The 2011 Honda Fit is the go-to sporty subcompact for many drivers, for many reasons. It provides a fun-to-drive experience in a surprisingly roomy, versatile, and affordable package. The 2011 Fit ranks at or near the top of affordable small cars.
While toting a for-the-frugal price tag, the Fit is no slouch when it comes to value. It has consistently been ranked by Auto Press among the top Hatchbacks, and its fuel economy rating is top-notch.
Along with its top-of-the-line fuel economy, the Fit’s high ratings for safety and reliability make shopping for a hatchback a foregone conclusion.
Engine & Performance
The 2011 Honda Fit uses a 1.5L, four-cylinder engine with 106 lb-ft of torque. Standard to the Fit is a 5-speed manual transmission, with an optional upgrade to a 5-speed automatic. Both the Fit Standard and the Fit Sport have terrible acceleration, going from 0-60 in 10 seconds.
While sluggish in the acceleration department, the Fit’s fuel economy makes-up for that drawback easy to overlook. The Fit Standard and Fit Sport get about 27mpg and 29mpg, respectively.
Exterior
‘Form should follow function’ is a design brief that was probably used when the Honda Fit was designed. The car’s boxed-up, squared-off look is a hit-or-miss, with some professing love for its geeky design, and others calling it butt-ugly. If anything, the exterior scream functionality, and its compact dimensions make cruising through traffic and finding parking space a breeze.
Interior
The versatility of the interior is one of the Honda Fit’s stronger qualities. For a subcompact car, the Fit’s interior is surprisingly roomy. Even taller drivers have praised its surprising amount of overhead and leg room, although the lack of seat adjustments make it a bad fit for shorter drivers.
While the name may sound like a gimmick, the ‘Magic Seat’ of the 2011 Fit is a split-level folding rear seat that, with a pull of a lever, can be folded down to free up even more space in the cabin. The maximum cabin capacity is an incredible 57.3 cubic inches, rivaling even those of some compact SUV’s. The fit may not look like it, but it can definitely be a go-to car to haul furniture, other small items, or even pets.
Safety & Reliability
The standard Fit comes with antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, front-, front side, and side curtain airbags, and active head restraints. The Fit’s 2010 ratings for crash protection were stellar; this vehicle is one of the safest on the road, with excellent crash protection. Its roof strength test results are in the same way stellar.
The Fit, since 2007, has also received excellent reliability and dependability scores. Characteristically Honda, the Fit is an excellent car for the long haul and for those looking to resell.
Comparisons
The Kia Soul (MSRP $13,300; 26 city / 31 hwy) is a more-affordable, funkier hatchback offering. For that price, though, you get much less cabin space and weaker performance. The Fit’s better engine, steering, and transmission are worth the extra money.
Kia is also planning to roll out a hatchback version of the Forte (MSRP $16,895; 25 city / 34 hwy) later in 2011. Although performance and tech specs are not yet solid, reviewers loved the Kia Forte Sedan. If the slated five-door Forte Hatchback carries the same performance upside, then it’s a worthy alternative.
The Ford Fiesta (MSRP $15,500; 29 city / 37 hwy) costs about the same as the Fit, with top-notch fuel economy ratings, steering, and quality. The Toyota Yaris (MSRP $13,155; 29 city / 36 hwy) is another that comes close to resembling nearly every aspect of the Fit.
Looking into the second-hand market is also a good option, with the 2009 and 2010 Fits having similar specs to the 2011, at lesser asking prices.
Pros & Con
Great fuel economy, Versatile seating and storage options, Excellent handling; Engine noise, poor acceleration, lacks height adjustment for driver’s seat.
Overall Rating
76 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Honda Fit is like a mini-minivan in some respects, with an incredibly space-efficient design; yet it’s peppy, frugal, and fun to drive.”Car Connection
“Kudos to Honda for making traction control and an antiskid system standard on all models.”Consumer Guide
“Pervasive wind and road noise; laggardly acceleration with automatic transmission; no height adjustment for driver seat.”Edmunds
“Finding a compact car that can “fit” four full-size adults is not always easy, but the Fit can do just that and more. The 35-mpg Fit offers good fuel economy, excellent resale and reliability ratings and legendary Honda build quality.”KBB
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hatchback | Base Price: $15,100.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons | Miles Per Gallon: 27 city / 33 hwy |
| Length: 161.6 in. (410 cm) | Width: 66.7 in. (169 cm) |
| Height: 60 in. (152 cm) | Curb Weight: 2489 lbs (1129 kg) |
| Wheel Base: 98.4 in. (250 cm) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 20.6 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC® inline 4-Cylinder | Displacement: 1497 cc |
| Horsepower: 117 HP | Max RPM: 6600 RPM |
| Torque: 106 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 8.2 seconds | 1/4 Mile: NA |
| Option:Sport | MSRP: $16,860; MPG: 27 city / 33 hwy |
| Option:Sport Auto | MSRP: $17,710; MPG: 27 city / 33 hwy |
| Option:Sport w/ Navigation | MSRP: $19,240; MPG: 27 city / 33 hwy |
