Honda Fit is small, smart package

Go figure. Even in a bad economic year like 2009, Honda surpassed its original sales projections for its compact Fit hatchback.

Maybe it was the fact the five-door Fit ranks second-best in government gasoline mileage among hatchbacks while offering more cargo space than many larger cars. Perhaps it was the Fit being a consistent "recommended buy" by Consumer Reports magazine. Or was it the fact the Fit is ranked as the best entry compact car in retaining its value after three years of ownership?

The Fit also has been cited as one of the "10 Best Cars" by Car & Driver magazine for every one of the four years that the car has been sold in …