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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  First Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By P.V. - March 15 - 1:00 pm

  This is my first car and first purchase ever and I am beyond pleased. I think I made a great choice. The gas mileage is great. I dont know if I drive less than the average person but when I fill up my tank (which always costs me less than $30) it lasts me practically 2 weeks.

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  "FIT" fits all !!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Sreejith - March 15 - 3:10 am

  HONDA FIT is inexpensive to buy and own, good on gas, and had a big hole in the back. The Fit "fit" all of those. Light, quick and nimble, perfect for country roads and city streets. Also holds its own on the highway.

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  43 MPG! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Phoebes Mom - March 14 - 3:33 pm

  I love my Fit! Her name is Phoebe, because her color is Lunar Mist, and I decided that she should have a lunar name, so she is named after Saturns 18th moon - Phoebe. Took a drive to friends, who live over 150 miles from me, and Phoebe got just under 43 MPG round trip! Called my mechanic to find out if this is possible. He said yes. I love this little car, and I couldnt be happier with it. If you are looking to get a great small car, you will not be disappointed.

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  First 1200 miles in my new Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By larryteck - March 10 - 7:40 pm

  I am loving this car so far. Averaging 37MPG on my daily 50 mile RT commute and over 39MPG on 250 mile road trip. I have grown to really like the paddle shifters in manual mode, and this from a "die-hard" manual shifter. For a sub- compact there is tons of room and think the rear seat flexibility is very well designed and functional. I find the highway ride a bit harsh and noisy, especially over expansion joints. But overall, this rates as one of the top 3 cars I have owned and I have owned nearly forty cars!

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  Fit 2 Go - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Poopa - March 6 - 9:29 am

  This car is like a "mini-SUV" it can hold anything and go anywhere. I especially love the great gas mileage and the ease of parking or maneuvering around. I live in the snow belt and after putting snow tires on this vehicle, I had no problems whatsoever, getting about. A great addition to any family!

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  Shouldve been a "Jazz". - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Joe P - March 5 - 3:59 am

  I previously reviewed my Fit on 4/20/07. Since then not much has changed except for one very disappointing thing. In cold weather there is a spectacularly annoying rattle coming from the center dash. Very unHonda-like! Of course this is my only real complaint. Overall I love this car. Its a blast to drive. As a matter of fact driving my Fit in Chicago is (dare I say it?) almost fun. The utility in this car is amazing. Ive had a lawn mower, a weed wacker (both Hondas), 8 bags of mulch and fertilizer and all sorts of small plants in the back. All delivered in one trip. Who needs an SUV?

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  Nice little ride - 2007 Honda Fit
  By carfanatic - March 3 - 3:56 pm

  The MT Fit Sport is a nice little ride. It handles superbly, like a sports car. Pick-up is good for a 1.5 litre engine. Build quality is excellent. This is a great little car.

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  Leader of the pack - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Rebmo - March 3 - 7:53 am

  My wife just picked up her Honda Fit Sport with nav this weekend and really loves it. Cant say much about reliability since we just got it, but the last 2 Hondas we had were trouble free. Traded an Element and dont feel short on space. The visibility, comfort and features are really great. Its good to see a manufacturer offering some high end features in a sub-compact. The nav is very nice out ot the 3 navs we have. Visibility is great with all the glass. Im 6-2.5 and fit fine in the car. Ride is very comfortable. Not a powerhouse but didnt expect it to be, and its adequate for normal driving. The exterior is really nice with the sport package in metallic grey.

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  Greatest small car ever - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Sam - February 25 - 10:57 am

  We had to unexpectedly buy a new car when our Chevy Malibu developed fatal issues. The Fit was on my short list of replacements. I found one certified preowned and jumped on it. It is easily the best, most enjoyable car Ive ever owned. The interior room is nothing short of amazing. Im 62", so whether I can fit into a car is a big concern for me. The Fit is a little snug, but not uncomfortable in the least. It literally zips around like a big go-kart the power from such a small engine was a pleasant surprise. Im still on my first tank of gas, but so far it appears to be getting around 40 MPG highway.

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  Just breaking it in - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Matt - February 24 - 12:50 am

  Put the first thousand miles on it in just a few weeks. Already seeing gas mileage improvement as it breaks in (31 mpg to start, ~35 now combined). Also seeing a little more acceleration as well. Extremely well put together interior, stereo with amazing sound, tons of features. It also handles flawlessly that makes you forget you are in a subcompact and rivals sports cars I have driven before. Highly recommended to anyone looking for great mpg and a fun car to drive.