US Honda Fit Vs. Japanese Honda Fit

Justin Berkowitz
by Justin Berkowitz

Remember how US bumper regulations ruined the design of 1970s Porsches and so many other cars? Although the U.S. now has integrated bumpers (that defeat the purpose of minimizing costly repairs from "fender benders"), we still have a requirement for butt uglification. In looking at pictures of Honda's upcoming subcompact car, the 2009 Fit, I realized just how much our regulations affect car design. In this particular example, the American version is much longer – especially up at the front, where it seems like there must be an extra two feet ahead of the front wheels. The example should serve to remind all of us of one of the litany of complications that comes with Americanizing a car for sale. And back on the topic of the Fit, the shorter Japanese version looks better.

Justin Berkowitz
Justin Berkowitz

Immensely bored law student. I've also got 3 dogs.

More by Justin Berkowitz

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 35 comments
  • Bancho Bancho on Mar 26, 2008

    rtz : Some people (like me) appreciate hatchbacks and not just the "green-ness" of a vehicle. The Corolla is a sedan. The Corolla is more expensive. The Corolla is larger. The Prius is more expensive by $5k - $10k on average. Hybrid H@/H3/FJ don't exist and if they did would *still* be less efficient and much larger/heavier than I need. In addition, they're already expensive and would only become much moreso as hybrids. I don't know where you live, but where I live, and where I drive, a vehicle as small as the Fit along with its' other virtues really shines. It may not be for everyone, but it's a fine vehicle in its' own right. None of the alternatives aside from a Corolla can come close to competing with a Fit on price, and none compete on the overall package.

  • Joshvar Joshvar on Mar 26, 2008

    There are very few competitors to this car, and this one, to me, stood out last gen, and this will continue that. I still think the USDM one looks better, and I'm surprised to be in the minority. Sure, there's more overhang, but I think it helps even out its visual weight. But, it could just be that a JDM Sport would erase this difference.

  • Roundaboutguy Roundaboutguy on Mar 26, 2008

    John B - that is in U.S., not imperial gallons. I live in Maine, which is not quite Canada (but sometimes close!)

  • Kjc117 Kjc117 on Mar 26, 2008

    You guys think Honda can move 200,000 Fits in NA?

Next