Respectable yet tiny, the Honda Fit (also known under the name Honda Jazz) is a bestseller among subcompact cars of the 21st century. It is virtually ubiquitous.
The nameplate ‘Fit’ is used in Japan, China and the Americas while the ‘Jazz’ is used in Europe, Australia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa and Asia (excluding Japan and China).
The Debut
The hatchback debuted exclusively in Japan in June 2001 and immediately became a star of the market outselling the Toyota Corolla and other bestsellers. In the year that followed, it was introduced in Europe. A slightly modified version for the United States and Canada debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 8, 2006, for 2007 model year. By then, it was sold worldwide.
Three Generations
The Honda Fit evolved through three generations: from 2001 to 2008 (from 2006 to 2008 in North America), from 2007 to 2014 (from 2008 to 2014 in North America), and from 2013 to present (from 2015 in North America). As you can see, the first-generation Honda Fit only barely was available in the US. After two years it was upgraded to the second generation.
In November 2011, Honda unveiled the production version of the Fit EV as a limited model.
2016 Honda Fit
This year’s Honda Fit is available with the MSRP starting at $15,890. It can accommodate up to five passengers and has four different interior configurations including 52.7 cu. ft. of cargo volume with the folded rear seat. There is no option to buy the Honda Fit EV; Honda offers a two-year lease on the Fit EV, at a reduced price of US$199 a month with no down payment.