The safety options on the fit were few and didn't increase weight by that much at all. They are throwing in a 1.5 L engine and auto tranny to lower the mpg to 33 city and 38 highway miles per gallon. Which is a far cry to what the rest of the world is getting. A 1.3 L with a CVT7 tranny would be much better and would increase the mpg significantly. But Honda is scared that the new Fit will rip into the sales of the new Civic and Civic Hybrid. I can't believe I waited so long for this POS!!!! The original Fit over seas is way better. Honda just lost 5 car sales, as my friends and I are going else where like SCION! I'm sure some will still buy the Fit, while others will be disappointed by Honda and will switch to a different car brand like TOYOTA! Honda's idea of attracting young buyers to become loyal Honda customer is actually back firing as many people that I know are pissed off about the way Honda has configured the Fit. Honda might gain more customers than they lose, but they are also increasing the sales of Toyota & Scion where most of the disappointed Honda Loyalists are now turning to. No more Hondas for me!

 

+1
I think everyone is on the same page with this one. The poor fuel economy defeats the whole reason behing buying such a small car. I might as well buy a slightly used Scion or Matrix. I'm sure this isn't the reaction honda was expecting after all the buz it generated in anticipation of this launch. Oh well. They could at least offer the IDSI/CVT7 as an option.

 

I guess the board will be weeded out soon then...

 

Few safety options? Front/side/curtain airbags on a $13K car is a bargain! I'm satisfied with the 33/38 MPG rating. Remember the US Fit is slightly larger and heavier due to different bumpers, side/curtain airbags, drive by wire system. Its also probably geared differently to allow for better acceleration and power. Keep in mind that Honda also underrates many statistics. I wouldn't be surprised if the Fit does 35/42 in the real world.

 

I've read several posts concerning the safety options the Fit comes with, and how great a bargain it is. EXcuse me but the Hyundai Accent comes standard with six airbags: Dual front airbags, front-seat mounted side-impact airbags, and roof mounted side-curtain airbags.

Also, the Accent comes with 4-wheel disc brakes (The Fit has rear drum brakes) with ABS, and electronic brake force distribution, so the Fit isn't breaking any new ground here.

Also, there are comments like "I guess the board will weed out soon". What makes a great forum? Lots of participants.

 

naaa, fuel economy ratings are done by the goverment, not Honda. I personally think the real world fuel economy for the average fit driver to be lower than the estimates as the EPA seems to be a little optimistic in their estimating. I'd guess 30/36 if I were driving it here. Though I'm sure there will be a few people who live in areas more prone to good fuel economy that'll do much better, possibly higher than 38. But still the vast majority will be under that.

To make up for it the fit seems to be very versitile, more so than all the other small cars on the market here. That, I think, makes up for the lower fuel economy.

 

Why not wait till it's on dealer lots? I'm sure we will see the real MPG once a few are on the road.

 

Look at the overall picture... Standard features of the Accent does not even come close to those offered by the Fit.

 

Yeah, the Fit comes with AIR standard.

 

Where can I get a list of all the standard features on the Fit? Their official page doesn't list them all.

 

the drum rear brakes on US version?

 

Who wants a sticky brake caliper on a grocery getter? If you are not racing, rear drum brakes are more than adequate since they only provide less than 20% of the stopping power. For go, drums are just as good as any. For show, drums may not look as nice thru your 18" rims.

 

http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2150

 

I am extremely happy with the Fit. I like the MPG at 38. My only disappointment thus far is rear drums. Just a personal preference.

 

Ok, I did a little research, and although I don't think Hyundai lists all the obvious standard features in detail (tilt wheel, etc), it is clear that the Fit has more to offer. The major items: air conditioning, power windows, power door locks are standard on the Fit, but optional on the Accent. Cruise control is optional on the Fit if you get the sport package, but not even an option on the Accent.

There are features that the Accent has that the Fit doesn't:
-172 watt sound system with 6 speakers and equalizer (Fit has 120 watt 4 speaker with equalizer standard).
- 4 wheel disc brakes.
-Electronic brake force distribution.
-Drivers seat and rear center folding armrest with cupholder.

One thing that has always bothered me about the Fit: The wheel wells need to be bigger. For instance, on the Scion xA, they made the wheel wells quite large to accomodate 18" aftermarket wheels. The small wheel wells on the Fit make it harder to install an 18" wheel. I'm not sure they would give you much clearance for a tire with much of a sidewall. You'd pretty much be putting rubber bands on. Yes, this is a sub-compact, but it looks less aggressive with the smaller wheel wells, whereas the xA looks much more aggressive.

All things considered, I am now starting lean back toward the Fit. Of course the biggest factor will be price. If they can keep it around $13,000 like they said, I will probably buy the Fit.

 

Ohhh Accent has optional heated mirrors, *nice*

still think the fit is the better car tho

 

[QUOTE=

All things considered, I am now starting lean back toward the Fit. Of course the biggest factor will be price. If they can keep it around $13,000 like they said, I will probably buy the Fit.[/QUOTE]

Guess you're not getting "weeded " so soon then.
and yes other views are good, but this is a FIT forum

 

What better place then to express views that would both support the Fit, and contradict it? Unless of course the form of government here is socialism, then we could end up in jail for saying bad things about the Fit (in Canada you can be thrown in jail simply for verbally threatening someone).

 

Even if the features on Accent and Fit were identical, I will pay more for Honda. I will pay for the reliability and longevity. I know Hyundai came a long way but they still are not Honda. Just my two cents.

 

I'm in full agreement with saintzany. Hyundai doesn't come close to Honda for quality, durability, resale value, and reliability I'll be the first guy at the showroom when the Fit goes on sale. I'll have my face pressed up against the dealership window at dawn until the place opens for business. You could say I'm excited.