Gas prices continue to soar, yet all hope is not lost. There's a car out from Japan, small on the outside and big on the inside, that can edge its way through city traffic while being quite frugal on fuel. The 2008 Honda Fit lives up to the automaker's reputation for producing fuel-efficient cars. As a bonus, buyers get SUV-like cargo versatility -- seriously!
A do-it-all subcompact
Well put together, the Honda Fit LX stands out from the competition by adding a touch of class, like the multi-reflector headlights with body-colored bezels. It might not win any styling contest, but the Fit sure is aptly named, offering ingenious seating and cargo configurations. I found no less than eight different ways to arrange the backseat. The full-length flat passenger floor and rear "Magic Seat" with flip-up cushions and 60/40 flat-folding seatbacks allow amazing cargo flexibility.
At one time, I needed to load a big water container (18.9 liters): in a flash, I lifted the right cushion and laid the container underneath. Perfect fit. Two adults could still sit in the back, while I carried the rest of my gear in the trunk. I started thinking: maybe I could help my friends move after all. Honda claims that the Fit's cargo capacity increases from 603 to 1,186 liters. What is truly impressive, in my mind, is the number of possibilities to get that volume.
Everything you need
In front of the driver is a well-designed dashboard with a fairly comprehensive instrument panel and controls that are ergonomically positioned for the most part. I particularly liked the digital speedometer. All-around visibility is good, which helps the driver. However, a telescopic steering wheel would have been appreciated, not to mention more supportive front buckets.
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| Well put together, the Honda Fit LX stands out from the competition. |
A do-it-all subcompact
Well put together, the Honda Fit LX stands out from the competition by adding a touch of class, like the multi-reflector headlights with body-colored bezels. It might not win any styling contest, but the Fit sure is aptly named, offering ingenious seating and cargo configurations. I found no less than eight different ways to arrange the backseat. The full-length flat passenger floor and rear "Magic Seat" with flip-up cushions and 60/40 flat-folding seatbacks allow amazing cargo flexibility.
At one time, I needed to load a big water container (18.9 liters): in a flash, I lifted the right cushion and laid the container underneath. Perfect fit. Two adults could still sit in the back, while I carried the rest of my gear in the trunk. I started thinking: maybe I could help my friends move after all. Honda claims that the Fit's cargo capacity increases from 603 to 1,186 liters. What is truly impressive, in my mind, is the number of possibilities to get that volume.
Everything you need
In front of the driver is a well-designed dashboard with a fairly comprehensive instrument panel and controls that are ergonomically positioned for the most part. I particularly liked the digital speedometer. All-around visibility is good, which helps the driver. However, a telescopic steering wheel would have been appreciated, not to mention more supportive front buckets.
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| In front of the driver is a well-designed dashboard with a fairly comprehensive instrument panel. |