Honda · 2001–present

Honda Fit

The Honda Fit (Japanese: ホンダ・フィット, Hepburn: Honda Fitto) or Honda Jazz is a small car manufactured and marketed by Honda since 2001 over four generations. With a five-door hatchback body style, it is considered a supermini in the United Kingdom, a subcompact car in the United States, and a light car in Australia. Marketed worldwide and manufactured at ten plants in eight countries, sales reached almost 5 million by mid-2013. Honda uses the "Jazz" nameplate in Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia and India; and "Fit" in Japan, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan and the Americas. Sharing Honda's global small car platform with the City, Airwave, first-generation Mobilio, Freed and HR-V/Vezel, the Fit is noted for its one-box or monospace design; forward-located fuel tank; configurable seats that fold in several ways to accommodate boot space in varying shapes and sizes— and boot volume competitive to larger vehicles. Honda released hybrid petrol-electric versions of the Fit in Japan in October 2010 and in Europe in early 2011. In 2012, Honda released the Fit EV in the United States and Japan, a limited-production all-electric version based on the second-generation, widely regarded as a compliance car. The fourth-generation model released in 2019 is sold in Japan, Europe, China, Taiwan, South Africa, Brunei and Singapore. Starting in 2020, the model was phased out in most Southeast Asian and Latin American countries, and replaced by the larger City Hatchback, while it was withdrawn entirely from the North American market because of falling demand in the subcompact segment.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Honda Logo

All Honda Fit data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

First generation (GD/GE; 2001)

The first-generation Fit debuted in June 2001 in Japan and subsequently was introduced in Europe (early 2002), Australia (late 2002), South America (early 2003), South Africa and Southeast Asia (2003), China (September 2004), and Mexico (late 2005). Confusingly, in Europe this Jazz is typically referred to as Mark II Jazz, especially by automotive part suppliers, the Mark I Jazz being the 1981-86 Honda City, named 'Jazz' in Europe at the time, as Opel already had rights to use the City name after having used it on a hatchback version of the Kadett C. A production model for the United States and Canada debuted in January 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car was released in Canada and the U.S. in April 2006 as a 2007 model year. The first-generation Fit uses Honda's Global Small Car platform, which is also used by Fit Aria/City (a sedan version of the Fit), the Airwave (a station wagon version of Fit Aria/City), the Mobilio, and Mobilio Spike. Depending on the region, the Fit is available with a 1.2-, 1.3- (in Europe referred as 1.4 L model), 1.5-litre i-DSI engine, or 1.5-litre VTEC engine. All four engines are based on Honda's L-series engine family.

Second generation (GE/GG; 2007)

The second-generation Fit/Jazz debuted on 17 October 2007 at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. At its introduction in 2007, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award for the second time. The vehicle offered a longer wheelbase than its predecessor and is wider and longer overall. Two engines were offered in the second-generation Fit. A Naturally Aspirated 1.2-litre i-VTEC DOHC produces 100 PS (99 hp; 74 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 127 N⋅m (13.0 kg⋅m; 93.7 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm. A 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine was also offered and produces a maximum output of 120 PS (118 hp; 88 kW) at 6,600 rpm and 145 N⋅m (14.8 kg⋅m; 107 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm. The hybrid version was launched October 2010 in Japan. The Fit Hybrid featured a 1.3-litre engine and electric motor, with an estimated fuel economy of 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres (86 mpg‑imp; 71 mpg‑US) measured in accordance with Japanese 10–15 cycle. Honda also showed a concept electric vehicle based on the second generation Fit in 2010. It was mass-produced as the Fit EV in 2013–2015. The 2013 model year production Fit EV was unveiled at the November 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. For the first time, it was also available in a station wagon body style called the Fit Shuttle. This variant was only available in the Japanese home market.

Third generation (GK/GH/GP; 2013)

The third-generation Fit/Jazz retains the overall design concept of previous generations, notably the centre-located fuel tank and multi-configuration interior concept, marketed as "Magic Seat". The model also debuted Honda's updated design language dubbed "Exciting H Design". Honda's all-new Global Small Car Platform employs ultra-high strength 780 MPa yield steel for 27 percent of the bodywork and has a shorter overall length by 4 cm (1.6 in), a 3 cm (1.2 in) longer wheelbase, increased rear legroom by 12.2 cm (4.8 in) and passenger volume increased by 136 L (4.8 cu ft) compared to the previous generation. Body panels are both welded and bolted to the frame in a hybrid monocoque and spaceframe fusion — and rear torsion beam suspension is more compact, no longer using an anti-sway bar to maximize interior and boot space. The second-generation HR-V shares its platform with the third-generation Fit/Jazz. Hybrid. The Fit/Jazz Hybrid was only marketed in Japan and Malaysia for the third-generation model. It is the first model to be equipped with the "Sport Hybrid" Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD) system, Honda's lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid technology for small vehicles that replaces the previous Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. The system uses an Earth Dreams 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC direct injection engine rated at 97 kW (132 PS; 130 hp) and 156 N⋅m (15.9 kg⋅m; 115 lb⋅ft) paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and an internal high-output motor, IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) with lithium-ion battery, electric servo braking system with variable servo ratio control. The electric motor, a Honda H1 motor, is rated at 22 kW (30 PS; 30 hp) and 160 N⋅m (16.3 kg⋅m; 118 lb⋅ft). The system is shared with the first-generation Vezel and

