The 2008 Honda Fit ranks 2 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Fit, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Fit's configurable cabin, numerous standard amenities and peppy performance secure its place as one of the top affordable small cars and hatchbacks. With the escalating gas prices, it's also an economical purchase for its good fuel mileage.
Reviewers commend the 2008 Honda Fit's all-around appeal compared to similarly styled and powered subcompacts. Back in 2007, both Motor Trend and Road and Track conducted comparison tests featuring the Fit, Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa. Both tests concluded the Fit is the standout of those three for its fun-to-drive demeanor on city streets, as well as its utility. Motor Trend calls the Fit "the right choice for the enthusiast who wants a car that handles twisties as well as it does chores, saves gas, and eases your budget." To Road and Track, the Fit is "the most fun to drive" of the three. A four-door hatchback, the 2008 Fit was introduced in the United States just last year in two trims, the base model or Fit Sport.
The 2008 Honda Fit has won more than comparison tests. It was selected as one of Car and Driver's 10Best for 2008, as well as one of Car and Driver's Top 10 Urban Vehicles. In 2007, the Fit received Popular Mechanics' Automotive Excellence Award. "For a small, so-called B-Car, the Fit has what may be class-leading handling, ride, steering feel and brakes," Popular Mechanics writes, adding, "Then, toss in the Fit's surprising interior adaptability with seats that flip, fold and offer more passenger and cargo carrying combinations than many minivans. Finally, Honda's hallmark quality and attention to detail…mean the sum of the parts makes the Fit seem much more than just another B-Car."
"Not only does the Fit deliver what you'd expect -- high mpg numbers and low ownership costs -- but it also delivers something you might not: high-quality interior appointments, a high level of usefulness, and a high fun-to-drive index." -- Car and Driver
"At first you want to drive it because it looks neat. Then, after utilizing its fantastically thought-out interior, you respect it for its usability." -- Road and Track
"It's a lot of fun to drive -- a car that you can be proud to own."-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"You'd be hard pressed to find a car that can do so much with so little and be so lovable doing it. The Fit is one-half of the perfect two-car garage. Or even one-quarter." -- Los Angeles Times
Disagreeing with most experts, CNET says the Fit offers "low-speed power, maneuverability, nice cabin materials, and plenty of room inside for occupants and cargo. But even with these practical points, it's a car that doesn't live up to its potential." -- CNET
Fit Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Fit earns its high performance score with its pleasing ride, as long as drivers keep in mind the Fit is a compact car, not a hot rod. After driving the Fit Sport, The Auto Channel reported, "It 'corners on its door handles,' as the old saying goes, but sticks well and is great fun to drive." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn how the Fit's power and precision compares to the other subcompacts on the test track, or how reviewers say the Fit absorbs road bumps with its tightly packaged suspension. continue
Fit Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
The 2008 Honda Fit has a more functional appeal than a fashionable one, leading to a relatively low exterior score for the class. Still, reviews like CNET's report, "We do like the design," and commend the car's "nice exterior look." Check out the 2008 Honda Fit Photo Gallery to see the four-door hatchback or continue with our Exterior Review to learn how others say the Fit's design compares to the MINI Cooper, Mazda3 or Honda Civic. continue
Fit Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The Fit's interior combines functionality with comfort and is considered one of the best interiors in the class. Car and Driver says, "There seems to be more room inside this car than the tidy exterior could possibly contain, the seats flop and fold to yield great cargo versatility, and the interior appointments would do justice to an Accord." Check out the 2008 Honda Fit Photo Gallery to see images of the Fit's "magic seat" and continue with our full Interior Review to learn more about the four different seating and cargo configurations available inside the Fit. continue
Fit Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2008 Fit receives five out of five stars in front crashes, five stars in front seat occupants' protection in side crashes, and three out of five stars in rear seat occupants' protection in side crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2008 Fit a "Good" rating -- the highest possible -- in both frontal offset and side-impact tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn more about the Fit's safety equipment, as well as how reviewers judge the subcompact's ability to protect against and prevent accidents. continue
Fit Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Honda Fit reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Honda Fit comes with a standard three-year or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, as well as a five-year or 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Check out our full Reliability Review to find out critics' opinion of the Fit's growing reputation
and build quality. continue