The Five Best Honda Fit Models of All-Time
Since the introduction of the Honda Fit in 2007, it has received numerous accolades from automotive and consumer press releases. Despite the many awards the Honda Fit has earned, the 2020 Honda Fit marked the end of an era as it was announced there would be no more of this kind produced from the manufacturers of the Honda Motor Company. However, they promise to continue delivering fuel-efficient vehicles that offer optimal features such as extra cargo space, innovative design features, plus whatever technology introduces to improve upon the motor vehicle industry.
History of Honda
Founded by Soichiro Honda with an investment team in 1946, the Honda Motor Company first set up shop in Hamamatsu, Japan. Now headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, Honda has realized 73 years’ worth of success and is regarded as one of the most innovative manufacturers in the automotive industry. Throughout the years, Honda has put forth vehicles that cover every price range group from the economical Fit series to the luxurious Acura series. While 2020 does mark the final year the Fit series will be produced, Honda’s legacy continues as one of the best mainstream automobile manufacturing companies still in business today. With no more new Honda Fit models to be made, we take a look at the five best versions the Honda Motor Company has ever put out, according to the critics of the automobile industry and consumer reports.
5. 2012 Honda Fit Sport
Refinement of the Honda Fit, starting in 2009, became the primary focus of the Honda Motor Company as they wanted to bring forth a second generation of the Fit series that could provide more value for the money. And, it delivered by increasing the cargo capacity from its previous 42 cubic feet of available space to 57.3. The drivability also improved, as well as its overall look. The exterior design became sleeker and sportier while the interior saw upgrades such as dual glove boxes and USB inputs. The 1.5L VTEC and 4-cylinder engine remained the same as the first generation models, but now produced 117 horsepower and 106 lb-ft torque, regardless if you opted for the automatic or manual transmission preference. Because of the extra size, the 2009 Honda Fit models affected the fuel economy performance as the city’s mpg was reduced from its 33 mpg capacity to 28 mpg, as well as the highway’s capacity from 38 mpg to 35 mpg. However, the reviews of the 2009 Honda Fit weren’t quite as favorable as the 2012 Honda Fit Sport model. The 2012 Honda Fit Sport received the most positive amount of critical acclaim than the rest of its generation lineup in regards to performance, pricing, and overall value.
4. 2017 Honda Fit LX
What would become the third and final generation of the Honda Fit series first sees the 2015 Fit model make its appearance. However, the 2017 Honda Fit seems to stand out the most with its superior ergonomics, as well as an extra inch of space the designers could find to make the vehicle’s interior even better than before. While the vast majority of subcompact cars are noted for the usage of cheaper materials and lack of technological amenities, this is not the case with Honda. So far, the 2017 Honda Fit has not been on any recall list for issues (at the timing of this article), as is the case with the 2018 model. Starting 2015, but really more noticeable in 2017, was a considerably more stylish line of Honda Fit models, which was borrowed from their Odyssey minivan line. This made this particular generation of the Honda Fit series quicker, safer, and more fuel-efficient than its predecessors. While still keeping the 1.5L 4-cylinder engine configuration, this Honda Fit model now produced 130 horsepower and 114 lb-ft torque. Transmission options give consumers the choice between a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic, which is an improvement in fuel economy compared to a typical automatic. That fuel economy saw 33 mpg for city driving and 41 mpg for highway driving.
3. 2007 Honda Fit Sport
The introduction of the Honda Fit in 2007 got the attention of the automotive industry critics, as well as consumers. It wasn’t because of the improved engine performance, nor the improved fuel economy features, that got all the acclaim and attention. It was how the Honda Fit’s design was able to create more room on the inside than it appeared on the outside. The specifications of Honda’s first generation of the Fit Model series featured a 1.5L VTEC 4-cylinder engine that produced 109 horsepower and 105 lb-ft torque. These models came in the consumer’s choice of manual or automatic and were rated an EPA of 33 mpg for city driving, via manual, and 38 mpg for the highway. The miniature size of the 2007 Honda Fit is able to gobble up 42 cubic feet of gear while in utility mode, which means the back seats are taken down to create more room. With the Car and Driver comparison test, the 2007 Honda Fit earned first place, beating out their six main competitors. Although the newer models of the Honda Fit series have their obvious upgrades, take into consideration the 2007 model was the first of its kind. The 2007 Honda Fit put the entire automotive industry on notice there is more value to subcompact automobiles than what’s simply seen on the surface. Even with the infamous Takata Airbag Recall that saw all the Honda Fit models from 2007 until 2014 require new fits, the 2007 Honda Fit is still regarded as an ideal vehicle for motorists who live in larger communities such as a city.
2. 2020 Honda Fit Sport
According to the overall reviews of Honda models made by Hot Cars, the Honda Fit makes the perfect clown car due to its compact size and ability to put so much inside it. They also mark it as the perfect city car, thanks to its subcompact hatchback design, smooth ride quality, and fuel economics. Its versatility is perfect within urban areas, which is preferred even compared to the rest of Honda’s lineup, as well as similar versions coming from their top competitors. Because the 2020 Honda Fit is to be the last of its kind, there was no holding back to ensure the consumers got the best value possible for their money.
1. 2019 EX
Voted “Best Value in America” in the passenger car category by the automotive analysis firm known as Vincentric is Honda’s 2019 Fit Model. In addition to this award, the Honda Fit also received recognition in America’s Consumer Winner Subcompact Hatchback. Winners from Vincentric’s awards are primarily determined by the cost of ownership, as well as depreciation value, and other maintenance-related costs including fuel economy and mechanics. It is also projected Honda’s 2019 Fit model stands to retain a better resale value than any other mainstream auto brand. According to J.D. Power’s ALG Automotive Insights, the 2019 Honda Fit is recognized as Best Overall Mainstream Brand, along with its Accord, Odyssey, and Pilot models. In addition to this recognition, they’re also most regarded on ALG’s list of Residual Value Awards.
