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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  Great Car,A Few Minor Complaints - 2012 Honda Fit
  By giantravis - April 22 - 12:04 pm

  Ive had my Fit for about 2 months now. I spent a lot of time on here and consumer reports before choosing the Fit. I was sold on the reliability history,cargo room, and mpg. The mpg is just ok for a car its size in the city. However, if your commuting and driving between 55 and 65 mph, you can probably get 40 mpg during those stretches. Ive averaged 30 mpg with about 60% hwy/40% city. A few small things bother me. No miles till empty reading, no outside temperature reading,and the cupholders are awkward underneath the console. Also, the body is soft like most Hondas and may ding easy. Other than that, good mpg,great handling(fun to drive) and most importantly has great reliablity record.

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By m_n_mcandy - April 17 - 10:53 am

  I didnt make the decision to purchase this car. It was the only car on the lot that fit my budget, I didnt even like the color (red) but I had no choice. However, I have not been disappointed, other than the low front bumper that I had to get repaired twice. (at no cost). I just recently took my littel red car to PA from VA. She did great!!! I filled up my tank once going and once leaving, without stopping for gas I made it to my destinations leaving 1/4 tank of gas. She drove smoothly, kept up with the flow of traffic, and I was comfortable because of the space in the car.

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  Fuel economy is way better than advertised - 2012 Honda Fit
  By hime86 - April 8 - 9:40 am

  We chose the fit after test driving the Mazda 3, the Hyundai Elantra, and the Honda Civic. I drive 40 miles a day for my commute, about 60% of that in very heavy stop-and-go traffic, and Ive never had less than 34 mpg in my Fit! Its nice to be able to fill up for less than $30, even when gas is almost $4/gallon. I bought the automatic in the Sport trim, which has nice interior finishes like chrome and leather accents. There is a TON of interior room-- when the office carpools to lunch, everyone wants to go in my Fit. It doesnt accelerate like a bigger car but the gas mileage is worth it.

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  Just Freaking Awesome - 2012 Honda Fit
  By smoothride12 - April 6 - 8:30 am

  Weve had the 2012 Fit Sport since December 2011. The car is an absolute blast to drive. We have the 5 speed manual. Great acceleration, phenomenal handling. 90% of our driving is in town and approximately 3 to 10 miles round trip. We are getting 31.5 miles per gallon. Unbelievable! Spacious interior and great engineering. I cant say enough about this car.

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  2012 Fit Sport with 5 speed manual - 2012 Honda Fit
  By eighthhonda - December 26 - 8:33 pm

  I really like this car. I was concerned I would not like a relatively inexpensive car. The Fit Sport has exceeded my expectations. I had read so many positive reviews by national media and was hoping they were right. I agree, a lot of car for the money! I drove the Fit Sport with an automatic/paddle shifters was not that impressed, then I drove the Fit Sport with the manual. I was sold. That transmission "fits" the small engine well. Acceleration is surprisingly strong. Tourqe too.

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  WOW! What a great car! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By mark_p - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  I purchased my fit in Feb. 2011, in the dead of winter here in VT. I used to drive a Chevy Colorado, and thought that I might be making a huge mistake downsizing to a petite FWD scooter, such as this. Boy, was I wrong! I tried to purchase every other make of similar car, and every time I came back to the Fit. In fact, I had a cashiers check in my pocket to purchase a Volvo C-30, and Ive never regretted the decision to buy the Fit. Of course, I have never had a problem with the Fit. Acceleration and handling are good. I didnt expect a Ferrari, & I am happy with the Fits perky attitude.

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  2012 Honda Fit Sport MT in Vortex Blue - 2012 Honda Fit
  By hondalvr4life - December 14 - 4:26 pm

  I waited 2 weeks for this color to come in from Japan and boy am I glad I did, It is gorgeous, and you dont see it as often as the other colors. The car is fantastic, I def had to get the Manual Transmission and it is soo much better than the Auto. Right now, the car has almost 1,000 miles and I am soo far averaging 33.5 MPG. The updates for 2012 seemed to have worked as the interior is much quieter than the older model. The seats are comfortable, it only cost me $28 bucks to fill up, and its fun to drive. Id say I have a winner with this car and I could not be happier!

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  I LOVE This Car! - 2011 Honda Fit
  By mrswilliams1 - June 8 - 10:44 am

  I traded in my 2005 Volvo S60R on this car and I was prepared to be a little underwhelmed. I can honestly say that I havent had a moment of buyers remorse. This car is very fun to drive and I use it mostly for commuting so I am loving the gas mileage as compared to my old car. Im sure that the manual would be even more fun but Ive grown tired of the constant shifting in stop and go traffic. I was planning to sell this car to my daughter in a few years but Im rethinking that idea because I love the car so much!

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  Simply the best small car! - 2011 Honda Fit
  By 3rdhonda - May 26 - 11:00 am

  After previously owning a new Civic for 9 years and then selling it to get a 2011 Fit, I have to say this car is wonderful, just fantastic in every way. I could not be happier with a car. It is functional, reliable, fun to drive, and best of all has exceedingly great mileage. I dont know what planet the epa was testing the fit on but here on earth, my car gets 44 highway (at 65 mph) and averages around 39 combined/city/highway even with the a/c on. This is after about 7500 miles. Initially the first few thousand miles the mileage is not as good but still much better than the epa quotes. I love this car, just love it!!!!!

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  Lifelong Honda fan - 2011 Honda Fit
  By aerozeppelinn - April 16 - 7:08 am

  I bought a 2004 civic vp, regrettably traded that in for a family sized wagon, and now just got a 2011 fit for myself. Ive only had it about 800 miles, but absolutely love it.