In a variety of earlier posts, we've written highly about the Honda Fit's versatile seat configurations. One can fold the 60/40-split rear seat completely flat, for instance, or raise the rear seat cushions to create a taller area for carrying bulky items.
Well, here's another neat trick: If you move the front seats all the way forward and then fully recline their seatbacks, the seatbacks touch flush with the rear seat cushions to create a rear-seat recliner. Unless your inseam goes past 50 inches, you'll have plenty of legroom...
Were I a highly paid executive in need of chauffeuring, I think a $16,000 Honda Fit would be a strangely appealing choice over a $426,000 Maybach 62.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor, 15,522 miles
alpha01 says:
10:53 AM, 07/16/07
GREAT post! Clever seating arrangement. Perfect for LA traffic...
mrnewsguy says:
11:18 AM, 07/16/07
This is the most clever post I've seen so far. Great photo! The cabin of the Fit looks huge in this image. Maybe it is?? The soda can is a nice touch. Have you any Grey Poupon?
crowb says:
11:32 AM, 07/16/07
My wife and I take a bi-monthly trip to see her parents in my Fit. Its an 8 hour drive and she's used this exact seating method to great effect numerous times....of course the owner's maunual (or the Honda Website) warns against using this configuration while the car is in motion, but she gladly pushes the envelope of danger when the result is greater comfort.
Love the picture too! I like that he's reading the Journal. : )
jriz says:
11:35 AM, 07/16/07
Considering the Fit's horribly squished driving position, I think I might try driving like this next time I'm given the keys.
-James Riswick
bennetpullen says:
11:54 AM, 07/16/07
Where I live in the Pacific Northwest I am often using the ferry system to cross the Puget Sound. The unfortunate thing about this is the waits involved, which can be upwards of an hour during high traffic times. In these situations "refresh mode" is GREAT! I just drop the passenger side into refresh and I can hang out back there and read or whatever, then if traffic starts moving it is a quick hop into the front seat (no need to get out of the car) and I'm rolling.
The only thing is that the process of getting it into refresh mode seems quite complex compared to the other seat operations in the Fit. You have to recline the rear seat, remove the front seat headrest, slide the front seat all the way forward and then recline it till it matches up, which can require kind of a shove. I suppose that is not much more complex than just folding the seats in many cars, but everything else is so easy in the Fit this is slow my comparison. Also, you have to have the rear seats reclined so if you are carrying a large item in the back you may not be able to relax.
On a separate note, I am consistently getting over 41 mpg in mixed driving now, so as long as you drive careful (revs under 2,000 whenever possible) the Fit can get quite good economy.
sddoc07 says:
01:57 PM, 07/16/07
awesome!
drinkduff77 says:
11:41 PM, 07/16/07
Scion tC's can do this too...
afontanelle says:
01:13 AM, 07/17/07
Wonderful car! i've loved every second of owning the Fit. Good looking, good gas mileage, and plenty of space. Engine relatively quiet, and the controls were easily placed and plentiful. Well crafted with Honda Performance Parts.
tra2883 says:
06:45 AM, 07/17/07
Honda has been doing this for a while - you can fold the front seats the same way in my mom's 1995 Odyssey. Her van even has a similar cupholder built in to the rear door. Very clever!
SubyTrojan says:
03:58 PM, 07/17/07
That's a great photo! It shows that you are the man, Brent! Is that a can of 7-up, Sierra Mist, Sprite, Mountain Dew, or something else?
xl562bx says:
07:35 AM, 08/11/07
The magic seat system has to be the best. It makes the car so versatile and its open to find that right comfort zone. Don't forget to take those shoes off when in the same position as pictured! I see it as a perfect opportunity to relax or just lounge around reading, on your laptop or watching some movie with a buddy. This innovation should be considered by all makers as its pleasing to the passenger while one is driving or parked under a shade with a breeze. Could the rear seats recline just in case some shut eye is coming? The car should be called the 'Versa' instead of Fit. Drink up, 7-Up!