I own a 2019 Honda Fit with 21k miles. It certified pre-owned and has 3 years left in the powertrain.
I've been pondering what car in terms of reliability and gas mileage is the gold standard. Honda states that highway is 40mpg. Pretty good on it's own right. Even though I've had 1 hour trips back and forth and have been getting 41-42mpg at the end of the week with combine grocery, work and leasure trips. Without being a hybrid, this little car has a lot to offer. First thing first, size can be deceiving. When you can pull down the rear seats flat, you'll find yourself having enough room to carry a 55-in TV back to your house. Ever buy a rolled up queen size mattress? Just bring down the front passenger seat all the way back angle it adjacent from back to front and you'll have 6 in before it hits the windshield.
Because it's a non-turboed 1.5 L you won't have that issue of gas seeping into the oil due to high fuel spray pressure while the pistons are so efficient, they're too cool to burn off the excess gas. Yes, it is a CVT. But even Scott has said Honda design their own to work with their engine. So I think they should be built to last. Don't forget this car is affordable even in this car market. Get yourself a base model with the CVT, pay less for gas and enjoy Honda gold standard of reliability.
Do you agree with me that this is the standard? If not, why and what car outcompetes it?
Scott! What do you think?
If not, why and what car outcompetes it?
The gold standard for the Honda Fit is actually the generation previous to yours, the GE Fit/Jazz (2007 - 2013). That generation had a bulletproof 5 speed torque converter AT along with the 1.5L L15 NA combo, is probably the epitome of reliability for the Fit model.
Yes, the CVT in the GK Fit/Jazz is not too bad, however, the overall quality of the vehicle is inferior to the previous generation.
Overall, it’s still the segment benchmark in a lot of countries where it’s sold. It’s a real bummer that Honda has decided to axe the Fit in a lot of markets and now only sell the GR Jazz or the GN City hatchback. I’m sure @dan has an opinion on this vehicle.
Here is Scotty’s opinion on the GE -
If not, why and what car outcompetes it?
Generally, tiny hatchbacks don't make any scene unless you have very specific needs.
It's a good tiny hatch - alright on the US market.
On euro / other markets, there are better options.
Worldwide:
The Toyota Yaris (XP210)
It's a better car in every way imaginable, from being the safest small car in the world (pioneering new types of airbags), to having some self driving capability, and according to Toyota the NON-hybrid does 60mpg highway (51mpg mixed).
You just can not beat a Euro Yaris.
The Daihatsu Sirion (aka Boon).
People who have them SWEAR by them - they're the last truly simple hatchback that's built to last many hundreds of thousands of miles.
The Suzuki Swift.
Both 1.4T and 1.0T that were offered with an Aisin 6 speed auto were masterpieces - reliable and super fun.
Also a honorable mention would be
my car, the Kia Stonic.
I know people in NA think Kias are nightmares, but that's only true for complex / expensive ones - not their Euro eco lineup.
It's better than the fit because although it's meh on economy, it's the only small car I've seen that's good not only in very dense cities, but also great for going 90mph on the highway and handles amazingly on twisty roads at 50mph.
Not to forget to mention the boot, the comfort, and the super reliable 1.4L
(based on the 1.4MPi gamma that's known to last over 300,000 miles even in very harsh conditions)
In the US:
There are only cars that are marginally better...
Mazda CX-3.
A reliable small SUV. But it's uncommon.
The Scion xD (made during or after 2010)
The 1.8L ZR-FE engine was absolutely bullet, and the 4 speed automatic is also just awesome. A much more powerful, more enjoyable car - trading off fuel economy (40mpg highway, 33 city) for better performance and comfort. But it's uncommon.
Also a honorable mention would be the
Scion iA, aka American Toyota Yaris, aka Mazda2.
It's powered by the same engine and gearbox as the Miata, so pretty much bulletproof too. A very nice driving expirance although the brakes aren't that great. But it's uncommon.
