2008 Honda Fit Review

The fuel-stingy, attractive Honda Fit subcompact car looked like a success when it arrived as an early 2007 model because gasoline prices were heading toward $3 per gallon and the Fit provided an estimated 33 mpg in the city and 38 on highways.

When I tested a Fit manual-transmission model for the April 2006 AutoTimes, I wrote that "nobody expects gas prices to dip below $2 a gallon anytime soon and possibly will hit $3 a gallon this summer."

The EPA has given 2008 cars lower, more realistic estimated economy figures. But the 2008 Fit still provides an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 on highways with a five-speed manual transmission and 27 and 34 with a five-speed automatic. Only regular-grade gasoline is needed.

My 2008 Test Fit was the higher-line Sport model with the automatic transmission, which is rated at 1 less mpg on highways because of slight differences between it and the base Fit.

Called the Jazz in Europe and Japan, the Fit debuted in Japan in 2001. More than a million Fits have been sold in more than 70 countries with a variety of engines and trim levels.

A total of 51,314 Fits have been bought in America through the first 11 months this year. That puts its sales behind those of the rival, relatively new Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa, but Fit sales still are pretty good.

The Fit is a front-drive four-door hatchback positioned below Honda's Civic as the automaker's entry model. The manual gearbox is standard, while the automatic is an $800 option. Prices range from $13,950 for a base manual-transmission model to $16,070 for a Sport with the automatic.

I'll take the Sport over the base Fit version despite that 1 mpg highway loss because the Sport has more standard items, including remote keyless entry, premium sound system, cruise control, fog lights and wider 55-series (up from 65-series) tires on larger 15-inch (up from 14-inch) wheels.

The Sport also has an underbody kit and rear roofline spoiler for better aerodynamics and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to allow rapid manual shifting with the automatic transmission.

Not that the base model isn't well-equipped. Honda wants the Fit regarded as a "premium entry" car. The base model thus has standard air conditioning, tilt wheel, AM/FM/CD player, intermittent wipers, rear wiper/washer, split-folding rear seat and power windows, mirrors and door locks.

Some potential car buyers worry that a subcompact might be unsafe for them or their kids because of its size. But the Fit, which uses high-tensile-strength steel, got a top five-star crash safety rating for front crash performance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It has standard front-side and side-curtain air bags and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution for surer stops.

The Fit seats four tall adults, or five in a pinch. It's easy to slide in and out because of upright styling and high, wide-opening doors. Front ones have storage pockets and rear doors have bottle holders.

This Honda has a clever design. For instance, the fuel tank is moved from the back of the car, where it's found in most autos, to under the front seat with a center tank layout to provide more interior room.

The tank location allows the cargo floor to be relatively low to increase cargo space. And the 60/40 split "magic" rear seat allows rear seatbacks or the entire back seat to be moved forward. Rear seat bottoms flip up to, say, permit side-door loading of items too tall for the main cargo area.

Front seats also can recline flush with the back seats to create a long, flat surface for a roadside nap.

Electric power steering contributes to higher fuel economy because engine power isn't needed to operate a hydraulic steering system. The steering is stiff, but its quickness adds to the Fit's nimbleness and fun-to-drive personality. This is no sports car, but it can be driven in a spirited manner within reasonable limits.

The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine has 109 horsepower. That's a decent rating for its small size because it's sophisticated, with an overhead-camshaft design, 16 valves and variable valve timing.

Performance is lively in town because the Fit weighs only 2,432 to 2,551 pounds. The 1.5-liter engine is noisy during hard acceleration and too small to give more than average 65-75 mph passing, although the Fit easily cruises at 70 mph.

The responsive automatic transmission is probably the way to go for most drivers in congested areas because the manual gearbox is rather notchy and has a long-throw clutch.

A sophisticated suspension provides a generally good ride, although the Fit can get a little jumpy if the road isn't smooth partly because it has a rather short 96.5-inch wheelbase (distance between axles). Brakes work well but respond abruptly with very little pedal movement.

Don't expect an upscale Audi-style interior, but it's functional. Controls are conveniently located and easily operated, although deeply recessed gauges are hard to read during some daylight hours.

The usefully shaped cargo area has a low, wide opening and is decently sized for a small car, even with rear seats in their normal position.

Open the hood and you'll find that a prop rod, not smooth hydraulic hinges, is needed to hold it open. But marvel at the neatly designed engine compartment with its easily reached fluid filler areas.

Those who want high fuel economy but can't afford a gasoline/electric hybrid car might find the Fit a good substitute.