Not only is the 2015 Honda Fit one of the best values for your dollar, it’s one of the most utilitarian, user-friendly vehicles in its class. No kidding. This is a car that would be ideal for teens heading to college, small families, young urbanites and single pet-lovers (i.e. “crazy cat lady”).
The 130 horsepower 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine makes 114 lbs-feet of torque. A six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available. According to Honda, equipped with the (fun to shift) six-speed manual, my tester 2015 Honda Fit is capable of 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and a combined 32 mpg. That’s pretty good for a low-tech, non-hybrid/diesel car.
Weighing in at around 2,700 lbs, the 2015 Honda Fit actually shrinks its cargo capacity behind the rear seats from 21 cubic feet to 17 cu-ft. This was done to add a ton of space for the rear passengers. The back seats can now easily accommodate a large adult with ease. Still, it’s a shame the front seats don’t eat up a bit of that space. I found my driving seating position to be slightly compromised and wished for an inch or two of extra seat travel.
Speaking of the front seats: they are a bit small for large folk. I found the backrest to be on the small side and it didn’t mold to my large frame. Average sized adults should be comfortable as my significant other was during the test period. Considering how flexible the rest of the 2015 Honda Fit’s interior is, larger front seats with more travel would be (almost) too good to be true.
The rear seats fold up from the floor to reveal an almost totally flat floor. It’s big enough for a big pet kennel, or a bike (sans front wheel) or, in my case, five X-large bags of dog food – with room to spare. 
With one side folded up, there was enough cargo space for a four door filing cabinet and still have room for a rugrat. The shape and load-in height of the back seat (“Magic Seat”) cargo area is ideal for a larger, older dog to use.
Honda has learned to let go of the “button.” Normally, a Honda dash is a sea of buttons – but not on the 2015 Honda Fit. There are only a few dials, knobs and buttons. Most of the infotainment controls are integrated in the main screen and steering-wheel controls. Once you get the hang of it, this setup proves a snap to use. It looks good too. Honda kept a cup holder in front of the driver’s side air vent. This is a great addition for consumers who want to cool a soda to keep a coffee hot.
Another nifty feature is the Honda Lanewatch system. With this feature, via a small camera underneath your right side mirror, you can see cars approaching on your right side via the video monitor. This is meant to enhance using your right mirror alone. Available on the EX and EXL, this system is triggered when you signal right or when you tap a button on the turn-signal lever.
Around town, the 2015 Honda Fit drives a lot like an older Honda Civic. That is to say, it’s a breeze to drive, a snap to park and, occasionally, it can be entertaining to sling around a corner. Sure, it’s a tad tippy, but only when pushed past its limits. The 2015 Honda Fit can be fun when using the manual and cranking that wee-little engine past 6,000 rpm. It likes to be revved hard and will let you go nearly up to 7,000 rpm.
The steering feels light, but there is just enough tactile feedback to feel like you’re in total control. The 2015 Honda Fit is a joy in traffic and, with this new platform, Honda dialed in a more sophisticated, quieter ride. Brakes feel tight, and I felt no fade while doing some hot laps.
Prices start at $15,525 and my 2015 Honda Fit EX with the manual transmission, sunroof and Lanewatch (among other additions) starts at $17,435. Fully loaded, you’ll be in the low $20,000 neighborhood.
I hope we can get another crack at the 2015 Honda Fit (we only had it for FOUR days) to do a comparative review and get some additional wheel time.
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
