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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  Most fun econohatch for tall people - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jon - August 23 - 1:00 pm

  For first car, wanted to get an economical hatch that didnt feel like "my dads car." The Fit hit all of the buttons. Lots of usable cargo space, simple user-friendly interior, dash and controls, and is a blast to drive. Didnt think an economical car could be fun to drive, but the Fit is. Granted, its no Mini or Mazda3 or real sports car, but its by far the most sporty of the economy hatchbacks and while it may not have the power that a real sports car has, it sure feels like one. Has to count for something, IMHO. Requires extra responsibility when driving.

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  like it so far - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vtfit - August 18 - 3:08 pm

  Bought a new Fit in 2007. So far weve seen an incredible savings in gas: anywhere from 32-38. Zoomy, responsive. Seats are a bit cheap and uncomfortable on long drives. We bring a pillow to sit on. Drivers legroom is not great for tall people. My husband is just 6 feet and needs the pillow to give his legs another few inches. Not many bells and whistles but thats not why we bought it. Very dependable so far. Great cargo space. We have been able to fit a TON of stuff in the back when you put the seats down. We joke that we can "fit" it in any parking space and we can "fit" anything into it. Handled well in the Vermont snow. Backseat is not super roomy but its not terrible.

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  Sooo bummed about LOW, LOW mileage!!!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By katrinka - August 4 - 12:32 am

  This is my sixth new Honda purchase, all others were Civics, both manual and AT,and Ive never experienced such low mileage,in spite of driving in the same manner for 35 years. I average 20 (TWENTY!) mpg, with city/ highway combined. On one semi long trip the mileage climbed to 24. Now, I am still below the supposed 1,000 mile break in point, but do plan to have the vehicle examined, as I purchased it for its size, ease and mileage! GUARANTEED? Should the mileage PROBLEM be solved, Id recommend this vehicle highly. There are options one can purchase to solve any concerns listed below. Most owners report great mileage. The MT FIT gets up to 40,as DOES my 1991/MT Honda Civ-140K!

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  great value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Missouri Breaks - August 3 - 2:58 pm

  12 months and 60,000 miles. I think its broken in. It is what I expected it to be. Get 40 mpg when I drive like an old man. My highway mileage is closer to 35 mpg. The ride is on a par with my Mustang GT. The workmanship is ok. The power is about what is expected from a 90 ci engine. I will say the acceleration is about like my old Buick 225s. 455 vs 90 ci. Ill take the 90. Passing? Chose the right gear, keep the revs up and it does ok. Center armrest? Get a big, long, round pillow. A/C cant keep up? Tint the windows. Doesnt perform like you wish? It is what it is. Pretty darn good car, especially when you look at the price. Cheap carpet? Oh well, look at the price.

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  Nice car, needs a few more features - 2008 Honda Fit
  By iglehart - July 17 - 9:34 am

  Just bought it, so I cant comment on reliability. Its a blast to drive and get good gas mileage. It was reasonably prices.

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  2nd review Honda FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Joan - July 11 - 2:38 pm

  2nd review now that owned a year. 40+ hwy mileage, 26-29 city. Previous mileage problems now blamed on gas pumps. Car is stylish, very comfortable-great seats but dont clean easily with very nice interior design. Car has much more storage room than one thinks with very versatile interior. Front of car is very very low and often hits. Front of car is not visible so cannot judge distance and will hit parking blocks. Car has no pick up but then gets the mileage. The ride is comfortable for such a small car and handles nicely and zips right along on long trips. Load maximum is 850 which isnt much and wasnt discussed. Paint seems to mark easily and is necessary to wash with care.

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  Good little car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Brother George - July 3 - 10:20 am

  The Fit is a good little car. The storage area and flexibility are unmatched. I bought a new mower and was concerned about it fitting in such a small car. I got the mower in easily and figured I could have carried 2 more (3 total). Amazing. The car steers easily and the gas mileage is decent but could be better. Plenty of pep, both in town and on the highway. No problems. So far mileage has been between 32 and 40, with 35-36 average. Most of my driving is in town or suburban areas. The 40 MPG was on a trip to Dallas. I dont like the silver color, electric windows, electric locks--but there was no choice. The exterior design is cheap (a couple of stripes would help). Not many in stock.

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  The Fit fits! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By ZZZDMD - June 24 - 12:53 pm

  Just picked up a beautiful white 2016 Fit EX, only have a couple days driving it, but great so far. As far as Im aware there was little to no change from the 2015, since it was completely redone at that time. I love the styling, the EX level tires and wheels look great. Im not a big fan of Firestone tires in general, but these seem just fine. I dont need nav, and the leather seating and heated seats were not important to me. The trim upgrades from the LX model add the right amount of niceties - wheels, sunroof, better sound, bluetooth, cameras, keyless, etc - really offers a great value for the money. So far in town driving is getting 33-34 mpg. Im excited to see how it improves as the engine gets broken in. Rear seat comfort and room seems really good, as well as cargo room. My two teenagers fit fine in the back. Three smaller kids would fit fine too, but if you have a carseat, fitting two more back there would be a squish. I guess I should say its perfect for my needs (I haul medical equipment around Phoenix metro, the cargo capabilities are more than adequate for me). Honda did a great job with this, there are a few nitpicky things, but as a whole this car is fantastic. Cons (in my opinion) - When driving, even with the shiny, well thought-out facade, its obvious that its still a subcompact economy car underneath. Its not an Accord, or even a Civic (but I new that going in, and im fine with it). Honda did a good job with muffling sounds, but the doors still close with a slight tin-can feel, road noise is pretty evident, ride is pretty firm and a bit choppy over bumps, and the CVT does drone on initially. My old trusty 2005 Civic has a plusher ride, but to me its not a deal breaker. I do worry a little about seat comfort on long road trips, im 61" and could use even one more inch of legroom while driving. The most annoying thing for me is the lack of volume nob. I really thought that would be the least of my worries, it does bother me more than I thought it would. But if this is the worst thing then ill be just fine! Overall an excellent economy car. If you are shopping, make sure you drive one to get the feel of it. I highly recommend!

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  Have a fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tif - June 23 - 1:32 pm

  I love my fit, its fun to drive, excellent performance and steering. I can fit as much in the back as I did in my truck. I do wish the gas tank was a few gallons larger though.

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  Good car overall - 2007 Honda Fit
  By andy - April 15 - 11:01 pm

  Nice car overall, esp for the price. Amount of storage for a small car is amazing - can almost fit 8.5 kayak in completely. Almost handles very well. A few cons: Front seat room is a little tight for the taller folks. Gas mileages has been low for such a small engine - approx 30 - 31 MPG (quite a bit under EPA guidelines for when I purchased).