Honda Fit 2015–2020: What to Know Before Buying?
There are very few subcompact cars left on the market these days (in fact, only one — the Nissan Versa — and its days are numbered). Consumers on a tight budget or those who don’t need a larger vehicle therefore have to turn to used models.
The Honda Fit is one of the first names that comes to mind. Discontinued five years ago, the little Japanese car — a major rival of the Toyota Yaris — stands out for its driving enjoyment, interior versatility, and low ownership costs, including strong reliability. This also explains why its prices are generally higher than those of competitors from the same years.
In Canada, the Fit went through two and a half generations (starting in 2007), and here we’ll focus on the most recent one, sold from 2015 to 2020. Currently, used models are available in a price range roughly between $12,000 and $21,000. The different available trims include DX, LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L, each offering a bit more equipment than the one before.
Engine and Driving
Under the hood of the 2015 to 2020 Honda Fit is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower — 13 more than the previous generation and more power than most of its competitors at the time. Torque comes in at 114 lb-ft. Still, despite the car weighing just under 1,200 kg, don’t expect particularly quick acceleration. It takes about 10 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h.
Two transmissions were offered: a six-speed manual and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Be aware that the manual lacks a bit of precision, while the CVT tends to amplify the engine’s noisiness. If it helps with your decision, the CVT brings average fuel consumption down to just 6.5 L/100 km, whereas the manual increases it by nearly a liter.
On the road, some criticize the Fit for having a rather firm and bouncy ride. That’s the trade-off for its solid handling, aside from a sensitivity to crosswinds. More demanding drivers may complain about a lack of steering feedback — even though it’s precise — but this isn’t really an issue for the average driver. Everyone, however, appreciates the excellent visibility provided by the large side and rear windows.
Interior and Features
Inside, comfort and space are definitely there. The dashboard of the 2015 to 2020 Fit features much-improved ergonomics compared to the previous generation. The steering wheel and controls are well laid out. On the downside, the touchscreen infotainment system is somewhat unintuitive, which may disappoint those who’ve experienced more modern systems on the market.
The Fit’s greatest strength has always been its Magic Seat rear bench, which offers multiple cargo configurations — for example, by lifting the seat bottoms. It’s also worth noting that the trunk expands from 470 liters to a full 1,492 liters when the rear seatbacks are folded down, creating a flat load floor.
The Fit received a styling update in 2018, with the new Sport trim featuring a more dynamic look and 16-inch black alloy wheels. Additionally, note that models equipped with the automatic transmission gained adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure prevention — all part of Honda’s advanced safety suite, Honda Sensing.
Conclusion
Although it won the title of “Best Buy” in its category from The Car Guide only once (in 2016), the 2015 to 2020 Honda Fit consistently remained among the top contenders. It’s a car without major issues (except perhaps the fuel pump, which was subject to a recall) and one we recommend without hesitation. However, don’t forget to do your homework as a savvy buyer — that is, check the vehicle’s history and make sure the model you’re interested in passes its mechanical inspection.
