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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  NOT fun to drive - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Bert fromm - March 31 - 5:12 pm

  I read lots of reviews saying its fun to drive. Reality check: Its not. Mine just lagged off the line with the manual tranny. I wanted to have spirited acceleration, but this 1.5 L engine has no power at low revs: thats how they say it has great gas mileage: no power means low gas consumption You need to rev the engine to get power. It has spongy suspension and leans heavily in turns. It has no tech features. No bluetooth, no phone connection other that usb for charging. It does have good cargo room, though. Big bonus. I got rid of it after three years because other competitors have more options. I just bought a Chevy Spark EV for a change. I didnt like the way the dealer said that 2013 was such a good design, they decided not to make any changes for 2014. I didnt like the way the dealer handled my purchase.

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  Blue Honda Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Danny Raiwnsky - March 30 - 8:56 am

  The only mechanical problem is the a/c does not cool properly. The car has lots of design defects. The buyer is required to accept options whether they want them or not. I dont want electric mirrors, door locks, or windows. I do not want power steering. There is no leg room for the driver if the seat is moved far enough forward to reach the steering, or if the seat is moved back far enough for good leg room the steering is too far from the drivers arms. I do not want side curtain or any other air bags. I absolutely do not want ABS and I will disconnect it. I would have liked variable speed intermittent wipers. Ride is harsh. Interior black color is hard to keep clean.

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  lean mean micromachine - 2009 Honda Fit
  By mr. sandman - March 17 - 3:26 pm

  Fun to drive, comfortable and roomy on long trips. 38 mpg at 70 mph.

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  Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ethan - February 14 - 9:23 am

  This car has lots of interior space, outstanding performance, and the reliability that Honda is known for. The 5-spd is fun to drive and is quite zippy. The standard safety features also offer great protection from all of the gas-guzzling SUVs out there.

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  Best of the Best - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Batman - February 8 - 7:23 pm

  I bought this car after my 7year old van began to cost me more and more. I was trying to stretch it a little longer while I researched this cars overall value and others experiences. I was hooked on its looks and functions to say the least. The fuel economy is outstanding and I have cut my monthly fuel cost by 60 percent. I average about 36 driving around town. I have owned a lot of different vehicles and this car is a winner. For driving such a great little car with big features sure puts a smile on my face. My neighbors mentioned how kool it looks. I get people always asking about it. Great car with or without hybrid technology. Buy one and have fun saving $$$$.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By David - February 2 - 10:53 am

  I just bought the car, and I gotta say, it is so much fun! Everything works great, the thing even performs great for such a small car! And theres great mileage, and space for all my stuff! I recommend this car for everyone!

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  Value that looks and feels great. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Eric - January 18 - 4:33 pm

  Just bought a new Fit and love it! I cant say enough how impressed I am with this vehicle. Its tight, good looking, deceptively roomy and is easy to please at the gas pump.

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  Just Starting - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Orange Blossom - January 14 - 8:16 pm

  This is an excellent economical car with high quality features. Little engine that can, does the job. Excellent handling and braking characteristics with a firm ride on rough roads. Great head and legroom front and rear. Very good space with flexible interior for carrying wide variety of stuff. Interesting maintenance reminders via the screen which also tells you how well your oil and filter are performing.

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  Great Value with Style - 2007 Honda Fit
  By drkeeling - January 14 - 8:16 pm

  I drive this car nearly every day and I still cant get over how nice it looks inside and out and how it zips around in traffic. No problem keeping up even passing at 80+ mph highway speeds.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By LINDA - January 12 - 12:16 am

  I love this car. its great. i had a xb before the fit, am 58 and think this car is good at all ages, the sport is so good looking i got the gray great job honda keep it up linda