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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  Fit not for me - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Justin Slocum - July 29 - 1:18 pm

  I purchased a Honda Fit Sport with the 5 speed manual gear box and overall its a very solid car but I traded it in for the following reasons.. The steering is way too quick and downright squirrely at highway speeds.. Around town its not really a problem but on the highway its annoying. Youre constantly keeping the car on track. Secondly, at highway speeds it seems to be very susceptible to crosswinds because of its weight and body design. I would have to white knuckle the thing going on long trips with it. Lastly, its geared too short. Youre constantly shifting and the engine drones at highway speeds. Traded up to a civic ex coupe. I wouldnt advise buying this car at all.

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  Second Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By judi - July 26 - 1:10 pm

  I had a 2007 fit and I loved the fast pickup, but the ride was not that great and the car started to shake at about 65 or 70 mph. I bought the 2009 and the ride is much better, but unfortunately, there is no pickup and a lack of passing power. I always was a Honda girl, but now looking to change. Spent all that extra money for navigation with no traffic.

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  Fit Flaws - 2007 Honda Fit
  By SportFit - July 4 - 1:05 am

  Its all wrong ! The transmission setup is really awful. The gearing ratio into first gear and second result in a noticeable hesitation as the computer tries to match up with the short gear and the computer fuel delivery system. These tiny engine/trans crammed into a tiny space dont leave much room for clutch travel. Whereby we have a short time to ease the clutch out and get moving. The feel is not really smooth at all, and I have always enjoyed sticks. But in this car, get the auto and spare yourself the grief. This car even chatters backing up a hill. I am sorry I bought mine, its very peppy and looks racy and cute, but I cant get comfortable with the transmission.

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  Not in love with it - 2007 Honda Fit
  By RockyRaccoon - June 22 - 8:52 pm

  This car is fun to drive (in good weather) and gets great mileage, but beware of driving it in the rain or snow. It just doesnt handle snow and ice like all the other Hondas that Ive owned since 1974. I actually had to have it towed once and the snow wasnt really that deep. Tires are expensive and hard to find. A big part of the money you save in gas goes towards maintenance and tires. $$$ I should have purchased a Civic.

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  Could be better? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fitty - June 18 - 5:13 am

  Nice kick when starting out. Fun to drive and is rather nifty. But after the initial kick and going up any sort of slope, the engine kicks in pretty loud. I have small inclines when driving to work and I have to rev it up to go up those hills. Mileage is very bad. Only getting 26-27 mpg. Was hoping for above 30. A/C is pretty weak, does not blow "cold"air but rather "cool" air.

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  2008 Fit Sport, Audio System - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Portulaca - June 13 - 5:33 pm

  This vehicle handles well and is a joy to drive. However, the road noise is greater than what I expected and the radio reception is unacceptable with constant static on local FM stations. The radio is fine as long as the car is not in motion. It immediately begins to crackle when in motion. The car has plenty of power for its size and the gas mileage is wonderful. The head rests are set at a severe angle for short people and cant be adjusted unless a person removes them and reinstalls them backwards, with the angle toward the back seat.

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  Balanced - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vin - June 6 - 9:31 am

  Has been 1.5 years and still running well. I like its practicality, roomy interior and simple dash layout make it easy to control - too simple that it looks a bit dull. Good engine performance for its class, although the AC lacks it sometimes (good maintenance would be to minimize it). Having much trouble with its huge front pillar, making a blind spot when turning.

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  Bumpy Ride - 2007 Honda Fit
  By nic815 - June 1 - 8:07 pm

  This car is not good if you are planning to have children, you cant fit the stroller in the trunk with many grocery bags. The back seat is small and with the car seat you can only fit one adult. There is not much leg room for a tall man in the passenger seat, your knees hit the dash board. Unless you live where the roads are paved smooth this car isnt for you, if you go over a pebble it feels like you wrecked the car. I didnt know the tires didnt have locks, and some low life robbed all my alloy wheels and tires, cost 1,000.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tim - May 28 - 3:26 am

  I have owned 5 Hondas over the last 10 years and may be a little bias, But Honda has done it again. At first I was turned off by the small engine & the kind of high price for its class. I decided to give it a chance and took one home for a test drive. Very impressed with power of little engine, however dont buy if speed is your thing. I bought a manual and have had no problems getting where I need to be and getting on the highway works great for the most part. Very impressed with build quility. solid car with great gas mileage. If good gas mileage and quilty are your thing then this car is best in its class. Only had car 2 weeks will make another input after 3 months.

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  Tires are lousy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By hondagal - May 19 - 3:06 pm

  Cute car, great color, in fact I use the thrill of Brazil nail polish manicures and touch ups on the car, nails match car. TIRES - get your act together HONDA! Time to upgrade or give a better option. Am at 32,000 and tires are very loud and worn and gone, will have to replace them tomorrow.