling the CVT, "OK" is being rather kind, I would call it, marginally tolerable. It was a great car spoiled by a poor transmission. Changing the name to Jazz, perhaps that would help sales in Utah, and New Orleans, and maybe Kansas City.
I understand where you're coming from. Here's how I came to my rating- I was curious how non enthusiast would rate it and had a few friends drive a test loop then asked them how they liked the car. Not a single one commented on the transmission dynamics. Once I brought it up, one guy said he noticed the droning (though it didn't bother him much), the other three didn't. Obviously I had to inject my opinion in there as well. Personally, I'd choose the manual hands down (or more accurately, use that money to buy a used GTI). Thanks for sharing!
if the Elio ever comes out, test that...i've had a smart for the last 7 years, love it most of the time, hate it when there's snow around, the Fit is my next choice, if the Elio is a flop.
That hasn't always been the case. Wasn't the last Canadian Fit imported from China? (You guys also get Chevy Orlando which the US doesn't get for some reason and got the Chevy Trax long before the US)
skunkroaster Yes. Honda imported the Fits sold in Canada from China starting in the 2012 model year. There was a big New York Times article about it being the first Chinese made car sold in North America. The Truth About Cars even has a review of the Chinese built Fit.
+DoubleD 613 I am sorry but someone who would willingly pay the same amount of money for a Smart Car or Fiat 500, shouldn't whine about the price of this car.
Did the crash test problem really have anything to do with Mexico? Even if it did, that's a brand new plant, so it could be just issues with opening a new plant. I feel like the problem was blamed on Mexico. Does it really matter where the car is made?
No. It was purely an oversight in design. Nothing assembly related. I didn't take it as Tom blaming Mexico. He simply stated that they now come from there.
1guyin10 That issue has nothing to do with the new plant. I talked to the folks at Honda and was told they upgraded the front structure once the IIHS did the small offset test. Again, those who bought the first batch can take them to a Honda dealership to get that new structure installed at no charge.
Driven Car Reviews It only took a longer bumper bar to correct the problem if I recall correctly. It is a new test so the automakers are still struggling with it a little bit. I doubt their computer models are quite calibrated to effectively evaluate it yet. This was easy enough to fix though.
One more thing lol..I hate how car companies show the loaded models off for the journalists. It's a fake expression as most ppl don't buy the overpriced top trim models.
I don´t think that they spent millions on the name..... Actually they would have called it "Fitta" wich is slang for the lower parts of a woman in swedish, Thats why its called "Fit" ..:-))
Consistently one of the best car review series on UA-cam. Kudos!
Great review Tom as always, looking forward to more from you in the rest of the new year.
The yellow is the best color for the fit. For those that want to have some fun with this car... go manual 6 speed :)
Had a silver one as a rental, was extremely happy with it.
I'm a pre-delivery inspection tech at a Honda dealership so I drive quite a few of these. It's always interesting to hear an outsiders point of view. My thoughts: The 6 speed manual box is far superior to the CVT. If you know how to drive a stick, that's the one you'll want. If not, learn. With 130hp in such a small car and a manual transmission, the Fit is actually quite a lot of fun to drive. If you're 6 feet tall like I am though, hope you never have to sit in the passenger side of this car because your left knee will be smashed into the dash. The driver side has enough room. The EX has nearly all the features of the EX-L minus leather and heated seats. It's the best trim IMO.... you get plenty for your money and the EX-L trim is spoiled by the CVT they force on you.
gold comment
CJRhoades Here are my concerns about the 6-speed manual:
1) My commute is mostly dominated by stop-and-go traffic. Shifting the car myself in traffic wouldn't bother me, but the drop in fuel economy vs. the CVT (29 vs. 32, or 33 with the base model) would be a concern to me.
2) This generation's 6th gear is about as short as the old generation's 5th gear. At 70 mph, this car even revs as high as my parents' old 2001 Civic with the 5-speed manual. Obviously, it doesn't seem to penalize fuel economy as much, but on road trips I would probably drive myself crazy listening to the engine rev at 3000+ rpm for 8 hours straight.
blondejokes495 If all you're concerned with is fuel economy and a quiet ride then the CVT is probably for you. The 6 speed manual is much more fun though.
CJRhoades I'm sure it is. I had a lot of fun driving my parents' 2001 Civic with the 5-speed manual, even though it only had 115 HP. I miss that car, even with its loud noise on the freeway, like you wouldn't believe.
Curious what are your thoughts on direct injection? Would that be an issue down the road?
I like it. What u pay for is what u get. Simple and has a few features that lots dont have. As stated it aint a viper and what much can u do with 130hp with a cvt.
Excellent review as always, Tom. Like you said in an earlier post : I'd rather buy a demo/used VW GTI. 22k as tested is a bit much.
