I have always liked the Honda Fit, both this generation and the original. I so enjoy this car's scrappy personality that I tend to be a little too forgiving about its shortcomings. Case in point: I still liked our 2007 Fit after enduring its unsupportive seats and sub-par stereo on a 15-hour drive back from Oregon.
Really, though, I couldn't own a first-gen Fit without making modifications to its sound system. However, such is not the case with our 2009 Honda Fit Sport's stereo. While not exactly top of the line, this six-speaker setup is bearable in a supermini. 3 points in its favor:
1. Clean signal from the amplifier. I listen to metal and hip-hop a lot (Talib Kweli for most of the weekend), and so far the Fit's amp isn't muddying them up.
2. Good soundstage. No rear subs in the Fit, but the combination of dash tweeters and drivers in each door makes for a pretty spacious feel in this surprisingly roomy hatchback.
3. Decent bass response. I am as surprised as you are, but Talib Kweli's "Beautiful Struggle" album actually has some punch to it in the 2009 Honda Fit as opposed to sounding flat.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 6,608 miles
nealibob says:
10:29 AM, 05/18/09
I thought Qweli was spelled with a K.
Nevertheless, I like your choices for testing the sound system. If it cannot play metal and hip-hop, then I don't want it. :)
redliner says:
10:38 AM, 05/18/09
Economy cars have come sooooooooo far. This just shows who their target is. The ipod generation.
eriches says:
11:34 AM, 05/18/09
@nealibob: You thought right. Ks are now in place. --ER
billt9 says:
12:36 PM, 05/18/09
This car is amazing! Everyone except me should drive one!
flicmod says:
12:55 PM, 05/18/09
Props for the Soundgarden CD in the door compartment, Erin!
crowb says:
02:14 PM, 05/18/09
flicmod beat me to it. I have that album in my car as we speak. Bad Motor Finger is also a good album.
cx7lover says:
02:52 PM, 05/18/09
The best 6 speaker sound system ever??? I think so!!!!
hondacura4 says:
07:32 PM, 05/18/09
With the exception of the Civic Si's 350W system, Ive never really been impressed with Honda's premium audio offerings especially compared to Toyota's JBL Synthesis systems and other manufacturers who compete in the same segment.
Good to see the Fit possessing a decent setup.
rick8365 says:
07:40 AM, 05/19/09
Funny - We had a Toyota with the JBL system in it and I never really cared for the sound. I did like the sound of the higher end unit (350W?)in the Element SC though.
flicmod says:
12:37 PM, 05/21/09
crowb,
I knew I liked you for more than your witty, yet intelligent comments on here :-)
Bad Motor Finger was the best!