Time was, small cars had small interiors. The 2009 Honda Fit is a good example of how rethinking the architecture of a subcompact — by pushing the wheels to the four corners — is leading to a space-saving revolution. The Fit has an economy-car price with the interior space of a larger vehicle. If Ringling Brothers ever needs a little car to cram clowns in, this is the ride. While designed to appeal to younger drivers, the Fit is a Swiss-army-knife vehicle that cuts across ages. Carlos Taylor, a member of the sales team at Economy Honda Superstore, said that in the summer of 2008, when gas prices topped $4 a gallon in Chattanooga, Fits were in short supply. This year, with gas prices moderating, the selection if Fits at most Honda stores is much better.

STYLING: The word that leaps to mind when confronted with a Fit is “cute.” Imagine a smiling Jiminy Cricket. Our white tester from Economy Honda was rolling on handsome, 16-inch alloys. The interior is Spartan but has typically superb Honda ergonomics. The space-age dash looks like something out of “The Jetsons,” but all the rotary gauges and switches work to perfection. Seats are supportive and the panoramic view of the road is awesome. With its short nose and extended windshield, riding in the front seat of a Fit feels like you’re inside a monorail at Disney World.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: The Fit’s road manners are composed, but its 117 horsepower 1.5-liter engine labors under hard acceleration. This, after all, is a subcompact built for urban traffic, not a street rod. Still, the fuel-sipping powerplant provides plenty of get-up-and-go for the average driver, as evidenced by the Fit’s ever-growing sales numbers. Our tester, the S model, adds alloys, a fancy sound system with a USB port and several exterior trim accents.

STYLING: There are enough Fits on the road that they don’t represent a novelty any more, but they still coax a smile from people in parking lots. As the owner, you’ll smile when you see your gas-company credit card bill shrink. The Fit should average about 30 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving.

BOTTOM LINE: If you need a versatile small car with a large interior and an even larger personality this little Honda is the perfect fit.