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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  Follow up on "Hissy" - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Lacy - September 14 - 11:10 pm

  Since initial review almost 4 months ago, "Hissy" continues to perform flawlessly. Not even a rattle. My wife is wheelchair bound and loves the easy front passenger access and egress. The hand grip situated near the top of each door is perfect for proper seating assistance. The hatchback rear allows for perfect wheelchair placement by using a bungee cord attached to standard equipped stowage hooks to prevent rolling with the magic seats UP. You could haul enough $100 bills to bail out both Chrysler and GM with the magic seats down. This FIT is the totally stripped down, least expensive FIT made. The only add-on is mud flaps. $15K for adequately equipped reliability is a bargain!!!!

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  One Incredible Value - 2009 Honda Fit
  By psuambassador - September 9 - 11:16 pm

  This car is one incredible value! In fact, I declared it the best value on the market after I shopped around for months. I wanted a practical car in which I could fit my big dog and bikes upright, a fuel efficient car, something sporty, and a car that had aesthetic appeal all at a reasonable price. My short list included only the Fit when I was done. I thought about the Prius, but this car offers an entirely different level of value. It is surprisingly roomy when you get in and has decent pick up for the engine size. I also like the ipod capability and shifters. On the way home from the dealership, I averaged 39 mpg, including mountains with the a/c on and I passed a Lexus up the hill.

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  My new "Yellow Tweedy Bird" - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Sue Johnston - September 3 - 2:20 pm

  I love Honda and I love Honda Fits. I had a sport model for 8 years. Did like it better as it had fun wheel rims and much more speed. For some reason they discontinued this model. The new one is fine , but it doesnt get the gas mileage that it said on the sticker. I dont think its broken in enough yet however; so I am reserving judgement on that right now. Seems to be a lot roomer than the old one. Miss the boxes in the wall in the trunk area from the old one. The other thing is the "junk" box between the 2 front seats is very awkward to get into. The top raises from the front and you cant see inside. I think it should have opened on the side. Also very small, like it was an after thought. The seat fold down in the back is much easier than the old one as you dont have to remove the headrests to put them down. I also like the cup holder on the dash by the steering wheel! Very convenient to grab a drink without looking down! I do wish that the windows would come tinted as some of my friends new cars did. Has lots of plugs for the tech stuff. Even one in the "junk" box. It does have a lot of road noise. I have read that you can have soundproofing put in. I may have to look into that. Otherwise, so far its another great purchase.

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  Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Peter Foronda - September 1 - 1:46 pm

  Runs and looks great. Actual mileage 32 city 42.2 highway. Lots of room.

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  best car ever! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By j - August 27 - 10:33 pm

  I was deciding between the nissan versa and the fit. Im glad i choose the fit. Its easy on the eyes and my wallet. Its well designed use of space sporty looks sets it apart from all the other econo wannabes.

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  A Mixed Bag - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sarah - August 25 - 6:23 pm

  I got my FIt in January, and have been driving it over 300 miles/week ever since. My favorite feature is the folding seats. The gas mileage keeps creeping up, and is currently averaging ~38 mpg (mostly highway driving, some of which is quite hilly). The car is slow to accelerate getting on freeways, but drives effortlessly once it is up to speed. Unfortunately, at 58", the seat/headrest forces me to slouch. I have yet to rig a pillow set-up that solves this problem, and I wish I didnt have to. Also, I am disappointed with the cars low clearance. Overall, Im happy with the car, and feel that its probably the best option if youre longing for a hatchback - theyre the best!

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  It FITs us. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Richard Nyce - August 25 - 4:43 am

  We are enjoying this car very much. It handles very well and is taking the snow in stride. My wife is thrilled with the room inside. She is a home health and hospice nurse. The car is her office during the week. We use it whenever we travel. I am glad it is one of the "greenest" gasoline powered vehicles available. We researched for months and are very pleased with our choice.

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  fit to drive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ron frame - August 23 - 7:43 am

  very easy to drive, park and maneuver. 1500 miles average mpg 32.8. needs a little bigger a/c. fabulous inside room for a small car. needs a cushioned armrest and small console between the frnt seats. overall i am extremely pleased with my choice of cars. recommend to any one with small family or "soccer moms".

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  Fitting in a Fit - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Carol Theiss - August 19 - 7:24 pm

  It is a great car for a small person like me. I am very comfortable in it and enjoy driving it. It makes me feel young again. We all need a pick me up and the car gives it to me. Dont hesitate to try it out and see if you fit like I did.

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  The Fit is GO GO GO - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sleepypasture - August 13 - 11:03 pm

  I was extremely unhappy with my PT Cruiser (*ahem* PT LOSER) and did a LOT of research on the Fit and comparable vehicles. I test drove the Fit, Yaris, Cube, and Versa. I even drove the Yaris for 2 days while deciding. But after those 2 days, the decision was easy. The Fit by FAR blew the competition away. I have DOUBLED my mpg over the PT. Cargo space is amazing, and have easily fit my two large greyhounds, and last week a 6 foot industrial clothing rack. Have put 1800 miles on it in about a month. Fit also made list of greenest cars. Drove over a nail this week and the TPMS alerted me to low tire pressure. Now I look forward to driving every day, instead of wondering if my car will start!