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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  my sports fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By CA driver - October 27 - 7:43 am

  I finally traded my gas guzzler, SUV for a Sports Fit. After doing the research and driving the car, I purchased my orange Fit. I had to adjust to less suspension, a rougher road ride than before. I loved the quick turn action and actually entered the freeway and hit 60 mph in six seconds. It performs nicely and I came from Mercedes and Nissan Pathfinder. I love my little car, more features included than on the Matrix. I definitely saw the quality in this buy over its competition.

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  Fantastic MPG - 2009 Honda Fit
  By jokereddie - October 23 - 10:05 pm

  Got the 5 speed stick shift Sport model. MPG is displayed at the push of a button. We havent re-set it since we left the showroom in May. Now with 7000 miles on it we have averaged 44.2MPG!! Fun to drive, rides a little rough, but great little car. Many compliments on the color - we got the Blackberry Pearl.

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  My cute lil car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By amanda - October 22 - 7:48 pm

  Since I have gotten the car, it has never dipped below getting 35 mpg! I love that there is a display that tells you how many mpg you are getting. It makes me happy. Its as good as you get without paying for the hybrid.

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  Fuel Miser with terrific packaging - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Aay Kay - October 22 - 5:43 pm

  I had an 08 Honda Fit Base MT, that I traded in for my 09 Subaru Tribeca but then sorely regretted having let the Fit go, and purchased an 09 Fit Sport MT as an addition to the Tribeca. The 09 Fit feels much more substantial than the 08 Base Fit and clearly feels stiffer and more sporty. The mileage with both my 08 Fit and the 09 Fit have been significantly better than the EPA estimates - 35-36mpg in mixed driving conditions, which I am very happy with. As a repeat Fit buyer, I dont think I would be letting this little gem go, anytime soon!

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  So so - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Hondafan - October 21 - 10:06 am

  Bought the FIT for fuel economy and thought about long trips. Gas mileage is great, around town driving is wonderful,and turning is amazing to get into some of those parking spaces. Love the Aux input for the iPod/MP3. Freeway driving is loud and acceleration for on ramps is a lesson in patience and a little terrifying. Feel like I should get out and push. Wish we had held out for the manual but they were selling fast. And, what were they thinking about with some of the cupholders? The most convenient ones are in front of the vents. And, that space behind the cupholders on the gear shift stand.

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  Get the extras - 2009 Honda Fit
  By happy owner - October 19 - 3:42 pm

  Compared to and test drove Mini Cooper, Mini Clubman, Scion D etc. to replace a 1986 Toyota 4 wheel drive xtra cab pick-up used for personal and small real estate business. With back seats down it works well to transport my mutts and for business. Did not like "paddle shifting" standard is very responsive. Had dealer install moon-roof similar to those on accords and it is fabulous. Get all the rubber floor trays. Navigation system very useful and stability control makes my wife feel safe. Also got Plexiglas strips on doors for shade and rain protection as well as fancy door strips and a black rear bumper protector strip--all the bells and whistles.

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  Love the Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By doglvr - October 17 - 9:43 pm

  VERY happy with car. Stereo is great, much better than I expected. Comfy supportive seat, nice instrumentation (blue is easier on eyes than red that many cars have now IMO), good smaller car for dogs. Smaller car than Im used to, pep is ok but Im more cautious driving in a smaller car. I expect a 10 for reliability but obviously havent had it long enough to gauge, no worries there. Great job Honda! I dont feel bad not having a prius now. : )

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  My Honda Fits Fine! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Hooked on Honda - October 16 - 11:41 pm

  Began my love relationship with Fit in May 09. Many years with VWs, but Fit feels more spacious. Easy driving. Small enough to fit anywhere. Designed sharp enough to be noticed. Never want to be without a GPS again so much fun to enjoy the scenery rather than having to remember landmarks. Loads of space and places to put drinks, eyeglasses, etc. Wide windshield and extra side windows feels like being in a tour bus. Great visibility. Road ride is fine no worse than any other cars. GREAT gas mileage! The flexibility of the seats is a HUGE plus. Sadly I was totaled last week. Entire front end gone, but not me or my cat. Air bag worked. Nothing penetrated the cabin! Looking for a new Fit.

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  I LOVE This Car!!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By raisin - October 15 - 11:33 am

  I love this car. I just bought a red one two weeks ago and its soo fun to drive it. Its classy. Thank god I didnt buy the yaris or the versa.

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  Great car, a few quirks - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jason - October 14 - 10:50 am

  I bought brand new and now have 25k miles (lots of hwy miles the first yr). Overall, been a great little car. Havent had any problems except a nagging dash rattle that comes and goes very fun to drive. Tons of space for all my junk. Ive crammed 3 mountain bikes along with people to ride them in it without much problem. Good stereo. Gas mileage is decent, Im getting ~31 city, but that reflects my driving style. It has some quirks and lacks some features other modern cars have, but hey, its an econobox. I would recommend to anyone who needs an inexpensive ride. Our first Honda, wont be the last.