Prius Killer - Hybrid Honda Fit?

Its probably not fair to respond since I haven't looked at a Fit and I own a Prius but why let that stop me. When I first looked at the Prius, the thing that grabbed my attention was that it looked so small (my last three cars were full size). Then we got inside and I was amazed. I felt like I had as much room as we have in our Taurus. So there we had a car that looked like a compact on the outside but felt like a full-size (or big mid-size) inside, Then I drove it and felt it drove like a luxury car. OK maybe I romanticizing a bit. But I doubt the Fit can fit that bill.

So no, its still the Prius for me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cooljw @ May 12 2006, 06:07 PM) [snapback]254434[/snapback]</div>

why do people buy 60-80k luxury cars when they could get a 20k family sedan

same thing's gonna apply here. prius looks like it has more commodities inside than the honda fit does. depends on what the buyer fancies.

 

If the hybrid Fit hits your specs and is SULEV, I've already decided to buy it. My wife took the current Fit for a spin and wanted to buy it on the spot.

 

I personally would easily go for a FIT Hybrid if I hadn't already gotten a Prius. In fact when I saw the FIT overseas a while ago, I said to myself that's a great car that I would like to buy. I think the design is utilitarian and beautiful. Make it a hybrid and I'm sold. The Prius has more room than I really need, and is too long to easily park in the city.

 

My Prius makes the 4th Toyota I have bought new since last century.
I am sold on the quality, durability, and reliability of the cars. I have own many, many different brands in the past. So for me, I'll stick with Toyota. BTW, I'm getting 55mpg in my Prius. Yippee!

 

My prius replaced a honda civic. I love my prius in so many ways. The only thing I realy miss is how much more fun the honda was to drive. So I guess if I could have the minimal impact on the environment, super gas mileage, superior reliability (just like the prius) AND a fun, light and agile car, I'd have to go with the Fit.

Sorry Toyota.

 

Based on pictures of the Fit.......................nah.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(paflyfisher @ May 12 2006, 08:15 PM) [snapback]254440[/snapback]</div>

I tell people that the Prius uses non-euclidian geometry: it's bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. :lol:

Tom

 

I just went to edmunds.com and ran a comparison of the Honda Fit, Scion Xa, and the Prius. The Fit and the Xa seem pretty comparable to each other and appear to be smaller versions of a Toyota Matrix. Both are designed to be small, versatile, economy cars. However the Prius has a 10 - 13 inch larger wheel base than the Fit or Xa which gives the Prius a midsize car ride. The Prius is also about 20 inches longer and 450 pounds heavier than either car. The Fit or Xa were designed to satisfy a very different customer than the Prius.

 

OK, hatch back, SSK, Bluetooth, Nav, Air Bags all around, Traction Control and VST? Premium stereo not that my ears can any longer hear the difference. Oh yes can I hook up the CAN View? Is there a CAN View for the Honda. I guess no one bothered! Imagine that. How soon could I get a plug in, if I had the money, and I wanted to do that?

 

So what in the world is your actual question?

It appears as though you are completely dismissing the way the vehicle is equipped. That's fine. But in that case, shouldn't the design of the hybrid system be a major consideration then?

One is a "full" hybrid, the other is only an "assist". They function very differently. So questions like what kind of driving will you be doing are important. For that matter, accessory use like the A/C is too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(offersk @ May 12 2006, 10:01 PM) [snapback]254534[/snapback]</div>

You pegged it. I saw the Fit. It is small, thin and tall like a Matrix. In fact I thought it was a Matrix at first. If a hybrid, Fit would be an entry level type that would compete with a Yaris or Matrix type car if a hybrid. A Prius is a bit more upscale.

Some one here on PC posted a brilliant observation. From a marketing branding standpoint, the Prius has a unique look and only comes as a hybrid. It seems simple but there is no mistaking a Prius for something else and when you see it you know it is hybrid, with all the good stuff that comes with that. Honda just puts a sticker on existing models to indicate its a hybrid. That's not the same branding strength or pride of ownership statement as having a whole different profile. All car makers should think about that as they deluge the market with hybrids.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Karnac @ May 12 2006, 11:43 PM) [snapback]254582[/snapback]</div>

I heard Toyota (eventually, 5 years?) plans to make every model in its line available as a hybrid as they have already done with Highlander and Camry. Think Corolla hybrid, Yaris hybrid, Matrix hybrid, etc.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(asoka @ May 13 2006, 12:03 AM) [snapback]254591[/snapback]</div>

Yes, and that's only the beginning. In time, there could easily be more than one configuration for each model available too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(asoka @ May 12 2006, 10:03 PM) [snapback]254591[/snapback]</div>

dont forget the estima
however its not avaliable in US

 

Of course all cars will eventually need a hybrid option to compete in a climate of high gas prices but the unique Prius profile put it ahead IHO.

In 2005 the Prius was the # 1 selling hybrid and made up 52% of the market. Honda civic hybrid was # 2 at 13%, that is a huge lead that can chalked up to better branding strategy.

Karnac predicts that the next version Prius in 2008 (2009 model) will be the biggest seller yet ! I'm going for one as ASAP.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cooljw @ May 12 2006, 08:07 PM) [snapback]254434[/snapback]</div>

The No 1 criteria for me was interior room and comfort. In driving about 40000 miles annlually I wanted a comfortable ride equivalent to a CamCord. That ruled out all small vehicles and as a prior poster noted the Prius is surprisingly large inside. With the best FE available presently it became the only choice.

Now a hybrid Fit will certainly attract a following some of which will come from buyers of smaller vehicles such as the Corolla and Civic and HCH. I think there is more risk of the HFH caannablizing the HCH's sales rather than the Prius' sales.

Now if the new Prius in 18 mo's is anything like the rumors then Toyota will have raised the bar out of sight of everyone else - again - for the next 5-7 years.