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:
Showing 591 through 600 of 1,073.00-
Fun to drive, great gas mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
By Steve-VB/VA - November 16 - 11:29 amGood acceleration for a low hp car. Great gas mileage, I average well over 40 mpg. Handles nicely, tight. Good visibility. Holds a lot of stuff for a little car.
-
It Fits - 2016 Honda Fit
By Paul McCandless - November 13 - 10:24 pm -
Honda is FIT 4 ME! - 2009 Honda Fit
By Fit4ME - November 10 - 12:10 pmLove the car. Reviewed and tested the Chevrolet HHR, Scion xD & xB, Mazda3, and Nissan Versa. I went to three Honda facilities until I could stand the salesman! Good pickup, and ride. Arm rest for the passenger would be nice! Wish I could have the stability control without having to buy the navigation unit. Getting between 35-37 mpg after 1100 miles of driving in the first two weeks of ownership. Would highly recommend this car to anyone wanting a little fun and saving some $$ on gasoline!
-
Feel Good - 2007 Honda Fit
By JG Presson - November 10 - 10:56 amThis was the first car that I truly feel good about owning. I feel good about saving money the Fits exceptional fuel economy mitigates my 80-mile/day commute. I feel good about protecting the environment the Fit is a low emission vehicle. Finally, I feel good while I am driving it, because it is simply fun to drive.
-
Another Great Honda - 2007 Honda Fit
By Tony - November 6 - 12:54 amI only have about 1500 miles on my Sport but I am very glad I bought it. It reminds me a lot of my 86 Civic SI. Its interesting how times of changed. My 86 SI was noted for its spritely acceleration at a 0-60 time of 9.8 sec but the Fit is considered a dog with the same numbers. I drive in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and I amazed how little I have to take it out of 5th gear. It will easily pull out in fifth from about 20 mph without stumbling. I would say the engine and tranny are well mated. It is quiet for a small car and it shifts better than my 86 which was lauded for its smoothness. Its a great car that needs nothing. If you need more power, grow up!
-
The Fit really is Go! - 2007 Honda Fit
By JessFitPhan - November 5 - 11:10 amI absolutely love this car, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a small ride that doesnt feel cramped or cheap. Im 510, and I Fit just fine in the front seat, with room to spare. The lack of the dead pedal and center armrest? No big deal to me, as I lived without these things in my last car (Ford Escort). I wish my car was getting better MPGs (its barely breaking 30 each week), but I will say that the MPGs improve everytime I fill her up. I also wish she was a bit more powerful and had a few more "advanced" features (and that she was a bit cheaper, considering the lack of some of these features), but those are minor quibbles, as I adore this car and Im so happy I bought it. :)
-
REGRET BUYING THIS CAR! - 2007 Honda Fit
By HATE THIS CAR! - November 2 - 10:29 amTerrible seats and driving position, no armrest nor left foot rest. Automatic transmission has a 3-4 second hesitation when you step down on it at low speeds, 2-4 mph, before it downshifts to 1st gear. This is very dangerous at intersections, and has almost gotten me t-boned on several occasions. They are all like this, according to Honda, who could care less. I drove 2 others and they have the same hesitation. Honda should be forced to recall the automatic Fits and fix this dangerous defect! This has really soured me on Honda, even though I had no problems with previous Hondas. Not enough power. Gas mileage less than expected. Handling, cargo capacity good. Can hardly wait to get rid of it!
-
nicely done - 2007 Honda Fit
By Buzcutt - October 30 - 6:46 pmI really like the handling of this car. The fuel economy is a little lower than I expected. The 5 speed auto transmission shifts smoothly. The fit has a very roomy interior. I really like how the seats fold down.
-
Still the One - 2007 Honda Fit
By Patrick - October 29 - 1:15 pmNow have 37,000 miles and out of warranty. No reason to go back to the dealer except routine maintenence. Still look forward to driving it daily. Ive read many comments and heres my take: Who wants to steal 10 gallons of gas when pickups hold 35 gallons? No need for a lock IMHO. Plenty fast, just accelerate in the 4 - 5.5K rpm range. It can take it all day. 4 people with A/C in hilly territory - yea, you have to row it some. But with 4.30/1 gears it jumps off the line. Small tank - its OK cause I keep enjoying confirming the 35 mpg average I get using all 109 HP. Ive forgotten about the dead pedal issue. No lit vanity mirror, locking glovebox, and armest not a deal breaker.
-
Love It ! - 2007 Honda Fit
By Dave - October 27 - 11:36 pmBest value car I have ever had. Delight to drive with room to spare. I have been getting 32-34 MPG in town and 35-38 MPG on trips. Cant wait for the 2009.
