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2007 Honda Fit Long-Term Update No.2

Micro Size, Macro Space

Provided that you arent living under a rock, by now youll have certainly heard about Hondas new Fit. Although its only slightly larger than a pebble, Hondas smallest is really making waves and getting noticed, which is no small feat, especially after the launch of the award-winning Civic. The word on the Fit is spreading surprisingly fast, despite the fact that it isnt backed up by much advertising. Yes, theres the ten-second long, "What Fits in the Fit?" ad, which you might have seen while watching the previews prior to a movie on the big screen, and a number of internet banners on top-tier sites (like this one) but not much else; at least not as much as the Civic enjoyed.

Of course, the grassroots excitement surrounding the Fit is justifiable. As weve already experienced in the first two weeks

So cute, you just want to smile, even on a gray, sopping wet day. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

of testing our long-term car, its one of the strongest performers in the subcompact class, although, considering its surprisingly efficient packaging, this thing could very well rub shoulders with cars in the compact class, one step above. What allows the Fit to feel so spacious is its monobox styling; the tall shape and low-mounted seats give this tiny Honda a head and shoulders advantage in roominess. One after another, staffers, friends and family have entered the Fit, only to leave comfortable,

We like quality, and the Fit has a lot of it. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

free of cramps and with jaw firmly planted on floor, bewildered about how much space there is inside, in front and in back.

As were settling into the Fit, its made itself clear as a strong performer in all the categories which are important to us. Normally, little cars, except the Smart fortwo, are nothing to write home about, but not so with the Honda. The 1.5-liter engine is small, but at 109 horsepower its more than adequate to move the cars frame, and it steers and rides aplomb. Then theres the fact that the attention to detail in the cabin is better than cars five

Can you imagine what things would have been like back when the Fit was introduced in Europe? (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

times the price.

But given the fact that its generating a great deal of hype, can you imagine the kind of uproar that the Fits introduction caused when it was launched in Japan four years ago. Come to think of it, what was on the market four years ago? Here in North America, there wasnt much available aside from the Toyota Echo Sedan and the usual assortment of Korean or Korean-built subcompacts. In Europe, the Fit, or Jazz as its called, still managed to cause a fuss, even against Peugeots, Volkswagens, Citroens and Renaults. Thats impressive for a company that built the Honda Logo, what might be one of

Although Ikea offers home delivery, Jon decided to put the Fit through its paces. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the most widely forgettable superminis to ever grace the road (outside of North America). Of course, now that weve had the Fit for a few weeks, all the accolades make sense.

And now, to the logbook. Over the past couple of weeks weve been generally adjusting to the Fit, and finding out what really can fit inside...
Odometer: 1,164 miles

Jonathan: Well, the Fit passed its first big hurdle in my eyes. The standard "will it fit an Ikea bookshelf" test was summarily dispatched by dropping the back seats and pretty much sliding the packaged shelving unit over the super-low lift-over and in behind the passenger seat. We only had to nudge the passenger seat

Fine-textured velour trim and mesh-like seat squab looks as if it could pick up and hold on to an oil stain very easy. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

forward a bit to handle the 64.6 inch length of the package. I felt so smug loading up the big box and driving away as I watched the guy next to me struggling to tie down something he had loaded into his pickup-truck bed. I also feel pretty smug putting on the many miles that I have and not needing to fuel it up, yet. Maybe Ill leave Justin with the gas bill. Nahhh, that would be evil, even though it wouldnt be that bad. Before loading up the Ikea package, I tried figuring out how to configure the Magic Seats for the maximum space from trunk to dash, but if its possible, the manual doesnt explain it: you can either use the back cargo area with the rear seats down, or unite the front seats with the rear in Long mode, but I guess you cant get Americano length

Its hard to imagine something as big as a ladder fitting inside the Fit, but its possible. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

(somebody back me up on my espresso joke, please...) by accessing the fold down rear seats and getting the front passenger seat out of the way. Where has all the Magic gone?

Addendum: Being the dedicated (obsessive-compulsive) journalist that I am, I decided to go back outside and finally figure out this mysterious long-object mode as described by other journalists who attended the informative event. My confusion stemmed from the fact that I thought it was some clever machination, an integrated combination of folding seats, but I was defeated in this case by my own overly complicated expectations, and the fact that it is not clearly diagrammed in the handy, color-coded quick reference guide for Fit owners. When in Utility mode (i.e. the rear seats folded flat), you simply recline the passenger seat until it hits the rear cargo floor.

Tallish, van-like profile isnt for everyone. Editor Trevor Hofmann concurs. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

Granted, this leaves an awkward "unflat" surface, but hey, you can still lug a 7-foot ladder (or some other object measuring up to 94.5 inches (or 7.5 feet) in length. The other failing is that it leaves the front seat fabric exposed to the degradations of cargo accommodation. How utilitarian! Anyways, a canvas drop sheet could quickly remedy that, but its execution is so simple that it hurts my head to think about it.

Odometer: 1,184 miles

Justin: I wanted to be the first to move something with the Fit, but I guess the honors go to Jon. Having seen a fully-assembled Expedit bookshelf, and the size of the box that it came in, I have a feeling that sooner or later Ill be taking the Fit out to Ikea for some furniture shopping adventures of my own. I think, though, itll be later, as I dont have a craving for any Swedish furniture at the moment (I had my fill last summer), but, surely Ill figure

The Fit is a car that Honda hopes will be on every city corner. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

out something to move, be it, clobber, clutter... or university students who are now on summer break. In the meantime, the Fit seems to be hauling around clutter, namely my knapsack and a whole bunch of textbooks, which I have been meaning to get rid of.

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