09 Honda Fit vs. 09 Nissan Versa

[barrist]

Hey I am choosing between these two compact cars.

They're both rated well in fuel economy.

The Versa i believe is higher rated in safety.

Versa has more cargo space but is a larger car.


I test drove an 08 Fit, because the dealer didn't have any 09 automatics. I was actually a bit underwhelmed. The acceleration was a bit weak. It was a pretty noisey ride, especially on the highway.

I test drove a Versa 09, and it seemed like a more smooth ride. The higher horsepower engine gave it better acceleration, and the CVT transmission is pretty smooth (although I know some don't like it). The interior has a more classic look.

Does anyone have any experience with the 09 Fit? I know that it has a higher horsepower engine this year as well as a few other redesigns.

I like the exterior of the new Fit a bit better as well.


Thanks in advance.

[sunnybono]

Hey I am choosing between these two compact cars.

They're both rated well in fuel economy.

The Versa i believe is higher rated in safety.

Versa has more cargo space but is a larger car.


I test drove an 08 Fit, because the dealer didn't have any 09 automatics. I was actually a bit underwhelmed. The acceleration was a bit weak. It was a pretty noisey ride, especially on the highway.

I test drove a Versa 09, and it seemed like a more smooth ride. The higher horsepower engine gave it better acceleration, and the CVT transmission is pretty smooth (although I know some don't like it). The interior has a more classic look.

Does anyone have any experience with the 09 Fit? I know that it has a higher horsepower engine this year as well as a few other redesigns.

I like the exterior of the new Fit a bit better as well.


Thanks in advance.

Although I have no experience with Nissan, but a mechanic once told me that if that CVT tranny goes, then you are better off throwing the vehicle in the garbage than trying to repair or replace it. You might want to do a google search on the CVT tranny 1st.

Good Luck!!

sk

[vek]

I'd go for the fit, without question. Reliability and resale should be stronger, and its a fun drive.

I'm suprised that you mention that safety is supposedly better on the Versa. I was under the impression that the Fit was top of its class.

[barrist]

This is the source i have for the nissans safety:

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2006/12/subcompact_cras.html

this was for the earlier models, and i believe the 09 fit has a new body structure that's supposed to be safer, so it may be differnet his year.

[LoveRFD]

The Versa is quite bigger than the Fit as well. I would go with the Versa, it has better performance/price ratio.

[dshiu]

the new 09 fit has a larger engine and it has i-vtec (now 117hp, more than 7th gen civic lol) so that should be faster than the versa

and i personally think honda's material quality is better than the versa and it has a better interior and exterior design as well. the versa looks boring

http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/09/2009_JDM_Honda_Fit.jpg
http://www.optimumautos.com/audata/pictures/VEHICLE/2009/Nissan/80NIGEF1_wmed.jpg

[downloader]

The new fit has a total make over for the int. the dash is impressive

[barrist]

yep i think im pretty much decided on the fit unless the test drive proves disappointing.

thanks for all the help!

[boyoflondon]

I personally think the FIT is overall a much nicer looking vehicle.

[Ryu69]

just bought a 09 fit sport AT. don't regret it. good luck trying to get anything off the MSRP though. i was at richmond honda last weekend when i bought it, there were lineups to test drive the new 09 fit.

[1337rice]

technically...the 09 Fit is a lot better than the 08 Fit in a couple of things...it's about 40kg heavier, has side airbags now, 4 wheel disc brakes as standard, more HP, has the ACE structure and a bigger body...

but what i don't really like is the exterior styling...i like the 08 version better
the front grille looks like the Euro Civic Type R, which is like the ugliest Civic ever to be made (in my opinion)

btw, does the Fit still have that available option for paddle shifters just like the 08?

[Ryu69]

technically...the 09 Fit is a lot better than the 08 Fit in a couple of things...it's about 40kg heavier, has side airbags now, 4 wheel disc brakes as standard, more HP, has the ACE structure and a bigger body...

but what i don't really like is the exterior styling...i like the 08 version better

btw, does the Fit still have that available option for paddle shifters just like the 08?

nope. no paddle shifters on the canadian models. even the US models has navigation option too.

but honestly, why would you need paddle shifters for the fit?

[1337rice]

dunno, just wondering...because they had that option for last year's model and i was thinking why would they add those....since its got a better engine, i thought they would still go keep that option

[dorway]

I faced the same situation like yours and test drived both 09 cars several days ago . The test drive experience is almost the same with barrist. And I think Versa is ugly from a particular angle. FIT has a nicer look.
Based on spec, FIT's cargo space is larger than Versa's, both when seat folded and unfolded.

The summary,
Versa's pro: more powerful, more comfortable, quieter, exceptional rear leg room, inexpensive
Fit's pro: new generation, nicer look, steering control, a little bit larger cargo room, flat cargo room, made in Japan

It's up to you which items are more important to you.
I finally chose Versa.

[downloader]

There is no more spare tire in the higher trim models of the fit, just a compressor and a can of tire repair gunk

[Zukered]

There is no more spare tire in the higher trim models of the fit, just a compressor and a can of tire repair gunk

Not quite--it seems it's tire repair goo for automatic Fits across all '09 trims; the manual transmission Fits still have a spare tire on all trims.

I have an '08 Fit. I would've loved all the interior improvements of the new Fit, but didn't like the look of the '09s. And I wouldn't have gotten $1000 back from the government for getting the manual version :D

[mega56]

I currently drive the 09 Fit Sport Manual transmission and its a pretty solid car. I don't like the overall looks of the versa (from side profile, it looks like it has a saggy butt). Go online and search for reviews of the 09 fit and you won't find many bad points (maybe price and availability). They are in very high demand right now.

you can get the 1000 PST instant rebate for both auto and manual transmission on the 09 model.

One good point for the versa is that you don't have to wait. If you're looking for a specifc trim and color for the 09 fit, expect to wait a month.

[Zukered]

I currently drive the 09 Fit Sport Manual transmission

...

you can get the 1000 PST instant rebate for both auto and manual transmission on the 09 model.


I live in Ontario so unfortunately we don't get a provincial rebate on the Fit. I was referring to the federal eco-rebate program, which has been discontinued for the '09 model year.

[ES_Revenge]

I test drove an 08 Fit, because the dealer didn't have any 09 automatics. I was actually a bit underwhelmed. The acceleration was a bit weak.

Well you are looking at buying a Fit or Versa, so how can you expect it to not be weak? :confused:

Unless they bring out a Fit Si or Versa SE-R, I don't think you're gonna be all that impressed with the acceleration.

The 09 Fit is apparently a bit better than the outgoing model. A Car and Driver review mentioned that the old Fit, it "felt like you were racing the engine all the time" and getting up to even 45mph was full of drama, lol. But the newer one they said was a little improved...

[bmnb4tches]

Think of it this way. The Versa is an aging design dating back from 2004 better known the Nissan Tiida elsewhere in the world. The new generation Honda Fit is just redesigned and brand new.

The Fit is more fuel-efficient then the Versa, and had rave reviews all around since the previous generation started production back in 2001. I would take the Fit.