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- Highs Roomy and comfortable interior, loads of cargo space, excellent value proposition.
- Lows Poor acceleration with CVT option, less fun to drive than some rivals, substandard infotainment system.
- Verdict What the Fit lacks in driving dynamics, it makes up in practicality and value.
Overview
The Honda Fit grew slightly on the outside for its third generation. But the subcompact hatchback is a true TARDIS—or modern-day Mini Cooper: small on the outside, and so large on the inside that its cabin volume rivals mid-size sedans. The “Magic Seat” in back has a bottom cushion that can be flipped up to hold a bicycle in place, or the whole seat can be folded for a flat floor through the cargo area. With Honda’s reputation for quality and reliability, the Fit is a top recommendation among cars at the lowest price category in the business.
What's New for 2017?
The only change for the Fit in the 2017 model year is the addition of a new exterior paint color, Lunar Silver Metallic, which replaces Alabaster Silver Metallic on the palette.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- LX: $16,980
- EX: $18,890
- EX-L: $21,255
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Fit’s single engine choice, a 130-hp 1.5-liter single overhead cam inline-four, is among the most powerful in its class. It delivers superior fuel efficiency, but it tends to be a bit buzzy at speed. Our 0-60 mph tests recorded an 8.5-second time for the car with a continuously variable transmission, and 8.0 seconds for the six-speed manual. But the CVT saps much of the fun by keeping the engine in the low-rev range despite a high 6600-rpm power peak, and it feels sluggish around town in stop-and-go driving. The manual transmission, typically Honda-slick, offers much more fun for the daily commute. The Fit’s handling was once best-in-class, but now it has serious competition from the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Scion iA, so it's less fun to drive in comparison. The Fit’s ride quality stands out; the car is almost supple when driving over road imperfections.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Honda Fit comes in four configurations, LX, EX, EX-L, and EX-L with navigation. “L” is for “leather,” while the LX and EX come with good quality cloth seats, and the subcompact has typically high-quality Honda fit and finish. Comfort for front-seat passengers is excellent, and the rear seat is well-padded and comfortable, even for a couple of tall passengers. Besides its trick rear Magic Seat, the Fit features a large and low greenhouse, offering good outward visibility for all occupants. With the rear seat folded flat, the Fit’s cargo capacity totals a generous 53 cubic feet.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Fit’s 7.0-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the LX, comes with fussy virtual buttons replacing easier-to-use hard controls for audio and HVAC operation. Plus, its menu layout is confusing, and we’re still waiting for Honda to upgrade to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The base Fit LX, with its smaller, more conventional infotainment and climate controls, may be the simpler choice for some buyers.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Honda Fit‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
