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Does the Honda Fit Come with a Manual Transmission?

Yes—many Honda Fit (also known as Jazz in most markets) models were offered with a manual transmission, but new, current-generation versions no longer come with a manual option. In the United States, the Fit was sold with a manual through the 2020 model year and then discontinued; in Europe and Japan, the fourth-generation Fit/Jazz introduced from 2020 onward is hybrid-only and automatic. Below is a breakdown of where and when manuals were available, and what to expect if you’re shopping new or used in 2025.

Availability by Generation and Market

The Honda Fit/Jazz spanned four generations globally, with manual options common early on and phased out as hybrids and automatics became standard. The list below summarizes the broad availability of manual gearboxes by generation and key regions.

  • First and second generations (global, early 2000s–2014; U.S. 2007–2013): Widely available with a 5-speed manual in many markets, including the U.S. and Canada.
  • Third generation (global 2013–2020; U.S. 2015–2020): Offered a 6-speed manual on lower trims in North America (e.g., LX and, later, Sport in 2018–2020). Many other markets also retained a manual option during this period.
  • Fourth generation (global 2020–present): Shifted to hybrid-focused lineups (e:HEV) in Europe and Japan with an automatic e-CVT; no factory manual option. In markets where a non-hybrid Fit/Jazz remains, it is typically paired with a CVT, not a manual.
  • United States market status: New Fit sales ended after the 2020 model year. Used models with 5MT (earlier gens) or 6MT (2015–2020) are common.

In short, manual transmissions were a hallmark of earlier Fits but have been phased out in the latest generation, particularly in regions that moved to hybrid-only lineups.

What You Can Buy Today (2025)

Current new-car availability and used-market realities differ by region. Use the points below to gauge what’s on offer now.

  • United States and Canada: No new Honda Fit on sale; last year sold was 2020. Manuals are plentiful on the used market, especially base and Sport trims from 2018–2020 (6-speed) and earlier models (5-speed).
  • Europe: The current Jazz is e:HEV hybrid-only with an automatic e-CVT. No manual option new.
  • Japan: Current Fit lineup is hybrid-led (e:HEV) with automatic transmissions; no manual in the current generation.
  • Other markets (select Asia/Latin America): Availability varies, but recent offerings typically pair gasoline engines with CVTs. Manual options, if any, are increasingly rare.

For shoppers who specifically want a manual Fit in 2025, the practical route in most regions is a used third-generation model—or earlier—where manuals were widely sold.

Trim and Transmission Notes for U.S. Models

In the U.S., manual transmissions were tied to certain trims and years, with a transition from 5MT to 6MT between generations. The quick guide below outlines the typical pairings.

  • 2007–2013 Fit: 5-speed manual available, commonly on base and mid-level trims.
  • 2015–2017 Fit: 6-speed manual offered primarily on lower trims (e.g., LX; availability on EX varied by year).
  • 2018–2020 Fit (refresh): 6-speed manual offered on LX and Sport; EX and EX-L were CVT-only.

Exact trim-manual combinations can vary by model year and dealer inventory, so checking window stickers, original brochures, or VIN-based build sheets is wise when buying used.

Why the Manual Disappeared

Automakers have been streamlining small-car lineups due to stricter emissions rules, safety-tech integration, and consumer demand shifting toward automatics and hybrids. The fourth-generation Fit/Jazz’s move to hybrid powertrains in major markets effectively ended the manual option, aligning with broader industry trends.

Key Takeaways for Shoppers

If you want a Honda Fit with a manual transmission today, focus on pre-2020 models. The third generation (2015–2020) offers a more modern cabin and safety tech with a 6-speed manual, while earlier models provide a simpler, lighter feel with a 5-speed manual. In most regions, new Fits/Jazzes are automatic-only due to hybridization.

Summary

Yes, the Honda Fit has been offered with manual transmissions across multiple generations, but new, current-generation models no longer provide a manual option. In the U.S., the Fit left the market after 2020, with manuals available on many used examples (5MT and 6MT depending on year). In Europe and Japan, today’s Jazz/Fit is hybrid-only with an automatic e-CVT. Buyers seeking a manual should shop the used market, especially 2015–2020 LX and Sport trims in North America or earlier generations globally.

What Hondas come in manual transmission?

In 2025, Honda offers manual transmissions in its enthusiast-focused performance Civic models: the Civic Si and the Civic Type R, both of which are exclusive to the six-speed manual gearbox. While other Civic trim levels, such as the Sport and Sport Touring, have transitioned away from manual options in 2025, the Si and Type R are still available with stick shifts.
 
Honda Models with Manual Transmissions (2025):

  • Honda Civic Si: . Opens in new tabThis sporty four-door sedan is available with a 6-speed manual transmission and a helical front limited-slip differential, making it a fun and affordable option for enthusiasts. 
  • Honda Civic Type R: . Opens in new tabThe high-performance Civic Type R is also manual-only and features a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox, offering a highly engaging and sporty driving experience. 

Why the Shift to Manual-Only for Performance Models?

  • Enthusiast Appeal: Honda is focusing its remaining manual transmission offerings on dedicated performance models like the Si and Type R, catering to drivers who prefer a hands-on approach. 
  • Sales Volume: Manual transmissions account for only a small percentage of overall car sales, which has led Honda to phase them out of more mainstream models. 

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. 

What is the weakness of Honda Fit?

Some Honda Fit vehicles tend to develop driveability issues as early as 50,000 miles due to ignition coil failure. This is a widely reported problem for the 2007 to 2016 model years. Ignition coil failure typically causes issues like loss of power, engine stalling, and stuttering at high speeds.

Does the Honda Fit come in manual?

Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT) with available paddle shifters adopted from the Civic.

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