Part 4 of an 11-part series.
Just when it seemed like Honda couldn't possibly discover another market segment for its vehicles, it introduced the 2007 Fit. A four-door subcompact, the Fit combines a wondrously efficient use of space with snappy versatility and economy.
The Fit joins the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Element, Insight, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and S2000 as the 10th vehicle in the Honda line that debuted in the United States in 1973.
The Fit, known at the Jazz, has been sold in Asia since 2001 and in Europe since 2002 as a way to combat the parking dilemma prevalent in most international metropolitan cities. To further help curtail the problem, the two-seat Smart, the microcar DaimlerChrysler offering, has found increasing success overseas.
While the Fit is nearly 20 inches shorter than the Civic, it has nearly the same interior space as the Accord and it has a long list of standard features and unique offerings. It's particularly impressive considering that with every available option included, the Fit costs less than $16,000.
The Fit is available in sport and base models, both with a 1.5-liter, 16-valve, 109-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine.
The base model includes 14-inch wheels, electric-assist power steering, two-speed front wipers and a rear wiper, air conditioning, power windows and locks and an AM/FM radio with CD player. The Sport model features 15-inch alloy wheels, additional body styling, keyless entry, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an upgraded MP3-compatible audio system with an auxiliary jack.
The Fit's interior is efficiency designeded. The five-speed manual shifter is well positioned and controls and dials are handsome, if simple, logically configured and offers ease-of-use characteristics. The 60-40 split rear seat, for example, features multiple configurations. As a result, the cargo area is surprisingly cavernous.
The best part of the Fit is its surprisingly smooth and peppy drive. It isn't going to establish any speed records, but since it's lightweight and efficiently constructed, the Fit moves well, with with 0-60 mph in less than 10 seconds. Cornering and maneuvering is confident and at all speeds.
Facts & Figures: Safety — Dual front, front side and side-curtain airbags; Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 33 mpg (city), 38 mpg (highway); Warranty — Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; Base Price — $15,170.00
To read more car reviews, visit: www.theweeklydriver.com
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