In the United States, the 2012 Honda Fit was offered with two transmissions: a 5-speed manual and a conventional 5-speed automatic. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was not offered on that model year in North America.
The question matters to buyers who care about driving feel, fuel economy, and maintenance. The Fit’s compact size and versatile interior have made it a popular choice, and the gearbox choice can influence daily usability as well as long-term costs. Below is a breakdown of the two options that were available for the 2012 Fit in the U.S., along with notes on regional differences.
Transmission options for the U.S. market
Here are the main characteristics to consider for the two gearbox choices that Honda offered for the 2012 Fit.
- Five-speed manual transmission (5MT)
- Pros: Direct control over gear selection, typically lower initial cost, strong fuel economy potential in favorable conditions, and a more engaging driving experience.
- Cons: Requires a clutch pedal and more effort in heavy traffic, which may be less comfortable for some drivers.
- Five-speed automatic transmission (5AT)
- Pros: Smooth, easy operation in everyday driving, especially in heavy traffic, no clutch to manage, predictable shifts.
- Cons: Usually higher purchase price than the manual, and a conventional automatic may yield slightly lower fuel economy in some conditions.
The 2012 Fit offered these two options in the U.S.; a CVT was not part of the official North American lineup that year. Some other markets did offer CVT-equipped Jazz/Fit variants, but not for the U.S. specification in 2012.
How to identify the transmission in your vehicle
If you are shopping for a used 2012 Fit or verifying a vehicle, here's how you can tell which transmission it has.
- Look at the vehicle’s window sticker or owner’s manual for the drivetrain description (5MT or 5AT).
- Check for a clutch pedal on the left side of the brake pedal means manual; no clutch pedal and a gear selector marked with D (drive) indicates an automatic.
- On many used cars, a CVT badge would appear on the rear hatch or sides if it were CVT-equipped; note that U.S. 2012 Fits did not use CVT.
Regionally, some Jazz/Fit models in Europe, Asia, or other years have used CVTs, but the 2012 U.S. model year did not.
Impact on driving experience and maintenance
Manual transmissions offer a more involved driving experience and can be more economical with skilled shifting, but require clutch control. Automatics are easier to drive in stop-and-go traffic and usually provide smoother operation, at the cost of slight complexity and potentially higher maintenance costs over time. Routine maintenance for both types includes periodic fluid checks and changes according to Honda’s service schedule; the manual adds clutch replacement considerations for high-mileage drivers.
Summary: For the 2012 Honda Fit sold in North America, the transmission choices were a 5-speed manual and a conventional 5-speed automatic, with no CVT option in that market year. Always verify the exact drivetrain when buying a used Fit, and consider regional variations for non-U.S. markets.