I drove a Fit - here is my comparison

[Offshore1]

When I bought the Versa, I didn't test drive anything else. Well , that started to bother me; did I make a good decision? I have heard SO much good stuff about the Fit; I started to think I bought the wrong car, and should have bought a Fit.

Yesterday while bored @ work, I was on the Carmax site. They had a 2008 Fit sport, Red - 5spd. EXACTLY what I would have bought IF I were to buy a Fit. To top it off, it only had 2800 miles on it. (My V has 3000). I was interested cause if I liked it, it was going home with me since it was basically new.

After looking it over and test driving it here are my thoughts:The Fit is much smaller/narrower. The door was much closer to my left arm than the V and when shifting, my arm would touch the salesman's arm every shift. Made me feel like I was sandwiched in. There was no center arm rest either. The back seat was ok, but not as roomy as the V by a long shot - but it was ok / do-able. The Fit's rear cargo opening would be easier to load stuff and the cargo area seemed bigger, but the carpet / plastic in the cargo area seemed really low rent; the there were some nice cubbys back there. The Fit's front seats feel more comfortable to me, but the foot well area was (to me) tight. Felt like my feet were forced into a narrow area. Everytime I pushed in the clutch, the left side of my shoe would contact the left wheel well. Plus the clutch throw was real odd (short). The V has much more foot well room. The front seats on the Fit were on some kind of riser - the floor pan was formed so the seats were higher up, which reduced foot well room alot!The in town ride was firmer (jiggly) but hwy was fine. Acceleration in 5th (hwy) seemed to be better than the V. It was cool out, so I couldn't tell if the AC was good or not. Entry and exit is ok, but the rear entry exit is slightly more difficult. The Fit did seem to handle better - more confident cornering.

The V is built cheap, but the Fit seems to be even cheaper (is that possible).

The Fit's audio system sounded better and had a few more features, BUT no steering wheel controls or Blue tooth (could care less about BT). Plus it appears impossible to put a better radio in (which isn't important to me).

I do like the looks MUCH better on the Fit. I was trying to like it! I went there to buy the car. But after looking at the Fit and driving it; the V feels more like an upscale car (to me) in direct comparison. The V rides better, is SO much more roomy I don't understand why the V gets overlooked and the Fit gets all the hype. Am I missing something here? I understand there is an azz for every seat and a seat for every azz. . . . . . . but I was very disappointed; I had read SO much good stuff. . . . . . . . .

I guess the V is better than I thought. Oh - BTW: Since my V got around 800ish miles, I have been CONSISTENTLY getting 32.* to 33.* MPG. Never had a tank under 32 MPG (hand & Scanguage calculated)

Sorry for the long post.

[Versafied]

I agree with the room inside. I checked out the room in the Fit and that made my mind up. I'm 6'3" and 200lbs, so it was simply too small. I also like the looks of the V more. It seems wider then the Fit. Both are nice cars, and I think they are both smart choices, the V was just the right choice for me...

[Ginsu]

The Fit reminds me of the car that Calvin's parents drove in the Calvin & Hobbes comics. Its way too narrow-looking (its not actually that much skinnier than the V, but it makes you think so).

As for the Bluetooth: I grudgingly paid for it because I wanted the upgraded stereo/speakers/sub and it was in the same package. I have never owned any kind of BT headset or anything and I always made fun of those people who walk around in stores talking loudly with the earpiece on. BUT... holy ****, seriously, I'm blown away at how useful and fun it is in the Versa. I love how you can crank your music loud and not worry about missing a call because you can't hear the phone in your pocket (the stereo cuts out for incoming calls). The voice commands are also fun in a star trek kind of way, and there's also a digital memo pad for you to create messages or reminders for yourself or spouse or whoever.

Back to the Fit though, I'm surprised that they used an integrated stereo. 1) Why would ANYBODY use them? They're horrible. 2) It especially makes no sense that HONDA would use them. The brand is built around aftermarket sales.

[iluvmyVersa08]

Hey,

I too do not like the FIT. I don't like the outside appearance and the inside appearance. The Versa is so much roomier and much more comfortable. After all, I took it on a 3000 km road trip right after buying it. I loved every minute of being in that car. It made the long trip feel shorter. Plus I have every option in my Versa so it is great. The bluetooth feature is my favourite. I can leave my phone in my purse in the trunk, and I can still make and receive phone calls. It is great!!!

I think that Honda (at least where I live) is advertised alot more. People for some reason think that Honda's are the best. Personally I wanted a car that nobody I knew had. I love my Versa and would not trade it in for the world.

[the djay]

Before I got my Versa I test drove the Fit, the Vibe, the Rio, the Aveo, the Focus, the Accent, and the Yaris, and forgot all about seeing the Versa at a car show. I was in the process of purchasing the Accent when my 10 yr old son said "Daddy why don't we go and check out the Versa we saw at the car show?" right in front of the salesman. I told the salesman to expect us back in about an hour and we went to the nearest Nissan dealer. We checked out the V and test drove it and we both loved it. I called my wife up and told her we were driving up to see her at her work. We did and she loved the V as well, so I canceled the deal on the Accent and bought the V right out of the showroom. 55 km on the odometer when I got it last April and now 13,000 km to date and still love it. None of the other sub compact cars that I tried came close to it in comfort, and utility and economy and the main thing 'Build Quality'. Still feel like a teen with his first car when I drive it.....Fun to drive!!

