2012 Honda Fit Overview Change Vehicle

2012 Honda Fit review with specifications, fuel economy data, safety information, reliability ratings, a photo gallery, and The Vehix View

The 2012 Honda Fit is a five-passenger, five-door compact car that some describe as a hatchback and others call a wagon. Available in two trims powered a small four-cylinder engine, the front-wheel-drive Fit competes with models like the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Toyota Yaris.

Thanks to pricey petrol and an unstable economy, car buyers are shifting toward smaller, more efficient vehicles when trade-in time rolls around. One option is the Honda Fit, a model that has been updated for 2012 with a number of styling and content changes. Specifically, the Sport variant now features a revised front end and unique alloy wheels, while the base Fit plays host to new hubcaps and color-keyed mirror housings. The exterior color palette has been tweaked with the addition of Blue Raspberry Metallic and Orangeburst Metallic paint.

Attention has also been paid to the 2012 Honda Fit’s interior, which has been made quieter thanks to the generous application of sound-deadening materials. Peer inside and you’ll find redesigned cupholders, ambient (also known as mood) lighting and, in the case of the Sport, dark metallic and chrome accents, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and new cloth upholstery. Finally, one of the more notable updates for 2012 is the inclusion of Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with the optional navigation system.

Car shoppers who have set their sights set on the 2012 Honda Fit can choose between the base model and the more stylish Sport version. Folks who opt for the lesser of the two will find themselves rolling in a ride fitted with 15-inch steel wheels, a manual transmission, power windows and door locks, manual air conditioning, cruise control, and a wiper for the rear window. Also included on the standard equipment list are power mirrors, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a 160-watt sound system with USB and auxiliary input jacks, and a fold-flat 60/40 rear bench seat with storage underneath.

A move up to the 2012 Honda Fit Sport is rewarded with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, smoked headlights, an extra set of speakers, a lower body kit, upgraded cloth upholstery, and a rear spoiler. If that’s not a sufficient bounty, consider that the Sport is home to floor mats, a driver’s armrest and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated stereo controls. These items might not be enough to sway a buyer away from the base Fit, but they’re rather basic niceties that can make the daily commute more comfortable and enjoyable.

For longer trips, or when traveling to unfamiliar destinations, the optional navigation system is sure to come in handy. The unit features voice recognition technology as well as Bluetooth connectivity, and is only offered on Fit Sport models equipped with an available five-speed automatic transmission.

It’s highly unlikely that anyone will ever refer to the 2012 Fit as a rocket, but that’s not the car’s purpose. This versatile, front-wheel-drive compact is all about efficiency of space and operation, a point highlighted by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission and a five-speed automatic, with the latter featuring paddle shifters when fitted to the Fit Sport.

Fuel economy climbs as high as 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway (base Fit equipped with the five-speed automatic), and bottoms out at 27 mpg and 33 mpg, respectively (all other transmission and trim combinations).

With more car shoppers researching and ultimately buying smaller vehicles, compact cars now come standard with a comprehensive set of safety features. That’s of the 2012 Fit, which has dual front, front-seat side and side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, stability control, and more. Unfortunately, the Fit is equipped with antiquated rear drum brakes, even on the Sport variant.

Crash-test data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is incomplete as this review is written, but the Fit is awarded 4 out of 5 Stars for its ability to resist a rollover.

Last year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Fit as Good in its frontal-, side-, and rear-impact assessments, and assigned an Acceptable rating for roof crush strength. The 2012 Fit is structurally identical, so these scores should carry over for 2012 when the IIHS gets around to it.

In terms of reliability, the 2012 Fit is working to protect the impressive Honda family legacy. Consumer Reports predicts dependability to be well above average. J.D. Power and Associates hadn’t released its predictions for 2012 at press time, but being awarded 2011’s Highest Ranked Subcompact Car in Initial Quality is certainly encouraging.

The Fit might be small on the outside, but it’s big on the inside. Four adults fit without trouble, and the trunk measures a whopping 20.6 cubic-feet with the rear seat in use.

The Fit is equipped with what Honda calls a rear Magic Seat. It folds down to maximize cargo capacity at 57.3 cu-ft, but the seat cushion also flips up to make it easier to carry tall items on the second-row floor section. It’s a brilliant feature, unique to this car.

Honda’s funky little Fit continues to be a strong contender in the compact class of 2012 thanks to its reputation for reliability, its ample assortment of features, and the versatility that comes with up to 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space. However, shoppers would be wise to also consider competitors such as the more fuel-efficient Hyundai Accent and the more powerful Chevrolet Sonic.

By Thom Blackett