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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  Fit Rules - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Pleatia - January 9 - 10:43 pm

  This car runs and runs fast. You will think there is a bigger motor than the mini mill. All the Honda quality is there and not any real issues. You may have to live without a few items, but the gas pump will not make you pay. The lack of a dead pedal is not a problem either. The driving position is a bit awkward on a long road trip. It is workable however. This car is highly recommended. Keep looking and find a dealer who will work with you and dont buy from the arrogant Honda dealer.

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  Exceptional fuel economy - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Amy V. - January 5 - 1:36 pm

  Ive purchased this new 2009 Fit (Sport, auto). Exceptional fuel economy. Exceeded EPA rating!!! Have put 650 miles on it and the mix drivings: 39/44.7/42.3 (fastest speed is 80/85 mph and slowest is 40/45 mph) - Would recommend this lovely car to anyone! I can see the new EPA as of 38/48/45 pretty soon after engine breakdown.

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  Fit and Fun - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jindestin - December 30 - 3:36 am

  Just purchased today, but had to drive 120 miles one way to find the base in manual. Supply is limited, demand is high (for all styles) and dealers wont trade. Anyway, drive home on US HWYs as well as Interstate... driving speed at about 70-80 with no problems. Didnt notice a "buzz" or even too much wind noise. Great for our second "around- town" car, with capability for hauling items or short duration roadtrips with the family.

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  A lot of space in a little car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By L. N. - December 29 - 11:33 pm

  After owning a used 95 Nissan Altima for many years (and it now costing more to fix than it is worth each year), I decided to purchase a new car. I am very glad I waited for the 2009 Fit. It sounds much better than the 2008 when driving. It is very comfortable to sit in, the stereo sounds great, and the display lights are easy on the eyes. It provides a lot of storage space for a small car. I have to cart my recycle garbage can to a central dump site and occasionally buy large things to cart home (e.g., today, four 4x 3.75 sheets of plywood). I love that the seats fold up or down to provide the extra space. I purchased the sport only because the base did not have cruise control.

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  I Love my FIT - 2009 Honda Fit
  By skansen54 - December 14 - 9:26 pm

  I couldnt be happier. I went from an SUV to the best economy car. Gets great gas mileage and maneuverability is a blast!

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  Gets the job done! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Mitch B - December 10 - 12:00 am

  I have a 160 mile round trip commute. I went from a 2007 BMW 330XI to a 2008 Honda Accord EX L to the 2008 Fit SPort M/T. While it does not provide the comfort or the sizzle of the other 2 cars, it gets the job done. Just hit 1000 miles and have averaged 40+ MPG mostly bumper to bumper highway driving. Paid $15,000 plus $1099 for 5 yr 100K ext warranty. I kept the 2008 accord and just the savings in gas pays for the fit and the insurance for it. I will be in the "black when I pay $3.90/gal (next week sometime)

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  As Advertised - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Photo/Video - December 4 - 9:43 am

  Excels at city driving, cargo hauling, parking, etc. Road manners, noise, seats can get old on highway trips over 90 minutes.

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  Loving my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Indiana Dave - November 24 - 10:43 am

  Our family is really enjoying the Fit. Our small family of three and our full size dog "Fit" perfectly. Great amount of space and our gas mileage is around 38 mpg. I do alot of highway driving. Some things I would add to the base model. Cruise control, cant believe it isnt available. Center armrest. We have had no trouble with the car and would recommend it to anyone looking for a small car with great versatility.

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  Best decision yet! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Louis - November 23 - 1:36 pm

  When I was shopping for my first new car, I think I drove every car in its class. I found little things wrong with every single one of them, except the Fit. I am used to driving the family van, but did not want to buy a van because of how big they are and how much fuel they consume. The Fit has all the good parts of a van with all the good parts of a car. Lots of cargo space for a car this size. Seeing it from the outside does not do it justice. If you look on the inside you will see how much room there is in this thing. I love it.

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  Honda Fit sport 2008 mpg over 30 noway - 2008 Honda Fit
  By thurst1963 - November 13 - 3:46 am

  Well first off I gave the 2008 Honda fit sport auto trans 10 rating on every thing I really really like this car I had driven this car in Brazil in 2004 way before they came here and just fell head or heals for the car but I drive this car to work at 5.00am no traffic all highway 15 miles one way so we will say 80-85 % highway and that is low the first 700 miles I got 17 mpg from 700 to 1600 got 24 mpg drove from Champaign il to Cincinnati last week end all highway no stopping 70 miles per got 27 mpg then Champaign to ind 2 days ago got 28 mpg so if it was summer and I had the ac on and driving in a city I cant see more then 17 or 18 mpg so I will be trading this in soon for a Toyota