2009 Honda Fit

[G35X]

“ Fallen?    I think it is how far North Americans have RISEN that they are prepared to accept engines with less than 8 cylinders, cars smaller than 2 tonnes of road hugging weight and getting 40 mpg rather than 10 mpg.

Seems like a great step forward to me.” - tpl

I alos agree totally.  Soon trying to identify your prowess or muscularity by a V-8 Camaro or even fart-canned Civic will no longer be cool at all.  At the red signal start dash they will be hopelessly out-accelerated (silently) by a small EV or hybrid.

[Serniter]

I would've agreed with the step forward if this trend (towards small cars) occurred voluntarily. Right now, it seems to be a reaction to a failing economy and rising gas prices. Folks are just trying to maximize returns on their dollar, and as an unintended consequence, learning benefits of small cars.

[The Mighty Duck]

The exterior design of the new Fit is very nice, much better than the previous one. I agree that the interior is where the Fit falls short, at least as far as aesthetics and comfort are concerned. The overall design, while amazingly functional, has too many  elements that don't integrate very well IMO. The seats seem thinner and less well padded than the ones in my Versa, especially in back. That might be why Honda was able to engineer those remarkable folding tricks into them.

That's the trade-off.  The second-row in the Stow'n'Go Caravan is the same way.  Personally, as a potential Fit buyer, it doesn't bother me much: I'll be sitting up front most of the time. 

And the magic seats are brilliant, and well worth the thinner cushions imo.

I thought the interior of the last-gen Fit was fine, but I haven't seen a new one in the flesh yet, so I'll reserve judgement until I do. 

[kevlar]

I would've agreed with the step forward if this trend (towards small cars) occurred voluntarily. Right now, it seems to be a reaction to a failing economy and rising gas prices. Folks are just trying to maximize returns on their dollar, and as an unintended consequence, learning benefits of small cars.

the reasons don't really matter imo.  90 percent of the time people don't need their big SUVs etc.  i just got back from LA and driving around on their highways really accentuates how obsessed NA's are with big cars but never utilize them.   they have high occupancy lanes on most of their highways and only 15 percent or less of the cars could use them.  while i was driving along at 50 mph in my minivan....ugh...... everyone else was almost completely stopped.