Honda Fit vs. Suzuki Sx4 - Everyday Driver

[Racer2010Rc]

i have the cross over and i love it sooo much!

[ThomasXp]

Id got for the Suzuki

[tigerbangs54]

Suzuki suffered mightily at the hands of GM, who managed to foist some pretty awful Korean-made Daewoo crap on Americans and called them Suzuki. Now, the Suzukis that are sold here are Japanese-made and pretty rugged-low-maintenance cars with terrific value for the money. The SX4 Crossover with AWD has to be the bargain of the century for what it offers for the money. If you like in the desert Southwest,, AWD may not mean much, but if you live in New England,, you WANT AWD

[yellowcow13]

SX4 is just cool

[coprophob907]

Ive put 2 people and 2 Costco carts full in my crossover. I love my suzuki

[toyota420xp]

ive personally seen rwd cars in vermont in the winter slidding and not being able to go up hills and going off the road and some of the times the tires were brand new. we park the rwd in the winter for a reason. just look at the top gear rwd

[bkboy747]

I own an sx4 and I love it. it handles great, gets good mileage, but for its small size and low price has a decent amount of power (150 hp). it seems like it definitely out-performs the fit.

[Hamdrake2]

I own a 2 door Honda Civic and I dont fit in a Honda Fit so I dont know what these guys are talking about (all that room) the must be 5 foot 6 inches tall then and only then I can I understand their comments

[panagdimi]

I am biased since I own a SX4 Crossover. I never imagined that I'd hear such an argument! Since when a FWD with good tires "beats" an AWD with all-season tires. How is this possible? I mean if you are stuck in 8+ inches of snow the FWD will pull you out, but an AWD will not? Are you aware that the SX4 can be FWD, Auto-AWD and Full-AWD, all with a push of a button. Which car can do that? I do not agree with this statement but I will certainly hear your points. FWD and AWD are two separate worlds.

[mardamek1]

@panagdimi, I know it's hard to hear that FWD can ever be better than AWD, but that's not even what these people are saying. the point of their comments is that tire/rubber choice far outweighs the drivetrain choice. think about the fact that in the end it's the good tire that will transfer the motion of the wheels to the ground. if you have not so grippy tires and it's slick, then AWD really means spin 4 instead of 2 wheels, whereas 2WD with good tires may be able to grip even with 2 wheels.

[panagdimi]

You're right, driving on good tires is always better than bad ones! I was a little too quick to react, however I am still interested in a convincing argument about how FWD is better than AWD assuming both cars have good quality tires. I live in Chicago and have been driving the SX4 for about 6 months now. I still need time to test it in winter conditions and I will admit that I am not happy with some other aspects of my car. But driving with AWD is like night and day driving FWD. Thanks mate!

[mardamek1]

@panagdimi now that you're assuming same quality good tires on both the FWD and AWD tires, then it would be almost stupid to say FWD is better than AWD. again, though, in certain very specific situations (power sliding, entering a turn using brakes and sideways momentum, etc) a FWD might still prove better than AWD, but once you've established that tire quality is equal in both, then I won't even try saying that FWD is better than AWD because I won't even believe it myself...

[mardamek1]

@panagdimi the overall point I'm trying to make is that when equipped with good tires, FWD, and even RWD is adequate for about 90% of the time, and the owner need not worry about having an AWD vehicle. For those, of course, living in places where there is snow more than half the year, AWD would be the more logical choice...

[thebigcougar]

Good review. They were opinionated, but I got the drift. After reading what everyone said I would choose the SX4 because it is four wheel drive and sets a little higher. My wife would be driving it and I would feel like she woud be safer. The fit has more room and gets better gas mileage, but that is not what I want. Both are good cars, however.

[davidhalifax]

I test drove vehicles, and I find the SX4 underpowered when accelerating on the highway, but the styling is very ragged and AWD is hard to beat in snowy areas. The Fit has enough power with 3 people sitting in it, and feels stable on the highway, but the overall ride isn't as up to par to my Subaru Impreza, which I know is in a different category and price point.

[phoenixheart03]

When I was shopping for cars a year ago, I was originally looking between the VW Rabbit/Golf and the Honda Fit. Then I came across the SX4... and you know what I own? SX4. It's an awesome car, and has better ground clearance than the Fit (which for me is almost required for where I work). But to each their own. I wont deny the storage capacity in the Fit is much better than the SX4's...

[hagenar]

The main difference between the cars' looks, and the guys' reactions, is the roof rack with the toys on the SX4. The Fit can take a roof rack also.

FWD with good snow tires beats AWD on all-season tires. And saves you gas money.

[EverydayDriver]

@hagenar - Great point about tires, that is the key! Yes a FWD with Good snow tires will be fine in the winter.

But... put those same snow tires on the AWD, and that's better still.

