A word of advice if the 2009 Fit has the same features or lack thereof as in the 2007-2008 base versus sport, buy the sport. The 2008 base model takes some getting used to in the looks department. I installed the sport oem wheels and spoiler, tinted the windows and the car's looks improved dramatically. The cost incurred was still less than the difference of the sport over the base model, but hindsight being clear vision, I should have opted for the sport.

Here is why!!

1. The sport comes with an aux audio input for MP3 players, the base does not and it isn't an easy modification to add it. The stereo in the sport has 6 speakers and a little more power versus the base with 4 speakers. The base stereo sounds excellent as it is.

2. The sport comes with cruise control, the base does not and good luck finding a factory retrofit.

3. The sport comes with keyless entry/remote locking, the base does not, but you can opt for it.

4. The sport comes with the alloy wheels, spoiler, and ground effects, the base does not.

5. The sport comes with nifty steering wheel paddle shifters, the base does not nor do I care about automatic transmission paddle shifters in a vehicle that does 0-60 over 10 seconds. It is an econo box, not a performance machine in stock base or sport trim.

The 5 items above capture the basic differences and I think the 09 will follow suit.

A major comfort improvement I hope is incorporated in the 09 is a center console armrest. The Japanese domestic market version of this car comes with a different console that has an armrest. These are available here and are easy to install, but at a premium for around $300. Otherwise, the car is comfortable on moderate length trips. The seats feel comfortable to my 6 foot (stretching) 225 pound frame.

Handling is excellent considering the car looks like it would have a high center of gravity. It takes to corners very well.

Gas mileage is on par neither outstanding or thirsty. You can expect mid 30s on the highway as long as you aren't engaging the warp drive. In town is around 30mpg.

The bottom line is the car in either form is an excellent car and the preference of the sport is only an opinion. The base in my opinion looks a little dorky. The differences are not really that significant other than the big 5 mentioned above. If any one of the 5 are important, pay the $1500 or so extra for the sport.



Amount Paid (US$): 15,500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2008
Model and Options: Base