3/4 Front Glamour 2012 Honda Fit
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Expert's Rating

5.0Excellent

MPG 27 City / 33 Highway
Pros
  • Excellent class-leading fuel economy
  • Excellent reliability history
  • Rear seats fold down flat to increase utility
  • Sporty handling and communicative steering feel
Cons
  • Drum Brakes in rear
  • Styling might not be for everyone
, Automotive Editor -
The Honda Fit tops the subcompact class for versatility. It's big on space, but agile for something that's tall. In the world of small hatchbacks, none of them have the Fit's combination of a high roof and seating position, flat load floor and flexible seating option that make it popular with people downsizing from a compact sedan or crossover. It also boasts a history of reliability and a reasonable starting price that includes features popular with today's subcompact buyers.

Introduction

All Fits get power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry. Cruise control, USB input, air conditioning and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel are part of the standard package. A 117-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder is the only option, and it's available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Fuel economy estimates of 28 MPG city and 35 MPG highway – 27 MPG and 33 MPG highway with the manual – are off the mark for the class, though, as many approach or hit 40 MPG highway. The Sport trim level adds larger 16-inch alloy wheels, body kit with fog lamps, driver's side armrest and a six-speaker sound system. Sport is available with a navigation system on automatic transmission models. Opting for the touchscreen system adds Bluetooth.

Check out the rest of the crop of this year's best hatchbacks

The Ford Fiesta is generally a sportier option than the Fit, as it's lower to the ground and is tuned more for driving. Ford also packs the Fiesta with available features like heated leather seats and SYNC. But the Fiesta is much more cramped than the Fit, especially in the rear, and the six-speed PowerShift transmission is less refined than Honda's five-speed automatic. The Hyundai Accent has a class-leading warranty and a more powerful engine that gives better fuel economy, but is less versatile overall.

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Which Style To Buy?

2012 Honda Fit
Starting price
$12,499

2012 Honda Fit Base

Recommended for: Shoppers looking for a well-equipped small hatchback

Even the most basic Fit comes loaded with most of the features buyers in this class want. A 1.7-liter four-cylinder is the only engine choice, but it's available with a five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic. Power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry are standard, as is a four-speaker audio system, cruise control, USB input and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Fifteen-inch steel wheels with covers are standard fare. This Fit also comes standard with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat that also folds completely flat. The Base trim level comes standard with many of the features that would make owners downsizing from a larger car.

2012 Honda Fit
Starting price
$12,499

2012 Honda Fit Sport

Recommended for: Buyers who want a sportier subcompact with more comfort features

The Sport adds to the Base trim some larger, 16-inch, alloy wheels. A body kit, fog lights and a rear spoiler finish the sporty enhancements to the standard Fit. Inside, though, there are more changes in the name of comfort. A driver's armrest is standard, as is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a six- speaker audio system and paddle shifters for automatic models. The Sport with automatic is also available with Honda's touchscreen navigation system, which incorporates Bluetooth phone and audio controls and iPod connectivity.

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