I've been reading this forum for about a month, and I've noticed there are a good amount of posters who either own a Honda Fit and a Prius C or replaced their Fit with a C. I'm debating whether to buy a new Fit or a C. I test drove both. It seems to me that the Fit has considerably more interior room, but other than that, I didn't notice much of a difference between the two cars. I was hoping, though, that some people on this forum who have owned both cars could weight in on some of the biggest differences between them. Thanks!
If your goal is to get the cheapest car possible and be free of the hybrid image, get the Fit. If your goal is to get the best mileage, a touch of more class, tech, and some bragging rights, get the Prius c. I have obviously never owned either car, but that is my view from an "outsider" perspective.
I'm not concerned with image. I'm just looking for analysis about the differences between each car from people who have lived with both. Thanks.
Well as I alluded, the only reason to get the Fit would be to save bread. Some people say Hondas handle better but I don't think that's a big deal to people to this segment of car buyers. If it is, they modify the suspension anyway.
I own both and can answer any concerns/questions you may have... what's your primary goal? BTW, I'm prepping my 09 FIT to be put on the used car market this week.
Had the Fit for 2 years if you drive on the freeway for your commute it is a good car. If you are like me just drive around town get the Prius. Two times I got the high mileage on the Fit once driving to the Great Wolf Lodge I averaged 35 mpg. Another time in the summer driving a long drive on the freeway I got 38mpg. I averaged 31 mpg most of the year because I don't go on the freeway. When it snowed I got 26 mpg. If you need more room I'd get the regular Prius. If you don't care about room get the Prius C. If you drive almost all on the freeway and live in the southern part of the US where it is warmer get the Fit. The Fit did terrible mileage wise in the winter. Hopes this helps.
When doing research, I read alot about road noise in the Fit. The deal breaker for me with the Fit is the 5sp transmission. Most manufacturers have atleast 6sp now.
I own a Honda Fit. IMO it's a great subcompact. And based entirely on just layout, interior design? I think it marginally superior to The Prius c. I love the "little" things about The Honda Fit...cup holder under the air vents...that keep drinks cold or hot.... Totally flat load floor...Magic Seats that fold up and allow for Tall Items... It is a great subcompact. But the key is....Do you want a Hybrid? Fits EPA is 28 City, 32 Highway...combined 30. I believe the Prius c is 53 City, 46 Highway combined 50....(off the top of my head)... That's the clear advantage to Prius c. If you don't value the Hybrid advantage? I'd pick a Honda Fit. If you do? There really is no choice. The similarities start and end with both of them being sub-compact hatchbacks. The difference is HSD vs. ICE....
Thanks, guys. I'm mostly concerned with the size difference. Like I said, I test drove both vehicles, and it seemed like the Fit had way more storage space, but I didn't get to compare them side by side. What do you think? How much roomier is the Fit compared to the Prius, particularly when you fold down the back seats?
Yes, cargo carrying capability is way more versatile in the FIT with the magic seats. Also the car is just plain bigger dimensionally on the inside by a bit. The question is, do you really need the extra room that the FIT provides? I have used the FIT a couple of times to capacity where things just barely fit into the rear (industrial AC) with the seats folded down. I was glad I had that car. It would not have fit into the c. I now have a Tacoma pickup as my second vehicle, so the c becomes the primary people mover due to it's superior MPG. I've averaged 35-40 in a manual FIT using a scangauge over the last 2 years. We presently average 52-55 in the c. For me, the c's increased MPG is just too much to justify keeping the FIT at this point.
To me it's simple. If you simply want the better hatchback, from an utility and size, space standpoint? The Fit is better. Some would argue the "Fun to Drive" factor, vs. an HSD hybrid, but I will not.... But owning a Fit...and having looked at The Prius c, The Fit is marginally better, outside of the Hybrid advantage. I used to have to transport my mother with oxygen canisters and a wheel chair...the magic seats of The Fit made it possible. I honestly don't think I could of done it with any other subcompact. The Prius c, does not offer Magic Seats...nor is it's load floor entirely flat if you fold down the seats. There are numerous "little" things I think make the Fit a better subcompact from a interior design standpoint. Most of them would NOT be a deal breaker to me if I wanted a HSD Hybrid. I also like the rear seats that have the integrated headrests. They are even and flat with the backseat...allowing great rear visibility...Unlike the Prius c, you don't have to remove the headrests or have your view blocked. But all these little things? IMO don't really matter or shouldn't matter. The real question is do YOU value having a Hybrid or Not. If you want a Hybrid the choice is Prius c. If you want a subcompact hatchback? I'd recommend The Honda Fit.
I owned 2 Fits and aside from the mileage I also prefer the feel in the driver seat, handling and throttle control you get with the C. Interior space for cargo is pretty much the only area the Fit comes out better, IMO, and I loved my Fit a lot.
I own both a Fit and a c and I don't plan on getting rid of either any time soon. Honestly, I don't notice a big day to day difference in the size. We park the cars next to each other, and I notice how driving in the c sits lower than the Fit, but they really are incredibly similar in terms of size. I rarely have more than 2 people in the car and typically don't need to haul a lot of stuff around. For a trip to IKEA I'd take the Fit, but in general the c would probably do fine. My husband and I joke that the Fit is a small crossover while the c is a large sedan in terms of space. So not that different, but slightly. The only thing I regularly notice between the two is that the c gets amazing mileage and the Fit has more cup holders. And if cup holders are my biggest point of contention, then I think it's obvious that it really all comes down to the mpgs.
I just traded in my 2011 Sports Fit for the C. There was a major blind spot on the front driver's side that made me feel unsafe in the vehicle. My husband didn't have this problem, but he is much taller. There are also many complaints about this online. So, if you are on the short side, I would think twice about the Fit. As well, I find the C to be a more solid feeling car, fun to drive, and with surprisingly more space in the front seat area. I also was not crazy about the fact that the Fit didn't have automatic door lock controls on the front passenger side and no outside temperature indicator. The Fit does have superior cargo space and the folding back seats are great, but in every other way I like the C much, much better. Both are really cute though!
Both great cars but like others have posted, What do you want ? Lots of storage and good mileage or high tech and great mileage. The fit is cheaper, mine has been trouble free for 25 thousand miles and very easy to do routine maintance. We own a gen 3 and a fit ,best of both worlds i think.
If you need the storage, you'll want the Fit. If you don't, the mpg and greater refinement of the c wins out.
I traded my 2010 Fit for the c and actually traded my c back for my Fit because I really missed it big time. The c is agreat car, but I really think the Fit's driving position, steering, zippinees, cargo versatility, and fun factor are superior. It really comes down to personal preference. The Fit has better visibility and a more upright seating position along with a much larger and more usable cargo area. The cargo height makes a major difference for hauling larger items. If you're that uncertain, I would drive them both extensively to help you decide. Niether one is a bad choice.