Fourth generation (GR/GS; 2020)

The fourth-generation Fit/Jazz was unveiled simultaneously on 23 October 2019 in Japan at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show and Amsterdam, Netherlands at the 'Electric Vision' event. This generation model has been developed with electrification in mind, with the model being marketed as a hybrid-only model in Europe, and the hybrid variant being positioned as a volume car in Japan. The hybrid powertrain is marketed as the 'e:HEV', which utilizes Honda's new dual-motor i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid system, replacing the previous Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD) setup. The fourth-generation Fit retains the large windshield, which offers optimal forward visibility. It also has a redesigned front pillar with a cross-section that is different from the previous generation. Honda stated that it improves impact absorption into the body in the event of a collision. Combined with the use of a flat dashboard and a visor-less instrument display, it provides the driver with a better view of their surroundings. The windscreen wipers have also been hidden below the top of the hood line. The model was discontinued in the North American market due to declining sales of the previous generation. HR-V production was expanded to compensate for the discontinuation of the Fit in North America. The model is also not being sold in Australia where it had been known as the Jazz. The cost was deemed too high for import, and the small car market has shrunk due to the popularity of small SUVs. In most countries in South America and Southeast Asia, the Fit/Jazz is replaced by the City Hatchback. Markets. ==== China ==== The Chinese-market Fit is produced and sold by GAC Honda, and launched on 10 June 2020. It is available with two sub-models which are Sport and Crosstar. The Fit Sport featu

Sales

Japanese sales of the first-generation Fit greatly exceeded the original monthly sales target of 8,000 units on debut. By December 2001, it had outsold the Toyota Corolla, and ranked first in sales for nine out of twelve months in 2002. With a total sales of 250,790 for the year of 2002, it became the best-selling vehicle in Japan, which is a first for a Honda model. By September 2003, a little more than two years after the car was first sold, Fit reached 500,000 sales in Japanese market. After a minor model change that went on sale on 11 June 2004, Honda announced that, in about two weeks' period after its introduction, the company received orders from customers totaled around 13,000 units. By November 2007, in less than six months after minor model change, cumulative sales of Fit reached one million units in Japan. The second generation has been the top selling car in Japan since its official launch in November 2007. By September 2010, cumulative sales in Japan reached 1.5 million units. By December 2004, cumulative global sales of Fit/Jazz reached 1 million units. On 17 July 2007, Honda announced that as of the end of June more than 2 million Fit/Jazz units had been sold worldwide since its introduction. Japan accounts for the largest percentage of sales, with 962,000 units sold in the home market. Europe is next with 417,000 units. The United States accounts for 77,000 cars since introduction in 2006. Honda expected to sell 33,000 vehicles in the U.S. for the 2007 model year, but exceeded these expectations, and sold 40,000. Honda plans to put 70,000 Fit units on American roads for the 2008 model year. In the first half of 2008, Honda and other manufacturers were surprised by the rapid shift towards smaller cars in the United States. Sales of the Fit during the fir

Awards and recognition

Japan Car of the Year for years 2001–02 and 2007–08 Japan Car of the Year 30th Anniversary Special Award "Best 3rd Decade Car": 1st generation Fit/Jazz RJC Car of the Year Award 2002 Car and Driver's Best Small Car in its 2007–13 10 Best lists. Top Gear Survey 2006: Best Small Car Top Gear Survey 2006: Second best of all cars in the survey (after the Honda S2000) IGN Best of 2006 Awards: Killer B-segment Award Greenercars.org's One of the Greenest Vehicles of 2007 and 2008 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards 2007—Best Small Car MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards 2007—Best of the Year MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards 2009—Best Small Car Best Economy Car for 2008, U.S. News & World Report Top 10 Urban Vehicles for 2008 - Cars.com 2009 Car of the Year Finalist, Motor Trend 2010 Best Overall Value by Consumer Reports 2010 Best Hatchback for the Money, U.S. News & World Report 2011 Best Overall Value by Consumer Reports 2012 Best Overall Value by Consumer Reports 2012 Best Cars for Families Awards - No. 1 in Affordable Small Cars

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Honda Fit/Jazz

Manufacturer

Honda

aka

Honda Jazz, Honda Life (China, Dongfeng Honda, 2020–2025)

Production

June 2001 – present

Class

Subcompact car (B)

Body style

5-door hatchback

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (Japan)

Platform

Honda Global Small Car

Predecessor

Honda Logo

Successor

Honda City Hatchback (GN) (Southeast Asia and South America)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1135125CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_FitCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1377658137 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2015-2017_Honda_Fit_Hybrid_F_Package.jpgCC0 · Photo: TTTNIS · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

More from Honda