Hi all, Im new to this forum and am having difficulties finding info on the topic Im about to discuss. Im interested in buying a center console with the armrest for my husband's 2011 Honda Fit with a manual transmission. I've read here and there that installing it may make it difficult to manipulate the gear box, but havent read anyone who has installed one on the Fit with a manual transmission. So....I was wondering if any of you who have a manual transmission 2011 Honda Fit have experienced this? Also, do the consoles only come in black? Thanks for the help!!!

 

It can interfere if your elbow is too low when shifting.

My arm and elbow is just high enough to avoid hitting it.

And of course, you assume all liability in case you get into an accident, as Honda -officially- states the armrest is NOT for manual transmission Fits.

As for color, I think its the only option considering the Fit's interior doesn't have many options either.

 

I bought and installed the OEM rest. I don't find it interferes with stick shifting at all.

 

Similar but slightly off topic question, does that optional arm rest fit on Sport models that already come with that minivan-like fabric armrest? Or does it have to be removed?

 

The console-mounted heavy duty optional armrest from Honda replaces the stock armrest that is mounted to the driver's seat back. The Honda armrest kit contains a plastic plug to cover the hole in the side of the seat back from the absent stock armrest.

 

Ahh i see, thanks for the info, i want that armrest since it looks a little lower then the stock one which feels too high for me.

 

The warnings from Honda on the accessory center console armrest are to protect themselves from liability suits (that would only come from very clumsy drivers). As others have posted, the armrest really doesn't get in the way once the driver gets used to it. Another thing- for "spirited" driving, the armrest can be rotated straight up between the seat-backs to keep it completely out of the way.

Woops, one more "another thing". The armrest that you are writing about is not a "console". The armrest bolts to the center console that is already in the car. Your confusion might be due to the first generation (GD3) Fit that had an available accessory JDM combination center console with built-in storage armrest. These were not available generally from U.S. Honda dealers, and had to be special- ordered. A good source for the center armrest for your husband's Fit is www.collegehillshonda.com. They also have an on-line installation video, as well as PDF instructions (instructions come packed with the armrest kit also).

 

Your guess is right. The center armrest is just a little lower than the stock side-mount rest, and is MUCH more comfortable. The "storage" in the armrest is kind of stretch- not much room. In mine I keep a small microfiber cloth and my cell phone, and that is about all that it will hold.