Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Honda Fit

If you live in San Francisco and find yourself looking for fuel efficiency while hauling goats, then the Honda Fit might be your ride. This week’s reader reviewer certainly recommends it. He and his wife not only own the brand-spanking-new 2009 Honda Fit, they also have an ’08 version for comparison. Gas-friendly and apparently spacious enough for small livestock, keep reading to find out why else the Fit gets their endorsement. Also, submit your own review here.

“I’m a big guy, and while the 2008 Fit was a little bit tight, the 2009 offers more room: Foot room, hip room, headroom is still fine. It’s a pleasure to drive, though the 2009 isn’t quite as “hot” as the 2008, which I also happen to own. (When the 2009 came out, my wife bought that, gave it to me, and took the 2008, so I really do know them both; it made sense since I have the longer commute.)

“This is a great car for the 21st century: Yes, I’ve read the EPA rated miles; I’m a good, and careful driver, but I get 28 mpg in town and 36-39 on longer road trips (that’s gas purchased into miles traveled, not from the “mpg gauge” on the dash, which is a little generous). Plus, the “rep” of this VTEC engine is that it picks up a few mpg after the first several thousand miles; I’ll let you know. I’m driving the Sport with a manual transmission. I never even test-drove the automatic, but why bother? The manual repays the effort.

“Is there a drawback? Even on the Sport, which comes with a fold-down armrest, I want a center console. As with the 2008, I’m sure someone will produce a console-armrest combo that will fit in where the fold-down goes now. Oh, the upper glove box includes a USB plug and can securely hold an iPod, which when plugged in is fully controlled by the stereo. In short, follow your bliss: Give the car a shot and see if you agree.

“I bought the original 2008 Fit because the magic seats meant there was room with the seats folded down to carry all sorts of stuff, including bales of hay and two big goats (220 pounds each). And that’s still true.”