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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  Good Car Overall - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jack - November 7 - 12:43 am

  This is our second car. We purchased it last week. Here are initial thoughts. As a second car intended for local driving, or as a city car, it is a good choice. The car handles well in turns and grips the road. The driver visibility is excellent, and the stylish interior appears to be of good quality (time will tell). We live in Pennsylvania with some steep slopes; the automatic transmission shifts gears going up hills. On occasion, the engine winds. Since it is a brand new car, Im tentative about putting too much stress on the engine. The gas mileage is very good but not exceptional. One might expect more from such a light weight car.

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  A little too basic. . . - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Nancy M. - October 31 - 6:13 pm

  Ive been driving my basic Honda Fit for a couple of months now, and while it is great fun to drive and thrills me when I fill it up with gas for under $25, I have gotten slightly frustrated with not having a "magic button" for the door locks. Additionally, the gray/black interior makes it very difficult to see inside at night, especially when the inside light goes off immediately when you turn off the ignition. In the high side, it has great cargo space with the back seats folded down, and the sound system is adequate. My last vehicle was a small pickup so I am really impressed with the fuel economy and the ease of handling. Wish I had bought the Sport model now.

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  LOVE MY FIT - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Julie - October 31 - 4:03 am

  I wanted a Prius. I had wanted one forever. I test drove a Prius several times. The regular Prius I found to be way too expensive, and the Prius-C, which I test drove, didnt have a lot of power. I still wanted it and kept looking. I had seen the Fit, and I have been a Honda girl for years. I test drove the Fit and I was in love. I found it had more power than the Prius-C, and I liked the interior much better. All the reviews I had read on the Prius-C said try the Honda Fit or the Ford Focus for that type of small, economical car. The price on my Fit was MUCH better than the Prius-C. Im not knocking the Prius at all - it is a wonderful car, but I decided on the Fit based on the test drive, the interior, and the price. I also loved the color I got (the dark gray gun metal). The gas mileage is fantastic. It usually tells me I am getting about 41 MPG, sometimes 38 MPG - and with my own calculations based on the amount of gas I put it, I am getting 40 MPG. The interior is very comfortable, and I love the visibility with all the windows. The hatchback has plenty of room for my needs - I have always had a hatchback and it is comparable to other cars I have had. The back seat is super roomy and comfortable. So far, I have only found one thing to complain about - HONDA LISTEN UP: On the steering wheel controls, the Cruise Control is on the right. The radio controls are on the left. That should be reversed. You automatically tend to operate the radio with the right hand - on the right side, and the cruise control should be on the left. That is the ONLY thing I can complain about. A/C works good, and I use the ECONO mode all the time to save gas - I dont notice a big difference, but when I need a little power, I turn the ECONO mode off. I only have 1,000 miles on my new Fit, but so far, I love love love it.

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  Fits just right... - 2009 Honda Fit
  By motogenius46 - October 30 - 6:03 pm

  I had an 89 and a 97 Honda Accord before this so Im a bit of a die-hard Honda automobile fan. Ive been eying the Fit even before the new model change and I am glad I decided to get it. Its no hybrid, but I still enjoy the mpg I get from it - and its cheaper. Its fun to drive, the Magic Seats are functional/practical, not only is the car bigger than it looks, all the windows make it feel even more spacious. Its got a great engine and the car runs great. Anyone complaining about comfort or performance needs to be reminded that this is not a sports/luxury car... its a compact car that is great on fuel economy, looks good, fun to drive, and reliable - its a Honda. Drive it and see...

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  Defined by what you drive? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By smlltwngrl - October 27 - 6:30 pm

  Me? No. So if youre one of those peeps, this cars not for you. It looks like a very popular hybrid, but so much better and more budget conscious! Living in TX, I have to compete with a lot of V8 and V10 trucks (no, not horses). I am proud to say this little fuel efficient wonder zips through a sea of gas-guzzlers in a world of urban sprawl; and Im a manual-tranny-drivin-leadfoot! More features come standard with the FIT than any of its competitors: ABS, airbags, CD player, auto-locks, auto- windows and A/C! First tune-up? 100,000! I owned my last car for 12 years and 174,000 miles, and I look forward to owning this one for 12 more!

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  Honda Fit 2009 - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Warren - October 27 - 8:43 am

  We bought our Honda Fit 2 weeks ago after test driving the Toyota Yaris, and Hyundais Elantra and Accent first. So far we absolutely love our new car. We purchased the Metallic gray color and it looks great. We bought our car at Branfond Honda in Branford, Ct. and the salesmen Joel was straight forward and worked with us on price even before we came to the showroom which convinced me to go and take one for a test drive. The car rides smooth, handles great, and is fun to drive. We like it enough I would like to purchase another one soon. This is another fine product Honda has produced. My wife has an 18 year old Accord which is what helped convince us to go with Honda again.

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  Fits your budget and your taste - 2008 Honda Fit
  By LoveTheFit08 - October 24 - 12:20 pm

  I was looking for the best car in the market. I couldnt afford a glitzy sports car, but didnt want a twerpy little car with no features. I saw the Fit and instantly found my choice. Something you might not realize - this thing is peppy around town its got some definite "scoot," especially anything under 40 mph. Moreover, when the conditions are right, and youre not driving with a speeding ticket in mind, you can easily achieve well over 40+ mpg- I have. Im spoiled now to the point that ANYTHING below 34 mpg is BAD. One last thing - - the sound system in the car: awesome. The sports 4 mids and 2 tweeters are what surprised me most. I planned to put in an aftermarket system - no need!

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  Fun like a go cart - 2007 Honda Fit
  By rodney - October 20 - 12:25 pm

  This car is fun to drive. had it since mid 06 sometime. Was trading in my explore for a accord or civic when they were putting them on the showroom floor. Was impressed with them and bought the first one from that dealership. Have been happy with it every since. Have had it on a 3400 mile and 2 2200 mile trips. Love it. have 43,000 mile on it. I use Royal Purple oil because i believe there is no better oil. Have done nothing to it. Kept my tires checked and oil change. My wife drives it instead of our Accord 6 cyl. She love it.

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  Disappointingly Lame. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By MFHalb - October 19 - 4:46 pm

  Weve had it four, long months. We dont drive for fun, merely to get there. The lame mileage of 27 in town and MAYBE 36 on the highway (minimum of 1,000 miles needed) make this a lousy deal. Unless you drive with an egg under your foot, the car jack-rabbits to 35 miles-per-hour and then slogs along. If you floor it, it does the same thing, only more loudly. Power to pass on the freeway (where else do you need it?) is meager, and non-existent with the air-conditioning on. The electric window switches arent lighted and are hard to locate in the dark. All doors can only be locked and unlocked from the drivers door. Otherwise you have to key them individually.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Happy so far - October 14 - 3:36 pm

  I bought my Fit 90 days ago. So far, so good. Its fun to drive and is pretty comfortable. Clearly a step up in the sub compact market. Downers are no arm rests, and small fuel tank. 2 more gallons would make the range awesome. But for now I still have to pull in to fuel more often than I would like. (but it only costs $20 so I dont complain much) If the longevity is up to Honda standards and crash ratings come in high then this will be a very big winner for Honda. No regrets except I cant keep my teenage son out of it.