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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  Fun - 2007 Honda Fit
  By pat - August 12 - 9:13 am

  This car is easy to drive and comfortable. The outside appears small, though the inside, trunk included, is spacious. The engine is simple and strong and all seats recline. Good for girls and good for guys. (Look for the blue, it is a nice color, really cool.)

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  The Fit fits - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Kamehameha - August 10 - 5:37 am

  Ive owned my Honda Fit Sport for a month, and am a big fan of it. The car is very practical - it can hold a lot of stuff in a small package. But its also really fun to drive, with quick, nicely weighted steering, a firm but well composed chassis, and a very good manual transmission with easy, precise feeling throws and an easy-to-learn clutch. It functions excellently as a city car, but it also shines on secondary roads heading out to the country. The engine is small and at super-highway speeds, the car is underpowered and a bit noisy, but if you do the bulk of your driving below 70 mph, its a wonderful, simple, and fun solution to a lot of transportation needs.

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  07 to 09 Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By judi - August 7 - 10:36 am

  I had an 07 Fit and was very happy, but there were some design flaws - front window and seating. I recently purchased 09 sport with navi and am IN LOVE. The difference is like comparing a real car to a toy, not that the 07 was bad, its just the way of all cars, 2nd gen is better than the first. Also, the car talks - how cool is that?

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  Junk! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Steve domanski - August 6 - 10:53 pm

  Had it in the shop six time already for problems with transmission, squeaks, and rattles. Nav wont work when it rains. Water leaks. Terrible build quality.

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  Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By AW - August 5 - 3:30 am

  Well my fit is about 2 weeks old now and I have to say it is a great car! I have been getting anywhere from 32-35 mpg which is a big improvement over anything else I have owned. The fit is very fun to drive, has a well designed interior with "tons" of room for people or cargo. This is my first new car and my first Honda, I will be buying another Honda in the future.

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  Fit for duty - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Cunsumerator - July 13 - 7:26 pm

  2 weeks and 1K miles later, we love the car. 34 mpg first tank and better thereafter, to almost 40. Very smooth, peppy, and comfortable. Surprisingly roomy, but were keeping our Sienna.

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  The Fit Fits me! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jamin - June 12 - 2:06 am

  I am loving this vehicle!! Ive had it for about 3 weeks, and I have already put 1500 miles on it. I have taken it on many out of town expeditions, and have thouroughly enjoyed it. I have fit a total of 7 people in it so far!! It has plenty of room, you would be surprised how much head room this thing has!! I recommend buying one right away!

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  The Orange Scooter - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Hans Hess - June 8 - 11:56 pm

  My son purchased this car for me and I love it! I only wish that the hand gears were located in a different position on the steering wheel. This car is very comfortable and roomy. I love yard sales and purchase large gardening items... they fit! I feel very safe in this car. It has so many extras that you would normally pay more for. I just cant seem to say enough about my Honda Fit Sport. I call this car my "Orange Scooter" because I just "scoot" place to place. No hassle getting in or out of tight places,etc. Also, the color is great, does not show the dirt and easy to keep clean. Plus, it is a cheerful color. The sound system is fantastic. It brings joy to my ears. Love my Honda.

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  excellent design - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Michael Putnam - June 4 - 11:07 am

  Im 75" tall and it is relatively easy to get in and out and reasonably comfortable to drive considering it is an economy car. The "magic" rear seats are brilliant. I have dogs (Australian Shepherds) and they ride conveniently in the back with the seats folded down. With the seats up there is a nice space for grocery bags, and the seats are easy to manipulate into position.

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  Impressive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dan - May 24 - 9:46 am

  The Fit is so much fun to drive I can hardly wait for an excuse to use it. The 5 speed is a joy to use. Space inside is well beyond what you should expect by looking at the outside. The rear seat system makes it great for all my hauling needs. My first few tanks got between 37 and 39 mpg. My last tank got me 47.7. I am thrilled with that. I found a Scangauge very useful in getting the best mpg. The ride is sporty and the engine pulls well from bottom to top rpms.