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 Run Around Vehicle - 2008 Honda Fit
  By bjcivic84 - November 8 - 2:53 am

  I recently purchased a honda fit for my daughter and she absolutly loves it. I was quite sceptical about it at first but after driving it and using it for storage purposes it is truly an amazing little car.

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  Everything I Wanted - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Robin Kelly - October 31 - 3:10 pm

  We bought a white Honda Fit in November and just love it. I did a lot of research before deciding on the Fit and dont regret my decision at all. In fact, I dont feel envious at all of those more expensive luxury models on the road. The Fit is very practical, but still manages somehow to have a sense of fun. Many people who thought I was crazy for buying a Fit are now very impressed. Overall, a very well thought out little car that doesnt feel cramped.

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  1st time Honda owner - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Roy Gunter - October 17 - 7:20 am

  Bought my first Honda yesterday, drove it home, and am not displeased at all. I am 6ft 1 inch 240 lbs and was totally comfortable in the drivers seat. I am long waisted so head room is a biggie and the car has it in spades. Very pleased and am looking forward to a long ownership with this car..One thing...what is the deal with no armrest for the passenger? Anyway, great car for the money and the right car for the right time.

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  Fantastic value!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By DRwatch - October 6 - 3:10 am

  Wanted to downsize a little from my 2007 Acura TL-Type S. Test drove an 2008 Fit to see what was all the hype. It was great. Couldnt wait for the 2009. Went to my local dealer and put a deposit on one even before they came in... the car was that much in demand. Glad I did. It is amazing. Not as fast (or flashy) as the Acura, BUT, it is so nimble and just plain fun to drive. The folding rear seats (up and flat) allow for an AMAZING amount of room! Dont miss the Acura at all. Average just around 37-38 mpg in city driving... and sometimes I really push using the paddle shifters :-). Test drove many cars before I settled on the Fit. Easily outclasses ANY car in its class. Get one!

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  Great Car, Great Price---Its a HONDA! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MJames - October 3 - 4:00 am

  Probably the best compact off the line. It comes standard with what the others consider options! Alloy wheels, 200 watt sound system, goes 80+ mph! Quick off the line with VTEC 1.5L. Interior styling better than most mid-level sedans and even better than some luxury vehicles. Honda hit a home-run with this one! Silver Storm shows the lines well and turns heads everywhere we go!

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  FIT for a King/Queen - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Bonnie Bloss - September 30 - 5:03 am

  This new Honda is FIT for a Queen or King. Great gas mileage, plenty of get up and go power and plenty of room. I was amazed at what this car can do. Handles like a midsize car, and gives you mileage per gallon like a motorcycle. Fit is stylish, compact and everyone stops you to ask what kind of car it is and where can they get one. This is a winner.

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  I love my new fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jessica - September 21 - 12:50 am

  Incredibly comfortable interior. I fit an enormous dryer in the back by putting the back seats down! It may look small, but its HUGE inside. Its fun to drive, especially with a standard transmission, and feels completely in your control. A great value- fantastic fuel economy. Sporty, useful, adorable, fun! This is my second car. The Fit is fun to drive and I know it will last for years!

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  A Keeper - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Dave - September 20 - 5:33 pm

  Honda just keeps setting the bar on fun to drive, quality, intelligently designed automobiles. During these times of high gas prices, this car is truly the best alternative out there. I have driven the car for 600 miles in almost all city driving and have gotten 30 mpg. I have owned other cars that had the same or better EPA estimates that did not come close to this mileage (usually 25 mpg). With 2009 all models get telescopic a telescopic steering wheel that allows anyone a comfortable driving position. In the sport version you get a lot of nice extras. The ride is excellent in this vehicle. The balance between handling and comfort is perfect. The navi system is also excellent.

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  Fit is quality - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FitDad - September 8 - 11:23 pm

  Everything you touch in the Fit feels more like Acura than economy car. You wont feel like you have a cheap car. The car handles brilliantly, accelerates very well and is fun to drive. Holds cargo behind the seats like an SUV (capacity rated nearly identical to the Honda Element) and gets 30-35 MPG. Its smaller than a lot of cars out there but all the airbags and the excellent crash test results are comforting. Its strong chassis does not bang and thud over rough pavement like some of its competition. A little more expensive than much of its competition (not so much when comparably equipped) but worlds better! We love this car!

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  Very nice for the price - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Steven Kovner - August 29 - 10:55 pm

  Small, but well-designed. Comfortable seats. Great mileage, and good performance. The car is generally quiet, but some engine noise when accelerating; quiets down afterwards. Fan can be noisy. Bluetooth/phone integration works, speakerphone is great, but some glitches using voice dialing. Interface for USB could be better. My driving is mostly highway, Massachusetts Rt 2 west of 495, 495 north of Rt. 2 to Rt 3. Anyone who drives there knows road speed is high. Car handles well, and accelerates well enough to merge easily. And that is in regular, not sport mode. (Sluggish in economy mode, but that is expected). It is a Fit - which means you can fit a lot in it. But the cargo cover is needed, but not good this year. The 2012 cover was a lot better. This one falls off its pins because it is too narrow. For commuting, though, this car is great. And I get over 37 MPG. Note the 5 miles from my usual gas station to home, on secondary roads, MPG exceeds 40.