25,000 Mile Review: Excellent Performance
David
on 10/29/2016
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating:
5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating:
5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating:
5
Value Rating: 5
I am at 25K on the odometer and from the Sea to over 11,000 feet in elevation climb in my 2015 Honda FIT it has been excellent performance. This is my second FIT (other was 2009 FIT) and there is really no reason to own any other car. It is the best value, and it can haul 4 passengers comfortably or 2 passengers and bicycles and tons of luggage. I recently returned from a 2000+-mile trip from Los Angeles to Denver via Utah, and I-70. This Interstate, if you are not familiar, requires climbs to over 11,000 feet up and down with switchbacks and the FIT handled the speed and turns perfectly including heavy rain downpours. It is one of the most challenging Interstate highways in the world through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Some people won't drive it in any car; it is sometimes very remote over 100 miles between exits. You will not be able to use all the power that the FIT engine has without getting a fist full of tickets. Utah has speed limits of 80 MPH and the FIT had no problem maintaining that and more for hundreds of miles. I was able to take my hands off the wheel and the FIT kept straight line smooth. There has been just one recall on my FIT to replace the door handles. My FIT also had a free windshield warranty replacement when it was new due to misalignment of the glass in the factory causing stress cracks in one corner. I use 91 Octane Fuel (91 not required) most of the time and always Mobil One Synthetic Oil Changes (Synthetic not required). All my servicing is done at a Honda Dealer (not required). My best highway only MPG was 47. On the 2000-mile trip to Denver and back the Avg mileage was 38 overall combining the highway, mountain climbs, and city driving. Overall average mileage since new with 75% city and 25% highway has been 34. These mileage figures are with a 30-Pound rear Hitch permanently installed and for the 2000 mile Denver trip carrying a 30lb bicycle outside, one passenger, plus 175lbs of luggage and equipment. Not bad! There are now available hidden under the bumper hitches made for FIT and I have one of them--only the receiver sticks out. I have the Leather Navigation Options. The FIT Satellite Radio and Navigation is perfect and much easier to use than Lexus, Mercedes, and Audi (I have used all of them)--Primarily because the FIT has Touch Screen. Programming is simple on the Touch Screen. Speaker sound is excellent and it comes with HD radio too. Steering wheel has great controls for the volume on the left and cruise control on the right. What frustrates me everyday is not being able to program the GPS while the car is moving--it's a Honda Safety thing--but it really makes it less safe having to pull off the road in the middle of nowhere and get back on again. Not even the passenger can program it moving! No matter how many times I accidentally scratch the FIT leather with my keys or jewelry, it shows nothing. The leather driver seat is very comfortable--my Back thanks Honda. Tires: It comes with Firestone all season and through 25K, not one puncture or failure to date. These tires, like most new car tires are rated to last to just 40K. Looks like they could, but I will be looking to replace them at 30K with softer tires that grip better in wet--currently researching. The FIT comes with a mini-spare, wish that it had room for a full spare tire because the FIT tire size is not one that is regularly stocked by tire dealers if you need to replace one on the road quickly. The paint has held up well and I get compliments all the time on the shine--people think that I wax it all the time and I don't. Biggest selling point for FIT is the cargo room--I stand up two bikes in the back and lots of luggage OR I have moved apartments and homes with tons of crates and equipment securely. The FIT Lane Watch Live Camera is the best--I hate driving other peoples cars without it now and people that drive my car want it--but its a Honda patent and you have to buy Honda to get it. I will just sum up and say that unless you need a Pick-up Truck for work or you need a Mercedes to impress someone for your livelihood, or you need a Jeep for snow conditions, the FIT is perfect for all lifestyles and is not only a great value, buying one for the long term is the best way to set yourself on the road to financial security. Don't waste money leasing to impress your family friends--Buy a great practical useful reliable car and drive it until the wheels fall off if you can. FIT is one of those cars.