2009 Honda Fit - Review

The 2009 Honda Fit hatchback will roll out this year with a few new tricks up its sleeve. This newly designed model will replace the current style that has been sold in the United States since 2006. The 2009 Fit is a subcompact car that competes with the likes of the Chevy Aveo, Hyundai Elantra, Scion xD, and the Toyota Yaris. The new Fit will be priced between $14,000 and $15,000, with gas mileage expected to be between 28-34 miles per gallon. This will differ between the base model and the Fit Sport edition.

Among the changes for the 2009 Fit is the exterior design. Basically, it will be slightly larger than the previous version, with a longer sloping nose. It maintains the somewhat odd look that has made it stand out among the crowd. It appears to be taller than some of its competitors. This look is not only unique, but it also serves a purpose. The extended head room makes it quite easy to get in and out of for a car this small. Also new this year is the standard 15" steel wheels. This is a change from the 14" wheels of the previous models. The 2009 Fit Sport will offer 16" aluminum wheels.

Under the hood, you'll find a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder that is comparable to that of the previous versions. It will again be paired with five speed automatic or manual transmission. Like its competitors, the Fit will be front wheel drive. The Honda Fit was already known for its impressive ride quality, and the new version will be even better. Honda has taken steps to improve the steering and suspension to that end.

Inside this 2009 Honda, you'll notice increased leg room and cargo space. Not much has changed this year with the already impressive quality of interior materials. This year's version does, however, offer a few new options. Most notably are the touch screen navigation system and the USB ports for portable devices. Another nice feature inside this car is the 60/40 split folding back seats. This allows for a variety of configurations for passengers and cargo.

The unique look of this vehicle also lends itself to the safety of its occupants. The engineers have attempted to align certain areas of the 2009 Fit to the crumple zones of some larger vehicles. Other safety features are comparable to other vehicles in this class, with the exception of the electronic stability system. This type of technology is rarely found in a vehicle of this size.