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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  Fits fine - 2009 Honda Fit
  By strapper - November 10 - 2:30 pm

  My fit fits our family fine. It turns on a dime, and is comfortable on a 600 mile trip. Needs one more power outlet for TV and Play Station. Plenty of cup holders. Just adequate power, not a race car. Im getting on average nearly 40 mpg.

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  2007 Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ross - November 3 - 2:50 am

  I bought this car to help out with my gas bills. I also own a del Sol and an Astro. The ride is tight, but car can get fidgetty in a strong wind. The car is also much quicker than I expected...I have caught myself doing 85 mph more than once. The interior is HUGE! Lots of room, cupholders, bins, and pockets. Very comfortable, and quiet. I have only owned the car for a short time, so I cannot report on the reliability...but hey...it is a Honda.

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  Another Happy Customer - 2009 Honda Fit
  By James - November 2 - 4:23 am

  We truly enjoy the performance of this vehicle. Even though Honda Fit has a small engine, it picks up speed easily. We have no problem recommending this car to our friends.

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  Love the Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MJ - October 28 - 8:36 am

  Just bought it and took it on a road trip. Car performed great and had great gas mileage (35 mpg at 80 mph). It was comfortable and had plenty of room for my wife and daughter. Great car!!

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  Versatile and fun! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Terii - October 10 - 2:40 am

  Have about 5000 miles. Great little car. Roomy interior and seats are extremely comfortable. Expensive-looking interiors. Great gas mileage, I get average between 32-39 MPG in city (I dont drive like I stole it). Helped 2 friends moved with this car. They were super impressed with how much room this car have, its like having a truck almost. Its safety features are +++! For the price, you cant go wrong!

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Richard - October 4 - 10:33 am

  Overall a great car. Just wish Honda gave us the option of some of the even more fuel efficient engines available elsewhere. Fun to drive, good driving positions, very good handling and ride. Pretty quiet for such a "small" car. Getting 36 mpg overall so far.

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  Shouldve been a "Jazz". - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Joe P - September 29 - 2:56 am

  This is an excellent little car. I waited nearly 5 months to ge it and it was worth it. Its fun to drive, gets great mileage and cuts through heavy traffic. Ive driven on twisty roads and had a blast. Lots of room, solid build quality, great handling, great mileage. In Europe its called a Jazz. Should have stuck with that name.

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  Awesome car ever - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Stanly - September 25 - 7:20 am

  I just got the car yesterday (4/26/2006). I got the HOT RED so happy. Im the first one who gets this car in that dealership. I love this car so much, because it reach my personal style. I always want to get a car with a lot of spaces and saving gas. SUV is my first choice, but SUV cannot save on gas. FIT came out is my lifeguard, it can save so much money for me during the year.

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  2009 Honda Fit Sport - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Ken Hovanes - September 9 - 1:20 pm

  Just bought and received an 09 Fit Sport. Feels very tight, and the first hundred miles are amazing. Its getting substantially better mileage than the EPA ratings. The car tracks very true and feels like a more expensive vehicle. The interior is finished very well and the changes from the 08 model are the perfect improvements. The wheels have a very sporty look to them and it sticks to the ground nicely. Radio is fantastic and the interaction with the iphone is perfect. Overall I would rate this vehicle as as close to 10 as you can get The price and quality are second to none.

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  Happy Person - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Craig - September 6 - 3:23 pm

  I just bought the car in May 06. I have driven it for several weeks and wow, what a ride!! I think it handles well and looks good. I cant wait to see the true gas mileage. Great idea of a make!!