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:

• 

  Fun and useful vehicle - 2009 Honda Fit
  By ReneeSarah - November 11 - 12:10 am

  I have had my Honda Fit for a month and am still glad I got it. The Fit has good crash test results, good mileage and configurable space inside. I have went to IKEA and not worried about how I was going to get stuff in the car, put a fully assembled swivel desk chair in the back that I bought from Staples, etc. The interior finishing seems kind of cheap looking even compared to the Honda Insight. The front seat headrests do not adjust in a way that will ever be comfortable and the seats are kind of hard. There is good visibility- especially out the front window- where the expansive view is absolutely luxurious. While I got the "Sport" model, there is absolutely nothing sporty here.

• 

  18,000 mile report - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tardis001 - November 1 - 10:43 pm

  After 18,000 miles on my Fit purchased in May 2006, Im happy to say the car drives as well, looks as good, and feels as good as it did when brand new. No problems at all - no squeaks, rattles, troubles of any sort. Its very solid on the highway, even at 80 mph and heavy traffic. Gas mileage overall, 70% suburban commute and 30% Interstate, is right at 31 mpg. Thats about 28-29 in town and 37 highway - I have a rather heavy foot. Lots of room inside - my coworkers always want to go to lunch in my car because it seats 4 large adults quite comfortably. The fit and finish is terrific, dashboard is well laid out, and the stereo is really nice. Im very happy with the car.

• 

  A Mixed Bag - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sarah - August 25 - 6:23 pm

  I got my FIt in January, and have been driving it over 300 miles/week ever since. My favorite feature is the folding seats. The gas mileage keeps creeping up, and is currently averaging ~38 mpg (mostly highway driving, some of which is quite hilly). The car is slow to accelerate getting on freeways, but drives effortlessly once it is up to speed. Unfortunately, at 58", the seat/headrest forces me to slouch. I have yet to rig a pillow set-up that solves this problem, and I wish I didnt have to. Also, I am disappointed with the cars low clearance. Overall, Im happy with the car, and feel that its probably the best option if youre longing for a hatchback - theyre the best!

• 

  A great car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By maggie - May 7 - 5:13 am

  Ive had my Fit Sport for a year and 13,000 miles later I still love it. This is the first time Ive actually enjoyed driving a car. Its dependable, easy to park anywhere, comfortable for adults and children and I can put so much stuff in it. I also appreciate the fact that this car has many great safety features and an interior thats easy to clean which is important when carrying children. The Fit has redeemed my view of the powerless 4 cylinder car. It feels wonderful to drive a gas efficient car that overall looks and feel great inside and out. However, I suggest some minor tweaks related to noise and the interior.

• 

  fun to drive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Debbie - April 18 - 1:33 am

  I just got the car and it is a fun car to drive

• 

  Wow. Just wow. - 2016 Honda Fit
  By David E - March 11 - 10:26 am

  This is the perfect first car, or any other car. Its a family car, a cargo hauler, a workhorse, you name it. After a year of trying to find a subcompact car that I actually fit in, I was able to put all 63" of myself in the drivers seat, passenger seat, and back seats. Of course, the seat was as far back as it would go, and my right knee rests on the shift knob, but I cannot complain with the overall dimensions of the drivers seat. I run a small yard maintenance business, and I can fit my Honda mower, and my STIHL Blower and Weed Whacker all behind the front seats. I have taken three Cellos, a Double Bass, two amps, eighteen music stands and two drums AT ONCE. Needless to say, the cargo space rivals a minivans. I have tried and tried, but I cannot get this car to dip below 35 MPGs. It costs me an average of $16 dollars to fuel up in the Seattle WA area. The car I drove before this was a 1974 Porsche 914. That car is famous for sticking to the road like glue. This Honda doesnt come close to beating that ride quality, but for its height and cargo space, Ill let it slide. This car has a personality unlike any other car. It knows when youre trying to wind it up and get moving quickly, and in that case, the CVT will fight and try to buck you off the gas. Flooring the pedal makes the revs climb up to 5,000 or 5,500 before you even get above 15 MPH, and the sound is like a paper shredder that hasnt ever been oiled. But once you get moving between 25-60 mph, youll feel the 130 horsepower start to get along with the engine. Of course, anything above 65 mph has its downsides and I would not recommend going over 85. The wind will start to really affect your control over the car. But Honda, unlike many other car companies, has a feeling of quality that is simply unmatched. I can tell Ill get a good 150,000 miles out of it before having to get anything repaired, something that you wont feel in most of the American cars. Youll be rewarded with more than just outstanding fuel economy with this Fit. Buy Honda, and you cant go wrong.

• 

  Disappointed with gas mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rosemary Wison - January 10 - 7:10 pm

  Im delighted with the interior styling and versatility of the Honda Fit but Ive been disappointed with the gas mileage and the dealerships lack of concern. My first tank wowed me with 34 mpg which dropped to 24/25 mpg with each tank afterwards. Ive experimented with slower driving, gentle take offs, and upgrading my gasoline choice only to get the same results. While I love the car, I bought it for the gas mileage which as you can see, I am not getting.

• 

  Lots of car without spending lots of money - 2008 Honda Fit
  By TPINES - January 3 - 8:46 pm

  A really fine value. The Fit is fun to drive, economical, roomy, very practical. Build quality and reliability is classic Honda excellent.

• 

  Goid car but a few negatives - 2016 Honda Fit
  By C K Unruh - December 30 - 1:25 pm

  I have had my 2016 Honda Fit for about a month now. A few negatives: Excessive wind noise from front windshield when going over 45 mph...Passenger front window is very slow going up and down at times...the Ac vent air blows hard when decelerating and blows less hard when accelerating. ..and last, the engine pings loud at idle. I have addressed these issues with the dealership to see if these are common for the fit and I have yet to hear back from them. Its been 4 days. The fit is peppy enough and has plenty of room for my large dogs. I dont like the fact that these only come with black interior. .Dog hair and dirt really show up. Also, they dont come with floor mats. How stupid is that? Rubber mats from Honda are 170 bucks. Carpeted floor mats are over 300 bucks. Gas mileage is Good but gas tank is too small. Fuel like comes on at about 8 gallons. Too small. Also, no wheels...it has hub caps! Gross!! As soon as I can save some money i am going to get some wheels. I tinted the windows that made it look a little better. To me, this looks just like a small van. Thats about it. Hope this helps in making your decision whether to buy one or not.

• 

  Great car but lacking in a lot of areas - 2008 Honda Fit
  By v724510 - November 17 - 10:23 pm

  I was excited to get the fit but disappointed when I realized it maxed out at 35 mpg. In reality Im getting 25 mpg and I drive mostly on the HWY. I hear this will get better in time. Right now Honda is purposefully not making many Fits to drive demand. Most dealerships are charging an additional 1500 to every car because of this false demand Honda is creating. Also the Fit does not come with floor mats. When you buy them you cant just lay them down but you need to cut into the floor of the car. What were they thinking with that???!!! Overall I do like the fit. Its fun to drive and looks cool in my opinion. Its a Honda so I trust it will be reliable. Time will tell.