Honda Freed, A Fit Mini-Minivan

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Sure, they're not only not cool, but we really can't stand them, but some of the most efficient vehicles on the market are five-door subcompacts and eight-passenger minivans. So what happens what you combine the two? Well, if you're Honda, you start with a Jazz, or as it's known in America, the Honda Fit, and then make it just a touch bigger to fit a third row of seats. Then, swap in some rear sliding doors, and you've got yourself a compact minivan that can seat up to eight people. But just how mini is it?

The Freed has a 107.8" wheelbase, which sits nicely between the 96.5" wheelbase of the Fit, and the 118.1" wheelbase of the American-market Honda Odyssey. Overall length is 166" compared to the Fit's 157" and 202" for the Odyssey. So, where does this stand on the Jalopnik Niche-Slap Machine-o-Meter? Well, it's no El Camino, but its certainly better than some of the ridiculously meaningless crossovers that are all the rage these days. The Freed has practicality to make up for its lack of cool — and that, is kinda cool. Alas, like all good JDM cars, there's no expectations for the Freed to ever be sold in America. Somebody call Japan and tell them we'll give them all the Jeep Compasses they want, if we can get the Freed. [NihonCar]

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