Woowhooo! Victory when drag racing a Prius! I'm going Prius-hunting today with my '15 EX. I think I can also smoke all model year Smart cars, and the 19'87 Yugo (unmodified).
O.O This is me...seeing what you did there...and there...and there... Very punny Tom. :)
Hard-boiled egg yolk isn't my color but I'll give Honda credit for "jazz-ing" up their color palette. If only they could do the same with their interiors...
Do you think the 2019-20 Fit is still a viable option as a new car purchase despite it's age? Consumer Reports recommends it and then isn't as kind in it's review??? Thanks for the great work you do Tom.
I had a similar spec FIT in a couple weeks ago, and calling the CVT, "OK" is being rather kind, I would call it, marginally tolerable. It was a great car spoiled by a poor transmission.
Changing the name to Jazz, perhaps that would help sales in Utah, and New Orleans, and maybe Kansas City.
I understand where you're coming from. Here's how I came to my rating- I was curious how non enthusiast would rate it and had a few friends drive a test loop then asked them how they liked the car. Not a single one commented on the transmission dynamics. Once I brought it up, one guy said he noticed the droning (though it didn't bother him much), the other three didn't. Obviously I had to inject my opinion in there as well. Personally, I'd choose the manual hands down (or more accurately, use that money to buy a used GTI). Thanks for sharing!
Driven Car Reviews Great review as always, I wish we could see your perspective on a hyper car like a Porsche 918!
Ross MK A 918 TP test would be amazing.
I like yellow colored cars, I wish more cars had yellow as a color option.
This color arnot available in all countries
if the Elio ever comes out, test that...i've had a smart for the last 7 years, love it most of the time, hate it when there's snow around, the Fit is my next choice, if the Elio is a flop.
Damn, that color is HOT!
I'm surprised the NY times cut out that PSA at the end on their version
They cut nothing. I produce two versions. People here want to see longer reviews.
Driven Car Reviews yes they do :)
How does it drive on a dirt road? Is it bumpy? Is the suspension good.
Thanks TOM for mentioning this is made for the NORTH AMERICAN market not just america. U.S. CANADIANS get the same cars you do..mostly
That hasn't always been the case. Wasn't the last Canadian Fit imported from China? (You guys also get Chevy Orlando which the US doesn't get for some reason and got the Chevy Trax long before the US)
1guyin10 No Fits made in China unless they were for Chinese market ? Canadian Fits came from Japan.
skunkroaster Yes. Honda imported the Fits sold in Canada from China starting in the 2012 model year. There was a big New York Times article about it being the first Chinese made car sold in North America. The Truth About Cars even has a review of the Chinese built Fit.
What a color? Your logo has the same color.. ;)
Im sorry but this car should top out at $16,000. $21,000 for a small hatchback is ridiculous!
+DoubleD 613 I am sorry but someone who would willingly pay the same amount of money for a Smart Car or Fiat 500, shouldn't whine about the price of this car.
That intro tho lmao
😍😳
Did the crash test problem really have anything to do with Mexico? Even if it did, that's a brand new plant, so it could be just issues with opening a new plant. I feel like the problem was blamed on Mexico. Does it really matter where the car is made?
No. It was purely an oversight in design. Nothing assembly related. I didn't take it as Tom blaming Mexico. He simply stated that they now come from there.
1guyin10 That issue has nothing to do with the new plant. I talked to the folks at Honda and was told they upgraded the front structure once the IIHS did the small offset test. Again, those who bought the first batch can take them to a Honda dealership to get that new structure installed at no charge.
Driven Car Reviews It only took a longer bumper bar to correct the problem if I recall correctly. It is a new test so the automakers are still struggling with it a little bit. I doubt their computer models are quite calibrated to effectively evaluate it yet. This was easy enough to fix though.
shocked we're looking at an automatic... I mean, gotta go manual!
Manual trans only comes in base model.
tinhinnh And the EX.
tinhinnh not in Canada :) you can get a manual on any trim-level
Any rear outlets?
There is one in the center console storage compartment that would be easy for folks in the rear to tap into.
almost 22k for a non japanese fit?
Fit's great but you might as well hold your breath for a North American Civic hatch for that price.
Is this car an Automatic or Manual Transmission?
go back to see the min. 2:12
One more thing lol..I hate how car companies show the loaded models off for the journalists. It's a fake expression as most ppl don't buy the overpriced top trim models.
Best reviewer in the biz. You know that's true when you can get people to watch the entire review for a Honda Fit :) Practical? Sure. Exciting? No.
I don´t think that they spent millions on the name..... Actually they would have called it "Fitta" wich is slang for the lower parts of a woman in swedish, Thats why its called "Fit" ..:-))
Great car ruined by cvt all manufacturers making same shit that’s why I stay with automatic cars. Toyota Yaris still make them automatic
Anyone else here from Technical?