How do I tell what kind of Honda Fit I have?
In most cases, the quickest way to identify your Honda Fit is to read the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and compare it with the exterior badges and interior features. The VIN points to the exact model year and trim, while badges, wheels, and interior equipment confirm the specific variant.
Identify the generation and model year from the VIN
The VIN is your most reliable guide to exactly which Fit you own. The 10th character indicates the model year, and the 4th–8th characters describe the model and trim level. Use a VIN decoder to translate these characters into a precise year, trim name, and engine details. If the VIN isn’t readily visible, you can also check the driver’s door jamb sticker or your vehicle registration for the VIN.
Before you read the VIN, note that the Honda Fit has been sold in several markets with different naming and trim schemes. In the United States, Fit production ran through 2020, with multiple trims across two generations, while other markets continued the Jazz/Fit lineage beyond that period.
- Locate the VIN on the dashboard side of the windshield (visible from outside) or on the driver’s door jamb sticker, or on your registration and insurance documents.
- Enter the VIN into an online decoder (such as the NHTSA VIN Decoder or Honda’s official lookup) to reveal the model year, body style, and trim level.
- Compare the decoded information with known trim names for your generation to confirm the exact variant (for example LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, etc.).
- Cross-check the results with any installed options (navigation, leather, sunroof, Honda Sensing, etc.) to lock in the precise trim.
Concluding the VIN exercise, you will usually have a clear answer about which generation and trim your Fit belongs to, which is the most reliable way to identify the exact model variant.
Exterior cues: badges, lights, wheels, and styling
Exterior features and badges often signal the trim level, though there can be option packages that blur the lines. Look for these common indicators:
- Badges on the tailgate or sides that say LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, or Touring (appearance packages may vary by year and market).
- Wheel design and size: base trims typically have smaller steel wheels or modest alloy wheels; higher trims often wear larger or more styled alloys.
- Lighting and accoutrements: fog lights, LED headlamps, sunroofs, or a sport body kit can indicate mid-to-upper trims or a Sport variant.
- Sport-specific styling cues such as unique bumpers, side skirts, or rear spoilers.
- Hybrid or Navi badges, if present, usually indicate a specialized trim or drivetrain option.
Exterior inspection helps confirm the trim name and differentiates between generations, but it’s best used in conjunction with the VIN results for accuracy.
Interior cues: seating, technology, and equipment
Interior features reflect the level of equipment that came with your Fit. Pay attention to these common tells:
- Seating: leather or leatherette seats typically point to EX-L or higher; cloth upholstery is common on LX and mid-range trims.
- Infotainment: a touchscreen with navigation is usually offered on EX-L Navi or higher trims; Bluetooth and smartphone integration appear across most trims but capabilities vary by year.
- Comfort and convenience: automatic climate control, power-adjustable seats, and heated seats are more frequent on EX, EX-L, and higher trims.
- Advanced driver aids: Honda Sensing features (like lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control) are often standard or optional on EX and above in later years.
Interior inspection should be matched with the exterior and VIN to confirm the exact trim and options on your specific Fit.
Documentation and official records
Your car’s paperwork can corroborate everything you’ve found on the vehicle itself. Check:
- The window sticker (Monroney label) or build sheet, which lists the original trim, standard equipment, and optional packages.
- Maintenance records and service invoices that mention trim-specific features or accessories (like navigation upgrades or leather seats).
- Registration documents that reference the exact model designation used in your market.
Documentation provides a solid cross-check to ensure the model, year, and trim you’ve identified from the VIN and visual cues match what Honda originally installed on the car.
Market differences and notable variants
The Honda Fit line has seen regional variations. Key notes include:
- United States: The Fit was sold in LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L (with Navi on some EX-L or Navi-equipped variants) across two generations (roughly 2007–2014 and 2015–2020). The model went out of US dealer lots after the 2020 model year.
- Other markets: The Jazz nameplate continued in many regions with similar or expanded trim levels and may include different engine or hybrid options.
