By Kurt Gensheimer

Whether or not you’ve grown up as a car buff, unless you’re a troglodyte who still walks barefoot from point A to point B, you’re probably familiar with who “The Big 3″ automakers comprise. And if you’ve watched any of the executive groveling before our esteemed panel of D.C. dunderheads we call our “leaders”, then you’re absolutely familiar with The Big 3. However in the aftermath of Toyota’s recent ascension past GM to become the number #1 selling automotive brand in the world - in addition to its involvement in NASCAR and multiple American manufacturing plants - the old Big 3 moniker may need revision to include Toyota.

And who would be “The Other 2″? Honda and Nissan seem to fit the role quite well, with similarly expanding market share and multiple U.S.-based factories. Yes, it seems that when people nowadays refer to “The Big 3″, there needs to be some level of clarification - New School or Old School?

Read the rest of this entry »

by Gary Chan

Pros

• Gas mileage
• Storage flexibility
• Structural rigidity
• Perfectly weighted steering

Cons

• Engine size = limited power
• Driver’s cup holder have are not in best locations
• Triangulated A-pillar blocked visibility at times
• Fold-down driver’s arm rest thin and high

Read the rest of this entry »

Review by Twain Mein | Photos by Derek Mau

Pros:

• Good gas mileage
• Excellent handling
• Incredible amount of interior space with ingenious packaging
• Great value for the money

Cons:

• Real-world gas mileage was disappointing
• Lack of power
• Noisy engine

Read the rest of this entry »

Strong demand for fuel-efficient sub-compact cars in North America prompted Honda to speed up production of the redesigned 2009 Fit. The 2009 Fit will arrive in dealerships Tuesday, Aug. 26. Honda’s earlier plans were for the updated Fit to arrive Oct. 1.

“We basically increased supply as much as we could to meet demand, and we were still going to be sold out of the 2008 model,” Honda spokesman Chris Martin said. “We had to do something so that our dealers would not be without the small cars that buyers are seeking.”

Official announcement from Honda is on page 2.

Initial impressions of the Honda Fit:

• The car is nimble and fun to drive
• Can make tight U-turns in a flash
• 2nd row Magic Seatsâ„¢ fold flat more ways than a spider has legs creating a versatile cargo area
• Good low-end torque from 0 - 35 gives the Fit a snappy off-the-line launch
• 5-speed automatic downshifts too easily and robs fuel economy potential
• Tall 5th gear - the engine was humming along at 2400 rpm while driving 65 on the freeway
• Includes lots of basic amenities for only $16k

This week we received the Honda Fit for testing. I’m happy the Fit finally arrived on American shores after I spotted the Fit while traveling in Hong Kong back in 2005. Attractive aero design, versatile folding seats that can accommodate many different shapes/sizes of cargo, and very desirable as gas prices approach $5/gallon.

Read the rest of this entry »