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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  Enjoying New Fit - 2015 Honda Fit
  By zkeith2 - July 13 - 7:00 pm

  Among the best cars in its class and 2015 redesign keeps it in that position.

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  I love my Fit! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By hondafangirl - July 12 - 3:11 am

  Ive wanted a Fit since they hit the US in 2006. Ive been driving Accords for many years, and with this 3rd generation Fit redesign, I finally decided it was time to own my first Fit. I opted for the fully loaded EX-L w/Navi. Ive had the car for two weeks now, and I do not regret my purchase one bit. I do not feel like I am in a small subcompact in this car. It handles really well on the highway, and city driving is the most fun! I have gotten above average returns on mileage with a mix of hwy/city. Honda got it right with the Fit in my opinion. If you remember Honda from the 70s-80s, the Fit reminds me of that era. Small, economical and a blast to drive. I love my Fit!

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  The King of the economy crowd - 2015 Honda Fit
  By 6sptl - July 10 - 9:19 am

  The new Fit is so far ahead of the class that its the a the stereotypical Asian child in the classroom. Good driving dynamics, check, unbelievable packaging, check, refined drive, check powerful engine, check, check, check, check. This car is as good or much better in all parameters than any car in its category period. It irritates me to no end when the only criticism someone can level at a car is that they object to the styling, it goes a long way to establish the commenters lack of intelligence. BTW, to my eye it looks pretty darned good.The EX without leather is the best deal, add a Garmin and go.

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  The perfect small car - 2012 Honda Fit
  By tommyone1 - July 9 - 1:32 pm

  Flawless reliability 3 years in. Not sure why some people get disappointing MPG. Maybe they drive like a maniac, have upgraded to wide tires, and carry a lot of weight... I get an avg of 39 MPG from this awesome car! The manual trany shifting and the clutch are both super light and easy and smooth. But Id prefer a lower ratio for 5th gear so not to waste gas when going over 70 (and to quiet the engine) The interior loudness is less than in previous years. The cargo space is incredible, including under the rear seats. The gas tank being under the front seat means you cant adjust height, but Im now happier sitting higher than I used to--better visibility, except the wide front left pillar

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  Great Car - 2015 Honda Fit
  By 2015hondafit - June 26 - 5:51 pm

  I have a 2015 Honda Fit LX with the 6 speed. I wanted something fuel efficient and wanted a manual. I was saving up for a CRZ, but when this new Fit got a direct injection 1.5 engine, I had to go test drive one. The dealer had an LX manual in modern steel, and leased it. I really enjoy this little car. It drives fine around town, but on the highway you need to bring the rpm up a bit to get adequate performance. I would tell you what mileage Im getting, but I forgot to calculate my mileage at the pump, (was in a hurry) and forgot how many gallons it used. Oops. If you are considering one, I would absolutely recommend one. It does its job excellently.

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  Love my Fit! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By legallyorigina - June 22 - 11:19 pm

  I have owned my Fit for a week now. I love the new features added to this one. I owned a 2012 Honda fit so very familiar with this style of car. The only thing I do not like about this model is how there isnt an extra glove box in this one and less cup holders then my previous car. The gas is better then the other with its new eco button. I chose the leather seat option, but I am now worried about the up keep of the them especially considering the windows are only slightly tinted. Makes the roof feature a little bit of downer if you think of sun damage on leather. I chose the Honda Fit because it is a very reliable car. It saved my life before. I feel safe in my car.

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  A Tardis you know but with Panache! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By david335ix - June 18 - 3:42 pm

  Purchased for daughter. Test drove the LX having got out of a BMW 335xi so thought it would feel slow and unresponsive. Hot day but the AC caught up quite quickly. Loved the ride as cushioned the pot holes everywhere. Took it 360 around a small round about. Nice enough feedback from the steering wheel. Sure footed with the 15 inch tires screaming all the way around but held like glue and controlled nicely. CVT was a nice surprise as Id read bad reports about the belt driven cone! Takes off nice and smooth but let off the gas and it takes time to slow as there are no cogs to help brake. Different but nice, not sure on brake wear though! Loved the car as its spunky, safe with fun factor!

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  From Owner of 2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi as of June 17, 2014. - 2015 Honda Fit
  By leohenton - June 17 - 4:21 pm

  I agree with Edmundsdotcom review of 2015 Honda Fit. We are quite pleased, so far with the Red 2015 Honda Fit EX-L with Navi that we took possession of on June 16, 2014. There are many thoughtful features included in the design. I can drive it comfortably and have learned to enter and exit OK as a 63" 400 pound middle-aged man. Drove 100 miles last night with two other full-sized adults as passengers and there were not any complaints from anyone There simply is not anything else in the sub-compact / compact class with this combination of room, comfort, fuel economy and upper-tier features (in the EX-L Navi trim package). The Navi is quite legible and useful. The value is appare

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  First new car! - 2013 Honda Fit
  By mcm0455 - March 29 - 12:48 pm

  I have been driving for 25 years and have always bought well used cars in hopes to save money. After dealing with constant issues with my 175k mile Subaru, I decided I wanted a new car. I bought a 13 Fit Sport auto this past weekend after reading reviews and actually taking one out for a test drive. It is a simple car that meets my needs for running around town and the occasional trip on the freeway. It has plenty of power for me, and the 30+mpg I am getting is a nice change from 20mpg in my old Subaru.

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  13 Fit base 5MT - 2013 Honda Fit
  By rzepczynski - March 23 - 10:44 pm

  13 Fit base 5MT. So far, 10 months, 10,000 miles, no problems. Despite display indicating 50% oil life left at 5K miles, oil was changed @ 5K mi. Oil changed at 10K mi. (again display indicating 50% oil life remaining) with full synthetic. Engine seems to run better on full synthetic. Concerned that after 10K mi. there has been no dash display for maintenance (wrench symbol). As there are no mileage recommendations for maintenance in the owners manual, you are wholly dependent on the car computer for maintenance scheduling. Wondering if computer is working properly. Cant believe no service is required after 10K miles. Very satisfied and happy with the car.