The Fit is probably the best use of space of any current car. And the Suzuki is a fantastic AWD bargain. Different cars for different folks.

[Currahee05GT]

@hagenar where do you get, FWD with good snow tires beats AWD on all-season tires? Really makes no sence.

[hagenar]

@Currahee05GT Sense. I get that from plenty of experience driving in snow with each. I'll do you one more: On ice, FWD with studded tires beats AWD on snow tires.

[Currahee05GT]

@hagenar OKay, I just have limited experience so I'll defer.=)

[Guncannon]

@hagenar Actually, there is one thing the video never mention. SX4 has the function to let you go FWD or AWD...

[alleghenyman]

@hagenar You'd still have to buy snow tires.

[soldierx345]

@hagenar the suzuki comes in fwd, mine is. Not alot of vids on here with them though.

[GrahamCrackers94]

SX4 Please! :)

[FlameThrash900]

lol i personally would prefer the sx4 over the honda

[ratcatdogbutt]

I got my automatic 08 SX4 with 18k miles for $12k. Has run like a champ. Awesome car. Will buy another. Plenty of space inside (and I'm 6'2").

Its also very solid on the road. Doesn't feel like a little lite weight car. Its pretty heavy actually, and very stable. Built with rally racing features in mind, right up my alley.

While I respect the Honda brand I found the Fit to be far too small overall. I'll take the little mpg loss, no problem.

[GrahamCrackers94]

I love them both, but i would choose the SX4.

more power, AWD, good warranty, and it dosent look like a door stopper. :/

the new fit sport model is pretty nice looking, but its tooooo angular for me.

[geeseapples]

I bet if they crashed both cars head on at 40mph you Honda people would change your minds.

[owl5053]

honda fit is the best!

[WeStandRightThere]

God will they just SHUT UP?

Seriously, I was getting so annoyed because they were both talking at the same time interrupting each other.

[superfly1842]

@WeStandRightThere

dont let it ruin your day sheesh...

[motorider126]

these guys are idiots, especially the one with the mullet.

[Dustin16M]

I live in canada and if you don't have AWD or 4x4 you are an idiot. I just dive buy you and laugh at your poor decision making skills. In the summer a sports car seems like a good Idea until you have to take the bus in the winter. Same goes with FWD cars.

[DarkenedClarity]

The SX4 dose look more like a man car. I just got me a black one.

[socuderai]

id take the suzuki over the honda as i am a suzuki fan. I have owned 4 zukis in the last 30 years from vans, cars and bikes and i must say i am very impressed

[Cambaudio]

I like listening to these guys. The always sound like theyre arguing, like two competing housewives for one man.

[Canlander7]

I had to make the same decision.. it was hard. But overall I got the SX4 for the awd. I agree with Todd; the SX4 is more outdoorsy and manly. ;)

[trainlinezoo]

@Canlander7 And if it's not manly enough already Road race motor sports.com offers aggressive front and rear bumpers and a Carbon fiber vented hood. SX4 sure bet!

[borracholoco1789]

Have the bright blue with silver logo and racing stripes on the side doors, added a turbonator to the air intake gibing it 25 more HP. The BLUE MONSTER is burning tires, passes a Honda Fit on the expressway, I was doing 130 MPH, the Fit driver probably saw a blue Suzuki blurr. I also want to remind everyone that the SX4 can tow small boats up to 18 ft, as well as small trailers for jet skis and motorcycles. The vehicle can navigate in the mud, snow and dirt roads, the fit can;t do that.

[Obie327]

I was going to buy the Aerio but they were discontinued for 08. I like the features of the Suzuki but the Honda won on more merits. Gas was almost $4.50 a gallon and needed something versatile, practical, And efficient. Awd is great, But all vehicles have to stop and less weight makes a difference in that. Another thing I like about the Honda is location of gas tank , Making for more weight distribution in the front. Overall I'm very impressed with the Honda Fit Sport.

[redhongkong]

honda fit are better for city drive i guess, suzuki is more for camping/country side drive...

[trainlinezoo]

Yeah I've had an SX-4 for 2 years. Pros: 1. Street parking is a breeze. 2. u-turns like a forkfilt. 3. Amazing SNOW and ICE performance. 4. You can carry anything on the roof!.

Cons: Mileage is not in the Honda FIT class at all. Fatty ppl dont fit well unless they ride in the backseat. Needs a turbo or small v-6 option for short onramps. Steering Wheel buttons should be illuminated for safety. Illuminated markers on the sides of the car would be nice...ppl tend to overlook my SX4 in the lane.

[DJTEVAdotCOM]

he said it all FIT looks like a gay ass egg car

[GGUAZZOTTI]

I agree 100% with that statement.

