Honda Fit 2001-2008 used car review

The Honda Fit is a practical city runabout. It is small, but this is balanced by an interior which is cleverly designed and makes the most of the space.

When the Honda Fit launched in 2001, it promised to be fuel-frugal and deliver more interior versatility than its competitors. Its party trick is a rear seat base that folds up to create a usable open space for carrying large loads. Sold in New Zealand as the Jazz, it was named the 2001 Japan Car of the Year.

Inside, the Fit’s large, easy-to-read instruments are housed in three round pods. The manual air conditioning controls that sit below the touchscreen infotainment system are chunky and easy to grab. The radio will require a band expander to pick up most local radio stations.

Storage is plentiful for the driver and front passenger. There is a huge glovebox, and a long shelf runs under the dashboard to carry any extra items you may need close at hand. Another storage bin sits within the centre console ahead of the cup holders and transmission shifter.

The front seats are high and tall, and the cushioning quite firm. The height and upright position will appeal to drivers and passengers with mobility issues. There is no long drop down into the seat, or lift up from it when getting in and out. The rear seat’s slightly restricted width makes it better suited to just two adults or three children. Legroom and headroom, however, is plentiful for a small car.

Honda has maximised cabin space by moving the fuel tank from the traditional spot under the rear seats to beneath the front seats.

The base of the rear seat – called a 'magic seat' by Honda – can be folded out of the way to create a tall luggage space big enough to take two large suitcases or even children’s bikes. For larger loads, the rear seat can fold down 60/40 to create a healthy amount of cargo space, and for very long items, the front passenger seat will also fold down. The boot alone is big for the class at 370 litres, and its depth allows three medium suitcases to stand upright.

Part of the Fit’s lack of eagerness is caused by the CVT automatic. This transmission format is chosen for its fuel efficiency, but it can make the engine sound as if it’s revving hard even when the car is travelling quite slowly. That can be tiresome on a long trip with a heavy load on board. Five-speed manuals exist but are extremely rare.

Ride comfort is excellent, with bumpy city roads no problem for the car. There is some body roll, the steering does not give much in the way of feel or feedback.

Visibility, both to the front and rear, is also excellent – it is easy to see over the short bonnet, and the Fit’s small size makes parking very easy. Our review car has no parking sensors or reversing camera, and we don’t think they are required.

The New Zealand–new Jazz (2003–2007) carries a four-star ANCAP rating thanks to the addition of side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control and electronic brakeforce distribution.

The Fit is not well equipped for carrying infants, with ISOFIX mounts not standard until the next-generation model. The centre seatbelt is a lap-only type, offering less protection than a full three-point belt, and is unsuitable for a booster seat.

All three specifications are also available with the 1.5-litre engine, and all-wheel drive is optional — these Fits are the ‘W’ model. Some Fits will be advertised as a ‘Sport’, this is the 'S' model. A sedan version is also available, called the Aria.

This review covers the Honda Fit for model years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Review vehicle supplied by 2CheapCars, Botany.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.