2007 Honda Fit Review

What reviews like:
Almost every review comments on the great handling (for the price) of the 2007 Honda Fit hatchback. Most reviews say that the engine, while small, is peppy and responsive. The commodious interior is another highlight -- testers say it is surprisingly roomy inside, with great cargo flexibility including fold-flat rear seats. Fuel economy is excellent, and the range of standard options is impressive for the price, including six standard airbags, a CD player, and power doors and windows. A digital audio input comes with the Sport trim level.

What reviews don't like:

While most reviews say the Honda Fit is more impressive than its nearest competitors, it begins to pale in comparison to the more staid 2007 Honda Civic sedan, which has a larger, more powerful engine and a proven reliability track record. A few reviews say the Honda Fit can be noisy. Some options, like GPS navigation and satellite radio, aren't available at all on the Honda Fit.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimate: 31 to 33 mpg/city, 37 to 38 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Honda Fit review highlights

The new-for-2007 Honda Fit is the best subcompact hatchback, according to critics. It gets better reviews overall than the competing Toyota Yaris (*est. $11,050 to $14,150) and Nissan Versa (*est. $12,550 to $15,550). Highlights include the Fit's great handling, along with a clever and roomy interior. The Honda Fit gets great real-world gas mileage of about 35 mpg in mixed driving, making it one of the most efficient non-hybrid cars. The downside is its small 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine, which makes the Fit better for city driving than for highway treks.

We found a large number of reviews for the 2007 Honda Fit, which is one of the most talked-about subcompact cars for the 2007 model year. Car and Driver has the best review, in which the Honda Fit is road-tested and compared to six other competing subcompact cars under $15,000 (the Honda Fit wins). Kiplinger Personal Finance compares the Honda Fit to its primary competitors, the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. A fun review from the National Motorists Association's "Car Family" puts a family-centric spin on the Honda Fit when compared to the Yaris. Several other single-car reviews complete the picture.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Car and Driver
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$15,000 Cheap Skates
John Phillips and Aaron Kiley
May 2006

In this excellent comparison review of seven subcompact cars, the 2007 Honda Fit is the overall winner by a wide margin, beating competitors including the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa. The Honda Fit shines in handling. Editors say "What truly set the Fit apart was its handling -- not a pretense of handling but the real deal…" Editors also like the fold-flat rear seats and its commodious interior.

2. Kiplinger Personal Finance
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Subcompacts Come Back
Mark Solheim
Nov. 2006

This article detailing the resurgence of subcompact vehicles focuses on three cars: the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris and the Nissan Versa. Out of the three, the reviewer most enjoys the Fit. Options, build quality and a spacious interior help the 2007 Honda Fit beat the competition.

3. InsideLine.com
Full Test: 2007 Honda Fit
Philip Reed
Mar. 2006

In this in-depth review, noted highlights of the Honda Fit include the interior, exterior, drive quality, handling and options. The only real complaint is a flimsy lock on the hatch. Although the Honda Fit really isn't compared to other cars, this is a great place to read about the Fit's nuts and bolts.

4. National Motorists Association/The Car Family
Toyota Yaris Liftback versus Honda Fit Hatchback
The Car Family
May 5, 2006

Although only two cars are compared here, they are the two 2007 cars that are causing the most buzz. The Honda Fit is fun to drive, with a more responsive transmission than the Yaris and perky engine. The Yaris feels softer. In the end, the Family recommends skipping both cars and stepping up to the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.

5. CarCritic.com
2007 Honda Fit review
Don Vorderman

CarCritic.com doesn't review cars in depth. Instead, the editors focus on a quick 'bottom line' assessment, plus notes on predicted reliability. Editors are big fans of the Honda Fit. Interior space, a perky engine and handling are great: "the handling is superior to any other economy car we've driven." Reading this review online will cost you a dollar.

6. Consumer Reports
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2007 Honda Fit review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports tests nearly all subcompact cars, giving a "recommended" or "best buy" rating to the editors’ top picks. The 2007 Honda Fit gets a road test and notes on driving impressions and an ultimate rating. You must be a subscriber to read this report, however.

7. AutoMedia.com
Unpretentiously Able
James M. Flammang
Aug. 1, 2006

This overview of the Honda Fit complements the interior, but the Honda Fit's performance doesn't make a favorable impression on reviewer James M. Flammang, who says that the Fit lacks character and that the handling is unimpressive. An odd aspect of this review is that it seems to end abruptly, offering no sort of conclusion or comparison to other cars.

8. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Honda Fit Road Test
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Nov. 2006

Consumer Guide breaks down their road test into sections and gives each section a score to compare against class average. The 2007 Honda Fit is noted as being "recommended." Finer points are fuel economy; build quality, control layout and steering/handling, while the lesser points of the vehicle are low-speed acceleration and quietness.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

2007 Honda Fit Review