On Sun, 07 Jan 2007 20:10:15 -0800, jim beam
<spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote:

>alfred wrote:
>> Hello,
>>
>> Does anyone have any experience with the Honda FIT Paddle shifters on the
>> Sport? I was just wondering if they really shift like a semi automatic and
>> let you bring the car up to a high rpm in each gear before shifting or is it
>> more a gimick?
>
>in this instance, since the transmission is really a cvt, it's a
>gimmick. but it does give you convenient two-hands-on-the-wheel control
>if you want it.

Actually it is a 5-speed AT. They wouldn't have much purpose if they
didn't let you take it up to redline before shifting.

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/...?ModelName=Fit

Consumer reports tested the base Fit with the same AT but no paddles.
It was 2.5 sec slower to 60 (12.4 vs. 9.9) and got 2 less mpg than the
manual. I doubt it is any faster with the paddles but it might be
more fun to drive than the regular AT.

>> Also what is the basic driveability and performance with that car compared
>> to a Civic? The dealers in my area never seem to have one in stock so I
>> can't seem to find any here. I've seen them on the road and they look
>> narrower and smaller than the Civic. I'm just wondering about comfort and
>> driveability and handling etc?
>
>if you want real handling, you need a wishbone accord or a pre-2001
>wishbone civic. or integra.

The Civic Si might not be bad. The Fit Sport does handle well also
but the Civic will be faster and more civilized. The Fit is the best
of all the new small cars.

>>
>> If I was going to get one it would be the FIT Sport with auto, which I think
>> would be about $16,400.00. Or for $3,000.00 more I could get a Civic EX with
>> auto. I am also wondering if the FIT Sport is worth it for $3,000.00 less in
>> terms of value for what you get in a FIT Sport Auto vs. what you get in the
>> Civic EX Auto.
>>
>> I know that mileage is almost identical...

Is the $3K the difference in street price or MSRP. The Fit is
apparently in such short supply that you won't be able to deal on them
like you could on a Civic. It the MSRP is $3K higher, I bet you could
get the Civic for about $1000 more than you would pay for the FIT. If
that is the case I would say it is a no-brainer to get the Civic.