2008 Honda Fit Trims and Specs

This affordable subcompact hatchback expands its rather small feature list this year by adding a standard tire monitor. The 2008 Honda Fit Base is a practical and surprisingly roomy front-wheel drive hatch that seats four. A 1.5-liter, 109-hp inline four sits under the hood, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Only 33 inches of legroom grace the rear seat, but a lowered floor adds inches to headroom. The 2008 Fit Base comes standard with 14-inch wheels and all-season tires, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and six airbags - dual front-side and side curtain bags.

Rear seats split-fold 60/40, and the seat bottoms also flip up to accommodate different storage needs. With the seats up, the cargo area holds 21 cubic feet, expandable to 41 cubic feet. Tie-downs are standard. The front passenger seat reclines nearly flat for passenger comfort on long trips. Standard features include power windows, locks, and mirrors, intermittent front and rear wipers, a CD player, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, and a tachometer. Not a lot, but enough to get you where you're going in comfort. There are no standard options for the 2008 Fit Base, but you can add 16-inch wheels and foglights.

Aside from a 5-speed automatic transmission that's paired with its 109-hp, 16-valve, 1.5-liter inline-four engine, the 2008 Honda Fit Base AT features all the same comfort and safety equipment as the manual version. A tire monitor is added this year to the front-wheel drive hatchback, joining 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, 14-inch wheels with all-season tires, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags. Rear seats can fold flat, expanding the 21-cubic-foot cargo space to 41 cubic feet, but the seat bottoms also flip up, creating extra space in the center of the cabin.

As an affordable subcompact, the 2008 Fit Base AT comes with plenty of standard features. These include power windows, locks, and mirrors, air conditioning, a CD player with four speakers, intermittent front and rear wipers, front and rear cupholders, a power outlet, and a tachometer. Tie-downs are standard in the trunk. Foglights and larger 16-inch wheels are available through the dealer. What makes the 2008 Fit Base AT stand out for owners is the surprisingly roomy interior, affordable price, and 28/34 mpg estimates, though some wish such a tiny car got even better fuel economy.

The sporty version (hence the name) of this subcompact hatchback is powered by the same 1.5-liter inline four that delivers 109 hp and 105 ft-lbs of torque as the Base trim. Its sportiness comes from the front independent suspension combined with a semi-independent torsion-beam rear suspension with coil springs and larger shock absorbers. The 15-inch wheels with all-season tires help, too. Matched to a 5-speed manual transmission (with a special sporty shifter knob), the front-wheel drive hatchback achieves 27/33 fuel economy, slightly less than the Base. On the outside, a rear spoiler and body-colored moldings and side mirrors distinguish the 2008 Fit Sport from the Base.

Loaded with 4-wheel ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags, the 2008 Fit Sport earns five and four stars in all but the side impact test, which earns three stars. New this year is a standard tire monitor. The Sport also features foglights, which are optional on the Base. Inside the roomy cabin, rear seats split-fold 60/40, and the Magic Seat also flips up from the bottom, allowing for varied cargo configurations. The cargo area can hold up to 41 cubic feet and comes standard with tie-downs. The 2008 Fit Sport adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote entry, wheel-mounted cruise control, another cupholder (5 total), and a six-speaker CD player with MP3 playback and iPod jack. This is in addition to full power features, intermittent front and rear wipers, and a tachometer. 16-inch wheels and a cargo net, cover, and tray are available options.

The main difference you get in the 2008 Honda Fit Sport with a 5-speed automatic transmission instead of a manual (besides a different feel behind the wheel) is the presence of paddle shifters on the steering wheel, mimicking the standard system on race cars. Otherwise, the front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchback is the same. A 1.5-liter, 109-hp inline four sits under the hood, while a sport suspension, 15-inch wheels with all-season tires, and stronger shocks with coil springs add responsiveness to the drive when you get out of the city. 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, a new tire monitor, foglights, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags are all standard on the 2008 Honda Fit Sport AT. Larger 16-inch wheels are an option.

Continuing the theme throughout the cabin, the 2008 Fit Sport AT features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded 6-speaker sound system with a CD player and MP3 playback, and wheel-mounted cruise control. On the outside are body-colored moldings and a rear spoiler. A sport grille can be added. Full power features include remote entry. Also standard are intermittent front and rear wipers, tilt steering, and a tachometer. The Magic Seat in the rear means the back seat split-folds flat 60/40 and the seat bottoms flip up, providing varied storage options. The 21-cubic-foot cargo area opens up to 41 cubic feet and comes standard with tie-downs. A net, cover, and organizer are also available.