2012 Honda Fit Sport Automatic Video Review and Test Drive

[@RA-wl1vt]

So 11 years later and my 2012 Honda Fit Sport is still going strong. You do have to flog the engine to make it go, but it's a Honda and that's how they are. Gas mileage isn't anything to write home about but still way better than average. The Fit has a ton of room with the rear seats folded and rivals much larger vehicles like the Current Toyota Venza. Most important is it is reliable, I have had "0" problems with this car! I do the regular maintenance recommended by my Honda Specialist and that is all that has been required. I also maintain the inside and outside of the car with regular cleaning and waxing and it still looks new. It isn't glamorous but it certainly surpassed my expectations and looks like it will do that for many years to come.

[@Bxtskul1l]

Honda engine technology falling behind? They make more engines than anyone else in the world. Their engines are masterpieces of efficiency and durability.

[@Xcorgi]

I agree. This engine was not designed to be a hot rod. It's more like the turtle in the tourtose and the hare race. What this guy neglected to remind people is that Honda engines will just run and run and run damn near forever with minimal maintenance. Also, as small as this 4 banger is, i'm sure the parts are dirt cheap for repairs. It's not uncommon to have Honda engines run 400,000 miles. That's why 150.000 miles on a Honda is like 20,000 on a Ford. Their quality and reliability is KING!

[@scottdavis1549]

Xcorgi there’s a turtle in that story also?

[@lucymuffin30]

Best review I’ve seen on the Fit and I’ve watched them all... Absolutely LOVE mine!

[@erikh1041]

which year and what model do you drive?

[@lucymuffin30]

Mate I’ve got a 2009 1.5 EX Milano red with 132000kms manual and you?

[@Xcorgi]

I would just ignore the boring comment. They guy who was complaining was probably used to watching reviews for faster more sportier cars. He obviously doesn't understand the concept of classes. The Fit is an economy car and even though that's true, they built in the Honda-ness and the fun to drive factor by making this thing really great in the turns. Also, the standard shift model or the paddle shifters make for a uniquely fun driving experience in this class that no other company offers.

[@ldawson103]

We have a Fit Sport with the automatic. Though I wish we has got the manual tranny it is still outstanding fun to drive, and feels really solidly built.

[@Xcorgi]

I think most people agree with you. Pretty much everyone who gets one of these says the more they drive it, the more they like it. The only small problem I have with it is that with that little window up by the side mirrors, it makes you feel like you are driving a mini-bus. Just kind of wierd. Otherwise, the best car in it's class.

[@Bxtskul1l]

I don't think the Fit will be out of business any time soon. It is a top 10 pick every year.

[@Bxtskul1l]

I'm sure my Manual Trans Fit could handle going uphill, and Hondas LOVE high RPMs. So sick of people bitching about the 5th gear on the Fit. I love the Fit engine, and it will never blow up like a Kia.

[@94AccordAW]

The 2012 Civic is pretty cool and a fun car to drive, the two tier dash was actually more distracting than the 8th gen. I originally went to the dealership to buy an 8th gen Civic but I just couldn't get one financed. The choice was either a 2012 Fit or 2012 Civic LX (which would have been way more) The Civic was pretty nice but I just couldn't get over how much better quality the Fit felt! And my dad even said the ride felt better when we switched cars. Good luck on your decision.

[@coo2kachoo]

MT is only way to go with this engine. I put utility, reliability, handling ahead of gadgetry and warrantee. The Fit is bullet proof - see the Consumer Reports ratings. I'll pay an extra thousand and stay out of the shop and on the road any day. The 2015 solved 6th gear, upped it to 130 HP, and blue toothed it. It did lose 5 cubic feet of (total) cargo space but added 4" rear legroom and now you can get stock leather, moonroof and heated seats.

[@theeeman23]

Reliability took a major hit...

[@Stanleyguy101]

Thanks for doing the review. Its always interesting to see what other people think. I drive a 2011 fit base w/manual transmission. I average 35-37 mpg overall and get 40-42 on the freeway and 30-35 in the city. The base does have the low rolling resistance tires, but I'm suprised at the economy you are getting. With the ipod interface there is no quick scrolling which is a problem. You can't jump from A-Z in songs you have to scroll through 1000s of songs to get to Z which is annoying.

[@RobRisley]

Very helpful review. Been trying to decide between Kia Rio and Honda Fit. Usually all I see are extremely positive reviews for the Fit and it was nice to see a more honest and critical review. The engine and interior features seems to be extremely lacking compared to the Rio. Would be interested in your opinion.

