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The 2009 Honda Fit, a really good fit
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2009 Honda Fit is a cute lil' number
Every now and then, I take a walk on the wild side by driving a subcompact. You all know, that I prefer to sit behind the wheel of one of the big boyz. I must admit however, it’s kinda nice to venture out of your comfort zone and try out one of the lil’ players. Except, this time…the lil’ player, played me (so to speak)—I was reeled in by an oh-so-cute ride, the 2009 Honda Fit. The second generation 2009 Honda Fit is, in a nutshell, a good Fit for practically anyone. The sporty looking vehicle was introduced a few years ago right when gas prices were beginning to give folks the blues. Critics have sung its praises for being a four-door, subcompact, hatchback that is not only fun to drive but gas pump friendly (28 mpg/city, 35 mpg/hwy for an automatic). It was selected as one of 2008 Car & Driver’s ‘10 Best Cars of the Year,’ Popular Mechanics gave it an ‘Automotive Excellence Award,’ and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a 5-star frontal crash-test rating.
Now don’t get it twisted, Honda’s littlest wonder is no punk! Although the handling is not exactly sporty, you still get more than enough pep and zip. The Fit has a 1.5-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers only 117-hp, 106 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 4,800 rpm and the drivetrain has been improved for quicker off-the-line action. The Fit comes in either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
The handling is so effortless, I actually found myself wanting to stay for longer periods of time in the car, just zipping about town running senseless errands. The braking system was pretty on-point, no complaints here. I did however, feel just a smidge of body roll as I took corners but never once did I wind up in my hubby’s lap. BTW, did I mention that there was lots of snow and ice on the ground? The Fit should have been fitted for a gold medal, not once did she ‘punk out’ despite the snow and ice, a real trooper all the way.
Who says big people can’t fit into subcompacts? I am 5’10 plus on a bad day and my hubby is 6’6 on a good day and we managed just fine. Honda states, that the car seats 5 but in actually, four people will fit comfortably. The interior’s fit and finish was impressive, all of the dash controls were intuitive. There are more than enough interior essentials like cupholders (count ‘em—10!), storage spaces, an ample glovebox with upper and lower compartments. The second row seating, 60/40 split is easy to maneuver, folds flat for hauling the ‘big stuff,’ and offers different combinations of seating positions for various storage needs.
I especially appreciated the Fit’s all-around window visibility. I am a real stickler when it comes to seeing what’s in front, beside and behind me, this vehicle provided me with this safety comfort factor. Other safety pluses—front and curtain side airbags, ABS and electronic brake distribution system. A vehicle stability assist (VSA) with traction control system is available as an option.
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It’s true, some critics have balked at the price--$14,750 (Fit); $16,260 (Fit Sport), but I say to those folks, “COOL YOUR JETS!!!” You get what you pay for!
Happy Motoring!
--Car Chick
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