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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  Fit is still the best B-segment car (but for how long) - 2011 Honda Fit
  By mhadden1 - May 5 - 10:47 am

  This thing is a blast to drive, has respectable mpgs (above EPA estimates), and has more space than anyone could guess from the outside. Although the materials in the cabin are decent, it wont take you long to see they are relatively cheap. Youll also notice the "small" things that you may be use to are not present (heated mirrors, adjustable intermittent wipers). Small gripes, but noticeable. The manual trans shifts smoothly, but a 6th gear is needed to bring the rpms at 60mph below 3k. The Fit is still nice, but other cars are catching up to it (material quality and options, not to mention lower priced). The question is whether or not they will match Hondas long-term reliability...

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  Great car! I hope you got the manual - 2011 Honda Fit
  By sdcole - February 25 - 2:04 pm

  To begin my review, i am a "car guy" having owned a slew of german and high-end vehicles. I actually traded a 2003 BMW 530i for my Sport Fit! after driving the automatic, i was to say the least unimpressed in the drivetrain, but before leaving with my tail tucked, i decided to try the 5speed!! what a glorious decision!!! I now lovingly refer to it as my economy 911 now and have named her "Hisser"! I went on a 600 mile road trip the day i picked her up and with 4 male adults, and all of our luggage, i was astonished at the roominess of a "small car" and the average 32 MPG at 4000ft altitude. All around great value, and dodges the "economy car" title with style and fun factor!

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  2011 Honda Fit Sport AT - 2011 Honda Fit
  By ashleyk - February 18 - 10:05 am

  Ive had my Fit Sport going on three weeks now and I Love it!! I test drove the Fiesta and found it way way too small then test drove the fit and it was completely different feeling. The inside of the Fit feels positively huge, its amazing how much room there is! Ive had nothing but fun driving the car, I used to be a speedster but now I care more about gas mileage (with the current mpg scale its fun to drive to max mpg). This is not to say the car doesnt have pick up I just pay more attention to the mpg, and it makes me a safer driver! The only small gripe Ive found is that the seats arent always 100% comfortable, I have back trouble and I wish the lumbar was adjustable but its no

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  Hurts to drive - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Mamabear - October 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought my 10 Fit in Dec 2009 and after having it for less than a year I regret this decision. While it does get phenomenal gas mileage (36 mpg avg) it has become very uncomfortable to drive. I bought a flat, memory foam pillow to add comfort for my back but this has only made the neck pain worse because of lack of support. When I dont use the cushion for my back, my neck is pushed forward at an odd and very uncomfortable angle. Another issue I have with the car are the useless sun visors. Why bother! While the car is cheap to own, I do regret buying because now Im stuck with it :(

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  Almost perfect lil rocket - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dodolaje - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Got a very high mileage company car yes bought it 2007 model and as of today 10/6/10 it clock 1339xx miles everyone was shocked. I was shocked when my boss handed it to me. It has brake problem making noise from the driver side it was the pads replace it and voila as good as new tires go for aftermarket it last longer. Handling great, I do delivery for overflow route so I dont haul that much stuff but still fill the whole car. Only big problem was my boss did hit curb when he fell asleep on the wheel. It didnt crash it but somehow the bumper keep coming off every now and then. Plus the fender liner gone. Other than that no other complain.

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  Nice overall, but could use some fixes - 2010 Honda Fit
  By brian3339 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Fit Sport automatic for a commuter car. It is fun to drive, though Ive been a bit disappointed with the gas mileage. Im averaging 29, but at least half of it is highway driving. Pros: Fun to drive Decent "pep" Good handling Fit/finish excellent Small size allows you to park just about anywhere Cons: Underpowered AC - car is a mini solar oven with all the glass and black interior. AC has to stay cranked to cool the car. Poor cup holder placement - ones between gear shift and dash useless. Ones in front of vents need closed in order to keep coffee warm while AC is on. No drivers lumbar adjustment Flimsy trunk panel covering spare - cant hold much weight.

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  Could be better - 2009 Honda Fit
  By britlad - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I wanted the Insight but the Fit was roomier and cheaper. I had to pay the extra for the sport of course as the base didnt have cruise or keyless entry. I like the styling, roominess and the magic seat. Reviewers have said the mpg calculator is optimistic to the tune of 2 or 3 mpg, yikes! that means Im only getting 26 mpg around town and I dont even have a lead foot so I cant really praise the fuel economy in my case. The thing that bugs me most about it is the low front clearance, my son pulled out of the drive and pulled out the front body panel. I was able to push most of it back in but it has popped back out several times since, when theres a dip in the road and now its all scraped

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  Great Commuter - 2009 Honda Fit
  By rb - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a Fiesta and ended up with the Fit. The main factor in favor of the Fit was that it feels like a much bigger car on the inside. The Fiesta hatchback is claustrophobic and is tough to see out the back window. The Fiesta is quieter and has more bells and whistles (Sync). But the Fit has a much more flexible interior. I drive 50/50 highway/city and so far am averaging about 36 mpg. Mostly use to commute but can also fit my (2) kids and all their soccer gear. With one rear seat folded down I fit 4, 6ft soccer goals inside. Manual Shifter is great, and IPod/USB integration is nice. Also I was able to buy it used at a great price while the Fiesta is still new.

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  My fit fits me - 2008 Honda Fit
  By jim - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently took a trip from Lima Ohio to Middlesboro Ky and and back to Lima. I averaged 42.1 MPG. for the trip, with my 2008 5 speed manual Fit.

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  Fit reality check - 2010 Honda Fit
  By fitness - September 1 - 7:46 pm

  The Fit is perfect for city and occasional short trip on the highway. With only 185/55/16 tires and narrow stance it easily gets blown around at highway speeds, the 1.5 liter motor works really hard and noisy just to get up 65 mph highway speeds. It does not like going 75 mph. My sport model lacks a lot of amenities. No floor mats, no door sill protectors, no cargo cover, cheap interior materials, lacks quality materials compared to the civics. Honda really skimp on this bare and basic model car. For the same price, I could have gotten the civic lx 4 door. I really think this sport model with automatic should have an msrp of around 15,000 tops and sold for maybe around 13,000 or so easily