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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  Somewhat disappointed - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Murph - August 24 - 9:56 pm

  Everywhere I have been reading about the wonderful MPG and it was MAIN reason I purchased this car, well since buying in Feb. 2017 been having terrible MPG averaging around 26 combined and 30 if I am lucky on highway. Dealer has worked on car two times, first time found the specs were off and had to fix gave car back and still the same, next time they found issues with fuel injectors so had to replace, gave the care back, same problem. Now they dont know what to do, they suggested it was how I drove the car, yeah right, my friend took for a couple of days and she had the same MPG as I did. Had to call Honda Corp and they are working with dealer to find the issues, have to take car back again. This is my 4th Honda, all others were great, this one not so much and am very disappointed and frustrated with the whole thing! I am hoping they can fix issue, or either replace the car all together or give me full refund, it will fall under lemon law soon. I really want the car so I am hoping something can be worked out. But wanted others to know just in case anyone else is having the same issue.

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  40 MPG and a Hoot to Drive - 2009 Honda Fit
  By skshrews - August 24 - 9:03 pm

  I bought the base, manual model because Im cheap, and I love to drive manual transmissions. I had good luck with my 2002 Honda Civic, but wanted the versatility of a 5 door. Its a hoot to drive, light steering, clutch. 40 MPG highway Fantastic seat maneuverability makes space behind driver usable in many different ways. Build quality is excellent. Surprisingly quiet for a small car with high revving engine.

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  Like McDonalds --- "Im Lovin It" - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Denny - August 24 - 5:56 pm

  Bought one week ago. Only the 2nd new car I have purchased in 40 years of driving and I have no regrets. Had it on the PA Turnpike this past weekend, getting almost 38 MPG...not bad for having less than 800 total miles on it. City driving looks like it will average about 30 MPG. Both these are better than EPA, but if you check out Truedelta or Fuelly websites, some people are making wild claims that make it sound like its a super-hybrid...look at site results and figure to be in the middle of the charts. Lots of debate over MT vs AT. I bought the AT with the paddle shifters, which are kind of a novelty but fun and efficient to use. Its not a race car, but has plenty of zip and fun to drive.

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  Bought With A Purpose - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lotsofkids - August 24 - 3:16 pm

  I got a great price by shopping on- line. I bought the Honda Fit because I took a new job that has a commute of 200 miles per day. The commute is mostly highway and I average 36 MPG when adhering to the posted speed limit. When I go with the flow of traffic, I average 30 MPG. Responsive steering, smooth ride for a small car, interior roominess, a (standard) good sound system., great gas mileage and overall reliability are the reasons I bought this car. The only negative is the unimpressive paddle shifters on the steering wheel which can be accidentally activated with an errant finger movement, and they are functionally limited. They should remove them for their 2008 model.

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  Update of Previous Review - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Warren H. - August 24 - 10:40 am

  Weve taken our son 400 miles each way to college this last week. The MPG was 28.5, ride was Okay at best (Im 61") the seats are not designed for the long haul. However, because we were trying to make time on our trip I was driving an average speed of 80 pushing 90 on occasion. THIS cars suspension is that of one much more expensive. Weaving in an out of traffic the handling was beeee U Teee full... It was almost as though the car wanted to be driven hard. On the downside. YOU CANNOT move a kid into a dorm in this car. No room at all for 4 passengers and cargo. 3 passengers maybe if you fold down the rear seat. The engine is buzzy at 80+ but you ignore it after a while. Still in Love. 0)

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  2009 Fit Sport W/Nav - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Stacz - August 23 - 9:53 pm

  This was a replacement for my 99 Blazer (Cash/Clunkers), after 3 weeks I am happy with my Fit. It is much roomier on the inside then it appears from the outside. The ride is very comfortable. It handles well, even in the rain. I am not getting great mileage, but at 24 MPG it is more than double then that of my Blazer. I got the Sport because the base model was a little too bare bones. The added features remote entry, cruise control, etc are worth it. Warning: Do not lose your keys. I wanted an extra key and found it cost over $100 for just a key w/no remote, something do to w/programming the key. I got one for under $10, but it only opens the doors, it will not start the engine.

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  I love my 2009 fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By marebear2009 - August 23 - 1:48 pm

  I must say, after having my car almost a week that I love my Honda fit. We got it, because the car I had before was a 97 civic. We had a huge accident, which led us to finding a new car for me. I am an 18 year old daughter who is about to graduate out of high school as a senior and we were looking at the new and improved 09 fit. I love the way it handles as far as steering and controlling the car. Its color just screams at people. So Im sure they will see me this time. Its very peppy as far as the engine. Dont let that little 1.5 liter engine fool you. Not only that, but I am surrounded by airbags. So I feel extremely safe. I am so glad we found this car!

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2009 Honda Fit
  By MikeL - August 20 - 4:28 pm

  A real fun to drive car. Very surefooted and corners flat, no body roll. The seats are comfortable and the controls are conveniently placed.

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  Fun little car! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Heather in Colorado - August 20 - 12:50 pm

  I live on the western slope of the Rockies and had to drive to Denver to get this car (inventory very limited at local dealership). Therefore, I had to drive back OVER the Rockies to get home - about 250 miles of hilly driving. While the Fit isnt going to win any drag races with its power, it handled Vail pass and hilly driving just fine. The paddle shifters were nice for downshifting on those long uphills and downhills (people who complain about the Fit shifting too often should practice using their lower gears on hills). The steering is great - nice and tight and smooth at highway speeds and very easy for slow-speed maneuvering. Its just a fun little car with lots of great features.

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  Not a Fit to drive a Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By FredS - August 18 - 3:14 pm

  I have had the car a little over a month and it is outstanding. The only problems (if you want to call them that) is you can only get interior in black shows dirt. Does not have console. Does not come with cargo cover to keep prying eyes out. Other than that-it is great! A real thrill to drive, corners on a dime. Fuel usage is great, average 36.1 combo city and highway.