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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  Needs some improvement - 2007 Honda Fit
  By cowtowner - January 8 - 5:16 pm

  After driving this vehicle for almost a year, as of this review - 2-21-07, I have a few minor complaints. 1. The display for the radio unit does not show very well on a bright day. This appears to be a non-standard size unit. I would replace it if I could buy a off the shelf unit and just plug it in without a custom adapter kit. Honda needs to change this design. 2. The top of the windshield needs to be better tinted or make the windshield smaller. Both the driver and the passenger have to use the sun shade to keep out excessive sun light even when not driving into the sun. 3. The head lights seems to be aimed too low.

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  The FIT is Here - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Billy Teague - December 29 - 9:03 pm

  I have had my Blaze Orange FIT SPORT for a week and absolutely love it. Handles very well for a small car. A lot bigger than it looks on the inside. Ride is real smooth. Great on gas. Very happy I made a purchase on this car.

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  Downsizing Made Fun! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By 91Westy - December 23 - 9:03 pm

  This is a great car - period. Honda has done an excellent job of reinventing the hatchback concept for the new millenium. Two roadtrips (ATL-DC and ATL-SC) so far and no complaints. Car is fairly quick, responsive and smooth, reminds me of a BMW to drive (except Im getting 36 MPG at 80 MPH). In general, I favor European cars (BMWs, Mercs, VWs, etc) - but Honda has done an excellent job of integrating an intelligently-designed vehicle (great safety features, innovative cargo handling, excellent fuel economy) with outstanding road feel, handling and suspension.

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  Mostly fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Uncle Jack - December 22 - 1:16 pm

  This car is amazing in many respects and disappointing in a few. Its very roomy and versatile, surprisingly comfortable, and handles outstandingly well. The performance/economy compromise is okay but only just. My city mileage is about 29 and on the highway it will get 32 to 37 depending on the speeds involved (note that this is 4-5 mpg less than the mileage meter indicates). A sixth gear would be a big help. Worst feature is the ride, which is a lot stiffer than other cars Ive had and driven of about the same wheelbase and weight. A lot of the interior seems to be made of flocked cardboard; Honda evidently thinks it has a good enough quality reputation to get away with this.

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  Best Little Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Steve from VB,VA - December 10 - 1:00 pm

  Fit handles well. The manual transmission shifts easily and the Fit accelerates nicely for a 1.5 liter engine. he front seats are comfortable; the back seats tolerable for short trips. The floor mats have anchor holes, but there are no mat anchors and the front mats slide around. Gas mileage thus far nearly 38 miles per gallon, mostly suburban driving. Front air dam scrapes on low angles. Easily accessed oil filter for d.i.y. types. Could use a locking gas cap.

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  "Fits me so well` - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Carole Ann - December 8 - 11:03 am

  Ive only had my Fit ~ a week but in minutes I was overwhelmed. Im short and have never been this comfortable in an automobile. I can put my feet flat on floor and feel like Im wearing the car. It responds to my every move. The little triangular windows front and back give the best vision Ive ever had. I though Id like the color best (orange) but there is so much more to this wonderful car.

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  Dumped the A4 and never looked back - 2007 Honda Fit
  By mvnicosia - December 2 - 5:53 am

  Ive only put 1000 miles on my new Fit Sport manual, but I must say I love it. It handles like a dream. Nice, tight steering. The clutch and shifter throws are short and the acceleration is peppy. The stereo is loud and thumping and plays my my iPod tracks great through the auxiliary port. How many seating configurations does this thing have? Theres room to tote my 64" self, my girlfriend and our baby, plus about a months worth of groceries (if we wanted to buy that much, which we dont). Or, it can haul a household appliance. Whats that you say, Mr. Salesman... delivery is extra? I think Ill pass. I traded down to this car from an Audi to save money and gas. No regrets.

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  Fit is Great - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Donald Bendick - November 21 - 12:00 am

  The Fit has met and exceeded all of my expectations. Just took it for its first long distance trip. Averaged 39.2 mpg. People at work have been impressed with the amount of interior space and head room. The fit is a perfect fit for my golf clubs. Cargo cover conceals them perfectly. It is a fun car. Tried the paddles and found them a unique experience. Keep up the good work.

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  My Fit fits - 2012 Honda Fit
  By Leon Nielsen - November 17 - 9:57 am

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  2007 Honda Fit Sport - good but not great - 2007 Honda Fit
  By carguy707 - November 11 - 9:56 pm

  Having previously owned six Hondas, three CRXs, one Civic hatchbach and an Integra, Im not new to the Honda family. The interior of this car is really well done. I love the options that you have with the seating. The feeling of the steering wheel is great and the gauge cluster is beautiful. Well I do have a few gripes with the car. I only average around 30 mpg with this car and I have a very light foot. The road noise is excessive. I might be the only one but the stereo is ok at best. Also I dont like the placement of the paddle shifter at least the way they follow the steering wheel when you turn. But for the price it is a very well equipped car.