The 2011 Honda Fit, one of the most well-reviewed small cars on the market - and recently named Car and Driver’s prestigious 10Best list for the fifth year in a row - gets some welcome upgrades this year.
The diminutive, yet practical five-door hatchback sees its base model add standard cruise control, remote keyless entry, a USB audio interface and standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). In fact, the VSA electronic stability control system is now made standard across the entire Fit lineup. The addition of VSA, a key safety feature, to all Fit models only makes the car a more compelling choice. While undeniably compact, the little Honda boasts interior flexibility that would make some SUVs jealous.
Inside, the 2011 Fit (MSRP starting at $15,100) accommodates up to five passengers. Where the car becomes truly interesting is when it’s tasked with hauling cargo. The 60/40 split rear Magic Seat® transforms the Fit into a utilitarian superstar. Tall Mode lets you flip the seat bottom up and out of the way to accommodate a vertical item like, say, a small potted tree, on the rear passenger floor. Long Mode is self-explanatory; it lets you fold down both the front and rear passenger side seats, opening up room to take items up to 93 inches in length. Finally, Utility Mode lets you drop both rear seats with one-touch operation to open up to 57.3 cubic feet of space for large or bulky items. Even with the backseats in passenger-carrying mode, you’ll still find 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
While the Magic Seat’s a neat trick in itself, it’s just one aspect of the Honda Fit’s dazzling overall utility. Take this, for example: The Fit has 10 beverage holders (more than the Toyota Sienna minivan). A variety of other storage nooks and crannies dot the Fit’s passenger cabin as well from
dual (upper and lower) gloveboxes, under seat storage, small bins and shelves.
The driver is presented with a well-organized instrumentation display. Audio in the Fit is a 160-watt system with four speakers and includes CD and MP3 capability plus an auxiliary jack and USB interface. Sport models upgrade to six speakers and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition offered in the Fit Sport.
Efficient motivation comes from a 1.5-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder making 117 hp and 106 lb/ft. That power is channeled to the front wheels via a standard, smooth-shifting five-speed manual gearbox or optional five-speed automatic. If you opt for the automatic in a Fit Sport model, you also get steering wheel-mounted shift paddles that let you manually take control if you’re so inclined.
When it’s time to hit the gas station, the 2011 Fit shines even brighter. With the five-speed automatic, the base Honda Fit delivers up to an impressive 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined. And what if you insist on shifting for yourself with a traditional three-pedal setup? With the standard five-speed stick, all Fit trims register an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. With ever-volatile gas prices, the Fit offers peace of mind at the pump.
Fit comes standard with 15-inch wheels and upgrades to 16-inch alloys on the Fit Sport (in addition to chrome exhaust finish, body-colored underbody kit and spoiler and foglights) whose suspension tuning delivers sporty, confident dynamics that make the little hatchback a blast to drive. Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, ABS and a full complement of six airbags join the now-standard VSA to deliver a comprehensive safety package.
The 2011 Honda Fit is almost impossible to ignore. Superb fuel economy, sporty styling, agile handling and a spacious, surprisingly flexible interior create an all-around value package that other compacts simply can’t match. If you want a little car that thinks big, take a Honda Fit for a test drive. You’ll want to take it home and keep it there.
Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle
MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
