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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  The Honda "Fits" - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Mary - October 1 - 8:56 pm

  I just bought the automatic Honda Fit Basic and love it. I wanted a Honda or Toyota hatchback and the new Fit is perfect for me and my wallet. I drive all around town and it is easy to drive, park, carry a variety of cargo and it looks good. I have owned a couple Accords and am very happy with Hondas Fit model. For the money, this car is a super value and needs to be taken seriously!

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  Tight Fit for Tall Folks - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Terrain.org - September 17 - 12:46 am

  I downsized from a larger, more powerful vehicle, and while I love the functionality, gas mileage, and looks of the Fit, in the month and 1,600 miles Ive had it, I havent been able to get really comfortable in the drivers seat. Im 65" and the road test seemed okay, but after sitting in it a while, I sure wish the seat was more adjustable and went farther back. The center armrest should be standard, too (and lower, and designed for use with a manual transmission; the current one will not be installed by Honda on a MT). Otherwise, though, I think its a great little car, and runs well both around town and on the highway. Its moderately zippy, has a great turning radius, and is open.

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  Good little car, but needs improvements - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Sam - September 12 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car right off the delivery truck...and, at first, absolutely loved it. However, after driving it for awhile, I have found some issues with it, but, all around, and for the price, its a good little car.

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  ...for the ride to work - 2007 Honda Fit
  By janet - June 18 - 5:30 am

  so far I have been very happy with my choice. (it was a hard one) There are a lot of this type of car out there but with Hondas rep I thought how could I go wrong. The only prob so far is when the car is fully loaded it only got 32 mpg instead of 35. I really did not need anymore car than this just to drive my 30 miles to work and back. and an occasional trip with friends.

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  Almost perfect - 2009 Honda Fit
  By EN - May 17 - 2:53 pm

  Well researched purchase,I considered the matrix but chose the fit due to better rear visibility and more fun features. Love this car: small but versatile, fuel efficient, affordable, lots of safety features. Main complaint is the bumpy ride: doesnt handle rough roads well, and downright bouncy (seems to oscillate off the ridges in the concrete) on certain stretches of well maintained freeway. At 51" I find the interior comfy, but my 6 ft friend feels cramped. Sun visor is inadequate for a short person when flipped to the side. Gas tank is small but mpg (I avg 33 for about 75% hwy driving) makes up for it. Handles snowy roads well, but I do worry I’ll get stuck with low clearance in front.

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  Electrical Problems - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pariz - May 8 - 4:06 am

  It is just one week and 93 miles, before the hand brake / ABS indicator start turn on. And then on the way to service station, 5 minutes later, the transmission indicator start blinking. I never found such any problems on all my previous car, especially it is just 93 miles.

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  Uncomfortable - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Bear - May 4 - 4:33 pm

  I owned this car for 1 week and had to trade it in. This has to be the most uncomfortable seating position in history! I was either too far from the wheel or too close to it w/no leg room. Drive it for more than the 15 minute test drive, youll be glad you did! The seat is poorly designed as well. Im amazed that Honda sells these things so well in Europe (but I hear it has an adjustable seat height there). When fully loaded with friends, the ride suffers and can be harsh over bumps. Buy a Civic instead!

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  POOR performance - 2007 Honda Fit
  By charlie - April 25 - 5:53 pm

  I replaced a 1986 Civic Si with this weak sister in April. Big mistake. My Si got about 15% better fuel economy and would run rings around my Fit. Top speed in 4th gear (5200 RPM): 101; top speed in 5th gear: 83. No kidding. 83 MPH. Disgusting. Oh, mediocre acceleration as well.

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  So far, so good... - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Florida Fit Fan - March 9 - 11:40 am

  My wife and I wanted small wagon, and investigated most of the obvious choices. By the time we test-drove the Fit we had a pretty good idea what we wanted, and were both impressed immediately. The clinchers were the standard side airbags, antilock brakes, and the price. Weve owned it for a week now. Its a blast to drive, the manual transmission is silky smooth, steering and brakes very responsive. The forward visibility is unbelievable as is the interior room. Main complaint is that the suspension is pretty taut. If youre looking for a budget-priced wagon, you should check this car out.

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  Waited 2 years for this car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By judi - January 9 - 8:16 am

  I finally found the car of my dreams, or so I thought. Not exactly. I still havent quite figured out how to use the paddles and when I do, the car seems to buckle and surge. One major problem, which I did not think of, the front of the Sport is very, very low. I live in the Northeast region. If we get a lot of snow in the winter, I will have to get out and shovel the car snow in order to move forward.