- Hybrid variants exist in some markets; look for “Hybrid,” “IMA,” or specific hybrid badges and verify with the VIN and window sticker.
Understanding market differences helps avoid confusion when comparing trims that use similar badges or names across regions.
What if you can’t locate the VIN or it’s unreadable?
If the VIN is missing or damaged, you can still identify your Fit using these fallback steps:
- Review the car’s features (sunroof, leather seats, navigation, Honda Sensing) to narrow down likely trims.
- Compare door and dashboard badges with online guides and owner forums for your generation and market.
- Visit a Honda dealer or use Honda’s official support to read the vehicle’s information from the VIN using their systems.
Fallback methods may require professional tools or access to official records, but they can still yield accurate results when the VIN isn’t usable.
Summary
To determine exactly which Honda Fit you have, start with the VIN and decode it to identify the model year and trim. Confirm the result by checking exterior badges, wheel designs, and notable interior features, then cross-check with the window sticker or service records. Keep in mind regional differences and the possibility of hybrid variants. When in doubt, a quick check with a Honda dealer or an official VIN lookup can provide a definitive answer.
What are the different Honda Fit models?
The Honda Fit has been produced in various models and generations since its 2007 introduction, with recent model years like the 2020 version being available in trim levels such as LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L. The Fit is known for its practicality and versatility, featuring a 1.5-liter engine and Honda's "Magic Seat" system in the rear. After the 2020 model year, the Fit was discontinued in North America, although it continues to be produced in other markets like Japan and Europe.
This video discusses the Honda Fit's practicality and its discontinuation in North America: 56sAcura AdviceYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Generations and model years
- First Generation: Introduced in 2007, with models available from 2007 to 2008.
- Second Generation: Produced from 2009 to 2014, with models like the 2010 and 2011 available.
- Third Generation: Produced from 2015 to 2020, with a significant update in 2018.
- Fourth Generation: First introduced in 2019 and is still in production in some markets.
Common model features
- Engine: The Fit is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Transmission: Available with a standard six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- Trim Levels: Recent models feature trims like LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L, with features varying by trim.
- Magic Seat: A signature feature is the versatile "Magic Seat" system in the rear, which allows for various cargo and passenger configurations.
This video reviews the 2020 Honda Fit's features and specifications: 51sNeighborhood Car ReviewsYouTube · Nov 6, 2025
Discontinuation
- The Honda Fit was discontinued in North America after the 2020 model year.
- It continues to be sold in other regions, such as the Japanese domestic market.
This video explains why some believe the Honda Fit is an underrated car: 52sBixmationYouTube · Nov 8, 2025
What is the difference between Honda Fit EX and EX L?
The main differences between the Honda Fit EX and EX-L are that the EX-L adds luxury and convenience features on top of the EX's standard amenities. These include heated leather-trimmed front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and heated, body-colored power side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Both trims include standard features like Honda Sensing, a one-touch power moonroof, and Honda LaneWatch.
You can watch this video to see a review of the different trim levels of the 2018 Honda Fit: 49sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Aug 9, 2017
Honda Fit EX
- Includes features such as Honda Sensing, a one-touch power moonroof, and Honda LaneWatch.
- Comes standard with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in some model years.
Honda Fit EX-L
- Includes all EX features.
- Adds heated front seats with leather trim.
- Features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
- Includes heated side mirrors that are body-colored and have integrated turn signals.
- May be available with a navigation system in some model years.
How do I know which model of Honda I have?
To find the model number, look for a model number sticker on the engine. All Honda engines model numbers start with the letter "G," such as "G100", "GX610", or "GXV160." This is the base engine model. The engine model and serial number should be adequate for most of your needs.
How do I know what model Honda Fit I have?
In your front windshield, on the left side If you look in the bottom corner there is a series of letters and numbers called the vin, or Vehicle Identification Number. You can put that in Google and find everything out about your car, from model to engine and transmission, everything.
