Why did Honda quit making the Honda Fit?

Honda has decided to discontinue its popular Fit subcompact car in the United States and Canada, marking the end of an era for the small hatchback. The Fit, known for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and versatile design, was a staple in Honda's lineup for nearly two decades. However, shifting consumer preferences and market trends have led the automaker to make this strategic decision.

Declining Demand for Subcompact Cars

The primary reason behind Honda's decision to discontinue the Fit is the declining demand for subcompact cars in the North American market. As consumers have increasingly gravitated towards larger vehicles, such as SUVs and crossovers, the sales of smaller, more fuel-efficient cars have steadily declined. This shift in consumer preferences has made it challenging for automakers to maintain profitability in the subcompact segment.

Shift Towards Electrification and Crossovers

Another factor contributing to the Fit's discontinuation is Honda's focus on electrification and the growing popularity of crossover vehicles. The company has been investing heavily in the development of hybrid and electric models, as well as expanding its lineup of SUVs and crossovers to cater to the changing market demands. This strategic shift has meant that the Fit, as a traditional subcompact hatchback, no longer aligns as closely with Honda's current product priorities.

Production Challenges and Cost Considerations

Additionally, the Fit's production challenges and cost considerations have played a role in Honda's decision. The Fit was primarily manufactured in Mexico, and the costs associated with producing and shipping the vehicle to North America may have become less viable as demand declined. Automakers are constantly evaluating their product portfolios to ensure they are optimizing their resources and investments for maximum efficiency and profitability.

The Future of the Honda Fit

While the Fit will no longer be available in the United States and Canada, it may continue to be sold in other markets around the world where demand for subcompact cars remains stronger. Honda has stated that the decision to discontinue the Fit in North America does not necessarily mean the end of the model globally. The company may choose to focus its efforts on developing the Fit for other regions, or it may decide to replace the Fit with a new, more strategically aligned model in the future.

The discontinuation of the Honda Fit marks the end of an era for the beloved subcompact hatchback in North America. However, it also reflects the evolving automotive landscape and Honda's efforts to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market trends. As the company continues to refine its product portfolio, it remains to be seen how the Fit's legacy will shape the future of Honda's lineup.

Why did they discontinue the Fit?

Honda discontinued the Fit in North America due to declining sales, a shift in consumer preference towards SUVs like the HR-V, and the fact that the crossover was more profitable for the company. The Fit's sales had been decreasing for years, and the decision allowed Honda to reallocate production to the more in-demand and higher-margin HR-V crossover, which shares a factory in Mexico.
 
Reasons for discontinuation

• Declining sales: The Fit's sales dropped significantly in the years leading up to its discontinuation. 
• Consumer preference shift: There was a major shift in the market from small cars to SUVs, with consumers showing a stronger preference for the taller and more spacious HR-V. 
• Profitability: The HR-V was a more profitable vehicle for Honda per unit, making it a better business decision to focus resources on its production. 
• Factory reallocation: Discontinuing the Fit freed up its production line at the Mexico factory to be used for the more popular HR-V. 
• Economic factors: Higher prices for higher trims of the Fit may have contributed to lower sales compared to more budget-friendly economy cars. 

Other information

• Global availability: The Fit was not discontinued everywhere; it continues to be sold in other markets, often under the name Honda Jazz. 
• Alternative models: For consumers looking for an entry-level Honda after the Fit's discontinuation, the next closest options are the Civic or the HR-V. 

What is the common problem in Honda Fit?

Common problems for the Honda Fit include issues with the ignition coils, leading to stuttering and a check engine light, especially in the 2007-2016 models. Other common complaints are a broken front door armrest, failure of the HVAC blower fan resistor causing it to only work on high speed, and a faulty starter in some model years.
 
You can watch this video to learn about 5 potential problems when buying a used Honda Fit: 56sThe FleetYouTube · Jul 4, 2023
Engine and performance

• Ignition coil failure: This is a widespread problem, especially for the 2007-2016 models, causing a check engine light, loss of power, and engine stuttering. 
• Starter failure: The 2015 model is particularly noted for starter failures. 
• Spark plug and cylinder head failure: Some models have experienced these issues. 

Electrical and accessories

• HVAC blower resistor: The fan motor often fails and only works on the highest setting due to a bad resistor pack. 
• Fuel filler door: The door may not open. 
• Electrical system issues: Some newer models have reported issues like a short in the electrical system draining the battery. 
• Rear washer nozzle: The nozzle can be broken or missing. 

This video explains how to diagnose and fix a common engine problem in a Honda Fit: 1mScotty KilmerYouTube · Dec 24, 2020
Interior and body

• Front door armrests: These can break. 
• Uncomfortable seats: Some owners report the seats are not very comfortable. 
• Windshield cracks: The windshield is prone to cracking. 
• Rattling noise: A rattle from the driver's side of the dash is a common complaint. 
• Fading paint and fogged headlights: These are common cosmetic issues. 

Other

• Airbag inflator: Some Honda Fits may have a recall for airbag inflators that could rupture. 

This video discusses potential problems in Honda Jazz cars, which are similar to Honda Fits: 58sScottish Car ClanYouTube · Dec 28, 2022

Is Honda going to make the Fit again?

While the Honda Fit was discontinued in North America, new information suggests it may be returning for the 2026 model year, with redesigned models being discussed online and in various reports. These new Fits are expected to feature modern design updates, hybrid and electric options, and a renewed focus on practicality and efficiency. However, official confirmation from Honda for a North American release is still pending. 
This video shows the design of the new Honda Fit: 59sFaster CarsYouTube · May 28, 2025

• Potential 2026 return: There are many sources, including videos and social media posts, discussing a 2026 Honda Fit. These reports indicate that the new model will be designed to address the features that were popular with the original Fit. 
• Updated design and features: The redesigned Fit is expected to have a more modern look, with sleeker headlights and a new front grill. Inside, it may feature a larger infotainment screen, a digital cluster, and potentially the return of the Magic Seat system. 
• Powertrain options: Some reports suggest the new Fit will be offered with both traditional and hybrid engines, and an all-electric version is also being discussed. 
• Official confirmation pending: While there is significant speculation and reporting on the 2026 Fit, it is important to note that Honda has not officially confirmed its return to the North American market. The previous discontinuation was due to a combination of declining sales and a shift in Honda's focus to other vehicles. 

This video discusses the possibility of the Honda Fit returning to the US: 43sPoloToYouTube · Jun 18, 2025

Why did they discontinue the Honda Fit?

The Honda Fit was discontinued in the North American market after the 2020 model year due to a combination of declining sales, the growing popularity of crossover SUVs, and a shift in production to more profitable models like the HR-V. The subcompact car market saw declining demand, and the more popular, slightly larger, and more profitable HR-V, which was built in the same plant, became the priority.
 

• Declining sales and market demand: Sales of the Fit had been on a downward trend in the years leading up to its discontinuation. The subcompact segment, in general, has seen decreasing demand in North America. 
• Rise of crossovers: Consumers increasingly preferred SUVs and crossovers over smaller cars, leading to a market shift that Honda responded to by prioritizing its more popular crossover models. 
• Profitability: The HR-V crossover was more profitable for Honda than the Fit, even though the HR-V was less fuel-efficient. By shifting production entirely to the HR-V, Honda could maximize profits from the same manufacturing plant in Mexico. 
• Production shift: Instead of producing both the Fit and the HR-V, Honda dedicated the factory to producing more HR-Vs, which sold in much higher numbers. 
• Global market: It is important to note that the discontinuation was specific to the North American market. The Honda Fit (known as the Honda Jazz in some markets) continues to be sold in other parts of the world.