The first generation Honda Fit suspension uses front McPherson strut assemblies and rear torsion beam suspension that provides for excellent handling characteristics and ride quality. The front suspension allows for stable straight line tracking and fun to drive cornering ability. The compact design of the Fit suspension was also designed to allow for large passenger cabin space with a low floor height for the maximum interior space.
The Fit front McPherson strut geometry is designed with a high caster angle and caster trail for good straight line stability and good toe control during cornering. With this design, the Fit front suspension allows for sharp, responsive steering and exceptional straight line control, which is also aided by a quick steering ratio, bushing tuning, rigid control arms and mounting points, and spring and damper tuning. The Fit front McPherson struts also provides more stable cornering by allowing the inner wheel to remain closer to vertical throughout a greater range of travel, which improves tire adhesion compared to conventional strut suspensions.
The Honda Fit uses an H-shaped torsion beam in the rear suspension with trailing arms for its compact size which allows for a lower cargo floor to maximize interior volume. The rear roll geometry and rates for the springs and dampers are designed to achieve high handling performance and ride comfort.
Some of the most common upgrades to the suspension on the Fit are lowering springs or coilovers, strut assembly replacements, strut tower bars, bigger stabilizer bars or subframe support braces. Vehicle handling is also greatly improved on this vehicle by changing the tire and wheel size. Each of these upgrades for the Fit are done for different purposes and for different needs. There are so many different companies that provide parts to upgrade the Fit suspension that the hardest part is deciding which part to purchase and install first.
Fit Suspension includes:
- Front McPherson struts
- Rear torsion beam
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