2018 Honda Fit: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2018 Honda Fit continues its legacy as a subcompact hatchback renowned for its exceptional versatility, surprising interior space, and fuel efficiency. It's a practical choice for urban dwellers, small families, and anyone prioritizing clever design and everyday usability in a compact package.
Highlights
- Engine and Performance: The 2018 Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower. This engine is paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While not a powerhouse, the engine delivers peppy acceleration for its class, particularly in city driving, and offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience, especially with the manual. The CVT is tuned for fuel economy, providing smooth power delivery.
- Safety Features: Honda emphasizes safety, and the 2018 Fit is equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies:
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Provides drivers with different viewing perspectives (normal, wide, and top-down) to better assess the area behind the vehicle, aiding in parking and reversing.
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control: Helps prevent loss of steering control by automatically applying brakes and/or reducing engine power when it detects oversteer or understeer.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): Optimizes the braking force distribution between the front and rear wheels based on vehicle load.
- Brake Assist: Detects a panic brake situation and increases braking force to help shorten stopping distances.
- Available Honda Sensing Suite: On higher trims, this suite offers advanced driver-assistance features:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): Uses a radar to detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to reduce the severity of an impact or help avoid it.
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDMS): Can detect if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane without a turn signal and can provide steering assistance to keep it within the lane or apply brakes to help prevent it from leaving the road.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to keep a safe following distance.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Helps center the vehicle in its lane by making small steering corrections.
- Trim Summary: The 2018 Honda Fit is offered in three distinct trims, each building upon the previous:
- LX: The base trim, offering essential features, a capable engine, and Honda's commitment to quality and safety.
- EX: Adds popular convenience and technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, push-button start, and a sunroof, making it a popular sweet spot for many buyers.
- EX-L: The top-tier trim, further enhancing the interior with leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and an upgraded audio system, providing a more premium feel.
- Magic Seat System: The Fit's signature "Magic Seat" is a standout feature. The rear seats can fold in multiple configurations (Tall mode, Long mode, Utility mode, Refresh mode) to create an astonishing amount of cargo space and flexibility, allowing it to carry bulky items that would typically require a larger vehicle.
- Fuel Efficiency: The 2018 Fit is highly fuel-efficient, with the CVT-equipped models achieving an EPA-estimated 33 MPG city and 40 MPG highway. The manual transmission models are also very economical.
What to Expect
Ownership of a 2018 Honda Fit is generally characterized by reliability and low running costs. Honda has a well-earned reputation for building durable vehicles, and the Fit is no exception. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, is typically straightforward and affordable. Insurance costs are usually competitive for a vehicle in this segment, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The Fit's compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park in urban environments, and its surprisingly spacious interior for passengers and cargo adds to its everyday practicality. The infotainment systems, especially on the EX and EX-L trims with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, provide seamless integration with smartphones for navigation, music, and communication.
Potential Considerations
While the 2018 Honda Fit excels in many areas, there are a few aspects buyers might want to consider:
- Engine Noise: Under hard acceleration, the 1.5-liter engine can become quite vocal, which some drivers might find less refined than in some competitors.
- Road Noise: Similar to engine noise, road noise can be more noticeable on the highway at higher speeds compared to larger or more premium vehicles.
- Ride Comfort: The suspension is tuned for agility and can feel a bit firm over rougher road surfaces.
- Base LX Trim Amenities: The LX trim, while functional, is more basic in terms of infotainment and convenience features compared to the EX and EX-L trims.
Overall Summary
The 2018 Honda Fit is a masterclass in compact car packaging and practicality. Its innovative Magic Seat system, impressive fuel economy, strong reliability record, and available advanced safety features make it a highly compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and sensible subcompact. While it might not offer the most refined ride or the quietest cabin, its sheer utility and smart design ensure it remains a top contender in its class for anyone prioritizing a car that truly punches above its weight.
