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 Fit is indeed go! - 2010 Honda Fit
By Christian - November 24 - 12:40 pmGreat vehicle for the price and (in my opinion) competes with vehicles costing much more. Ride is quiet, (given wheel base and vehicle weight) seats are comfortable, available seating and storage space is amazing (given the exterior dimensions) and the car is just plain fun to drive. Automatic is not fast, by any means, but more than adequate for around town driving and highway cruising speeds. Some interior materials are flimsy, but the main gear (AC and radio controls, gauges, dash) is very well put together and solid to the touch. Everything is well laid out and easily accessed from the drivers seat. Overall build quality appears to be excellent. Honda has really done a great job!
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Great MPG and Spirit! - 2009 Honda Fit
By Kurt1217 - November 18 - 5:58 pmI am a high-spirited driver and drive 110 miles one-way to work, so needed a fuel efficient car that had zip. 10,000+ miles already since June 2008. Depending on my driving habits, I average 40+ highway/35 mixed (highest was 52 MPG for one trip at 60 MPH!). This car has great acceleration when you punch it for entering traffic and passing, but dont expect a rocket car. Maneuverability is excellent, although real tight cornering causes the back end to sway. The seats are not very comfortable for long distances, but I generally like the interior styling. Visibility is excellent, with nice large side mirrors. Nice rear seat flexibility for transporting my big dog and cargo. Great car overall!
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A Great Car With A Few Flaws - 2007 Honda Fit
By CF - November 17 - 3:13 pmI love my car. I love the Electric Blue color, the size, the interior space & driving it. It is absolutely amazing how much you can fit inside. Its also roomy & comfortable for all the passengers. The gas mileage is great at 33-40 mpg depending on city/hwy, how close it is to needing an oil change or if the AC is running. A few things have bothered me: the fact that the AC is auto on with the defrost, my dome light burned out at 45000 miles (Ive never replaced this in any other car (even over 150K miles), the paint scratches really easily, no front car mats & the tires did wear quickly as others have said. Overall Im happy with this car, except maybe shouldve gotten the Sport instead.
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Sure beats a Taurus! - 2007 Honda Fit
By Lebowski - November 14 - 1:20 amFresh out of college and being an entrepreneur, I needed a lot of room to lugging equipment as well as something that was economical to run. After looking at the Yaris (yawn), Caliber and versa (which was my second choice) I decided on the Honda Fit. Loads of cargo space and awesome gas mileage had me sold. the build quality is awesome and it is incredibly fun to drive! (By the way, Im a personal trainer so the Fit was a perfect name!)
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09 Fit was the beth FIT for my family - 2009 Honda Fit
By Wendy - November 11 - 1:22 pmPreviously, I have only driven Dodge products (large farming family with many gas sucking trucks). When my car was on its last leg I looked at several small hatchback cars and compact SUV/crossovers. Ultimately, the FIT won out even though the price was higher. I have been getting between 38 and 42 mpg on both highway and interstate driving. I can easily fit 2 Great Danes in the rear area (my baby has Wobblers so it is hard for him to climb). I will agree it is noisy on rough surfaces and during acceleration and the air conditioner isnt the strongest ever, but everything else is excellent. I actually love the cup holders (keeps my drinks colder in front of air vent).
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Getting Better All The Time - 2007 Honda Fit
By Mike P - November 10 - 8:30 pmIve had my Fit Sport for 2 months now, and Im enjoying it more than ever. I bought it as an inexpensive commuter car to use as an alternative to my gas-hungry Landrover. What I didnt expect was the fun factor. I love it.
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Great Car - 2009 Honda Fit
By sullivana6395 - November 10 - 1:56 pmI really enjoy this car it is great! The performance is wonderful. It is a beauty inside and out.
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The Perfect FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
By happy - November 8 - 4:46 pmIm happier with this car in the one week that Ive owned it than I was with my Beetle... the first car that I ever loved:) This car is much more practical for todays varied needs. The design puts safety first, and flexibility a close second. This car can be set up like a computer lounge or a comfortable ride for the dogs... I cant say enough good things about it! Also, I just went on a 400 mile trip and was comfortable the entire time listening to my Ipod through the 200 watt speakers... was never bothered with engine noise or felt like I needed to stand up and shake out my legs from sitting too long. And I was smiling at the gas station!
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Great car for your money - 2008 Honda Fit
By tim_s11 - November 5 - 7:36 pmI bought it used, and have had it for four months now. I love it. It is fun to drive around town. Easy to park. I love all the room inside. Great car to take on vacations. Im getting almost 40 mpg on highway, and 35 in the city. We love to take it to the drive in and to lay in the back. It makes it easy to load up the mountain bikes and take off. It is the best car that I have bought.
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Sweet little ride - 2010 Honda Fit
By movon123 - October 30 - 4:23 pmTraded 2008 Toyota Matrix for 2010 Honda Fit Sport Auto better MPG ride handling and it has a cool look also. For the extra money the Fit is a great buy.
