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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  07 HONDA FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By micha - April 10 - 11:36 am

  I think that the car is expensive. Sometimes I regret buying the car. I guess it is ok and if it lasts for a long time then it is worth what I am paying for it.

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  Zippy and guilt-free! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By zippy and guilt-free - March 20 - 12:43 am

  Each time I drive away in my lil Fit, I feel as though Im in on a well-kept, wonderful secret! This tiny car delivers in every way. I researched a lot before purchasing and am so glad that I didnt spend 10k extra on the alternatives. No need. The interior is spacious with great flexibility. On level ground, pick-up is good though not so hot on hilly terrain. Large windows are nice, however interior heats up a LOT when parked. Cargo room is fantastic. This car is very zippy and loads of fun to drive. The price point makes it a real winner, especially given Hondas great reliability and safety crash ratings. The Fit is guilt-free, fun driving at its best!

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  Fit is far and away ahead of the others. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MrsS - March 13 - 11:20 pm

  The first three days we had our Fit we put over 400 miles on it. The Fit is comfortable during trips with its "refreach mode". The paddle shifters are a lot of fun when you want to play with the road. The Fit is solid. When you close the doors, hatch or even the glove box you get a nice solid thump. The view of the road is clear with the Fits low dash style.

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  Update After Month Of Ownership - 2009 Honda Fit
  By David - March 12 - 3:53 am

  I had to update my initial review because I was amazed at the gas mileage after my most recent fill-up. I set the trip meter to zero at my last fill-up and filled up again last night with 237 miles on the trip meter. It took 6.29 gallons to fill up completely which means I got 37.7 mpg! That is with a 40/60 mix of city and hwy driving at average hwy speeds of 65 to 70 mph. I generally shift at between 3,000 rpms and 4,500 rpms, so Im not babying the car either. What is even more amazing is I just broke 1,000 miles today and Im getting that kind of mileage. Imagine how much better the mileage will be after the engine if fully broken in. I love this car!

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  It Fits Me!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Grasshopper - March 10 - 9:53 pm

  So far I have only had my FIT about 24 hours but it has been long enough for me to give it an A+. It handles very well for a subcompact and the gas mileage is great. I am the first in my region to own one of these new Hondas and everyone stares at you when you drive by. Over all it is more that what I expected this car to be. With the Honda name added to it, you cannot buy a better car.

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  It Just Fits! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By RandysFit - March 1 - 8:16 pm

  With 700 miles and 1 week in Hondas Fit, Im enjoying the ride! It handles exceptionally well in the twisty Santa Cruz Mountains with enough power to keep up (and pass) most everyone. The interior is roomy and comfy with lots of of space to haul big items. The 5 speed manual has short, precise throws and the electric steering gives enough feedback for spirited driving. Despite its small econo car looks, it is ready for a long drive with so many standard features (even more on the Sport model I own). The mileage so far is around 34mpg (twice my trade-in). The price point fits the feature content. Everything works so far and Im very happy with the Fit.

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  fit as a fiddle - 2007 Honda Fit
  By w snyder - February 26 - 2:23 pm

  only owned for a week and about 400 miles but already in love with this little car. first tank of gas delivered 33 miles to the gal combination highway and town 70/30 we are fit to be tied at least untill honda comes up with another winner

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  Worth my wait - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lou - February 26 - 6:56 am

  I waited 10 months to get my Fit with a 5 spd. Honda has decided to make almost 90% automatic. It was worth the wait, though. I love the car. It is a perfect replacement for my 90 Civic wagon. Ive noticed a lot of folks complaining about the interior noise. They dont realize this car will be noiser than a sedan with a trunk! Compared to my 90 wagon this car is very quiet and huge. I love how it drives. I love the neat layout and all the amenities are a sheer pleasure.

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  Quality discomfort - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Dave - February 16 - 1:50 pm

  This car was a big disappointment after driving it for a couple of weeks. The engine, build quality, fuel economy, and fun to drive factor were all there. However, the seating position and lack of a dead pedal left me feeling very uncomfortable. The gas pedal is too close to the driver, which resulted in constantly lifting ones foot off the accelerator in order to properly control the throttle. Move the seat back too far and you cant reach the clutch and steering wheel. Also the lack of a dead pedal (or even a flat spot), leaves ones foot on a round bump. This was such a shame because the car really zips around and is fun to drive.The new FIT is out this fall & I advise to wait.

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  glad to own one - 2013 Honda Fit
  By derek c - February 13 - 11:13 am

  bought this car earlier this month. finding city mileage to less than listed, surprised that road noise is louder than expected (though I knew it wouldnt be stellar). on the other hand, i like the storage space, front seats are comfortable, it handled the surprise snow we had in town like a champ (where other folks were failing, we stayed on the road). the visibility is good and it is a fun car to drive.