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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  Love the Cargo Space! - 2012 Honda Fit
  By Carol T. - July 10 - 2:39 pm

  Its been a great little car until the airbag recall, have to drive a Hertz rental (does not cost me) for 6 weeks so far and they dont expect the part until July or August. No fault of my super little Fit. Lots of headroom and (Im short) leg room for me. Small turning for U turns but not as much power uphill. Really nice for work and around town. Plenty of room when shopping bags and other things. So far just regular service but soon I will need new tires if I ever get the air bag repair.

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  Excellent car. Best value for the dollar - 2008 Honda Fit
  By EXCELLENT VALUE! - July 8 - 7:03 pm

  Excellent! I will have this car for at least 300,000 miles (like my Dodge Colt from years back. 248,000 miles same engine/transmissions also 5 spd) the fit is phenomenal! First tank of gas around 37 mpg (city/hghwy combined. If you drive the speed limit meticulously as I am doing now you can easily get 39-41 mpg! The Toyota yaris is smaller and $1800 more. Base fit comes with abs, pwr doors, am/FM/single cd - 160 Watt stereo. 5 spd shifts like butter. Short throws. Rides nice. Practical yet not cheap. Great build, ,excellent brakes, steering, road manners and of course its a Honda. So I am certain it will last easy 300,000 miles (just ride it easy and change the oil every 6,000 miles

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  I love my Smart Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Sharon - July 8 - 4:56 pm

  I have the Blaze Orange Fit and this is the smartest car I have ever owned! I love the looks and enjoy the utility. I am an outdoor cat so I love the fact that I can put my bike in it with relative ease and it will hold a great deal of cargo for camping and hiking trips. Looking at it from the outside, you would never guess how much head room and utility it actually has on the inside! It is a very comfortable ride for such a small car and the gas mileage is outstanding.

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  Great little car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By James - July 7 - 7:50 pm

  Just got my new Fit after an accident took my old beloved Corolla. The car is attractive and adaptable. I got 35 MPG on the first break-in tank and it was hauling 5 people for most of that mileage. Really enjoy the sound system. Its a nicely put together car with all the key safety features standard.

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  Pleasant surprise - 2008 Honda Fit
  By bpenn - July 2 - 4:56 pm

  This is for anyone like me that was very hesitant to buy such a little car. I wrestled back and forth between the Civic and Mazda3 wagon. When I sold my gas guzzling truck for less than I hoped to get for it I only could afford the Fit. Ive only had this a short time but I could not be happier with the Fit. This thing feels so much bigger inside then what it looks like. I find it to be a huge surprise and Im relly digging this little thing. If you are walking the fence on this car I would suggest taking a long test drive. You may find what I found. This is a great car and Honda will have a huge hit on there hands.

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  Everything I Expected! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By mrsentra - June 28 - 8:53 am

  Driving this car around, you would never think it was underpowered with the 1.5L engine. I bought this car based on the purpose of commuting 160 miles a day in the near future. After taking a small roadtrip, I got 36 mpg highway and A/C running almost all the time. You might of read reviews of the car not having an arm rest, but Ive really hardly noticed it missing. One of my favorite features is the AUX input for the stereo for my Sony MP3 player. While others say the suspension is firm, I believe that its perfect for a daily driver. The 5 speed transmission shifts smooth and accurate. I highly recommend the Fit for those that need an affordable car with just the right amenities.

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  Great little car - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Jennifer Holden - June 18 - 11:38 am

  We traded in RAV 4 for this car after some engine trouble in the RAV. To us, the interior seems almost as roomy. We miss the arm rest in the front seat though. When I pay so little for gas each week, it seems like the greatest car ever!

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  The fit is go! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By eldaino - June 9 - 4:13 am

  No problems or silly mark ups, put down payment on one of them and it was at the dealer in two day with everything my fiance and i wanted. Great little car that hardly feels cheap or little!

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  My favorite car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Loresa - June 9 - 3:30 am

  I just bought my Fit yesterday and the whole family just love it! It is spacious and comfortable. I feel like Im driving a sports car. It has a great sounding stereo and the air conditioner will just about freeze you out. Ive had three new vehicles, but this one is my favorite by far.

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  Near perfect for the price. - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sam - June 8 - 12:13 pm

  This my first Honda purchase. The Fit is the absolute most fun you can have with 115 HP! No matter what speed you are going, there is always more "get up and go" when you need it. A high quality small car! Without the high price. If you are in the market for a fuel saver but also desire peppy performance with great utility this car is the only way to go. Bravo Honda!