The 2008 Honda Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-4 i-VTEC engine that delivers about 117 horsepower and roughly 106 lb-ft of torque.
In the United States, this engine was offered with two transmission choices—a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic—while other markets sometimes used slightly different small-displacement engines in Jazz/Fit models. The following sections outline the core specifications and regional variations for that model year.
Core specifications for the U.S. market
The list below covers the essential engine details for the 2008 Fit sold in the United States:
- Engine type: 1.5-liter inline-4 i-VTEC
- Displacement: 1,497 cc
- Horsepower: 117 hp (87 kW) at 6,600 rpm
- Torque: 106 lb-ft (144 Nm) at 4,800 rpm
- Configuration: four-cylinder, double overhead cam with i-VTEC
The above specifications reflect Honda’s use of a compact, efficient powerplant designed to balance performance with fuel economy in a subcompact hatchback.
Transmission options and performance notes
The U.S. market paired the 1.5-liter engine with two transmissions. The list below highlights those options and how they impacted driving characteristics:
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Five-speed automatic transmission
- Fuel economy and acceleration vary by transmission and trim level
Overall, the combination of the 1.5L i-VTEC engine with either a manual or automatic transmission was designed to deliver responsive city driving while maintaining competitive fuel efficiency for its class.
Global variations and market differences
Outside the United States, Honda offered a range of small-displacement engines in Jazz/Fit models to meet regional emissions and efficiency targets. The following notes provide a general sense of those variations:
- Europe, Asia, and other markets sometimes used smaller engines such as 1.3L or 1.4L variants with i-VTEC or i-DSI technology, depending on local regulations and model year updates
- Engine availability and power output could differ by trim level and regional specifications
These regional differences reflect Honda’s approach to tailoring the Fit/Jazzy in different markets while preserving the model’s core practicality and efficiency.
Summary
For the 2008 Honda Fit, the primary engine is a 1.5-liter inline-4 i-VTEC delivering about 117 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission in the U.S. market. Global variations included smaller displacement options in some regions, underscoring Honda’s strategy to fit local requirements while keeping the vehicle’s signature blend of efficiency and practicality.