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:

• 

  Love the Fit! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Fit Fan - August 4 - 4:45 pm

  On my first tank in my 5 speed I got 34.5 mpg and that included some mountain driving - with plenty of power. My second and third tanks have been slightly over 40mpg mixed driving. I dont know where they get the EPA estimate of 28-34. Im also very happy with how fun it is to drive (sport-car feel), the great gas mileage, and the interior space that feels like it rivals my wifes Escape. Besides much better gas mileage than advertised, my 5 speed with the 1.5 liter engine has more spunk than my big old 6 cylinder Explorer does (or ever did). When some say the Fit doesnt have enough power Im amazed unless maybe they have the automatic which isnt quite as good on power or mpg.

• 

  Sooo bummed about LOW, LOW mileage!!!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By katrinka - August 4 - 12:32 am

  This is my sixth new Honda purchase, all others were Civics, both manual and AT,and Ive never experienced such low mileage,in spite of driving in the same manner for 35 years. I average 20 (TWENTY!) mpg, with city/ highway combined. On one semi long trip the mileage climbed to 24. Now, I am still below the supposed 1,000 mile break in point, but do plan to have the vehicle examined, as I purchased it for its size, ease and mileage! GUARANTEED? Should the mileage PROBLEM be solved, Id recommend this vehicle highly. There are options one can purchase to solve any concerns listed below. Most owners report great mileage. The MT FIT gets up to 40,as DOES my 1991/MT Honda Civ-140K!

• 

  great value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Missouri Breaks - August 3 - 2:58 pm

  12 months and 60,000 miles. I think its broken in. It is what I expected it to be. Get 40 mpg when I drive like an old man. My highway mileage is closer to 35 mpg. The ride is on a par with my Mustang GT. The workmanship is ok. The power is about what is expected from a 90 ci engine. I will say the acceleration is about like my old Buick 225s. 455 vs 90 ci. Ill take the 90. Passing? Chose the right gear, keep the revs up and it does ok. Center armrest? Get a big, long, round pillow. A/C cant keep up? Tint the windows. Doesnt perform like you wish? It is what it is. Pretty darn good car, especially when you look at the price. Cheap carpet? Oh well, look at the price.

• 

  Honda Lover - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Thomas - August 3 - 9:53 am

  Since 1991 I have only driven Honda cars. I have never had any major repairs. This Fit measures up and surpasses my expectations. It is an incredible small car. I get 32 mpg in or out of traffic, virtually no road noise and the performance is equal to anything else I have driven.

• 

  I want my Civic back! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rubypearl - August 2 - 11:15 pm

  I now have 5,000 miles on this car. Ive tried to give it the benefit of doubt, but I am so frustrated with it. The engine has an annoying knock/tick on acceleration, so much, that bystanders on the street acknowledge it. Of course, the Honda mechanics dont hear it. This Fit is a squirrelly beast in the snow, and is a frightening plow, rather than "fun to drive". Having lived in Alaska for many years, I do know how to drive in snow! Luckily I no longer live there. The paint quality is less than "quality". I have the Blackberry Pearl, sport model. I highly suggest choosing a Civic over a Fit, if handling, noise, and fuel economy are important to you. I miss my Civic, LOTS!

• 

  Fit is Fit for me - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Joe Fleming - August 2 - 3:28 pm

  This is the best fuel economy car that Honda has to offer besides the hybrid. I love everything about this car, i loved the economy and performance so much i traded in my 2007 ridgeline for the fit. I will never get rid of this car it will be passed down to my daughter for her first car and will purchase another Honda. All in all this was the best move Honda had made, well done.

• 

  Too Much Fun - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Too Much Fun - August 2 - 10:40 am

  Comments after 5 weeks. GOOD - 32 to 35mpg with the AC running 100 deg Arizona, Paddle shifters on steering wheel lots of fun, Good sound system, Inside space and seat position options awesome, Good AC in hot weather, Good handling with tight steering. NOT SO GOOD - Road noise, rides a little rough, 10.8 gal tank at 300 miles need to head for a gas station. SUMMARY - Due to my long commute I downsized from a Explorer SUV and Im extremely happy....GT

• 

  Big guy in a little car. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jason - August 1 - 9:45 am

  After reading many conflicting reviews about space for taller drivers I decided to test drive one to see if Id fit (sorry). To my surprise I had plenty of room, just as much leg room and lots more head room than my 97 Grand Prix. Im 66" and 280+ w/ size 14 feet. I had no problems whatsoever with the pedals being too close to me or each other (in both the manual and the auto). The steering wheel does not feel too far away to me, in my normal driving position, my arms are still slightly bent, but if I want to feel "racy" I can press my back into the seat and feel like Im driving a race car with my arms stretched out. Its got plenty of pep for a car of its class.

• 

  Fits the bill - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FITbuyer - August 1 - 4:56 am

  I initially began my search for a car with proven gas mileage and performance for its size. I initially looked at the Yaris, in this category. It had poor visability for a man my size. And most importantly, it lacked the standard safety features the Fit has. (ABS and Side-curtain air bags) I am very happy with the Fit overall. And it comes from a world-class automobile company like Honda. Renowned for reliabilty. This would be my first Honda. I normally consider no less than a Toyota.

• 

  Fun Car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By GDavis - July 29 - 5:58 pm

  I got 42 mpg freeway from Phoenix, az to irvine, ca. City so far is about 27-28 mpg carrying 3 people most of that time. Fun to drive, lots of pep. Costco runs not a problem. So much room that the back seats dont need to be folded down. Picked up relative from the airport with luggage and could have still fit a 4th person in the car. Reasonably comfortable for the price point. This is a great choice to replace a large SUV because you can still "fit" lots of stuff and dont fee like youre giving anything up. Havent used my Jeep commander in weeks because this is so much fun to drive and has much better mpg than my Jeeps 12 mpg city. Not the cutest, but definitely the most practical!