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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  Dont buy it for the MPG - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fuse - October 23 - 11:13 am

  Great use of interior space - weve had 5 tall people in it at once and everyone has room. The folding seats are great. Disappointing mileage in real world use. Our 100% city driven car is averaging 16 mpg and its certainly not being thrashed.

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  Nothing impressive, but it gets the job done. - 2013 Honda Fit
  By John - October 7 - 3:10 pm

  I bought this vehicle for the cargo space and for its bare bones nature. I bought a Honda for their "legendary" quality in the small car market. Maintenance for this vehicle has only entailed routine oil changes and 1 set of tires at this point, but this vehicle is barely broken in at 29,000 miles. Should be noted, another reviewer commented on having to replace the A/C in their Fit before 30,000 miles. I am currently replacing my A/C compressor in my 11 Civic with 59,000. This could become a theme with Honda as this is far to early to be replacing these parts. My main problem with this vehicle is fuel economy. I expect 35 - 43 mpg in a small vehicle like this. When SUVs are starting to get over 30 mpg, a small vehicle like this should be pushing 40 mpg, but it doesnt. I use only ethanol free fuel, as there is a slightly better bump in fuel economy, but I still wont get better then 34 to 36 mpg on my daily commute (mostly highway at 60 MPH). I should note that this is while driving like a grandpa and utilizing as much drafting and coasting as possible. On long drives (upwards of 2 hrs) I have obtained 42.1 mpg while traveling between 55 and 60. This car will drink fuel at speeds exceeding 65 mph. MPG drops drastically during the winter, Im sure it is due to the quality of fuel and the cold temps in NY, but I tend to average 29 to 32 mpg. Acceleration is just plain poor. Dont expect to pass a slower vehicle on a 1 lane road at 55 mph, unless, of course, you have a mile to do it. I havent driven the newer 130 hp Fit (2016), but I have to imagine that the additional 13hp makes a huge difference. HONDA PAINT SUCKS!! I have a 2011 Civic and 2013 Fit. The civic is color blk and the front of it looks sand blasted. The Fit (red) has stood up better, but I have made it my mission to protect it. I will leave large gaps between me and the car in front. Still, with these vehicles, the paint chips every time a small object hits it. I have read countless reviews where people complain about this. BEWARE: HONDA PAINT Greatest feature(s) is the average fuel economy display. I still calculate manually with each fill up, but it is nice to have an idea of how your doing. It has caused me to drive much slower in a continuing effort to beat my "high score". I also like the windows as you have almost zero blind spots. I call this vehicle the fish bowl because you have more window than car. Nothing impressive about this vehicle. I had the arm rest installed in mine and switched out all the lights, except headlights, for cree LED lights solely because the out dated incandescent draws too much power and lacks the brightness. The heater during the winter will take 10 minutes to warm up, so I am usually close to reaching my destination before I have substantial heat. I installed a trailer hitch on mine and pull a small 4 x 8 trailer from time to time to the hardware store. This makes the vehicle incredibly more useful. Some reviewers have commented about sway while operating in windy conditions. This vehicle will travel wherever the wind blows. It is a constant fight to keep it straight, which should be obvious due to the bubble design and light weight. Snow handling is great. I drive in NY states snow belt and Im often fighting icy/snowy roads. The stock, narrow, wheel rims give you excellent traction. I havent needed snow tires as an all season has worked just fine up to this point. One down side is your road clearance. I often bottom out on snowy roads and always risk the possibility of getting stuck. Car seats are difficulty to get in the vehicle and deal with, but this tends to be the case with all compacts and sub compact cars.

• 

  Ive been had. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By damian-fonseca - December 28 - 7:43 am

  The mpg is far lower then what is been advertised the AC is a definite problem. 250 miles on its 10.8 gallon tank, this is the real deal. Im not surprised it only lasted 2 years with a new remake now in 2009. Heads up dont believe the hype.

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  I wanted to like this car - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Nicole - June 27 - 7:15 pm

  I did extensive research on the Honda Fit and test drove the 2016, 2015 and 2013 models before purchasing a 2013 Honda Fit Sport. At 511.5, I knew a small car didnt appear to fit my frame, but as a long time driver of other subcompact cars I wasnt worried. After 3 weeks of driving, I developed moderate back pain. It doesnt help that the car handles poorly and gets blown around by the wind. I seriously regret buying this car and am planning to loss several thousand dollars to sale my car and get another car. The gas mileage is good, but my health and comfort is not worth.

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  Just Another S-Box - 2007 Honda Fit
  By joet - June 3 - 2:56 pm

  Better to spend the same money on a used Nissan which would be far more fun and COMFORTABLE to drive. I regret the trade. This car is noisy, gutless and cheap.

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  NOT fun to drive - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Bert fromm - March 31 - 5:12 pm

  I read lots of reviews saying its fun to drive. Reality check: Its not. Mine just lagged off the line with the manual tranny. I wanted to have spirited acceleration, but this 1.5 L engine has no power at low revs: thats how they say it has great gas mileage: no power means low gas consumption You need to rev the engine to get power. It has spongy suspension and leans heavily in turns. It has no tech features. No bluetooth, no phone connection other that usb for charging. It does have good cargo room, though. Big bonus. I got rid of it after three years because other competitors have more options. I just bought a Chevy Spark EV for a change. I didnt like the way the dealer said that 2013 was such a good design, they decided not to make any changes for 2014. I didnt like the way the dealer handled my purchase.

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  honda gouges customer for basic accessories - 2016 Honda Fit
  By tom mcguffin - December 25 - 9:48 pm

  Honda charges extra for what I consider basic accessories. Floor mats and cargo cover are extra $600!! try to get the dealer to include these items. my previous 3 hatchbacks purchases included carpeted floor mats and cargo cover. I assumed they ere included with the Honda fit! I was wrong and it cost me almost $600.

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  Honda Fit Is it really Fit? - 2016 Honda Fit
  By tom - September 25 - 5:53 am

  I read all the reviews and thought I would get one. The reviews on them seemed so good, but when I took it for a test drive the erratic noise level drove me nuts. the Fit has way too little noise padding in it . I have had an older Honda Civic that I cut and placed heavy rubber back carpeting over everything I could. I would think that would be a consideration if you buy this.