Not all Honda Fit years are created equal. Some offer a perfect mix of reliability, performance, and value, while others might leave you with buyer’s remorse.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the Fit’s history, highlighting the best and worst years based on data from NHTSA and Consumer Reports.
We’ve distilled this info into a no-nonsense guide to help you make a smart choice. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a Fit enthusiast, buckle up as we break down each generation and arm you with expert knowledge.
Let’s roll!
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Honda Fit Generations
The Honda Fit burst onto the global scene in 2001, quickly earning its stripes as a standout in the subcompact car category. Known as the Jazz in some markets, this compact powerhouse didn’t hit North American shores until 2007, but it wasted no time making a significant impression.
Let’s break down the Fit’s evolution in North America from 2007 to 2020:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (GE1/2/3) | 2007-2008 |
| 2nd generation (GE6/7/8/9) | 2009-2013 |
| 3rd generation (GK/GH/GP) | 2015-2020 |
Why does this generational breakdown matter? Simple. Each new iteration brought changes that could make or break your driving experience. We’re talking upgrades in tech, safety features, performance tweaks, and comfort boosts.
So, when you’re contemplating a Fit, knowing its generation is like having a cheat sheet for what to expect under the hood and inside the cabin.
Honda Fit Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
Picking the cream of the crop (and spotting the lemons) in the Honda Fit lineup isn’t just about gut feeling. We’ve done the arduous lifting, analyzing a ton of data to give you the comprehensive picture. Here’s what we looked at:
- Owner reliability reports (the real-deal feedback)
- Annual maintenance costs (because surprises aren’t fun when they hit your wallet)
- Safety ratings (because, well, it matters)
- Consumer Reports’ reliability and satisfaction scores
- NHTSA’s recall, investigation, and complaint records
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
We’ve crunched all these numbers into one easy-to-digest chart:
This table sorts each Fit model year into best, neutral, or worst categories. It’s like a report card for cars, showing you which years aced the test and which ones… not so much.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2008 | N/A | 2007 |
| 2nd generation | 2011 2012 | N/A | 2009 2010 2013 |
| 3rd generation | 2016 2017 2019 | 2018 2020 | 2015 |
Remember, more isn’t always superior. When it comes to things like NHTSA recalls, a higher number is a red flag, not a gold star.
Now, let’s focus in on the specifics of the best, neutral, and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Honda Fit 1st Generation (2007-2008)
The first-gen Fit hit North America running, aiming to prove that good things do come in small packages. It was Honda’s play to dominate the subcompact scene with a car that could haul your stuff without guzzling gas. Let’s see how it fared.
The Best Years: 2008
2008 was when the Fit really found its groove. Here’s why it stood out:
- The “Magic Seat” setup: This clever design let you configure the interior like automotive Tetris, perfect for urban adventurers.
- Engine options: A peppy 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine paired with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
- Fuel economy: It sipped fuel like a pro, managing 22 mpg in the city and a wallet-friendly 43 mpg on the highway, according to Consumer Reports.
- Trim choices: You could pick between base and sport models, with the sport version adding some zest with paddle shifters and snazzy 15-inch alloy wheels.
- Safety first: Anti-lock brakes and a full suite of airbags came standard.
Sure, it shared some airbag recalls with its 2007 sibling, but overall, the 2008 Fit hit the ideal spot for dependability and user satisfaction.
The Worst Years: 2007
The 2007 Fit was Honda’s freshman attempt in the North American subcompact market, and like many first-year models, it had some growing pains:
- Airbag issues: Owners reported problems with the airbag light randomly illuminating.
- Steering woes: Some drivers experienced power steering assist failures.
- Recall city: Major recalls in later years (2016, 2017, and 2019) targeted potentially explosive passenger airbag inflators.
- Transmission troubles: A 2020 recall for manual transmission models addressed drive shaft corrosion risks.
This model year serves as a reminder: pioneering isn’t always pretty. If you’re eyeing a 2007 Fit, do your homework and check that VIN for any outstanding recalls.
