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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  Still Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fit in Baltimore - March 15 - 10:32 am

  After 18 months, still am in love with my Fit. A perfect city car, but also peppy enough for highway driving. Interior has exceptional comfort and quality for the price. In the past, I have driven much more expensive autos, and am more satisfied with this car. Only downside is the rear bumper easily scratches. Would like it if Honda sold a rear bumper guard as an accessory. Ive seen them on Fits in NYC. Baltimore area Honda service centers have also been excellent. Express service takes 30 minutes or less without an appointment.

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  2 Year Mark - 2007 Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rev Show - March 12 - 12:27 pm

  This has been one of the best automobile purchases I have ever made. The mighty Fit continues to impress me with its amazing cargo space and fuel economy. Ive averaged 33.8 mpg with a low of 30 mpg (100% city stop & go driving) and a high of 40 mpg (100% freeway at 75 mph). As a drummer Im able to load a full kit with all hardware and room for a front passenger...amazing! Ive also moved furniture and other large pieces. When someone helps me load, they always say, "This wont fit in that little thing...whoa! It did fit!" I did replace the wheels and tires with a larger foot print as the stock wheels seemed to travel a lot on grooved surfaces. Highly recommended!

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  Great all around - 2007 Honda Fit
  By CubanoRockr - March 11 - 6:10 am

  Although Id like to have a little more umph out of my cars, its really hard to complain about the Fit. The 5sp transmission shifts smoothly and the suspension hugs the road like a much more performance oriented car would. There is plenty of space in the interior and the rear seat are truly "magic" as Honda quotes them. The rear hatch is huge, especially considering how it all looks from the outside. Overall I love the car. Great fuel economy, more than ample space, and best of category handling.

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  6 months and love my Fit more everyday - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Luv My Fit - March 7 - 5:33 pm

  So it looks tiny from the outside (inside its surprisingly roomy) , and its kind of ugly in an endearing sort of way; but the more I drive this car the more I love it! It is the most functional, fuel efficient, and fabulously fun car I have ever owned. My step-mom has a convertible Saab and my father has a Mercedes S class. You know what? I prefer driving my Fit better than driving their gas guzzling money pits! The Fit corners like its on rails. If you know how to properly use the paddle shifters, the car will straight out fly (because its so light). But if youre stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, just drive it as an automatic. Its unique, easy on the wallet, and flat out fun!

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  Fits Me Perfectly - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tricia - March 4 - 10:32 pm

  This is my first Honda. I bought it to replace a Ford Explorer because of the gas prices. I still wanted a vehicle I could throw a bale or two of hay in the back and this fit the bill. I fell in love with it immediately. Its a blast to drive and the stereo system is great! I think its comfortable and peppy although I have to admit I havent even used the paddles yet. I only drive about 7 miles in it a day and have to say the gas mileage hasnt been what was expected. As for the armrest, yes that stunk but I had a custom one made for about $100 and its not one of those plastic ones from Hong Kong. It looks custom. I highly recommend it all my friends and my stepmom is even considering one

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  The Fit is a good alternative - 2007 Honda Fit
  By madzfit - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the 2007 Fit Sport automatic now for two months, and am settling in nicely to the small car experience. My goal was to purchase a high mileage car for my 62 mile per day commute, one that was both comfortable and possessed an element of forward thinking design. I believe the Fit accomplishes that nicely. I was in that category of Americans who didnt want to give up their spacious minivan or SUV for something little and dangerous, but I knew that the time was coming to get on the conservation bandwagon. I researched sub-compacts for over a year, finally settling on the Fit. Initially it seemed startling to be zipping down the highway in my bright orange sweetie, but all is well.

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  Common sense pic, Florida car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By PROTRACK - February 26 - 3:46 am

  First decision to buy anything was a response to runaway gas prices. I immediately looked to Honda or Toyota. Honda won hands down on price and value. As a previous Honda owner , The Fit being my third I was rest assured of quality and performance. Looks are very contemporary and plain "cool". Im 49. Function was genius. Space inside was smartly engineered. Access to it was smart. This car is tight and precise. I only have 75 miles on it yet so no mileage to report on. I am like a crack addict on withdrawal trying to keep from using all of its power for fun performance driving until break in is over. Serious sports car like control at even moderate speeds. This car will dance on a dime.

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  The Fit is Go! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By A Fit Owner - February 23 - 5:26 pm

  This car executes its purpose wonderfully! I have two car seats in the car and even on long trips with all of the kids stuff (such as a pack-n-play in truck), this car still has room. The transmission is wonderful, and even though it must shift down to 4th gear in the West Virginia mountains because the engine is small, it does it with grace. I have driven better cars, but none that were offered at this price point. The car darts in and out of traffic, navigates tight parking lots with ease, and is terrific on gas. The only reason why I would ever get rid of this car is if we continue to only have one car and a third kid comes along. Until then, the Fit is Go!

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  Back to basics - 2007 Honda Fit
  By cKr - February 23 - 1:50 am

  Nice little car. It gets back to basics. There are no map lights, no dimming of the dome light. In fact there is no dome light control on the dash. You have to reach up and flip the switch. No heated side-view mirrors. Very basic. Less stuff to break or wear out. For 16k, its a good buy. I dont regret my purchase after 1.5 years. This is a quality car you dont need to pay $500 a month for the next 7 years.

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  Love my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Pat - February 21 - 5:55 pm

  I wanted a small vehicle with plenty of room for cargo and low gas mileage. This FITS the bill.