Honda's Fit, Simply Fits Japan's Wants and Needs

Honda's Fit is was the number 1 sales volume leader in Japan last year. Its commodious interior and tight, compact exterior dimensions and excellent fuel economy helped it to convince practical minded shoppers while its cute styling lured in the rest. (Photo: Honda)

Last Thursday, January 9, 2003, the Japan Automobile Dealers Association declared that the Honda Fit (Jazz) was the top selling car in their jurisdiction of 2002. This information is based on a report from the Japan Times.

After 33 years at the top of the charts, the Toyota Corolla handed its title to Honda; however, the Corolla still stands firmly in second. Nissan's Micra sits in third place.

Fit sales doubled in the last year, whereas Corolla sales dropped by 4.3%. While Toyota revamped and tweaked its 2002 Corolla to fit the Japanese buyer's budgets, including a Special Edition released September of 2002 that included more features plus a lower price tag, it wasn't enough to outsell the competing Honda.

Toyota's Corolla, a sales leader around the world, fell to second place from its 33-year reign at the top of Japan's auto market. (Photo: Toyota)

The success of Honda's Fit is based on the Japanese consumer's high demand for intelligently packaged compact cars. According to the Japan Times, buyers are looking for externally small cars with spacious interiors.

The Fit incorporates the above qualities and more while being remarkably fuel-efficient - paramount for Japan where fuel costs are high. The little Honda's price isn't however, another factor in the Fit success equation.

The Fit incorporates the above qualities and more while being remarkably fuel-efficient - paramount for Japan where fuel costs are high. The little Honda's price isn't however, another factor in the Fit success equation.

While Honda sells its Fit (Jazz) in various world markets outside of Japan, there has been no announcement regarding its future availability in North America.