Yes—Honda Did Build the Fit With a Manual, But Not Anymore

Yes. Honda offered the Fit (sold as the Jazz in many markets) with a manual transmission across multiple generations and trims through the 2020 model year in North America and in many global markets. However, the current generation of the model is hybrid/automatic-only in regions where it’s still sold, and the Fit itself was discontinued in the United States after 2020.

Which Honda Fit models had a manual?

Across its first three generations, the Fit/Jazz was widely available with a manual gearbox. In the United States, manuals spanned from the model’s 2007 debut through its final 2020 model year; elsewhere, earlier generations also featured manuals, but the latest fourth-generation Jazz/Fit shifted to hybrid-only powertrains without a manual option.

• U.S. 2007–2008 (first U.S. Fit): 5-speed manual offered on lower trims (alongside a 5-speed automatic).
• U.S. 2009–2013 (second gen): 5-speed manual available on base and Sport trims.
• U.S. 2015–2017 (third gen, pre-refresh): 6-speed manual offered on trims such as LX and EX (CVT widely available; EX-L was CVT-only).
• U.S. 2018–2020 (third gen, refresh): 6-speed manual offered primarily on LX and Sport; higher trims moved to CVT-only. The Fit was discontinued in the U.S. after 2020.
• Global markets (first–third gens): Manual gearboxes were offered broadly, depending on country and trim.
• Fourth generation (launched globally for 2020 as Jazz/Fit): Hybrid-only in key markets (e.g., Europe and Japan) with no manual transmission.

In short, buyers could get a manual Fit for most of the model’s lifespan through the third generation; the shift to hybrid drivetrains and market-specific strategies effectively ended the manual option with the fourth generation and with the U.S. discontinuation after 2020.

Availability outside the United States

Manual availability varied by region. Europe, Japan, and many Asian and Latin American markets offered manual Fits/Jazzes during earlier generations, but the current lineup has moved away from manual gearboxes.

• Europe: Early Jazz generations offered 5- or 6-speed manuals. Since 2020, the Jazz is sold as an e:HEV hybrid only, with no manual.
• Japan: Earlier Fits included manuals on select trims/engines; the fourth generation is hybrid-focused and automatic-only.
• Canada and Mexico: Manual Fits were available through the third generation, ending around the 2020 model year.
• Selected Asian/Latin American markets: Manuals were available on various trims in earlier generations; recent offerings skew to CVT/hybrid.

The regional pattern is consistent: manuals were common early on, but emissions, fuel-economy targets, and customer demand drove a transition to CVT and hybrid-only lineups.

Why the manual Fit disappeared

Industry-wide trends—declining manual take rates, tighter emissions rules, and the integration of driver-assistance suites that pair more seamlessly with automatic and hybrid systems—pushed automakers, including Honda, to retire manual options in small cars. The fourth-gen Jazz’s hybrid-only configuration in key markets effectively closed the door on a manual comeback.

Buying a used manual Fit: what to know

If you’re shopping the used market, manual Fits remain desirable for their simplicity and engagement. A few practical checks can help you find a good one.

• Confirm trim/year compatibility: U.S. manuals were common on lower trims (e.g., LX/Sport), with 5MTs in 2007–2013 and 6MTs in 2015–2020.
• Inspect clutch and gearbox: Test for clutch slip, engagement point, and any synchro grind (especially on quick 2–3 upshifts).
• Review maintenance history: Look for regular fluid changes and any recall work (notably, past CVT recalls don’t apply to manuals).
• Check for rust and wear: Pay attention to underbody/suspension in snow-belt regions and typical hatchback wear points.

With routine care, manual Fits are known for durability and frugal running costs; diligence on inspection and service records is key.

Summary

Honda did make the Fit with a manual transmission—extensively through its first three generations and up to the 2020 model year in North America. The latest generation sold in markets like Europe and Japan is hybrid-only and does not offer a manual, and the Fit has been discontinued in the U.S. since 2020. For enthusiasts, the used market remains the best route to a manual Fit.

What was the last year for Honda manual transmission?

Honda has largely phased out manual transmissions from its mainstream models, though they are still available on some performance-oriented vehicles like the Civic Si and Type R. The base Honda Civic sedan and hatchback models lost their manual transmission options with the introduction of the 2025 model year, according to Diehl Honda of Massillon. The Honda Accord also discontinued its manual transmission option starting with the 2021 model year, according to Car and Driver. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Civic: The standard Civic sedan and hatchback models no longer offer a manual transmission option. 
• Civic Si and Type R: The performance-oriented Civic Si and Type R models continue to be available with a six-speed manual transmission. 
• Accord: The Honda Accord discontinued its manual transmission option starting with the 2021 model year. 
• Other models: Honda has also discontinued manual transmissions in models like the Fit and Civic coupe in recent years. 

Are all Honda Fits automatic?

Model Highlights
All 2020 Fits are powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine that makes 130 horsepower. There are two available transmissions, a 6-speed manual and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Why did Honda discontinue the Fit?

Honda discontinued the Fit in North America for the 2021 model year due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preference towards crossover SUVs like the Honda HR-V, which offered more profit for Honda. The Fit’s production was replaced by increased HR-V output, as the crossover also appealed to buyers with its combination of space, tech, and ride quality. 
Key Reasons for Discontinuation

• Changing Market Trends: The automotive market saw a significant shift from small, subcompact cars to larger crossover SUVs. 
• Declining Sales: The Honda Fit experienced decreasing sales in the years leading up to its discontinuation, making it less profitable for the company. 
• Increased Profitability of HR-V: The Honda HR-V, a small SUV, could be produced at the same factory as the Fit but offered significantly higher profit margins per unit. 
• Strategic Decision to Pivot: Honda decided to increase production of the HR-V to capture a larger share of the growing crossover market and maximize profitability, effectively ending the Fit’s run in North America. 
• Lack of a Modern Redesign: A slow redesign process for the Fit in the North American market also contributed to its decline. 

What Replaced It

• While the Fit had a successor in other parts of the world (known as the Honda Jazz), the Honda HR-V became the de facto replacement for the Fit in North America. 
• The HR-V is a crossover SUV that offered a similar level of practicality and versatility as the Fit but in a different vehicle segment.