The 2008 Honda Fit can last over 300,000 miles with only some minor paint and clutch issues. At $5,286 to $5,900, it’s a little expensive, but worth it if you want a small hatchback.
Is the 2008 Honda Fit a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Fit. Owner reviews praise the dependable engines, comfortable cabin, and smooth suspension.
- Interior quality is average for a budget compact car, there’s a lot of plastic, but the seat fabric holds up well. The infotainment is better than other compact cars.
- Reliability ratings are above average. Models from 2007–2014 are good, with a spike in mechanical problems for 2015.
- Performance is poor from the standard 4-cylinder engine, which doesn’t keep up with many rivals.
- The Fit is a very safe compact car, earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in government crash tests, but only getting 3 stars in the rear passenger side impact test.
- Fuel economy is excellent, getting up to 31 MPG combined, which makes it one of the most efficient compact cars of 2008.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda Fit?
- Consumer Reports says the Fit has a very impressive amount of room in the cabin, and high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Fit a 4.7/5 and praises the efficient engine, but doesn’t care for the cabin noise.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Fit 4.7/5 and enjoy the cargo space, but owners dislike the fairly weak engine at highway speeds.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Honda Fit Have?
The most common problems found on the 2008 Honda Fit include paint failures, slipping transmissions, and uneven tire wear. Overall, the issues are not very severe compared to other vehicles on the market.
Paint fading and chipping is the most common issue reported by owners in the first 100,000 miles. When the paint is not property cared for and exposed to excessive sunlight, it wears down. Repainting the affected areas costs about $800 per panel.
The transmission slipping while shifting between gears is mentioned by some owners at around 30,000 miles. The problem is more common with the manual transmission and is a sign of the clutch wearing out fast. Replacing the clutch costs about $1,000.
Uneven tire wear is another issue that owners mention at around 60,000 miles. The main source of the problem is poor alignment, which costs about $500 to fix.
There are 8 recalls, with the most serious being for the driveshaft which corrodes and wears out in some vehicles, increasing the risk of an accident.
How Long Will the 2008 Honda Fit Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Honda Fit can last around 300,000 miles, which is similar to other compact cars like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than many other cars at $347 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Most 2008 Honda Fit models for sale will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace items including the alternator for $650, fuel evaporative canister costing $550, and the brake master cylinder reservoir which costs $275.
I have had my car over ten years and have not had to get any work done that was beyond the expected maintenance. Friends of mine always have their cars in and out of the shop, fixing this or replacing that. I do not have that problem. I have saved so much money by choosing the fit over other cars out there.
Yes, it is reliable. I had some issues with the ignition coils (a known problem with this make/model/year) and the ac, but nothing major.
Yes I would say it is reliable. I haven't had any major issues with it and if something needs fixed it is easy since the car is so compact.
No. It's a good for mountain rough roads and dessert very good car and plus it's good for gas because it doesn't consume too much.
Yes, it's a reliable vehicle but as is already old its has been broke a couple of times, like right now I'm struggling with the engine.
It seems to be reliable but is currently having an issue when I first start it that causes the temperature light to come on indicating that it's too cold and takes about 3 minutes to warm up before I can drive it. This can be super inconvenient when I'm running behind schedule. If I don't let it warm up the battery light will come on and the vehicle will die.
Yes it has paint issues. The paint has chipped and is sun damaged. Seems early in the life of the vehicle
Yes it’s reliable. No problems. It runs like a baby. As long as you keep the maintenance up it does just fine
How Much Is the 2008 Honda Fit Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,286 to $5,900, making it about $1,000 more than a Mazda3 or Ford Focus. When new, the price range was $13,950 to $15,270. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda Fit?
There are two models of the Honda Fit available for 2008. Technology was just updated in 2007, with a redesigned model coming in 2009.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 14-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & Locks
- Folding Rear Seat
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
Sport is a step up, adding:
- 15-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- Fog Lights
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack
What Engines Come In the Honda Fit?
The only engine offered in the 2008 Honda Fit is a weak 1.5L 4-cylinder which only makes 109 horsepower, but gets up to 31 MPG combined. Performance is poor, taking 10.1 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Honda Fit Come In?
How Big Is the Honda Fit?
The 2008 Honda Fit is an average compact hatchback, similar in size to the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Rabbit. Passenger room is great throughout the cabin, and the interior is surprisingly large given the exterior dimensions.
Cargo space is excellent for a compact car, with 21.3 cubic feet of room behind the backseats and up to 41.8 with the seats folded flat. That’s more than enough room for 4 people and all of their luggage.
How Does the Honda Fit Compare to the Competition?
The Honda CR-V is another rival from Honda costing about $2,000 more. Performance in snow and dirt is better with the CR-V’s higher ride height, but the Fit works better in compact cities. We recommend the Honda CR-V since you get more space for your money, but both are great choices.
The Toyota Corolla is a competitor available in the same price-range. Where the Corolla stands out is with more power, but the Fit has more room for passengers. We recommend the Honda Fit since there’s more room, but if the styling doesn’t appeal to you then the Corolla is excellent too.
Do Owners Recommend the Honda Fit?
Yes!! This car is affordable, comfortable, and super reliable! I freaking love my fit! I bought the car brand new and have only had to get typical maintenance done and minor repairs. The car is small enough that I can park anywhere, which is a huge perk living in la.
Yes! It is reliable and easy to maintain. The gas mileage is great and it is surprisingly roomy for a tiny economy car.
Yes it is just what I needed for a first car. It is small and easy to drive I would definitely recommend this type of car to new drivers.
Yes good for gas and very good space inside even it looks small outside. Good AC condition and you can use manual or automatic whatever you feel like to use. It has a good compartment area too and lastly it last for a long time using it.
Yes, I really like my 2008 Honda Fit, is very economical vehicle for fuel gas and it fits everywhere when it comes to parking
It is a good vehicle, I enjoy the overall design and size of the vehicle very much. It is compact so it fits into small spaces but the inside is spacious enough to accommodate my two growing sons and all of our stuff, even when we have to take out of town trips.
Yes it has been very reliable. Gets good gas mileage and is super cute. Only problem has been with the paint .
Yes it gets good mileage, is very dependable, and the parts are easy to get. It is a nice little car, it’s compact, and doesn't cost a lot of money