Overview & Reviews

Introduced in the mid 2000s just as gas prices were beginning to race skyward, the Honda Fit immediately became a hit with frugal car shoppers. A subcompact four-door hatchback, the Honda Fit has earned praise for its world-class engineering and design, and it has definitely found its niche with consumers, particularly with the second-generation model. With either generation, you'll find crisp handling, an adaptable interior, high-quality fit and finish and a relatively low price. An all-new third-generation Fit is also on its way. For small-car shoppers, the Honda Fit represents an almost ideal package.

Current Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is available in two main trim levels: base and Sport. Both come with a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a five-speed automatic transmission being optional. Paddle shifters are included with the automatic for the Sport version. Fuel economy is respectably good with either transmission.

On the base Fit, air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry a tilt-and-telescoping steering column and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and iPod/USB audio interface are standard. The Honda Fit Sport gains bigger wheels, sportier exterior trim details and a six-speaker audio system. Fit Sports can also be optioned with a touchscreen navigation system that includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and voice controls.

The Fit is Honda's smallest automotive product, but it nearly matches the total passenger space of the larger Civic sedan. To help achieve this, Honda has installed a compact rear suspension design and placed the fuel tank underneath the passenger seat. Another key advantage for the Fit is its innovative, highly versatile rear seating arrangement. The "Magic Seat" has seatbacks that fold flat and seat cushions that can be flipped upward, creating a tall load area right behind the front seats -- sort of like a crew cab pickup's rear seats. Maximum cargo capacity is an impressive 57 cubic feet.

In reviews, we've found the Honda Fit to be a pleasure to drive for a frugal subcompact. The car has a solid feel to it, countering the perception of vehicles in this class as tinny econoboxes. Generally speaking, the Honda Fit continues the model's tradition of providing serious bang for the buck, and its combination of driving dynamics, polish and big-time practicality distinguish it from the competition.

Used Honda Fit Models
The current second-generation Honda Fit debuted for the 2009 model year. No notable changes occurred until 2012, when it received minor styling updates, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, added sound insulation and an upgraded Bluetooth system with streaming audio capabilities.

The first-generation Honda Fit was available for just two years: 2007 and 2008. It came in two trim levels with no factory options available. The base version adhered to a minimalist philosophy, though it still came standard with air-conditioning and a CD player. The uplevel Sport trim was snazzier and, predictably, we favored it. It featured larger, 15-inch alloy wheels, stickier tires, exterior styling pieces, keyless entry, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a premium MP3-compatible audio system with an auxiliary audio jack.

The Fit stuck to the Honda playbook when it came to interior controls, which were intelligently designed and utilized high-quality materials. For a subcompact, the first-generation Honda Fit was surprisingly roomy and versatile. Chalk much of that up to the car's specialized second-row, 60/40-split seat design. The rear seats could be placed into four different configurations, depending on passenger or cargo needs. Folding the rear seat flat provided a surprising 41.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Both trim levels were front-wheel drive and were equipped with a 1.5-liter, 109-hp four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, and a five-speed automatic was optional. Fit Sports with the automatic also had steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

We found the first-generation Honda Fit to possess an enviable driving-fun-to-thrift ratio. Cornering and acceleration were crisp. The subcompact could achieve 0-60-mph sprints in fewer than 10 seconds with either transmission. Fuel economy was commendable, and safety was good. The whole thing was almost perfect. Almost. The main downside was that although the car seemed less tinny than other cars in its class, at highway speeds the engine made its presence known. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel could also be an annoyance for taller drivers. But on balance the first-generation Honda Fit provided about as much fun, satisfaction and value as you could find in a small economy car.

User Reviews:

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  Best Trade Down Ever - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FrogDaddy - June 25 - 6:33 am

  I traded my 2004 Honda Accord for this car to cut my payments in half and save even more in gas. Great car and fun to drive in the city. I traded a lot of luxury for this car but its made up for it in quality, appearence, and overall economy. Buy it youll love it!!!

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  The C-47 Cargo Plane of hatchbacks - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Rich - June 17 - 5:24 am

  I went to a recent auto show with my eye out for something to replace my venerable ford ranger pickup with cap. I had 3 criteriums. It had to be economical, it had to have easy entry and exit and...it HAD to have the capacity to allow me to carry my road bike INSIDE. I went over these points with the sales gal. She excused herself for a moment and when she reappeared she was wheeling 2 traditional frame city bikes (courtesy of two of the guys theyd hired to keep the vehicles shining) Lowering both the rear seats, she grabbed one bike and -handlebars first- guided it in to the Fits cargo area. Rear wheel first the second bike went in and she closed the hatch. ...Truth? I bought the car (well, a disco silver version..the mind boggling blue wasnt something I could live with)the next day. Know those 3 tall fridges you take up to the summer cottage? Pull the drivers side rear seat up and fold it back and you can carry one upright in this vehicle! The manual for me is a nice touch. ..I love manual gear boxes. That I was able to get cruise control (standard) with a manual was icing on the cake. The performance is decent enough (I had a 132hp 3600 pound ford truck ) and the fuel economy will put a smile on your face every fillup.

