Honda Fit Fits Just About Anywhere

2009 Honda Fit 5DR Sport

model as tested $17,780

Test Drove 1/29/09 – 2/12/09
reviewed by Lori Hindman

There are certain truths about cars that everyone takes for granted: SUVs have tons of room, minivans are practical and subcompacts are too small for family life. The 2009 Honda Fit, a subcompact, shatters that last notion. It’s a subcompact that “Fits” in the teeniest of parking spaces but still manages to Fit my life, too. Sounds impossible, I know, but the Fit managed to be fun and sporty-looking as well as Fit three kids in the backseat and a full load of groceries in the cargo space.

It gets bonus points for economy, too. The Fit gets an EPA-estimated 27/33 mpg city/highway, and it costs under $19,000, fully loaded. Are you surprised?

Driving the Fit was surprisingly fun; it was almost like zooming around in a go-kart. It turned easily, and the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine was surprisingly perky. I was constantly surprised by how responsive that little engine was, and the paddle shifters on the steering wheel added to the fun. The Fit didn’t even lag on the freeway, even though I expected some lag from such an economical little thing. It got great mileage in my mostly mountainous city driving. The only downside: There was a lot of road and wind noise in the cabin. It wasn’t deafening, and it’s better than last year’s model, but it was still noticeable.

The newly redesigned 2009 Fit is roomier, sportier and cuter than before. Honda also threw a couple of high-end options on the table, like a navigation system and an electronic stability system. When you consider all the fun, safety and economy of this little gem, you’ll wonder how Honda Fit (ahem) it all in. 

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