The second-generation Fit addressed nearly every complaint we had of the previous car. More power, more comfort, more functionality, and more features at the same budget-friendly price with virtually the same fuel economy. For the money, the 2009 Honda Fit Sport is the best car offered for sale in the U.S. for most people.
7.8 / 10
Dynamics
8.0 / 10
Engine Performance
Some clever engineering has netted a very slight but noticeable increase in power for 2009. The Fit is still a very frugal car, but it no longer feels "slow" or overtaxed.
8.0 / 10
Transmission Performance
The low-effort cable-linked five-speed manual shifter is still a model of excellence, offering the same precise gates and generally cooperative mechanicals. The enthusiast's choice.
7.0 / 10
Brake Performance
Brakes are now easier to modulate and offer a more intuitive pedal feel, even if our car's stopping distances were longer than the last Fit Sport we tested.
8.0 / 10
Steering Perfomance
The electric-assist power steering system has undergone revision. It's still "light" by most standards, but it now feels more like a derivative of the Civic Si's steering than a CR-V's -- and that's a good thing.
7.5 / 10
Handling
Electric VSA (vehicle stability assist) is now available on the Sport model which adds a measure of confidence and safety. At the limit of the modest tires' grip, the Fit Sport offers better-than-average feel and control.
8.5 / 10
Fun-to-Drive
Without question, the Fit Sport retains its fun-to-drive character despite some concessions that were made in the name of better ride comfort and competitive fuel economy. Currently, there's nothing in this segment that's as engaging to drive.
7.8 / 10
Comfort
8.0 / 10
Ride Comfort
Even a novice driver would notice the advances Honda made in this category compared to the 2008 model. Various methods were used, but the end result is a car that rides more smoothly and comfortably over a variety of surfaces.
8.0 / 10
Wind Noise
Obviously, this car's funny wedge shape works well at cutting through the wind. For this segment, the Fit is remarkably quiet.
7.0 / 10
Road Noise
Low rolling-resistance all-season tires are susceptible to transmitting road noise as the surface changes, but it's within tolerable levels.
8.5 / 10
Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access
For 2009, Honda addressed one of our chief complaints on the outgoing model, namely, front seat comfort: new armrest and dead-pedal, re-contoured seats, and the addition of a tilt AND telescoping steering wheel. Seats remain four-way manually adjustable, but offer far more comfort.
7.5 / 10
Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access
The rear seatback reclines narrowly with two fixed positions and the legroom has been increased slightly. Headroom remains generous enough for those who enjoy wearing a 10-gallon hat.
7.5 / 10
Driving Position
Where the previous Fits were designed to accommodate a singular body type, the 2009 model was designed for a broader range and the driving position is no longer limited. A tilt-telescope wheel is the noteworthy improvement.
8.0 / 10
Function
7.5 / 10
Headlight Illumination
Halogen plus fog lamps are standard on the Fit Sport.
7.5 / 10
Visibility
The thinner roof pillars including a larger front-facing "porthole" in the A-pillar improve outward visibility. Read headrests now stow flush to the top of the seatbacks also improving rear view.
8.5 / 10
Instrument Panel Layout
A subtle but effective update of the instrument panel makes the Fit even clearer and more legible than it already was. Floating white-on-black gauges turn cool blue/red at night. A new central panel displays instant/average fuel economy, as well.
8.5 / 10
Climate Control System Layout
Again, it was easy to operate before, and the new triad of knobs are even closer at hand. There's still no "Auto" feature, but the system couldn't be simpler.
8.5 / 10
Audio System Layout
The corporate Honda nav/audio head unit makes its way into the Fit this year, and while it does have some small buttons surrounding the perimeter of the screen, the depth of audio features and overall quality is exceptional and unique at this price point.
8.0 / 10
Secondary Control Layout
As with every Honda, thought was given to the placement and operation of the secondary controls. Ergonomics don't suffer for function.
9.0 / 10
Interior Storage
A marvel of clever design nets numerous and handily placed cubbies, a large glovebox and bottle holders.
7.5 / 10
Standard Cargo/Trunk Space
At 20.6 cu-ft, the Fit can accommodate about double what a typical compact car's trunk would, and it's easier to load/unload because of the big rear hatch. There are tie-downs, too.
9.0 / 10
Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)
Folding the second-row seatbacks (now a one-pull operation that no longer requires moving the front seats at all) expands the cargo capacity to near-crossover size. As before, the second-row seat bottoms flip up to accommodate tall items through the wide-opening rear doors.
6.5 / 10
Cupholders
Here's one item where the Fit could still use improvement. The two cupholders at the base of the center stack are too low and far forward and don't easily accommodate tall or narrow beverages like big energy cans. Honda did add two new convenient cupholders to the outboard edges of the dash, however, for take-away coffee cups.
8.4 / 10
Design/Build Quality
8.5 / 10
Exterior Design
Hard to believe it's an all-new exterior, but it is. It maintains the cuteness of the predecessor while somehow adding a bit more zoomy, boy-racer style for those who like that sort of thing. Overall, a successful redo.
8.5 / 10
Interior Design
Again, it would've been easier to leave well enough alone, but Honda managed to pack in even more "we should've thought of that" clever design into larger-than-it-seems interior.
7.5 / 10
Interior Materials
Despite some low-buck tactility, the interior materials still come off visually more expensive than many others at this price.
8.0 / 10
Interior Control Tactile Feel
This is another area where Honda tends to define "above-average." All the buttons, switches and dials operate with an assuredness and substantiality that speaks to the attention paid and longevity that will endure.
9.0 / 10
Squeaks & Rattles
Even in a preproduction prototype we had in early, there was nary a squeak or rattle or buzzing piece of trim. Solid.
9.0 / 10
Panel Fitment & Gaps
For the past several years, Honda have made it a priority to narrow the body gaps on all its products, and the Fit has been included. Paint quality is also very good.
8.0
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7.0 / 10
7.5 / 10
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9.0 / 10
6.5 / 10