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  Frugal Downeaster - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Frugal Downeaster - June 15 - 10:43 am

  My criteria was simple - an economical, inexpensive, high quality vehicle that could carry a companion, a bike, a kayak, personal "stuff" and not require a small mortgage payment when I stopped for gas. The Fit is all that and more with a 5 star insurance rating and is actually fun to drive - - especially around town, or on curvy back roads. Honda has proved that "inexpensive" doesnt have to mean "cheap". This vehicle has more secret storage spots and room than many SUVs Ive driven. Oh - - and did I mention 32 to 38 M.P.G.!

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  2007 Honda Fit is awesome! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By T See - June 14 - 11:53 pm

  I am a tall, big guy, and I fit in this car perfectly. I test drove all the new small cars out there, and this is the only one I fit in comfortably. The mileage is perfect for my long commute and I love having the aux input to the stereo. I made a handsfree cellphone using the mic and speaker that came with my phone, and wired it so that it will plug into the aux jack, so when I get a call, I just hit the aux button and answer the phone with the button on the mic mounted on the dash. I love how the seats configure to haul stuff, as I am doing that a lot. No complaints from this car at all for its price point.

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  Fit for a King... a Queen, and 2 dogs - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Chirsg619 - June 6 - 11:20 am

  When we went looking for a car, we had never heard a Fit much less saw of one. After having seen one, my wife said "It looks like if got punched in the nose." Needless to say, we were less than impressed; at first. Once we saw the type of room inside, you can fit an Alpaca for Gods sake, we were intrigued. After the test drive, it was time to do some online research. A week later, we drove home in our new little buddy. I parked my Mazda RX-8 in the garage and was able to pay for the Fit with gas savings alone. After 6 months, we already have 20,000+ miles on it and it still runs like a champ. The only issue was a dent received in a parking lot and a cracked windshield. We love it!

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  I Love It - 2007 Honda Fit
  By George - May 12 - 2:50 pm

  I have just over 1,000 miles on it. First three tanks gave me 37, 39, and 38 MPG respectively. It handles like a sports car but has the cargo volume if/when you need it. The seats and instruments are tops.

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  love this car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jpb - April 30 - 12:50 am

  Thoroughly enjoying my 2007 Fit. Superb price with all the safety features standard. Handles great and is fun to drive. Spacious inside. My first Honda, and I doubt Ill buy from another company any time soon. All I need to do now is convince my wife to trade in her VW for one of these. 36+ mpg in mixed use, though will probably increase as the engine breaks in.

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  Fit for anyone - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Bolen - April 20 - 9:26 am

  What possessed Honda USA to market the Fit to the Y-generation? After years of driving stodgy domestic makes, my wife and I (both baby boomers) love our new Fit. Even my 80-something mother likes the look of it. ItÂ’s quick to accelerate, has an easy throwing shifter, takes corners well, and clutches with little effort. Im glad the color is "Lunar Mist" (really a sky blue) and not cop-attracting red.

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  Are fuel prices getting you down? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By DH - April 17 - 11:10 am

  Having put 1200 miles on a Fit Sport, I find it meets the purpose for the purchase - fuel economy of 36-37 mpg! My driving is 70% hwy & 30% city. The little Fit is larger than my Civic, and offers more versatility. At 64" I look like a circus clown getting out, but Im the one laughing at the gas pump. Its fun to drive, handles well and based on my comparision with other micro cars, seems to offer the best overall quality with regard to materials, ergonomics and handling.

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  Surprise! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By HondaHappy - April 12 - 3:13 pm

  I just got the 2009 Fit Sport AT yesterday. Im very happy with the acceleration and handling when entering the highway. Im getting 35 mpg so far in mixed highway/city traffic (in Houston). However it looks like the mpg will continue to increase. Visibility is excellent and the Nav is easy to use. Voice command can be a source of hilarity. The ride is smoother than my Subaru WRX but a little rougher than Honda Civic. Cockpit feels airy and open. Driving position/feel is a cross between driving a small sedan (Civic) and a small SUV (Element).