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:

• 

  My first Honda, but definitely not my last - 2012 Honda Fit
  By mrj88 - January 14 - 2:51 pm

  Ive owned my Honda Fit for almost 4 years now, and Ive realized why people keep buying Hondas over and over again. After trading in a 1 year old Ford Fiesta that was in the shop over a half dozen times for all sorts of repairs, Im happy to say not a single thing has gone wrong with my 2012 Honda Fit. Nothing. Zilch. Nada. Gas mileage has been around 35mpg with mixed highway/city driving. Cargo space is crazy! The guy at IKEA was floored when I pulled around my subcompact car and nearly put an entire couch in the back. Stereo sounds great and works well with an iPod/iPhone/USB device. 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly while the engine purrs like a kitten. The only negatives should be obvious for a budget-esque small car. Acceleration is lacking to say the least. No Bluetooth. The car handles well, but youre gonna feel most bumps in the road. The air conditioning, while cold, kills the power and tends to freeze up after a 90 minute ride. Seats arent terrible, but overall comfort is so-so for long drives. The Fit is pretty light as well, so dont expect amazing performance in the snow. Base model doesnt come with a center console/armrest (I had one installed by Honda for less than $300 - completely worth it). Wipers only have 3 speeds. Regardless. If you want something new, affordable, functional, with great gas mileage, and incredibly reliable. The Fit is a fantastic choice. I hope to drive this car for a long time.

• 

  Fuel system reserve - 2015 Honda Fit
  By Deid dierks - December 13 - 7:49 am

  The fuel system low fuel light comes on when fuel quantity is 25% remaining. When the light illuminates I can only fill approx 8.2 gal. I then decided to carry a couple gallons with me and run the system to empty. When the lite came on I reset the tripometer. When it registered 33 miles the gas gauge indicator had no bars and the "miles to empty" read zero. I continued until tripometer displayed 105 miles. At that time I filled up with 10.55 gal. This confirms the 10.6 gal fuel tank and also the suspected 25% fuel remaining when the "low fuel" indicator illuminates, and also shows the fuel gauge is not accurate for "empty" and the"miles to empty" is also not accurate. Im averaging over 43 mpg with 6 speed manual.

• 

  Its My Second FIT!: Fast and Fun. Yellow! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By David - August 30 - 11:42 pm

  My FIT has 7000+ miles on the highway and city since I got it in March 2015, so I am ready to write a competent review. I traded in my 2009 FIT with 70,000 miles for this Brand New 2015 FIT. Overall its been a lot of fun, and everyone in my area loves the Yellow! The compliments come in daily. People roll their window down to compliment the car. The FIT is completely redesigned for 2015—very little is the same from the Old FIT. Safety: It is a topsafety pick in its class from the Insurance Institute and passed the Offset crash test too. The old FIT failed miserably and was a dangerous car to be in an accident. Engine: It has Honda’s Famous “EarthDreams” Engine. You have more than enough power in this car--it accelerates faster than any car in its class. In fact, it is overpowered for the suspension and handling, and I recommend this car for experienced drivers only. Not a car to give to new driver just like you would not get them a Corvette. If you step on the accelerator too fast, you will spin the front tires. My experience in rain is that the fronts spin very easily so be careful--may be the brand of tires, --Firestone--not sure. Much much faster than the Old FIT. Steering/Handling: Here is one area I prefer the Old FIT. The Old FIT handled better--pinpoint accuracy--so much fun. The new FIT is not precise, ambiguous on the highway, but it’s OK. Braking: Brakes on the New FIT are not enough for the power of this vehicle--I leave a LOT of room between my car and the car in front. Its not bad--just again--for the experienced driver who knows how to control a lightweight car with a powerful engine. Ride Comfort: The person that buys this car is someone who prefers a NASCAR sports car road feel to a cushy Lincoln ride. You will feel the road and all imperfections in this FIT. If the road is well paved and smooth, car will run smooth too. Some professional reviewers have written that the car is noisy inside. I have not found that--its fine. Transmission: CVT has been fine--no problems. Interior: Mine has Leather and that was a must for me. The leather is very comfortable, cleans easily, and supportive bolstering for my back. I have all the technology that Honda offered in 2015 in my FIT, including the large touch screen with steering wheel controls, rear and side cameras. Many reviews have written that the touch screen interface is confusing. I don’t know what they are talking about!—it’s intuitive, and easy and fun to use—it’s one of the best in the car business now. I sat for a few hours two days with the well-written manuals you get in the car and learned a lot. Referred to them on occasion and learned more. Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, HD Radio is the best! Incredible sound! Navigation is very good, better than smart phone navigation, and has upgradeable maps. The voice recognition is poor and I never use it. Only thing that frustrates me is that certain functions are disabled while the car is moving. But I am having a ball with all the dash toys and it’s what sold me on the car. If you never had Satellite Radio—it’s cable TV for the car and additive—mine is always on CNN, MSNBC or FOX TV or Bruce Springsteen station (audio only). It’s the best! Seats 4 comfortably, although I use mine like a pick-up truck with rear folded down 99% of the time. Reliability: So far through 7000 miles, no problems or recalls. (My Old FIT had 2 Recalls, and 2 Warranty Repairs over 70,000 miles.) Real world mileage: My best Tank of Highway/City mileage has been 38 MPG, Worst tank which was probably more city than highway: 31 MPG. One day I was on the highway only for the first 2 hours after a fill, and it was 45 MPG. Not bad! Side Camera: Only Honda has this—it’s a lot of fun. Get it! Hitches: U-haul and other places will install a hitch specifically made for this car to carry bikes or tow less than 2000 lbs. It is 225.00 installed at U-haul, I just inquired. I really would not tow anything too heavy or fast with this car, maybe local only—use the hitch for bikes. Purchase: I shopped many dealers and compared deals from Costco, Truecar, Carsdirect, AAA, and what I was able to negotiate on my own. The Best deal by far was the Edmunds Price Promise. I don’t work for or with Edmunds—just telling you my experience. Summary: It’s a fun drive to drive, reliable thus far, with very good cargo room (its biggest selling point for most people), and very good fuel mileage. It’s not the best handling car, it’s fast, but needs more braking power, and better cornering. The Technology package is excellent and a lot of fun. I think it’s a great value overall—there is no need to spend more money for a car. You don’t need an SUV. This FIT allows me to have all the features of a Mercedes, BMW or Lexus at 1/3 the cost—I almost feel like I am driving for free. I sleep well at night. Hey, it’s my second FIT and I could have purchased any other car!

