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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  Great! even for the family - 2009 Honda Fit
  By dhp222 - March 11 - 4:00 pm

  Originally I had my doubts, Id never owned a Honda before. I had a mazda6 and my husband has a CX-9, I always liked small cars, but know that we have 2 children I wasnt sure if it would be a great choice. But it was! I love the car, is really fun to drive, and my 4 year old get in/off the car by herself (she couldnt w/ the other 2 cars). I also have an infant and the cars seat fits perfectly between the front and rear seats. Interior wise Fit gives you more features than the Corolla or Yaris (which I also considered). Exterior look its modern! fun, fun fun. I love it and all my doubts are gone!

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  So far, so good... - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Florida Fit Fan - March 9 - 11:40 am

  My wife and I wanted small wagon, and investigated most of the obvious choices. By the time we test-drove the Fit we had a pretty good idea what we wanted, and were both impressed immediately. The clinchers were the standard side airbags, antilock brakes, and the price. Weve owned it for a week now. Its a blast to drive, the manual transmission is silky smooth, steering and brakes very responsive. The forward visibility is unbelievable as is the interior room. Main complaint is that the suspension is pretty taut. If youre looking for a budget-priced wagon, you should check this car out.

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  Honda definitely has a winner here! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Steve - March 6 - 1:33 am

  I thoroughly researched the small car, wagon,hatchback market. Test drove many cars and bought my Fit over 10 days ago. I have put over 800 miles on it already and love it. Averaging 36.8mpg with a 50/50 mix on highway/city driving. Great, great, great car! Highly recommend!

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  Question about seats - 2008 Honda Fit
  By monkusbee - March 3 - 8:30 pm

  Took an 08 Civic ex-l for a test drive. Loved everything about it but the seats. I drive slightly slanted to the right and the side bolsters started digging a hole in my ribs after 20 minutes. Can anyone tell me if the Fits seats are the same?

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  Luving it - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rich - February 22 - 12:13 am

  After selling my Del Sol, I was leery about the Fit, but its been great. We considered an Element and Mazda 5, but the Fit is as versatile with far better mpg. Its fun to drive, has a high quality interior and is great for our baby and dog. My wife is short, but finds a good position no problem. Great car!

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  "Perfect" Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Shelbydel - February 19 - 4:20 am

  Love the FIT. I have had my FIT for 2 weeks now and it is a Perfect FIT for me and my daughter. Drives like a dream and the room inside is incredible! I have a 30 mile commute each way and it has made getting to and from work FUN. The gas mileage is wonderful! I average 35 mtg. GREAT car for the money!!!

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  Perfect for my lifestyle - 2009 Honda Fit
  By MNM17 - January 30 - 6:53 am

  I have a very long commute driving an hour and 1/2 each way from work to home so comfort and MPG were very important. I was looking to get the 2008, but when I went on the Honda website I was sold on the 2009. I ordered my 2009 White Sport Fit with the additional center storage armrest. I have been driving my fit for a month now and couldnt be happier!! With 1,000 miles on it already it drives so smooth the turn radius is awesome. The interior/exterior are well made and love the "dive down" back seats that fold completely flat (comfort for our dog)My 62" husband fits well with room to spare! Im getting 38 MPG hwy/city. Great get up and go for northern Virginians crazy no mercy driving. =)

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  2007 Honda Fit Sport Automatic review - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ralechner - January 28 - 3:46 am

  We had done our research and were waiting for the Fit to become available. One drive was all it took to confirm that it was well built, great looking, roomy and fun to drive. It has nearly the leg room of our 03 Element EX and a phenomenal amount of room overall. I am 64" and can actually use the back seat comfortably with the front seat slid all the way back. The only things missing as options are a satellite radio and a moon/sun roof. The Fit really wants to get up and go; its a blast to drive. It feels peppier and bigger than the Civic. It has side curtain airbags and numerous other safety features. I expect reliability to be typical Honda: excellent. Try one & youre hooked!

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  My new Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Nano - January 27 - 12:40 am

  Well, I just purchased a new fit the day before yesterday, august 14th, and what can i say other than Im immensely impressed by Hondas attention to detail. I was looking at many other vehicles, ( mazda 3, yaris, versa, etc ), and ended up test driving the fit and falling in love. This is the most fun to drive car Ive ever had, and my past has had a 99 Celica, and a 91 mustang in it, both of which arent slouches in the fun department either. Its aggressively styled, and is miserly on fuel. The audio system is great with some adjustment, and the overall feel of the car is excellent. Good job Honda, youve outdone yourself with this little beauty of a daily driver. :)

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  Downsized CRV = + mileage+comfort+quiet - 2007 Honda Fit
  By joe - January 21 - 12:33 pm

  Average 35 mpg for 2500 miles - 500 mile round trip to Cape Cod, 38 mpg - best, 41.5 200 round trip to Catskills - very comfortable, lots of interior passenger and storage room - quieter than 2003 CRV - automatic can be driven like a sedate sedan or a corvette with "paddles" for instant shifting - steering is digital, extremely accurate - no fatigue after long trips - outstanding radio with 200 watt amps., direct connection for IPod, satellite radio, etc. - note: 6 speakers, not 6 CD player featured - front seat atop gas tank gives good visibility (but no reference frame in front when parking, can easily override curb - do it once and you remember to back off !) - It fits !!!!!