2017 Honda Fit

Excellent value, especially for commuter/errands.

Saturday, February 01, 2020

This Honda Fit EX is the 5th Honda my family has owned over the last 24 years. The others were '97 Civic EX, '97 Accord EX, 2000 Odyssey EX, and 2004 Civic EX. I've driven about a half million miles in Hondas, and have never 1) had one fail to start (except for a dead battery once), and 2) never had one stop running/leave me stranded. Value: This car gets a 5 from me because it provides highly versatile door/seat combinations, great road manners, a host of driver assist/safety features, great visibility and high gas mileage. Performance: 4 of 5, which is a strong rating, but I didn't give it a 5 of 5 because of one thing. Although the vehicle handles solidly in ever normal situation, I did a couple tests of emergency braking (driver-applied, not automatic) and I found the rear end of the car likes to move sideways too much for my liking. The best performance aspect of the car I believe to be the gas mileage, assuming one drives it to achieve good MPG instead of racing around. I found that a) following speed limits, b) using adaptive cruise control, and c) rolling slowly up to red lights instead of braking late allow me to achieve and average MPG of 38-39, based on my actual gas usage (not on what the Multi-function display tells me, which varies significantly as driving conditions change). Reliability: 5/5 Perfect so far (15,500 miles in 9 months, mostly commuting with a couple long trips (500+ miles). Everything works as it is supposed to, and the car drives just like it did on June 3rd, when I drove it off the dealer lot. Styling: 4/5 Although to some, the Fit is an "egg" shape, I view this category as more of a "form follows function" situation, and Honda has provided MAX inside space and versatility, with a decent looking interior. The outside styling is so subjective, I'll just say I'm pleased with it's appearance, and others will of course have their own opinions. Quality: 5/5 Nothing about this car feels cheap or looks cheap. The controls, doors/windows/hatchback, seats, moon roof, dash, video displays, and body panels, etc. are all of excellent build/fit. Road noise is reasonable for a car in this segment. The audio system is not high-end, but does provide pleasing sound, which plenty of customization available. The car's on-board driver assist and information system is very informative, easy to learn, and provides useful abilities, such as a way to customize what the car does when you put it in drive (locks, etc.), when you enter/exit, and your following distance (adaptive cruise), emergency braking (customizable), etc. Very impressive. The various cameras, views afforded to me have eliminated one of my biggest worries, backing out of crowded parking areas/school parking lots without being to see much behind the car. With this system, I have no doubts about what is around my car. I only wish they had put the same side-view camera on the driver's side as exists on the passenger side. Should Honda come up with a way to install one aftermarket, I will definitely do that, so I have the same camera views on both sides. Comfort: 4/5 I drive this vehicle 4-6 days a week 20 miles through a combination of highway and traffic light districts (about 30 minutes one-way). The seats are VERY comfortable to me, which is great, because I have back problems and normally do not sit much during the day. On my two long trips, I found the driving position as comfortable as the short daily commutes. I rated comfort 4 / 5 instead of 5/5 mainly due to road impact/feel. I have driven through bumpy construction areas almost daily since June when I bought the car, and the suspension is OK, but not as forgiving of bumps as the Odyssey minivan, for instance. But then, this car costs just over 1/2 as much as the Odyssey and they're really different things. Better road-softening suspension would garner a 5/5 from me. So, for me the stand-out benefits of this car are 1) driver assist/safety features, 2) economy, and 3) space versatility. I'm a driver who views practicality/economy over comfort/flashiness.

One of the best vehicles I've owned

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Very dependable, versatile, and economical. Could not be more pleased. Bought this vehicle new and still.own it. It has exceeded my expectations in every way. It drives like a sports car, but is far roomier than it looks. It is very peppy. Seats fold to make it a good small SUV. Gas mileage is excellent. Have not had any trouble with it mechanically. Still looks good.

Excellent & great fun to drive this gas-saver

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Absolutely no problems in 5 years. Amazed at all the standard features for which other mfgs charge extra. Favorable comments on the Mystic Yellow paint. The sub-compact size and short turning radius makes parking a breeze. I'm 6'4" and fit comfortably. I highly recommend this car. P.S. My wife likes it, too. The car could use more insulation against road noise.