• 

  Week 1 - 2015 Honda Fit
  By leebz - June 26 - 11:19 pm

  After having owned this car for a week, I would have to say that the overall performance of the car is average (its not meant to be a speedster). The interior is spacious and the cargo capacity and nifty seat configurations are practical. Some may not like the touch infotainment system. The worst part of it is the volume control (controlled from the steering wheel or the touch screen). It can be a little loud during acceleration but at cruising speeds is relatively quiet and pleasant. Overall ride is comfortable in my opinion. Seats are comfortable and dont bother me. Have yet to take it on a drive over an hour+. Cant wait for a road trip. This is my 3rd Honda & have to say the best yet.

• 

  2015 EX w/ CVT - 2015 Honda Fit
  By ss1012 - June 25 - 8:37 am

  Bought 2 months ago and wanted to drive a while before I reviewed. Almost bailed at the last minute due to questions about the drivers seat comfort. I now have ~2,000 miles on it, including 4 trips over two hours. I have had no issues w/ the seats, I love the car otherwise. This is our 5th Honda (4th in a row) so I like the brand - reliable, dependable, safe, economical. I really wanted a hatch-back so compared w/ Mazda 3 Hatchback and Subaru Impreza. I liked both but went for lower cost, better mileage, and the familiarity of a Honda. This is a pleasant car to drive, esp. if you are not performance (i.e. speed, acceleration) focused. I am very happy w/ this purchase.

• 

  Fit - A great car for City Dweller-Active Lifestylists - 2015 Honda Fit
  By linslewis - May 21 - 12:22 pm

  Traded a 2009 Fit Sport for a 2015 Fit Ex. Both are manual transmission & greatly enjoying the upgrades Honda in to the new generation. I live in suburbia USA & commute to a major city for work approximately 22 miles each way. Have enjoyed the peppiness of the new Fit, as well as the ability to transport 2 bikes, plus gear in the back for weekend bike rides. I am missing that extra 1.6" Honda took when reducing overall length. I am a driver at heart, & having tons of fun.

• 

  Accessories matter - 2015 Honda Fit
  By jlbgjbsle - May 4 - 8:28 pm

  Great gas milage (40 city/hwy combined) Due to the slanted angle and the large size of the front windows, the car heats up tremendously even when driving on mild days. I have to use the air conditioner much more than I would like. The normal sun shades used when parked for a period of time do not fit this car. I had to buy a special sun shade that is the most inconvenient product to use, and I have to use it even for short parks due to the big windows. Because the seats are so low, and I am a short person, the sun visors did nothing to block the sun. I had to buy a visor extender. Only 1 roof rack available for car-almost $500. Small hybrid bike barely fits in with tire removed.

• 

  Beware of the head restraint system! - 2011 Honda Fit
  By barbak - April 12 - 10:52 pm

  I love my Honda Fit in every way except the comfort of the drivers seat. Ive actually driven without the headrest in thats how much it hurts my neck. Although I had intended to drive this car until it wore out, I am going to be selling it in the next couple of months and buying something less painful. BTW, I am 57.

• 

  Fit really fits - 2015 Honda Fit
  By danl55 - April 3 - 10:05 pm

  We purchased the Fit for a daily driver to save on fuel. Just have over 1000 miles and so far everything is good. Weve owned several Hondas and the Fit seems to have the quality of all the others weve owned. 36-38 mpg in mixed driving. Pearl white paint is beautiful. The display does give a read out occasionally telling us that the mode is not available when vehicle is in motion...well have to ask the dealer about that one when we take it in for an oil change. Satisfied so far.

• 

  Pleased with my Fit - 2015 Honda Fit
  By jgpavp - April 2 - 3:35 pm

  Switched to Fit after driving Accords for 25 years. Accords have become too big. Ive very pleased with the Fit. I have the EX 6 speed manual. EX is the best value and the 6 speed manual is very smooth shifting. Test drove the CVT and shifting it with the paddle shifters was OK, but routine driving kind of hohum.