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:

• 

  Honda for life - 2009 Honda Fit
  By fitinvancouver - June 21 - 3:20 pm

  First car was a Honda way back in 1980 and now so is the new one. Traded in my 2002 Civic Coupe. Coupe felt like a car that got me places, Fit is fun. Only have less than 100 km on it, but can see I am going to enjoy this car.

• 

  Fits me perfectly - 2008 Honda Fit
  By chezdre - June 15 - 5:30 am

  Just bought my Vivid Blue Fit Sport 5 speed last night. I was comparing a Scion xD with the Fit Sport. I was ready to buy the Scion because dealer mark-up is usually higher on Hondas, whereas a Scion has a "pure-price" pricing policy. I got my Fit for MSRP, which is pretty good. The Fit felt more solid and has more configuration options for interior space. I like the short throw shifter action and handling. Ive always preferred Hondas over Toyotas and Im not disappointed. Great car, good m.p.g. overall. Upgraded from a 1983 Mercedes turbodiesel wagon. More m.p.g. but less interior space and thinner sheet metal, but overall very pleased.

• 

  It does not disappoint - 2008 Honda Fit
  By alexs - June 7 - 6:20 am

  After trading in my Mercedes 300SD and my Buick LeSabre for something more fuel efficient. I found the Fit to be exactly what I was looking for in a commuter car. It has plenty of room, more so then it looks. I did have to spend an extra $500 on accessories to finish the car. Accessories such as floor mats, wheel lock, cargo cover, bumper appliqué. The gas mileage is amazing. The first tank started at 33 MPG, the 2nd tank is at 36 MPG, the 3rd tank is up to 39.5 MPG, who know what the next tank will bring. I have to confess I have not been running the A/C since the weather is still cool. I do expect the mileage to drop a couple of MPG when I fire up the A/C. I am happy with the car.

• 

  Surprisingly great car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By CaptainZeep - May 24 - 9:00 pm

  A job with a 30 mile commute, A big dog and and a baby on the way all conspired against my Acura RSX. My wife and I looked at a Subaru wagon but were not impressed with the fuel economy. The Fit caught our eye so we took a look. It had all the room and features we needed. After a quick test drive, we were sold. It is very fun to drive and overall very appealing. The space and flexibility of the interior is truly amazing. After waxing the Fit this weekend, my opinion continues to improve. The blackberry pearl paint is flawless. The materials quality, and finish is impressive, regardless of price.

• 

  My fifth Honda - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Honda Person - May 9 - 12:33 pm

  The most fun car I have ever driven....however, the fuel mileage is extremely bad. It should be 33 and 38. I am getting 18 and 23. Ive owned 2 Civics and 2 Accords, my driving habits are the same. My MPG was within range on the previous four vehicles. Im being told my mileage will improve after about 5,000 miles....I sure hope so!

• 

  First Orange Honda Fit on Long Island - 2007 Honda Fit
  By madog54 - May 8 - 11:56 am

  I bought my Fit for MSRP, sight unseen in April after reading everything I could on Fit, Scion, Versa. I average 34 mpg in my daily 1/2 hour commute, shuffle family around, and 40 mpg on the highway. It really is roomy and comfortable, even on long trips. I hate Honda dealers, and this is my third Honda. Definitely recommended for the commuter who needs to haul stuff occasionally.

• 

  Its my Tardis!! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Cindy Demets - May 6 - 1:52 am

  This is a great car!! I call it my Tardis because it is a lot bigger inside than it looks! My son has no trouble sitting in the back and hes 6 and the size of a linebacker! It handles great in the snow!! No regrets what so ever.

• 

  Perfect crap hauler - 2008 Honda Fit
  By calihonda - May 2 - 9:16 am

  I stumbled on the Fit completely by accident walking through the dealership looking to buy a Civic, and walked out driving it. The fold flat seats were an immediate seller for me as no trunk can hold the things the Fit can. I think I probably paid a little too much at $15,900 for the MT but I was in a time crunch. My Fit came with sweet tinted windows that I would strongly suggest to anyone, it makes the car look very unique and sporty not to mention keeping your seats from bleaching and reducing theft. I have tracked my MPG for the first 4000 miles and IÂ’m getting 26/36. The M/T is definitely the way to go, must quicker than my A/T 127 hp Â’03 Civic. I would recommend this car to anyone!

• 

  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ian - April 19 - 6:16 pm

  Love this car. Tons of room inside. I can easily fit in it front or back and I am 64". I can put my bike in with the back seats down, and I dont even have to remove the front tire. Moved my whole office in one trip too. Super easy to park, and am getting lots of admirers.

• 

  What a CAR!!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jason - April 19 - 4:03 am

  This is the best car I ever bought. Everything about this ride rocks. There is so much space inside. Everyone should buy one. The interior is incredible. The outside is stylish. The gas mileage is incredible. Whats not to like. Well, I guess the 109 hp engine is the only down side... but, that equals the rocking gas mileage. Buy one... you wont regret it.