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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  Very good, but has its flaws - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Matt - February 20 - 12:53 pm

  The concept of this car is perfect. Hatch, small, efficient, stability control. My main complaint is that the suspension is way too harsh. Not firm, which is OK, but harsh. You feel EVERY road flaw. The MPG is averaging 30, mediocre for a car with this modest level of power and performance. The transmission constantly shifts on even small grades, annoying. Handling is excellent. Very roomy and versatile. Excellent interior. My VW pickup rides better. Dont buy one until you put on 50 continuous miles on a concrete highway and broken city streets. If you can live with the incessant jittery ride and average MPG, very strong in other areas. Ill be trading on a Civic or Mazda 3 soon.

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  Great small car at great price - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Ken Lui - February 18 - 6:00 am

  I was driving a Subaru WRX STI for several years. Excellent performance in every category, but less than ideal gas mileage. I recently changed job and need to commute farther and park at a train station. Worried about if the STI would get tampered with at the train station, I decide to downgrade and get a cheap car with great gas mileage, great cargo space and good reliability. After reading many online reviews (including other subcompacts) and looking at some pictures of the Honda Fit EV, I decided to purchase it without test driving. With the expectation of the car taking me from A to B without fanfare, I am totally surprised by how good the car is. By the way, I just bought the car for only three days. I cant wait to tell people how good this little subcompact is. I really like the Aegean Blue Metallic and the exterior style is just sleek and modern. Interior is roomy with decent fit and finish. Great fit and finish is the hallmark of Honda. Seats are reasonably comfortable, but may not be ideal for very long road trip. Cargo space is fantastic for a car this size. The magic seat is purely "magic". Gas mileage (approx. 38 mpg city/highway mixed) is awesome compared to 21 mpg I got from the Subaru WRX STI. Performance wise, I am not comparing it to the STI. Doing so would be unfair. Totally two different cars for different purposes. Coming from the STI though, the Fit was quite good in the handling department. It is nimble and easy to control. Steering wheel is light for easy maneuver. Parking is easy as it is small and it has a backup camera to assist. I am not going to cry about the loud engine noise during acceleration that many people (including reviewers) complained. Remember it is a 1.5 liter small engine. No comparison to the STIs 2.5L turbo charged engine producing 305 horse power. Even with its small and modest engine, it was surprisingly quite quick starting from a stop light and merging into highway traffic. I dont feel someone is going to smash on me because I was slow accelerating. I think the acceleration is adequate if not thrilling. Its 2,600 lb. curb weight actually helps on acceleration as a matter of fact. Yes, there is some wind noise at highway speed, but it is expected for an economical car like the Fit. Braking is adequate as it only has disc brakes in front and drum brakes in the rear. My "fast & furious" era is gone as I am getting older and am more practical. I am totally happy with the 2016 Honda Fit EX which is an excellent buy in the automotive subcompact territory. What a great car for commute and occasional cargo hauling. I have to wait and see how reliable it is over time and the maintenance cost. Overall, this car is an excellent choice if you are looking at subcompact vehicles.

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  On Noise and Stability - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Al - February 13 - 4:26 am

  I put 1400 miles on it in 3 months. So far I am very happy with it. Compared with other subcompacts and compact cars, Fit is very quiet and stable. The engine buzzes when its speed hits 80 mph and above, instead of 75 mph, as reported by Edmunds editors. I am comfortable with that since I seldom drive faster than 75. I found it runs very stable and well under my control even at 85 mph. Many compacts might be like floating in the air when you hit this speed.

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  Follow up review - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Drud Report - February 9 - 7:20 pm

  Now that Ive had my Fit for a while, I have one follow-up note for you all. I still love my Fit -- its fun to drive, fuel efficient, safe and reliable, and it looks cool. But there is one issue that you need to know about. The front end is very low, and you may end up scratching it on driveways. I already have twice. The scratches are not noticeable since they are underneath the front end, but if you are fastidious about your vehicles condition, it may bother you. You have to almost stop at speed bumps and steep driveways to avoid scraping paint off the bottom of the front bumper. If it were an inch higher, this wouldnt be an issue. Nevertheless, I still recommend the new Fit.

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  Big punch in a little car - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Paul S - January 27 - 9:47 pm

  I spend most of my driving on the freeway going back and forth to work so wanted a small car with good gas mileage but had to have great cargo area - the Fit hit all those areas wonderfully! I was shocked in how much room is in this small car - with the back seats down there is so much space to haul things and then flip the seats up and there is incredible room for tall things. It handles like a dream and I like the fuel economy mode that helps guide me to drive the most efficient way to maximize my MPG. My only real complaint is the lack of detailed instructions on how to use everything and the touch-screen display is not kind of clunky to get around but overall I am very impressed!

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  The Fit is GO! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Colleen - January 25 - 1:55 pm

  I have been driving my Fit for nearly a year and I am extremely impressed and satisfied with my purchase. It is a wonderful car and Honda has done a fantastic job assembling a fun, economic, small yet spacious, and overall great car in its Fit.

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  It Fits - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Frank - January 22 - 6:43 pm

  The vehicle feels real soild, very little body roll in the turns. A little more pickup from a dead stop wouldnt hurt. Plenty of leg room for 4 big adult.

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  Outstanding fuel economy - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sean V. - January 22 - 11:50 am

  Loved this car so much. Outstanding fuel economy: Mix driving 42 mpg (with fastest speed up to 75mph and slowest is 40mph)- City driving is from 35 to 37 mpg. My new Fit has less than 300 miles on it. Too sure it will get up to between 47 and 50 mpg (mix driving) easily when engine breaks in. Great visibility. Looks great both in and out. Beautiful interior. Spacious. Magic seats. Great handling. Fun to drive. Exceeded EPA rating (27/33/30)---> NEW EPA RATING SHOULD BE: 35/45/42.

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  Value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By chrississon22 - January 17 - 5:40 am

  I purchased this car in Feb. 2007 and have already put over 31,000 miles on it. I often drive rather quickly (on interstates, highways, and back roads) and have never gotten below 36 mpg. The Fits suspension is pretty stiff which may turn off some drivers, but I think it makes little little car really fun to drive on twisty roads. As someone who often gets buyers remorse with large purchases, if I had it to do all over again, I would still buy the Fit.

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  My Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By hsinatra - January 16 - 8:02 am

  This car has been a joy to own and drive. The only complaint I have about it is the road noise at highway speeds. If I was to do it again, I would order some extra undercoating so it would be a quieter ride at highway speeds. Well, I really have one more complaint I cannot keep my daughter out of it when she is home from college.