2008 Honda Fit Review
2008 Honda Fit Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Superb interior flexibility, nimble handling, generous standard features list, good fuel economy.
Cons
- Awkward driving position, buzzy at high speeds, higher-than-average price.
What’s new
The Honda Fit was all-new last year and receives no changes for 2008.
Edmunds says
The 2008 Honda Fit is a triumph of creativity, and proof that desirable cars don't have to be expensive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Honda Fit 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$143/mo for Fit Base
Fit Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Meet the car that's leading the way in changing the view Americans have of subcompacts. Of course, rising gas prices have something to do with this change of heart, but the Honda Fit is an excellent little car that proves that "small" doesn't have to equal "chintzy penalty box." When the Fit was introduced last year, dealers struggled to keep the car in stock as demand consistently remained high for this versatile, sporty four-door hatchback. The same will likely hold true for this year, so don't expect to get a significant discount. But rest assured, the 2008 Honda Fit's popularity is well earned.
There are two key components to the Fit that make it so desirable. The first is its lithe, athletic nature, which makes you forget the vehicle you're piloting is a $15,000 small hatchback. The Fit is simply fun to drive, and its 109-horsepower engine is an eager partner to motivate the car's 2,500-pound mass. The second component is its hatchback body style and versatile interior. The four-door Fit can comfortably seat four people and boasts a tremendous amount of storage space. Its nifty backseat folds flat and features a seat bottom that flips up for a variety of different cargo configurations. Of course, the Fit's thrifty fuel economy also aids its cause.
Unfortunately, that thriftiness is somewhat offset by an MSRP that's noticeably higher than those of the Fit's main competitors. The Fit is also an older design -- although in its second year here in North America, it has been sold elsewhere in the world since 2001. (A redesigned model is expected for 2009.) Nevertheless, we still consider the 2008 Honda Fit to be a class leader among a fresh crop of subcompacts that includes the Kia Rio5, Nissan Versa and Scion xD. We were incredibly pleased with a Fit we had in our long-term test fleet, as it proved to be an enjoyable companion for both city jaunts and highway road trips. It certainly changed our opinion of subcompacts.
Performance & mpg
Underneath the hood is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. It's capable of 109 hp and 105 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. Sport models with the automatic transmission feature steering-wheel-mounted paddles for sequential shift control. Revised 2008 fuel economy ratings for the Fit are roughly 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, with a 1 mpg difference in either direction depending on transmission.
Safety
All 2008 Honda Fits come standard with ventilated front disc brakes and rear drums. ABS is also standard, as are front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the Fit earned a five-star (out of five) rating for protection of front passengers in frontal and side crash tests. It received three stars for rear side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Fit its highest possible rating of "Good" for frontal-offset and side crash protection.
Driving
Like all subcompacts, the 2008 Honda Fit is highly maneuverable and a great urban runabout. Where the Fit rises above the rest is the way that it actually drives. Because of its approximately 2,500-pound curb weight and wonderfully direct steering, the Fit feels light and nimble while cornering. Its light weight also helps provide quick acceleration for this class -- we tested a Fit Sport with a manual transmission going from zero to 60 mph in 9 seconds. Although we'd pick the manual, the Fit Sport's available automatic with shift paddles is a decent alternative and a distinctive feature among subcompact economy cars. One of our few complaints with the Fit regards engine noise at highway speeds. Overall, though, the Fit provides about as much fun as you can have in a thrifty little car.
Interior
The Honda Fit's interior is intelligently designed with a control layout so simple, a caveman could use them (no offense). Although the Fit is coming to the end of its lifecycle, materials quality is near the top of its class and the design is still fresh. Unfortunately, the driver seat is awkwardly set and there's no telescoping steering wheel, making the Fit uncomfortable for many drivers.
More impressive, though, is the car's innovative rear seat and cargo area. By locating the gas tank under the front passenger seat, the rear seat can fold flush to match the low load floor. Doing so provides 41.9 cubic feet of cargo space -- positively huge for a subcompact car. The rear 60/40-split "Magic Seat" features a seat bottom that folds up, allowing additional storage space for bikes, shopping bags or other large items. It also provides a safer place for a dog to sit without getting fur all over the cloth upholstery. For human travelers, the rear seat provides as much space as does the larger Civic.
