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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  Definitely "Fit" for me! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Lilli Schrader - August 30 - 1:07 am

  This car is absolutely amazing! I own the EX version and Ive never been more in love! Its comfy and super easy to steer, not to mention the awesome turn radius. Its super compact and can fit in tight places. Really great gas mileage especially with the econ button. The Honda lane watch is the best invention ever making it super easy to take turns and see into your blind spot. I would recommend this car to everyone!

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  Take Two - 2008 Honda Fit
  By MisterC - August 29 - 5:30 pm

  After losing my 2007 Fit in a bad multicar collision my dealer got ahold of an 08 Fit sport for me. So far, car is nearly identical to the 07. The only major new feature is the government mandated tire pressure monitor system. Corrected from the 07 is the giant bar of rubber wiper blades that were notoriously loud in all but the heaviest of rains. Theyve been replaced with more standard looking blades. Windshield fit seems to be improved as well (the 07s have problems with rattle/whistling windshields that are corrected with some silicon sealer) Overall a great fun car to drive, lots of room for stuff, and easy on the wallet both at the dealer and pump

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  Fit to Drive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jim S - August 29 - 6:43 am

  I bought a Sport MT in June. I live near Cripple Creek Colorado and drive to the Springs.(104Mi, 2 Hr) I average 42 MPG. Power up the pass is adequate.I recently drove to Georgia and found that when I exceeded 65 mph my mileage dropped to 35 to 38. At lower altitude it was noticibly more powerful. Wind and large trucks did not seem to effect it.The radio is great. It looks small but is roomy inside and a hoot to drive. Handling is a little stiff but sure. Its not intended to be a luxury car. My first snow experience tested the highway treads standard on this car. I will change them before next winter. Fit and finish is beautiful. Ride is quiet with room to haul all your stuff.

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  Little red rocket. - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Frankie N. - August 26 - 1:05 pm

  This car has been great so far. Good gas mileage, and plenty of power. Compared to the 2012 Fit which I love also "still have it" the 2017 gets a little better gas mileage, more power, and feel as if it is a little heavier car. the 2017 doesnt have the room of the 2012 but enough for me. My wife loves the Bluetooth that works with her cell phone, the backup camera, and lane watch camera. Over all Im well pleased and my wife also which is a plus for me.

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  I wanna throw a Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Steve - August 21 - 3:03 am

  I had to drive my new Fit 1100 miles home from where I bought it. EPA said 38mpg hwy and it achieved 44mpg on one leg of the trip. On hilly sections it got as low as 36mpg. City mpg does stink though. If the AC is on, itll dip into the 27mpg range with ease. My only beef with the car is the AC system. The day I bought the car I had to shell out $200.00 to have it tinted as dark as was legal and it is still hot as hades driving it. The second the AC system cycles off, you can tell it and it almost blows hot air at you. To describe it; just like you cracked the window on a 95+ degree day. It stays on 4 to drive comfortably. Overall, the car is awesome.

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  Go-cart reflexes - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Larry B - July 31 - 3:40 pm

  I have 3500 miles on this car and my only disappointment has been the 29 mpg average fuel economy. The interior is roomy, the seats are comfortable, the ride is excellent for a small car, and you can converse with your passenger at 75 miles/hour. I found an excellent center armrest on the internet for $129 that was very easy to install and matches the interior perfectly.

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  2008 Milano Red Fit, Sport - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Pasadena, MD - July 29 - 1:13 pm

  When going to the Honda Dealership I was looking into purchasing a Civic. I only wanted to spend $ 15,000.00 on a car. I noticed that I was not geeting rims, spoiler or fog lights with the Civic. The sales repp showed me the Fit and I was worried because I have never heard of it. Come to find out the Fit had better seats and better options in than the Civic. The Fit is really comfortable and sporty looking. I have been very happy with it. The 1st day I took it to work the whole office was asking whos red honda is parked out side? Its very nice. I have been able to haul stuff to the dump. My Father In Law has been reading the reviews and really loves the car himself.

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  Great Little Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Rachel - July 28 - 3:53 pm

  The Fit is a great car for people on the go. Driving it to work everyday, Ive been getting mpg in the low-mid 30s. The little freeway driving Ive done so far has been in the mid-high 30s. Being so small, its a breeze to parallel park. Its also a pretty quiet car. The visibility is amazing and the slanted windshield makes it feel like a much bigger car.

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  Honda needs to start over with the FIT! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By larzstar - July 27 - 10:20 pm

  Having owned my Fit for 6+ months I do NOT and will NOT recommend it. IMHO Honda needs to start over. I have lots of issues with it. First is the Windshield wipers. WHY does that passenger wiper have to swing all the way into the drivers view? I feel this is a Safety Issue. However I guess Honda doesnt care. I could go on and on with all my gripes with the car. There are a few more that NEED to be mentioned. The Seats are not comfortable for long rides. The gas tank, making annoying sloshing noises. (For those that dont hear it I have to say HMMM...Are you DEAF?!?) Rear license plate holder allowing the plate to rattle. The paddle shifers on the steering wheel (boggles my mind WHY)

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  Love my Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By muybonita - June 28 - 1:56 am

  This little car is a blast to drive and fits my daughter and 275 pound, 64" weighlifting husband perfectly! Ive only had this car for a week, but I get about 400 miles on a tank.