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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  Steering is painful on Expressways - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Paul - March 12 - 10:53 am

  I bought my Fit as a commuter car since I drive on expressways 70 miles per day. Had I known how heavily the FIT steers at any speed over 50 mph, I would have bought another vehicle. When driving in any lane that slopes from left to right or right to left, the car needs constant touches on the wheel to keep it in a straight line. At the same time, the wheel feels as if it is stuck in molasses. The car has 2,000 miles on it at this point. I have owned Fords, Dodges, Toyotas, Cadillacs, Lincolns subcompacts, pickups, vans, sedans and Town Cars and have never driven a vehicle that handled so poorly on the expressway. Driving it is a chore and I doubt I will keep it until it is paid off.

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  Left wanting more - 2009 Honda Fit
  By harmony - February 15 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my Fit almost a year ago so have had plenty of time to think about it and reflect on my purchase. At first sight I liked the color and enjoyed the interior features such as the magic seats and navigation system. After having driven it over 6000 miles now I regret to say that if I could go back I would pick a different vehicle. Driver is uncomfortable on long drive with very little back support and small arm rests. front passenger has no arm rest at all. Over all the car was worth the small price, but next time spend a little more and get something better. Sorry Honda, not one of your best models over all. Oh and p.s. honda, teach your sales reps more about the fit. misleading.

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  Honda Fit 2008 - 2008 Honda Fit
  By kgsull - February 9 - 8:45 am

  Even though Im not crazy about the looks, I do enjoy driving the car...for me its comfortable, accelerates well, and gets very good mileage. Recently the battery wouldnt start, and after reading other forums regarding this issue, I see that there are many, many people with even more mileage and less that have had either the same problem (battery not charging), or battery dieing within less than 2 years! That is why I gave it a low reliability rating. The battery is not replaceable either (no one seems to make a similar size so one is stuck with the poor quality battery).

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  Spend Your Money Elsewhere - 2007 Honda Fit
  By fit2006 - December 29 - 10:15 am

  Purchased Honda Fit 8/2006. LOCK: After 2 years, the drivers lock stopped working. Honda did not stand by the lock. Passenger lock also failing. BRAKES: Passenger brake caliper stuck causing the pad to wear down on that side only. Honda fixed it and promised it wouldnt happen again. This time, slider sticking, brake pad on passenger worn again! VISIBILITY: The side curtain airbags cause two very large blind spots for people my size (under 53"). HANDLING: The car has a high center of gravity. Wind causes the car to dance a bit on the highway. BODY INTEGRITY: Any kind of minor collision causes this car to crumple and the bumper to come off! The car is very boring.

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  Dont buy this car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Roch53 - September 20 - 7:29 pm

  This car is awful. I feel so unsafe in this car plus it is so uncomfortable and I am very short. The car rattles and the mechanics cant find the problem. Gas mileage is not what they say it is. The tires that come with the car do not last. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Somewhat disappointed - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Murph - August 24 - 9:56 pm

  Everywhere I have been reading about the wonderful MPG and it was MAIN reason I purchased this car, well since buying in Feb. 2017 been having terrible MPG averaging around 26 combined and 30 if I am lucky on highway. Dealer has worked on car two times, first time found the specs were off and had to fix gave car back and still the same, next time they found issues with fuel injectors so had to replace, gave the care back, same problem. Now they dont know what to do, they suggested it was how I drove the car, yeah right, my friend took for a couple of days and she had the same MPG as I did. Had to call Honda Corp and they are working with dealer to find the issues, have to take car back again. This is my 4th Honda, all others were great, this one not so much and am very disappointed and frustrated with the whole thing! I am hoping they can fix issue, or either replace the car all together or give me full refund, it will fall under lemon law soon. I really want the car so I am hoping something can be worked out. But wanted others to know just in case anyone else is having the same issue.

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  Honda could have put more effort in design... - 2017 Honda Fit
  By C Brozek - June 29 - 5:36 am

  Note: driving force for purchasing this vehicle was5yr overall cost of ownership...lowest initial price, low frequency/cost of repairs, lowest fuel costs, with highest safety. HITS: 1) exterior body/lights/window styling is much improved...no longer the dorky design it once suffered from; 2) fuel economy...so far 40+ highway, 34 city; 3) quantity of electronic features of its LX package are decent given the budget price-range. MISSES: 1) driver comfort...insufficient cushioning causing discomfort only remedied by aftermarket 2" foam pad; 2) interior ergonomics...USB and charging outlets on dashboard slightly out of reach and sight, center console cover (when open) makes storage awkward to access, and charging port in center console hard to access; 3) engine/road noise a bit much, more soundproofing needed. Overall, Honda could have done a better job, especially given how it touts its reputation.

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  Path worn to dealer - 2007 Honda Fit
  By reddwood - December 13 - 8:50 pm

  Repacing Toyota 03 ECHO w/70k (I miss her) @6500 my-cars been back three times.1 check fuel cap 2 repace fuel cap 3 oil change that took 2 hrs. Head hits grab rail, pedals too close together, gas pedal placed wrong, paint not durable, carpeting is cheap, parts took 5 weeks (touchup paint,pastic holder for fuseblock cover [CHEAP]) Sputters from a cold start. console takes away valuable leg and knee room. 41.5 mpg avg w/40lbs of air in tires handles ok - has decent acceleration Lights flicker w/alternator load and battery is too small.No ash tray-glove box is large.

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  1st Honda, Very Disappointed - 2008 Honda Fit
  By UnFit4Me - December 10 - 12:02 pm

  Rattly, horrid in snow, terrible AC/heat venting, windshield is impossible to keep clear in snow/ice, headlight covers hard to keep clear, terrible visibility, tire system needs dealer reprogramming for snow tires, poor door lock system, expensive key, ground clearance too low, fishtails in snow horribly, center vents TOO HIGH, blasting air in eyes, heat and A/C insufficient, gas pedal odd angle and stressful to keep in one position, rear window in rain, in short, in 5 months, too many dislikes - will be selling soon.

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  I want my Civic back! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rubypearl - August 2 - 11:15 pm

  I now have 5,000 miles on this car. Ive tried to give it the benefit of doubt, but I am so frustrated with it. The engine has an annoying knock/tick on acceleration, so much, that bystanders on the street acknowledge it. Of course, the Honda mechanics dont hear it. This Fit is a squirrelly beast in the snow, and is a frightening plow, rather than "fun to drive". Having lived in Alaska for many years, I do know how to drive in snow! Luckily I no longer live there. The paint quality is less than "quality". I have the Blackberry Pearl, sport model. I highly suggest choosing a Civic over a Fit, if handling, noise, and fuel economy are important to you. I miss my Civic, LOTS!