The 2012 Honda Fit uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 i-VTEC engine.
In detail, Honda’s subcompact hatchback from the 2012 model year relies on a single, compact 1.5-liter engine designed to balance everyday usability with fuel efficiency. Depending on the trim, it could be paired with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, reflecting Honda’s emphasis on practicality and value in the Fit lineup.
Engine specifications
Key technical details of the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine include displacement, configuration, valve technology, and power output.
- Displacement: 1.5 liters (1497 cc)
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Valvetrain: i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
- Horsepower: 117 hp at 6,600 rpm
- Torque: 106 lb-ft (143–144 Nm) at around 4,800 rpm
These specifications highlight the Fit’s design goal: a small, efficient engine capable of delivering usable power for city driving while maintaining good fuel economy.
What i-VTEC does
i-VTEC allows the engine to adjust valve timing and lift across different RPM ranges, optimizing both efficiency at lower speeds and performance at higher speeds. In the 2012 Fit, this translates to smoother low-end response for city commutes and adequate power for highway merging and acceleration.
Transmission options
In the 2012 Fit, buyers could choose between two transmissions, affecting how the engine’s output is delivered to the wheels.
- 5-speed manual
- 5-speed automatic
With either transmission, the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine provides a practical balance of modest power and respectable fuel economy, which has long been a hallmark of the Fit’s appeal in the compact-car segment.
Summary
The 2012 Honda Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-4 i-VTEC engine delivering about 117 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. It offered two transmission choices—5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic—reflecting Honda’s focus on efficiency and everyday usability in the model’s second-generation design. The engine’s i-VTEC system helps optimize performance across driving conditions, contributing to the Fit’s reputation as a versatile, city-friendly hatchback.
What motor comes in a 2012 Honda Fit?
1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
The Fit is a peppy performer considering its diminutive dimensions, packing a 117-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that can be paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
What are common problems with the 2012 Honda Fit?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Brakes. Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
- Exhaust.
- Electrical Accessories.
- Paint/Trim.
- In-car Electronics.
- Climate System.
- Drive System.
- Noises/Leaks.
Does the 2012 Honda Fit have VTEC?
The 2012 Fit Base and Sport come standard with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC SOHC MPFI engine that generates 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. This multi-point fuel injected system with dynamic i-VTEC technology delivers greater power and torque at any speed.
What year to stay away from Honda Fit?
With the most reported complaints of all model years of the Honda Fit, the 2015 Fit is one we definitely recommend avoiding if you are looking to purchase from the last generation of this model. These early models tend to carry more issues that would be rectified later in the car's production life.