[@Bxtskul1l]

Real world numbers (at least with summer blend gas) for my 5spd 2010 Fit Sport: 33 City / 42 hwy. I usually average 36. If I drive super conservative I'll get 37-38 combined.

[@GibsonBuck]

In Canada the navigation system is not available, but bluetooth is standard on LX and Sport models.

[@mshl8188]

You have gone into good detail inreviewing. Appreciate your effort and understanding of needs of a customer.

[@veetour]

I have the automatic. I think it is great for the city. But I agree that I would have liked to have more HP to be able to pass on the highways.

[@pikaporeon]

I'm 6'5 and settled on a fit specifically because I could fit in it well; your only concern on a manual your leg might touch the bottom of the steering wheel at the very top of releasing the clutch before removing your leg. [the brake and gas are not obstructed by the wheel for me]

[@RichardRogers718]

thats strange, i have never heard or seen anyone that had a fit with bluetooth already installed. Its not aftermarket or did the dealer give you an option for it. I know the automatics can have it but only with the navigation.

[@94AccordAW]

No problem. Didn't mean to seem over-corrective. The thing is, I saw over 40 driving around the country, hardly ever uphill and not much stopping. I also recently reset my trip which also resets the average mpg. Kind of dumb defect on Honda's part. But to really get a good estimate, I haven't reset it in 1000 miles. Therefore, I've found that it just always gets 35 and not any lower or much higher for that matter, no major win but no lose either you know?

[@94AccordAW]

At first you will wonder what has happened to Honda cause the car is so different, but it is still awesome and if you give it some time it'll grow on you nice. I have a 2012.

[@ajhare2]

I'm not sure if you mentioned this, but the Honda fit is the Honda jazz in europe and it is almost the same but with a few slight diffrences.

[@Xcorgi]

So do you believe Honda got the MPG mileage numbers on the window sticker wrong? I tend to believe you because the Fit is in a smaller catagory than the Civic. I always thought it was odd that the Civic is bigger but could still get better mileage. If what you say is true, I may end up getting the Fit Sport after all. Thanks for your input and good luck with your Fit. They really are cool little cars even in the eco catagory.

[@Autosavant]

You might be a little tight, but the seat does move quite a bit back. Best thing to do would be to go sit in it at a dealer.

[@Geek19Music]

You said that the Fit is underpowered and that it doesn't rev or there is not much engine noise isn't all that up to the person buying the car and personal preference?

[@Bxtskul1l]

Yes I own a 2010 Fit and have never had problems going up any hill, with AC on or with the car loaded. Did you drive the manual Fit? If there are issues with power I just drop it into 4th gear and rev the shit out of it. Sorry if you are so sensitive about your Rio but I don't like Kias, even though the new Rio is a good car by their standards. Enjoy your car and I hope it lasts you a long time.

[@OpticalHaze]

what really disturbs me is the limited visibilty to look diagonal from the steering wheel to the left and right front corner.... what are they thinking? Hasn't changed in the last 10 year Honda Fit / JAZZ Design

[@94AccordAW]

Well the 8th gen Civic averages 29, Current Civic automatic 32, and the current Fit averages 31, though I'm getting way more than that. I've gotten pretty good mpg with the Fit. 40 on the highway is possible and I've amazingly gotten 44.7 before which was just stunning. I'm sure they all fall around the same mpg, the epa is usually wrong.

[@seaned1039]

Very good balanced review. cheers!

[@TheMattd16]

I own the 2012 Honda Fit Sport in Black-Manual. It does come with Bluetooth. Your critique of the Engine is somewhat correct, but I think the automatic transmission in which you tested was detrimental to the over-all feel of the Fit. It has been my experience with the car that, although is slightly under-powered, if you drive the car hard, it responds better than most cars in it's class. The manual transmission gives you way more control and adds to the driving experience.

[@richardstasko7918]

i have an 09 fit and have the seat allthe way back. its perfect for me bc im about 5'8

[@lwyzg]

Honda has much more good qualities, it´s a realiable brand and usually last more and better than any almost any other popular brands, i would choose Honda by far!!

[@peterweise3836]

Honda is reliable, Toyota is even more reliable.

[@Autosavant]

I have a feeling that you are in the same place as a lot of people. Cross shopping the Honda with a KIA/Hyundai. Here is the question. Do you want (expected) flawless reliability with the Honda or do you want a lot more content/features as well as more space and power with the Rio? My gut feeling is if I was shopping for both I would go home with the Rio. But...the Fit is still a viable choice. That is a tough decision.