[Slither]

Don't forget 2009 FIT is a bigger Fit.

[Riceball88]

What draws me to the Fit is the exterior and aftermarket support. There are TONS of parts for the Fit, and hardly any for the Versa. The Versa's space and interior are a lot better though. Overall I'm glad I went with the Versa. You get a lot more for the money.

[grogman]

i had to buy the right car. i will be reminded 59 times now that i better like my car. i had a car once that i was paying for and about 2 years into it i really wished i didn't choose that car. i was buying a rio last month and the place was closing up i signed over a downpayment and the guy behind the desk told me once i walk out of the showroom, if i change my mind i lose a thousand bucks. so i drove away and had the most gawdawful feeling and i called the guy behind the desk 3 minutes later and told him i didnt feel comfortable with my choice. make a long story short i researched and researched and researched all labor day weekend and i ended up getting the versa because i wanted the best car for my budget. and for once in a long time i think i made the right decision. i hate buying cars cuz the salesman are vultures but nissan right now is seeing a resurgance with smart styling and quality construction and having a nissan logo on a subcompact can't be a bad thing. i get looks all the time and really it can't be me lol. it's the car and people come up to me and ask me about my car and girls give me their numbers...just kidding on last count lol. so i will get back to you over the years and let you know if i still like my choice. out.

[OKVersa]

The Versa is a superior car - except for the cup holders and visors.

Nissan has missed the boat by NOT marketing the Versa to soccer moms and grandparents. Two weeks ago we took our grandkids on a 120 mile day trip. They are ages 15, 11, and 7. The 11-year old rode in the front with me and grandpa rode in the back with the other two. Grandpa and I are not small people.

Even the center seat has a shoulder belt. They are comfortable and easy to use for kids.

We are also remodeling our house. We took home new tile for the bathroom, new flooring for the dining room, a new kitchen island and an unassembled cafe set dining room set. The people at the furniture store laughed, but when it easily fit in, they all asked, "What kind of car IS this??"

We even haul 8ft trim and boards by running it up between the front seats.

The hatch rides fantastic yet gives you the "feel" you are in a mid-sized SUV. I drove a Jimmy and a Blazer for years, and the back seat of the Versa has more leg room.

It's NOT a kid car! It's a family car with a luxury ride.

We even had an Altima for 2 weeks and if someone GAVE me an Altima, I would trade it in for another Versa.

We've had our V for two years, and it is just as quiet going down the road as it was in the beginning.

Needless to say, I love this car!

[Knightro2]

I worked at Office Depot as a second job when I was first starting out in my career and always laughed (and got pissed off) at people who would come in and buy a huge desk set that came in multiple large boxes and wanted to try and take it home in a Corolla or Miata. Some people amaze me that they couldn't wait the extra day for free delivery. Maybe that tells me alot about the people who drive the deathtrap Miatas. lol

[KimberKenobi]

I've not even seen advertising for the V... and I've seen at least 2 commercials for the Fit...

then again, I really don't watch TV that much.

I feel the V is definitely more car for the $$ than the Fit could ever be.

[CopyChief]

When I bought the Versa about 18 months ago, I did the same kind of comparison shopping as all of you. I looked at the Fit, too -- and although I couldn't find one to test drive because they were all sold, I did ride in one while a salesman was driving. I was impressed with the convenience features ("magic seats", etc.) and the look and feel of the car. I liked the small turn radius and how "tight" it felt. But it did still feel like an econo car in a lot of ways.

I was floored when I drove the Versa. I was just blown away by what felt like a better build quality than I was expecting in a car like this. Drove one with the CVT and bought it the same day.

I see Fits on the road and always feel secure in my decision.

[OKVersa]

I live 100 miles away (one way) away from the furniture store, so delivery was not an option. It would have cost more to deliver it than the set was worth.

It's a 30 x 30 table top with all the unassembled chairs that go with it.

That was on top the kitchen island, the five boxes of laminate flooring, the three boxes of tile and the groceries we bought at Sam's.

I still remember the faces of the men who loaded into our Versa when they were so sure it wouldn't FIT. (pun intended.)

[marleyfan]

I did ride in one while a salesman was driving.

Why would the salesman be driving if YOU were interested in buying one? When I was looking there weren't any around here either but I drove the demo model they had on the lot. The Versa felt more like a luxury car to me. Much more plush and comfortable. The Fit felt a bit cheap and cramped.

[Z-Rated Versa]

the fit is poplular because it boasts the honda badge. and there was already a list of mods that were capatable for it on release.

the versa will catch up eventually, and then it will crush the slightest thought of the fit off of the planet.

[Saphira22]

I've seen a few Fits around town and just simply dont like the design, then again I've never really been a Honda person and the V was actually my first import. And I feel confident for a import, the V was the best choice, I played around with the Honda website and looked at a couple and just wasnt satisfied with the build quality and what I was getting for the price.

I work alot and spend alot of time on the road, and considering I'm just starting my professional career, I honesty need a solid car thats comfortable to ride in, has some style to it, but not a play car like my Mustang was. The Fit and all its aftermarket toys make it just that, a smart gas saver, but easily a toy as well. Eventually when I settle down a little more and am not spending 80-90% of my time on the road, I'm sure there will be some aftermarket stuff for the V that I can use to spruce it up. For now though, I'm content and very happy with my V for the comfortable ride, quality, and peace of mind I have when I'm driving it. The Fit just didn't quite match that standard.