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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  4X4 to My Fit is Go! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By "Fit" is Go - June 1 - 5:26 am

  Switched from a full size 4X4 pick-up to my Fit. Saved enough the first two months, to make two Fit pymts! The cars becoming so popular that I am afraid of theft! Living in Orlando, parking is a premium at some locations, but the Fit fits anywhere! Economy was my initial goal during purchase, but Ive been pleasantly surprised with the "Zip," this car has, especially in city traffic. The cars taken on a personality in our home; its referred to as the "Fit," and not the car...crazy. Its like having a sports car at economy car cost. I predict the Fit will hold its value well over time.

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  Fit for life... - 2007 Honda Fit
  By todd_salazar - May 24 - 7:23 am

  Terrific little car with wonderful features for the money. I would recommend this car for anyone that wants a reliable, fun, versatile and reasonably priced car.

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  Zippy and guilt-free! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By zippy and guilt-free - May 21 - 10:30 pm

  Each time I drive away in my Fit, I feel I as though Im privy to a best-kept secret. Who could want anything more than this lil car offers? It has great pick-up on flat terrain, and the most standard features in its price range, not to mention the infamous Honda reliability. It holds a vast amount of cargo, and the mileage is far superior to any SUV. Who needs to spend $10k more-for what? You can drive away with no guilt, given that kind of savings, and youre making a better choice for the environment to boot. This car is responsive, fun to drive, and feels solid. Call me Zippy and guilt-free!

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  "Fits" My Needs!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Darius - May 21 - 8:23 pm

  Truly a " Gas Saver" , i was amazed how roomy the inside of this car, low maintenance, really helps my 4 days to commute from home to work. "Nice and Neat Honda car"

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  It FITS me! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Moonchild - May 21 - 1:06 pm

  Spent a lot of reading about many choices before test driving and narrowed it down to the FIT. I just love how it drives and I feel very safe and secure in it. Excellent positive "feel" of the wheel to the road. Like hearing the gears changing. AC works very quickly. I like the MPG Im getting- a lot! Dont like hearing the gas sloshing around though. Performance is amazing, have to constantly watch speedometer and this from someone who my kids laugh at for going the speed limit. Boy are they surprised! Thats actually why I didnt get a Milano Red. Braking is very smooth. I am very happy with this car and expect to have it many, many service-free years. Everyone says its so cute too!!

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  Most fun you can have in a practical car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jesse - May 19 - 9:03 am

  The Honda Fit far exceeds my expectations. Good gas mileage, great handling, amazing interior design and space, superior saftey options standard compared to other cars in its class, and a good list of options all at a relatively good price. After comparing option to option with similar cars (go add on safety features, options etc to a Yaris or Versa and watch the price jump!), you will see the fit comes out at a good value. And due to good design on Hondas part its also the most practical and fun to drive of these new crop of compact cars in my opinion.

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  Great Gas Saver - 2008 Honda Fit
  By JETMECH - May 19 - 1:06 am

  Drove a pick-up for the past 20 years. Due to high gas prices had to find something a little more gas friendly. Stumbled upon the Fit at my local dealer and thought I would give it a try. WOW, I was not disappointed and bought it the next day. Mixed driving getting 36-39 mpg. Drove 350 miles on 9.1 gals. The rear fold down seats create lots of room. Have to fold down the smaller back seat for golf clubs. Handles great!!! Honda has done it again.

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  My Honda Fits! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By iFit - May 4 - 10:56 am

  I eagerly awaited the arrival of the 09 Fit because, at 66", I just wasnt comfortable in the old Fit without telescopic steering wheel. When I showed up at the dealer, they said are you sure you want such a small car. They recommended someone at my height would be much happier in an Accord. Well, they were all astonished to see how well I Fit into this small car. And I drove off with my mountain bike safely stowed in the back. This car is amazing value; I love driving it compared to my previous Audi A6 mainly because it sips fuel. But also its just plain fun to drive. My advice: if you can handle manual, go for it. The automatic felt much more sluggish for some reason

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dagda - April 18 - 8:36 pm

  We bought it in April, and Ive been enjoying it ever since. Was concerned about reviews of low power, but combined with the size, its not a problem at all. And the cargo capacity is amazing! We catered a friends party, and carted in food for 30 people in three large coolers with space to spare for other supplies. In addition, my father-in-law is 64" and can sit anywhere in the car comfortably. Its very peppy pretty much anywhere in its range, and I constantly find myself having to slow down as I hit 80-85 mph without a problem. Cant wait for the rumored hybrid model.

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  Excellent Design and Built II - 2007 Honda Fit
  By AL - April 1 - 8:56 pm

  Hi, its been 1 month since I submit my first review. I put 1600 miles on it. Its very smooth and youd be more than happy with its power as long as you are not a racing car driver. Still in break-in, its highway mileage already hit what is listed. I got 46 this afternoon! (of course, air-con was off, and I used N for a couple of times:-) I love the ease to pull it out from parking lots because it doesnt have a sedan trunk! The ride is quiet but is not as comfortable as a mid-size sedan. You shall avoid Fit if you require a soft, comfortable ride.