[@Autosavant]

Let us know what it would have needed to be less boring.

[@Bxtskul1l]

I rented one in Puerto Rico and it only had 20k miles on it and I assure you there was burning plastic smell if you gave the engine too much work. BUT, this was a Rio from a few years ago so maybe you got me there.

[@94AccordAW]

If you're into driving experience go with the Honda.

[@247blackout]

im 6'6 and i fit perfectly

[@JFJ_]

Great review.

[@Xcorgi]

P.S. Sure Honda may have been lacking in the tech department for the Honda Fit but that's why they were able to keep the prices so low for both the base and the Sport models alike. For the money, they did give us enough tech to make sure it doesn't feel like a car from the 90's on back. They concentrated more on making this thing the storage king and non-hybrid gas miser in it's class. Also, the large amount of glass and side triangle glass reminds you of driving a school bus.Still cool though.

[@Gojulas]

I'm 6'2", how is the driver side legroom?

[@trpat22]

I'm 6'3" with massive legs.... will this work for me?

[@EastBayFM]

yeah the thigh support sucks ass... im 5ft9 and its awful. I feel like im sitting on the edge of a bench. id like to drop some civic seats in or something.. if possible

[@Bxtskul1l]

No dude, I've never blown up a Kia, but when I smell burning in a new car it's a major turnoff, ya DIG? And again I know the Fit revs higher at cruising speed, but I assure you it can handle higher revs for it's whole life. People always get confused about Honda engines, the power band for them is best in the 4.5k to 5k range, it is not underpowered and it is not 'straining' if it is at higher revs, the tach goes up to 8k for fucks sake.

[@sailormanoyster1849]

The 1.5 is my nxt car👍

[@94AccordAW]

These are the COMBINED fuel ratings.The Fit Base AT that I drive is rated at 35 highway. The Base MT, Sport MT, and Sport AT get 33 Highway. Funny you say "out of business" Fits are selling like mad compared to the Civics now and you're seeing them plastered as #1 all over motortrend, car and driver, and everything else. The current Civic wasn't even a "10 Best" nor did KBB recommend it for the first time in years! Take it from someone that actually drives a Fit and has driven the 2012 Civic.

[@palebeachbum]

You also have to consider Kia's superior warranty. That can come in very handy when you need it. If something goes wrong with your honda at year 6 of ownership, well that's just too bad for you. I like the Fit, but the Kia Rio's style, content, superior performance and fuel economy totally tip the scales for me.

[@RichardRogers718]

how do u have bluetooth?

[@Bxtskul1l]

The Rio is a joke. Go rent one for a week. Weird burning smells when going uphill, questionable styling and reliability. If you are looking to save 3 grand fine, but you will be spending it later on repairs.

[@EddieDrumz]

is it Automatic

[@94AccordAW]

And if you fall for the Civic WAIT until the update it later this year, Honda is suppose to improve the hell out of it. haha

[@Xcorgi]

Its funny how you can get much better gas mileage out of a bigger, more comfy car like the Honda Civic. It really defeats the purpose of buying a small car to begin with. Honda basically put the fit out of business with thier own product.

[@dieselboy77]

paddle shifter on an economy car ?? Too funny , how many people going to use them?

[@VjStrikerProductions]

Mine is a manual, but if I had the auto, as slow as it is, I'd want em

[@Xcorgi]

You're way off base. The 2012 Civic get 39Mpg.Hwy and the Fit only gets 32Mpg Hwy. You would think the smaller car would do better but it dosent.

[@TheMattd16]

It came with the car...

[@Bxtskul1l]

watch out, alexancheta will call you a turd face if you talk bad about Kia.

[@MacTechG4]

The manual transmission is far superior, the Fit deserves manual only. The third gen CVT automatic is an utter abomination, CVT should be utterly exterminated. Save the manuals!

[@JeeGee114]

Hard to find second hand but I found one. It drives nippy. And I have discs in the back.

[@RichardRogers718]

fiesta 5 speed manual. Sonic 5 speed manual unless u opt for turbo.

[@muertomaniaco]

This with the manual transmition it´s a different car

[@izkoism]

Kia is the cheapest company....go for the Honda.

[@micklessard9964]

Would you like some cheese with your wine? I've watched many Fit videos. This video is way too negative.

[@stevenvaldez6817]

Get manual

[@goru426]

Too expensive! For $16,500 I can get 2012 Hyundai accent Sport, with 10 years warranty!

[@94AccordAW]

and no spare tire! Yaaaay!!!!!

[@drw907]

There IS a spare tire on 2013 Fit