2008 Honda Fit models
The 2008 Honda Fit is a subcompact four-door hatchback available in two trim levels: Fit and Fit Sport. The base Fit comes standard with 14-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, a fold-flat and flip-up 60/40 rear seat and a four-speaker stereo with CD player. The Fit Sport adds 15-inch alloy wheels, foglights, underbody and rear spoilers, keyless entry, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Fit has no factory options.
Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata: Hybrid Sedan Head-to-Head
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#6 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Honda Fit from 2008-2022.$335/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.02x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).7.3%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Honda Fit.
5 star(77%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
205 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
My 150,000 mile Fit experience
leebabysimms, 12/04/2014
2008 Honda Fit Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
In 7 years, I put 150,000 miles on a new 2008 Honda Fit Sport and just sold it completing my experience. I found the car to be exceptionally fun to drive, with insane cargo capabilities, and bulletproof reliability. I made so many great memories with this car and smile whenever I see one (in my color) on the road. My intense satisfaction was only dashed when I drove the new 2015 Fit I … had planned to replace it with. Immediately, if felt like Honda killed my fun little car and I moved on to another car maker (I replaced with a 2015 Toyota Corolla S Plus).
5 out of 5 stars
great little car, still going strong
Dee, 02/20/2016
2008 Honda Fit Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
I brought my '08 Fit Sport used at 10k miles. I love the small foot-print when driving in the urban area, fuel economy, exceptional cargo space, flexible backseat configurations, and most of all - Honda reliability. I've only put 60k on it so far. No major issues (knock on wood) with only synthetic oil changes every 5-6k miles as indicated by the oil meter. Fuel economy is good at … around 26mpg around town and 33mpg on hwy. Nevertheless, these are still good numbers even though I've read 40+mpg on some other reviews. I dont know much about car dynamics, but I feel the car steering is precise. 109hp is not excellent, but with manual transmission, it is way much more responsive than automatic transmission when stepping on the throttle (instead of hearing the engine revving, then the power comes in a second or two later). After 7 years of ownership, I've started car hunting again in hope to get a subcompact/compact SUV. However, I have yet found an ideal replacement for my beloved Fit. Until then, I am still a happy Fit owner.
Things I like:
leather-wrapped steering wheel (you wont get this now unless paying for the top-of-the-line trim model $$)
Magic Seat!
ergonomic & simple layout for audio controls
easy to read odometer & tachometer (love the blue color)
Things I dislike:
road noise - very pronounced on highways, especially compared to my sister's new 2016 Fit
4.25 out of 5 stars
Over 4 years later, still love it and no problems!
cyanosissaur, 01/30/2013
2008 Honda Fit Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5A)
I bought this car new in June 2008 for the price, style, space, and gas mileage.
They were hard to get a hold of in my area because of popularity at the time, so I got lucky when mine arrived on a truck that the dealer wasn't expecting.
I still love it.
Aside from routine maintenance, I've had no problems with the car.
That's even after being hit by another driver two separate times, so … most of the body has been repaired.
I drive from Ohio to Connecticut a lot and don't have a problem on long trips or in the city.
Sure, there's road noise, but what do you expect from a compact car for the price?
The road noise gets worse as tires wear, so new and well kept tires make a big difference!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Excellent, Only Minor Complaints
ozziepuppy, 10/10/2010
2008 Honda Fit Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
Awesome room inside and very creative use of space. Friend had leg surgery: We were able to put down the front seat (flat) & she sat in back with her leg completely extended. Transported a 9x12 rug with no problem. Got 42 mpg on a road trip out west. Minor complaints: the Sport trim hangs too low and gets scratched up easily. My fog lights have both broken twice (not protected enough?). … No map lights. Road noise. Overall, though, a nearly perfect car in terms of economy, excellent use of space, being fun to drive, and (dare I say it?) basic cuteness. This is an AWESOME car for the price!!
2008 Fit Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $13,950 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $143/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Fit include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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