The Temple of VTEC - Honda and Acura Enthusiasts Online - Articles - TOV First Drive: 2007 Honda Fit: Conclusions

If you've been waiting for a car that combines practicality, frugality, safety, fun, value, and a bit of spunk, then you've probably been waiting for a car like the Fit. It's too bad it took 6 years for the car to make it our way, but the Fit is such a strong product it's still at the top of its class even against the latest hardware from Japan and Korea.

The Fit is in a somewhat unique position, as with stickers ranging from $13,850 to $15,970, it's one of the priciest options in its class. But at that price you must consider what you're getting: superb build quality, an interior that compares to higher class vehicles, a comprehensive set of features and convenience items, unparalleled safety (including 5-star crash rating, a full complement of front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS brakes, and more), excellent driving dynamics, and amazing maneuverabilty and utility.

If you're shopping in this class of vehicle, it's going to be difficult to do better than the Fit at this point. To some folks it may have a bit of a dated appearance, but to others it's still something that is new, fresh, and unique. It will be interesting to see what's around the corner with the next generation Fit, and how much Honda can improve it. Apart from an exterior update, I would hope to see an improved pedal layout and maybe an Si model with a hotter motor and better matched gearing, but other than that, there's little else that I would change.

2007 Honda Fit Sport

	Date of Test:		January 24, 2006
	Test Location:		Santa Monica, CA
	Miles Driven:		~50 miles
	MSRP		$14,400* (Base 5MT) $15,200* (Base 5AT) $15,720* (Sport 5MT) $16,520* (Sport 5AT) *Price includes MSRP + $550 destination charge. Excludes tax, license, registration, and options. Dealer prices may vary.
	EPA Mileage Estimates (city/hwy):		33/38 (5MT models) 31/38 (5AT Base Model) 31/37 (5AT Sport)

Pros
	You can now buy one in the US
	Excellent build quality, interior design and trimming, packaging, safety, utility
	Superb road manners
	An automatic transmission that's worth having
Cons
	With the next generation Fit debuting in Japan shortly, how long will this version be on US showroom floors?
	How many takers will there be on a premium subcompact that stickers for more than $16k?
	Funky pedal placement and stroke detracts from some of the driving enjoyment, particularly on 5MT models
	Rated fuel economy is a bit of a disappointment for a 1.5L car
	Gear ratios in 5MT could be better
The Verdict
	Even at 6 years old, this is a superb car, for the right buyer.

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