Nice review... thanks for sharing it!

 

WRT the CVT vs. m/t questions/answers above, my short list (from which I finally selected the Fit EX) only had m/t cars on it. An automatic simply wasn't an option. My wife's cars have all been autos, but not mine!

Due to the scarcity of m/t Fits, I was unable to test drive one - had to take the CVT out instead. Found that I actually didn't mind it. After reading about the low gearing of the m/t and "simulating" it with the CVT by downshifting with the paddles, I decided that there was more engine noise than I cared for at speed (3100+ @ 65mph vs. 2100 for the CVT). When I was younger, this would have been a plus, not so much now!

So I got the CVT, and it's working out fine. I do miss the m/t, but I have my vintage Bugs for that now. I've only used the paddles in Sport mode once or twice, and like the poster above said, it's not the same as a m/t. The hardest thing for me to get used to (aside from remembering to not stomp the brake pedal thinking it's the clutch) is the lack of shifts. I never realized how much modulation I give the throttle in an automatic as it works through the gears. With the CVT, you just provide as much throttle as you want and hold it there until you reach your desired speed.

YMMV, of course. If you can, go test drive both, decide what's most important to you, and then make your choice and enjoy it!

es

 

We couldnt decide which trans to go with so we got 1 of each.....:P