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With demand outpacing production, Honda’s made in Mexico Fit is shaping up to be American Honda Motor’s success story for 2015. I predicted back in March that the totally redesigned and more powerful Fit would be positioned as American Honda’s replacement for the up sized Civic.

Allow me to clarify that statement for the Civic loyal. Someday, the entry-level, portal vehicle Fit will surpass the up-sized Honda Civic in sales volume driven by first time buyers and downsizing Honda loyal.

There’s little arguing that 2015 Fit is # 1 in Honda’s lineup for affordability of car ownership and hatchback utility. Now, thanks to “EarthDreams” near zero emissions gasoline engine technology, increased power, improved handling and greater fuel economy, Fit’s appealing to a wider demographic than any other Honda product offered in North America. It’s that hatchback, sport utility thing that’s driving Fit sales. That, and a base MSRP of $15,650 + applicable sales tax and fees if any.

We dropped in at our local Honda dealership Black Friday weekend and checked in on the Fit action. Two days earlier I penned an article on customizing the affordable 2015 Fit EX. That was Friday, By Sunday Kendall Honda had sold 3 Fits per day off of the showroom floor with no exceptional dealership purchase incentives. According to the Kendall crew, Fit moves off the lot within hours of a factory delivery; they’re that popular.

You’ll find my latest take on customizing 2015 Fit EX here. In my most humble opinion the 1.5 L direct injected“ EarthDreams”™ 4 cylinder with 6 speed close ratio manual transmission is ripe for “Tuner” fodder. A few of us at Torque News anticipate Fit aftermarket to explode following 2014 SEMA Las Vegas: we've seen it, we want one.

Back on planet Earth the majority of new Fit fans will utilize this pocket sized utility for everything from moving furniture to packing 4 adults, or 2 adults, 2 children a Labrador and a Chia Pet to the beach. Fit’s interior “magic seat” design, wide rear hatch, and North American proportioned interior lends itself to tasks usually reserved for vehicles CR-V or Honda Odyssey sized.

We find the entry trim level Fit EX to be surprisingly well equipped. For those that want a bit more from Fit, test drive the up-line 2015 Fit EX-L with full tech package. I spent an extended weekend in Los Angeles on some of the worst roads in the nation behind the wheel of Fit EX-L and was more than a bit impressed. Take a moment to relive my Los Angeles adventure here.

Wrapping it up : Prior to Fits newest manifestation I wasn't a big fan. That’s just me, a guy that has had the opportunity to drive most vehicles manufactured over the last few decades. I found the first and second generation Fit to be a bit utilitarian, noisy and under certain conditions, under-powered.

The Japanese developed and manufactured Fit was and always will be known for reliability, low cost of ownership and utility. Today the 3rd generation Fit is manufactured in Mexico for North America. It’s a bit early to measure the reliability of the 2015 Fit. The latest generation Fit is much improved over previous manifestations. We've read a comment or two from our readers about battery problems, that’s about it. If you own the 2015 Honda Fit, we’d like to read your driving and ownership experience here.