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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  Fitting the fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By William Turk - July 6 - 3:03 pm

  The Honda fit brings something new to the world of compacts standards. Everything that was called an option before is now standard. Loads of airbags, ABS power windows, the works. Its all standard. Sure somethings could have been better, but for the most part, having standards doesnt make me ask the dealer to fetch a model that has all the features I want. Only drawback is that I dont see myself using this car for a cross country road trip although the loads of space and adjustable seats does suggest that it would be a good idea. Great for a daily commuter.

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  Fit manual - 2007 Honda Fit
  By spring04 - July 5 - 7:20 pm

  I bought the simple Fit and am very pleased with it. Wanted manual, AC, straight back so that the back passengers didnt fry under a slanted back window. The Fit has it all. Yes, fun to drive. Now to see how it handles in a N OH snow belt....

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  So Far, So Good - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rainsinvelvet - July 5 - 12:07 pm

  Ive had this car now for about 3 months and have put close to 3000 miles on it. So far, so good. It is really fun to drive. It drives like a sports car, and handles extremely well. It feels super responsive. Minor complaints: It has developed a slight rattle/squeak in the dash when on a slightly bumpy street. Also, the A/C will sometimes smell bad when first turned on (this goes away after 10 seconds or so) I need to take it to the dealer as I hear this is a common problem with newer car AC systems. Otherwise, I cant think of anything bad about it. Ive been recommending it to friends that are looking for a new car.

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  So Happy With This Car!!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By JOANIE - July 4 - 10:07 pm

  The Honda Fit is a great car for the money. You get a little bit of everything. Great interior, fun to drive, great on gas and I believe it is called a "Fit" because you can fit everything in is it feels so roomy on the inside. You have got to check out this car!!! With gas prices now I cant tell you how many people stop me in parking lots and ask me about my fit. I love it!

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  Got the second Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By WGE - July 4 - 5:31 pm

  I get to write another review because we got a second Fit. After such a good experience with our first Fit purchased at the end of March, we found we could hardly bear to drive our Dodge Grand Caravan too ponderous and the gas mileage was atrocious. The Dodge was a 99 with 120K miles and was beginning to need work. We got an internet deal lined up for a Milano Red base 5-sp manual for MSRP and waited a month to get it. So we are now a two Fit family. My Democrat wife gets the Tidewater Blue Fit and with my Republican leanings I get the Milano Red Fit, so we are properly color coded. Humor aside, these are truly great little cars with a wonderful combination of economy and utility.

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  Not a CHEAP car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Ross - July 4 - 1:19 pm

  Bought the Fit to replace a Mazda5 (destroyed in a crash) And I was worried about "downgrading" I shouldnt have as the Fit is a fabulous little car to drive. I put LOTS of miles on my cars every year so interior design and comfort are very important to me. The Fits seats are actually some of the best I have sat in ever, much to my surprise coming from the Mazda which had chair height seats. This car is NOT underpowered for every day driving, I live in the mountains of WV and so far the Fit has zero problems climbing hills in fifth gear. Best of all is an average fuel economy of 40 honest to god MPG for my 70 mile one way commute, it doesnt get any better than that.

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  Great car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By wptinker2000 - July 4 - 11:23 am

  After reading up on the fit for a year or so, I decided to buy one in Apr 08. The gas mileage is great, averaging 35 mostly city. I average 33- 35 and when driving mostly freeway I avg 35-38 so a little better than expected and the main reason I purchased the fit.It is very smooth compared to my Nissan Truck-it will depend on what you are used to. I take long trips to DC and Philly-about 500 miles and my right leg cramps up so long trips can be tough if you dont take a lot of breaks (I usually only stop twice and for very short periods of time.) The 2009 has a arm rest and other improved features, recommend waiting, supposedly will get over 40 but love the 2008, no regrets.

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  Good little car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Brother George - July 3 - 10:20 am

  The Fit is a good little car. The storage area and flexibility are unmatched. I bought a new mower and was concerned about it fitting in such a small car. I got the mower in easily and figured I could have carried 2 more (3 total). Amazing. The car steers easily and the gas mileage is decent but could be better. Plenty of pep, both in town and on the highway. No problems. So far mileage has been between 32 and 40, with 35-36 average. Most of my driving is in town or suburban areas. The 40 MPG was on a trip to Dallas. I dont like the silver color, electric windows, electric locks--but there was no choice. The exterior design is cheap (a couple of stripes would help). Not many in stock.

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  The Fit fits every need - 2007 Honda Fit
  By georgia - July 1 - 3:13 pm

  We get 30-32 mpg city & 37-38 hwy. Fast, sporty, cute. Good going up mts. & narrow roads. Lots of room in front & back seats. We weigh 290 lbs. & 195 lbs. & have no problem getting in/out of the car. Love the headrests turning backwards. Put new brake pads & rotors on after 65,000 miles. Great car! Uncomfortable on long drive. Stop every 2-3 hrs. To rest our backs. We stopped in our caddy, too. No regrets.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ben - July 1 - 8:36 am

  I think this is a great car. I got a Thule fit kit right after I got it so I can haul bikes. Can carry 3 bikes on top and 4 people inside comfortably. Has enough power in mountains even with 3 bikes on top, but just barely. Few issues I have are with the low carrying capacity. Also, no interior lock switch reachable from hatch. Illuminated interior makes it difficult to realize you dont have lights on at night. Magic seats are amazingly useful. I actually do use all the modes quite frequently.