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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  What a great car! - 2011 Honda Fit
  By grapeguy - April 6 - 10:37 pm

  Traded in an 06 Civic EX auto w/navi for the Fit. Could not be happier! The Civic was a very good car - took me 150,000 miles with no problems at all. Never even had to change a light bulb. Just regular service. I expect the Fit to be just as reliable. Whereas the Civic was nice to drive - the Fit is a real hoot! Reminds me of the fun I had with my early 80s GTI. Ive only put 500 miles on it so far but I can tell this car is screwed together very well. Not the fastest car out there but it has plenty of spunk and the overall driving experience is fantastic. The interior is huge for a car this size and the seats are quite supportive and comfortable. Best car purchase Ive made.

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  Second Time Arounds the Charm - 2011 Honda Fit
  By cmj9120 - March 30 - 9:00 pm

  I just got my second Fit an upgrade from a 2010 Base to a 2011 Sport w/ Nav. Before that I was a Volvo guy, so... The Fit is reliable, fun, comfortable, versatile, and easy to drive as well as inexpensive to own. The mini-sport-hatchback factor was hard to resist in the 2010. In the upgraded 2011, its spectacular. It is worth noting a Fit bested a Ferrari in a lane-change maneuver at over 70mph. Suffice it to say I look forward to traffic-free exit ramps. I have to say, most of the negative reviews of this car seem to not make any sense. If theyre unhappy with something, didnt they look at/drive/test the car before they bought it? Bizarre. In sum: Fit + Me = Happy Happy, Joy Joy.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By motormind123 - March 25 - 5:31 pm

  A very good small car only problem are the tires which were not very good on snowy roads and did not wear well. But this is a small price to pay for so much fun and a roomy interior. Iam glad that I did not get the sport model as their have been a lot of problems with the front spoiler.

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  Love my Fit! Perfect for small families on a budget - 2009 Honda Fit
  By m_h - March 7 - 12:47 pm

  We bought this car because we were looking for a newer model within our price range. We needed a car that would be reliable and could accommodate a child seat. We loved the look of the exterior of the Fit and its safety features. The car drives great, handles with a sporty ride. Seats are nothing fancy, but still comfy and durable. We can fit my sons car seat in if he is forward-facing, or rear-facing with myself in front of him. My husband is 6 ft 2" and cannot sit in front of my sons car seat when it is rear-facing and positioned behind the driver seat. The car seat cannot be put in the center seat.

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  I like the fit more than my old Civic - 2008 Honda Fit
  By ctscream - March 6 - 3:37 pm

  When my 1999 Civic was stolen and would have cost too much money to repair I was heartbroken. I didnt have much money at the time and couldnt afford to buy a new Civic (and the new ones didnt appeal to me) so I started looking at more affordable cars but really didnt want anything but a Honda. The Fit was a perfect match for me. What made me attracted to it was the hatchback and extra trunk space because I barely ever have passengers. When I had the Civic it was always a pain to fit things in the trunk and fold the seats down with only 2 doors. It felt cramped especially with passengers in the back seat.

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  Great Car, but Tires are a problem - 2010 Honda Fit
  By jodiepup - March 1 - 8:31 pm

  All, although I love my 2010 Fit Sport, there is a serious issue with tire selection, particularly for those that live in snowy areas. Because of all the snow and ice in Maine this year, I decided that I should remove the Dunlop OEM tires, put on higher quality all-season radials. Other than the Dunlop, which is backordered in many cases, a Honda Fit Sport owner only has two options in the 185 55R 16 size: Bridgestone Turanzo El 470 ($140 a tire) or a Bridgestone Potenza ($100 a tire). Neither tire is rated well in wintry conditions. I inquire about snow tires in this size nobody manufactures them. I asked my dealership if I could put on a different size tire, and they did not recommend it. Neither did they recommend a difference size rim. Please call Honda at (800) 999-1009 to voice your concern about tire selection for the Honda Fit Sport!

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  Honda Fit Sport 2008 very reliable - 2008 Honda Fit
  By tommyhonda71 - February 26 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Honda Fit Sport in January 2008. Ive had it 3 yrs now and never had a problem. Rides very quite, handles awesome and is quick. Love the style and runs well on gas. I only have 15,000 miles over the 3 yrs.

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  High value for the price. Perfect for our needs. - 2010 Honda Fit
  By ograywolf - February 9 - 4:17 pm

  We wanted a roomy, high quality, low cost vehicle, and this is exactly what Honda delivered. Ive owned a muscle car, a Vette and the VTEC, and I have to put this little guy up there with them for performance and handling, especially when passing. I did a cross-country trip in it, and actually slept two nights in it at rest stops. Its a small car...likely not as comfortable as our 1996 Explorer...but 14 hour days on the road worked...and the mileage clocked in at 35mpg. Like any Honda, I expect to drive this one for 800,000...and then bequeath it to my heirs in 20 years.

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  SAFETY IS GOOD - 2010 Honda Fit
  By colette51 - December 13 - 10:46 pm

  I had a head-on accident with a large truck doing 35 to 40 MPH in my 2009 Honda Fit. I came out of the accident with only bruising from the seat belts, and a cracked sternum (breastbone). The air bags worked the way they were supposed to. Family members who saw the actual damage and a friend who saw pics of the car damage are amazed I was not killed in the accident. I am now looking for another Honda Fit. I strongly recommend it for safety, as well as all other categories.

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  Its a blast! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Anonymous - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the Fit for over three months and 3200 miles. Averaged 38.8 mpg by the computer and my records. It is as much fun as a 60s MG or Triumph. Previous car was a BMW X-3 and this is more fun and Ive discovered I dont need the automatic air, fancy stuff and most of all, high cost. I love the car because it is fun and frugal and since mine is 5- speed and Milano Red, everyone breaks their neck looking at it.