Best & Worst Years for Honda Fit 2nd Generation (2009-2013)
The second-gen Fit rolled out with Honda aiming to enhance their subcompact offering. It brought a more streamlined look, more interior space, and tech upgrades to the table. Let’s see which years nailed it and which ones missed the mark.
The Best Years: 2011, 2012
2011 and 2012 were the golden years for the second-gen Fit. Here’s what made them shine:
- Refined ride: These models boasted improved cabin quality and better noise insulation.
- Powertrain perfection: A robust engine paired with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
- Fuel efficiency: These Fits sipped fuel at 21 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, according to Consumer Reports.
- Trim variety: Options included base, sport, and even a hybrid in some markets (though the hybrid was more common in Japan).
- Safety boost: The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure became standard, along with stability control, traction control, and enhanced braking systems.
Both years snagged the Best Overall Value award from Consumer Reports, proving they weren’t just good—they were smart buys, too.
The Worst Years: 2009, 2010, 2013
Not every year can be a victor, and these models had their share of bumps in the road:
- 2009: This year was plagued by airbag issues and power steering problems, echoing troubles from the first generation. Transmission glitches also started popping up on owners’ radars.
- 2010-2013: While these years showed improvement, they couldn’t completely shake off the airbag-related issues.
- Recall roulette: A 2020 recall hit the entire 2009-2013 lineup, targeting potential drive shaft corrosion that could lead to power loss or unexpected rolling.
Got a 2009-2013 Fit?
Check NHTSA for 2009, 2010, 2013 Honda Fit safety notices.
Best & Worst Years for Honda Fit 3rd Generation (2015-2020)
The third-gen Fit stepped up its game with a bolder look, sharper lines, and a revamped interior that offered more space and modern tech. Under the hood, a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine promised a nice balance of zip and efficiency.
The Best Years: 2016, 2017, 2019
By 2016, Honda had ironed out the kinks, delivering a Fit that was both reliable and feature-rich:
- Powertrain prowess: The engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or CVT, delivered peppy performance and nimble handling.
- Fuel sipper: Consumer Reports logged an impressive 24 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
- Trim bonanza: Options included LX, EX, EX-L, and Sport, catering to various tastes and budgets.
- Tech upgrades: A 7-inch touchscreen, Honda’s LaneWatch camera, and the introduction of the Honda Sensing safety suite in later models upped the tech ante.
These years proved that good things come to those who wait (and refine).
The Neutral Years: 2018, 2020
The 2018 and 2020 models held constant, neither rising to new heights nor faltering:
- Reliable performance: These years maintained the Fit’s reputation for dependability and efficiency.
- Minor niggles: Some electrical issues were reported, but they weren’t widespread enough to cause major concern.
- Balanced package: Both years offered a solid mix of features, with only slight variations in offerings and packages.
Think of these as the reliable Eddies of the Fit lineup—not flashy, but dependable.
The Worst Years: 2015
2015 stumbled out of the gate for the third-gen Fit:
- Engine woes: Owners reported issues including a rattling sound during cold starts.
- Recall rodeo: Two specific recalls addressed potential damage to plug top ignition coils and transmission drive pulley shafts due to software glitches.
While Honda was quick to address these issues, the 2015 model year serves as a reminder that even great cars can have off years. If you’re considering a 2015 Fit, do your due diligence and check for any unresolved issues.
See NHTSA 2015 Honda Fit recalls and problems.
Honda Fit Average Resale Values
This graph lays out the average resale values for different Honda Fit model years. It’s your crystal ball for understanding how well these cars hold their value over time.
Conclusion
We’ve taken a whirlwind tour through the Honda Fit’s evolution, and it’s clear that some years shine brighter than others. When you’re in the market for a Fit, remember: the year can make or break your experience.
So, which Honda Fit year caught your eye? Maybe you’re drawn to the refined reliability of the 2016 model, or perhaps the value proposition of a well-maintained 2008 speaks to you. Your perfect Fit is out there—it’s just a matter of matching the right year to your needs and budget.
Have you owned a Fit before? We’d love to hear about your experience.
Drop a comment below and share your Fitness journey.
Your insights could be the key to helping another reader find their ideal ride.