[stormwarn]

I have the SX4 and love it! It blows away all the American car I've ever owned over the past 35 years. Once you get in one, you'll think your in a much bigger vehicle than what it is. I think the Fit is nice too, but it costs quite a bit more, probably has better MPGs than the SX4 but they're not as perfect as many would lead you to believe. For those who think Suzuki's don't last, I know several people who have 25 year old Suzukis with 300K+ miles on each of them and they're all used daily!

[1250796560]

these cars are ones I would never buy. I would rather have an American crossover. you can fit way more than both those cars and be able to haul a boat or trailer at the same time.

[waytoday09]

yeah, and pay 10 grand more on the larger American crossover.

[netiaz]

Honda enjoys it's bloated reputation.

[CreativeThinkingCorp]

in a climate where it snows awd drive is a must. awd is one of the most important safety features there is.this is just my personal opinion but, i think suzuki is a better value than the honda. the suzuki has better exterior styling than the fit. i cant say much about owning a fit, ive ridden in one twice.the sx4 is more like a small suv the a hatchback. it has much more ground clearence the the fit. i would pick the sx4 over the fit anyday

[contrarianbastard]

From experience, I can tell you that awd is overrated in the snow. FWD with good tires, and you'll be fine.

[trainlinezoo]

No. There's a difference between being fine and getting your family home safely on ice covered intersections. Try driving a FWD car uphill while it's snowing and then compare it to the SX-4. There's like 3 differant systems at work at all times to make sure you are safe in ALL weather conditions. The SX-4 can go through shallow rivers!!! It can go muddin, snowin, it can tow! It can tow on ice while its snowing going up a mountain around bends with a cargo box on the roof. How do you beat that?

[oldgregggggggggg]

@trainlinezoo

I beat it with reliability...

[trainlinezoo]

@oldgregggggggggg The SX4 I have now has 37000 miles on it. I've upgraded the underdrive pulley, air intake, oil filter, brake lines and Installed the ECU module to optimize the fuel curve. At 40000 I'll upgrade the pistons, cam, header and exhaust to bring the car from the stock 150hp up to around 210hp. So far so good with the car - there's a lift kit and skid plates, bully bars, spring kits, big wheel brake kits and turbo kits available just to fit the SX4. I never underestimate my SX4.

[coolerdude44]

ehh not really. bmw doesn't give a 4wd option on any of its sedans in europe, and they sell just fine. the people don't complain. and it snows a hell of a lot more in germany, france, the uk, etc. than it does here in new jersey.

awd ruins a car in my opinion, unless it's purpose built for it.

[thebestbeto]

@coolerdude44 If somebody is buying a BMW they probably could care less about non-luxury car manufacturers.. but this suzuki can beat any bmw on the snow (xept the suvs..)

[coolerdude44]

@thebestbeto lmao i don't doubt it, but you can include the suv's in there also, they suck in the snow.

[ugotpimp]

honda buttslams suzuki and suzuki loves it.

[hawkermustang]

Both cars look dinky to me because they are econo boxes, but I would go with the fit unless I needed AWD I think.

[JAFrk]

A crap load of people commenting are basing their views on personal preference and bias, so plz shut up. Unless you've ridden in both cars and have no lasting bias for both brands, then you would know which one is "better" than the other. If you want to know which car is better overall, just look at average resale value and there you go

[terrorrbabbletwo]

I just bought a Honda Fit and went with the sports package: spoiler, cruise control, paddle shifters, etc. It is a beast. All I can say is that the Honda Fit will outlast the Suzuki in almost every aspect. It will have a greater resale value years from now, the engine will last forever, and there will always be great Honda service shops to take care of your car. You can drive a Honda for 20+ years and/or way past 200k miles. Have you seen any Suzukis on the road that are older than 20 years?

[thebestbeto]

@terrorrbabbletwo Yes I have, even 300k suzukis are not rare.. Here in America suzuki's werent popular at all for a long time, but in other countries they were and still are revered for their endurance and versatility.

[trainlinezoo]

@terrorrbabbletwo Suzuki's that are in the graveyard are there because Suzuki let GM build them. The SX4 will be around 200k no problem. I do wonder how many 2008 Chevy Cobalts will get that far.

[beam19]

sit in the back seat of a fit, and you will be blown away...I'm 6'3" and completely comfortable

[Jon116teeth]

Sx4 is way better than the fit..............cuz it has the all wheel drive, and I bleieve that, the sx4 has much more room that the fit..............fit sucks

[squwilf]

I just bought a loaded Fit sport w/ navi. I have owned lancers, eclipse and muscle cars and this is the most fun I have ever had driving a car. The paddle shifters are nice has good torque for a little car. great suspension traction control. I get 37 mpg when I am careful. 6 year 100000 mile warrenty. looks great . It has it all and cost me 22000 total.

[seannopak25]

fit is surprisingly roomy , i went to the dealer just to check it out , endup buying it and its cheap..

