On a 109 horsepower car, paddle-shfting is mainly a novelty- though the shift requests are reasonably quick and the 5 gears enable hesitation-free downshifts to make the tiny, rev-loving engine feel more willing. It's a noisy little unit though, especially at full throttle in the top of third when you'll wonder if it will ever shift up. Fit loves gear-hunting on long hills, too. Thankfully, shift quality is good- but learning to drive stick can save you $1,200 in this case.

Safe? Yes. Solid? Not so much
A full selection of airbags as well as antilock brakes are included as standard kit under Honda's 'Safety for Everyone' mantra. Fit's also earned top crash-test marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Being a Honda means its safe, reliable and sensible.

It's about as much protection as under-$20,000 buys, though the ride might make you think twice. It's somewhat noisy, and the tall body is easily pushed around by sidewinds. Certain conditions make Fit feel lighter than it really is- and there are competitors which exist with a more solid and planted feel.

No complaints arise during city driving. The Fit feels nimble and slips in and out of traffic easily. The responsive transmission benefits it here as well, while tall windows and a commanding driving position add up for great visibility. It's simple to park, though the turning radius was larger than expected.

Another international superstar
An interesting comparison to the Fit is to Saturn's new Astra. Comparably equipped, they're priced in the same ballpark, though their vast differences create an interesting contrast. Astra annihilates the Fit in the ride, handling, and braking departments- and its interior offers a far more premium feel as well. It's an upper-scale economy car for the driving enthusiast.

But Fit's transmission is far more responsive and aggressive, and the interior is easier to live with too. Astra's European heritage has given it a magnificent feel of solid quality for the money- but it falls way, way short on usable storage space and ease of use. The pair represents two different approaches, but they're worth checking out together.

Building one
The 2008 Honda Fit starts at $14,980 with a five-speed manual transmission, 14-inch wheels and a CD Player. An automatic transmission can be added for $1,200. The mid-range Fit LX adds air conditioning, cruise control and power accessories, this one starting at $17,380. The exciting Fit Sport tester comes loaded and starts around $19,600 with a five-speed manual. An updated model is expected in the near future as well.


Photo Credit : Honda