[ibanezplayer13]

both cars are sweet, the sx4 is pretty neat for the awd, but let's face it, unless you drive a honda, you don't know what you're missing...granted both cars are much better than any entry-level american makes

[csSX4]

In a wreck you are more likely to die in the honda than the suzuki. If you ever drive in ice or snow you will realize why AWD is a plus. The ground clearence on an sx4 is much greater too. Thats All

[yangbacabego]

yea,,you guys prefer sx4 becoz its CHEAP..

RICH people will buy FIT !!..

[zukisidekick]

No, Rich people will buy an Acura you moron. The SX4 has four wheel disc brakes, Intelligent AWD, a better engine, better warranty, climate control, and World Rally Car heritage. Open and close the doors of that tin can Honda and you'll realize how overpriced they are.

Suzuki hands down. Now with standard NAVI, it further seals the deal.

[chunkyazian]

Have you seen the video of a Fit that spanked the NSX on the track? Fit and SX4 are both great cars in their own rights. Yes, the SX4 feel slightly more substantial, and you'll be paying to carry around that substantial feel at the pump.

If I need AWD, I pick the Suzuki. But Honda is a graceful dancer on the road with great packaging inside.

[kws79]

SX4 ftw.

[LokoMn]

i have SX4 and i like this car

[wppdoes]

I definitely like Honda Fit but the SX4 is a cut above the Fit in almost every regard. Even above the civic, with the exception of the civic si, which is better than the SX4 but when you equip them comparably, you are paying dearly for the differences that the civic si give you. Also, the 2008 SX4 is more reliable that the Honda Civic, Honda Fit. The SX4 has the fewest repair orders of the the 3, yes it beat Honda in reliability lol.

[K20ej88]

Lemme get some of whatever you're smoking

[JetBlueIce]

Well if I had a Suzuki SX4 (2.0 litre 145hp) I'd be smoking Honda Fits (1.5 109hp) LOL!

[CRDLIBERTY]

Lol honda is better in every way! If i see both cars going down road the fit would catch my eye. Metals,engine,tranny,no check engine lights at 100k i will guarantee honda wins.

[apexdna]

The cars are very different ... to each his own ...

[diligentile]

The fit is geeky, SX4 rules

[voyager1990]

The Aerio's are much better than the sx4's are and i wish suzuki would bring Aerio back.

[ryanpetrucci]

The SX4 is cool....Fit is boring -_-

[OmerTheGreatOne]

out of these two i would take sx4 because of the AWD. If you live in dry areas where winter isnt so bad then go for fit and save some money and have more resale value.

[goldbond1]

This is 2 guys coming from LA obviously that really don't respect what the NE went through last winter..They seriously under-estimate the value of AWD...particularly with crappy road conditions and poor snow removal..

[edyken77]

@goldbond1 AWD isn't everything in snow. Being slow and careful trumps any handling capabilities anyday. A lot of people just freak out and can't do snow period.

[Z34teen]

@edyken77 Granted, how well a car can do in the snow usually depends on the driver. My 1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 (FWD, 3.4L DOHC V6) has outdone many SUV's and 4x4's in the snowy winters of New England here (which is saying something as I live on a steep hill). HOWEVER. I will defend AWD in that it offers more peace of mind. Given the choice, I will take the AWD. with a 5 speed manual. Suzuki is one of the few Japanese car makers who hasn't pissed me off.

[quicksilverbalt]

@Z34teen they're actually 6 speed :)

[Z34teen]

@quicksilverbalt Older models have a 5 speed.

[mardamek1]

@goldbond1, AWD is a good thing, but good tires are the key. as bad as rear-drive cars are considered for snow or wet conditions due to a wrong stereotype, I would take a rear-drive car with winter tires in the snow as opposed to an AWD car with summer or even all season tires. again, AWD is better than RWD in all but very extreme sporty driving conditions, but in the end it's the tires that put the power down. this is one area that most drivers overlook and get lured into the AWD >2WD legend.

[toyota420xp]

@mardamek1 even with winter tires on rear wheel drives is bad

[mardamek1]

@toyota420xp, let's agree to disagree. I have proof from my experience that backs up my point, but I don't think I can convince you that a rear-drive platform is the best, no matter the weather. there's no point of arguing since you may have had some bad experience with rear drive and not so good tires (which now made you think that it's the platform, and that no matter tire choice, it's bad for winter). I on the other hand, could say otherwise, but let's just leave it at that.

[toyota420xp]

@goldbond1 i had brand new studded tires on my corolla and i couldnt get up my driveway and slid off the side into the snow. my dads subaru can start on an icy hill and go up easily and thats with 3/4 worn tires

[Pinoycyberwebs]

I love the Honda Fit more... Fit rulez!

[Pinoycyberwebs]

I love the Fit more... Fit rulez!

[coolpigna]

The SX4 is great, i hate Fit