Upgrading the stereo system in your 2009-2014 Honda Fit (2024)

Overview of the Honda Fit

Compared to the homely, wheezy, and cramped subcompacts of yore, the first-generation Honda Fit seemed like a Lincoln Town Car. Okay, maybe more like an Acura sedan, but you get the point — it was a surprisingly roomy, comfortable, interesting car. Fit fans were attracted to the little 5-door because of the Honda pedigree and the impressive gas mileage numbers. The fact that it looked and drove like an honest-to-goodness automobile was kind of a bonus. Needless to say, the Fit was a hit.

With that in mind, Honda saw no reason to mess with success when they started designing the second-gen car. Fit II, The Sequel, improves upon all that was good about the original and adds some cool new stuff to the mix. It’s a little bit bigger, a little more refined, and a little more composed, but it still has the practicality and tossability that made the Fit a hit in the first place.

Like the rest of the Fit, the audio package is better than you’d expect to find on a subcompact. But Honda never stopped improving the Fit, so why should you? You have a great little car, so why not give it a great big sound?

The factory stereo system

The base-model Fit came with a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD system, plus an aux jack and a USB input in the upper part of the glove box. The Sport model added two more speakers (tweeters, technically) and an AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA receiver or an optional touchscreen navigation receiver. An iPod/USB audio interface was available on all models starting in 2011, while steering wheel audio controls and improved Bluetooth streaming came along in 2012.

Removing the factory radio

There’s space for a 2" single-DIN or 4" double-DIN receiver in the Fit, though in either case, you’ll need an adapter kit to install it in your dash. The kit and a wiring harness are discounted with your Crutchfield stereo purchase.

Removing the factory radio is reasonably easy, though the typical Honda-quality assembly adds to the challenge of prying off dash panels. Those retaining clips are designed to keep the panels tight and, boy, do they ever. Be careful and work slowly when you’re loosening these panels. A quality panel tool is recommended and patience is required. We can help you with one of those things!

You’ll start by using a panel tool to pry off the cover panel above the power outlet on the dash and releasing the clips that hold it in place. This will expose an 8mm screw that you’ll need to remove. Dropping the glove box door will make it easier to see and remove the screw.

Remember what we said about patience? Okay. You’ll need that now as you carefully pry out the sides of the receiver trim panel to release eleven (11 – we counted) clips. Look at the bright side: your Fit goes up to 11 and you haven’t even installed the new stereo yet! Seriously, just work carefully and all will be well. Disconnect the wiring harnesses and remove the factory radio assembly.

Secure your new receiver to the mounting bracket, then make your wiring connections. Hold the receiver assembly near the dash, connect the wiring adapter to the vehicle harness and plug the Fit’s antenna lead into the back of the receiver. You'll also need to relocate the factory air bag button and hazard switch from the old dash panel to your new one, then make those connections.

Once you've secured the dash kit (which comes with its own instructions), test it to make sure everything’s working properly. If that's the case, put the dash back together.

Tools needed: Panel tool, 8mm socket, ratchet, and extension

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

Shop for car stereos that fit your Honda Fit

Steering wheel audio controls

In most cases, it's reasonably easy to retain your Fit's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible aftermarket receiver.

Removing the factory speakers

The Fit's factory speakers, located in the doors and dash, are reasonably easy to reach and replace. We'll ht the high points here....

Front door speakers

On the standard Fit, you’ll find 6-3/4" speakers in the base of each front door. Because of the way they’re mounted, aftermarket speakers of that size will not, well, fit. (Sorry, we held off as long as we could…) A wide selection of 6-1/2" or 5-1/4" speakers will work nicely here, but a speaker adapter bracket (available at a discount with your Crutchfield speaker purchase) is required in either case.

To remove the door panels, you’ll start by removing one Phillips screw behind the door release assembly. Pull the door release trim forward, but don’t remove it. Push in three clips along the bottom of the armrest, then remove the armrest cover. That exposes one more screw to remove.

Next, you’ll need to remove the door panel itself, you’ll encounter seven remarkably snug Honda retaining clips. As always, use extreme care while prying them away with your panel tool. Your Crutchfield MasterSheet has in-depth details on this and other aspects of the installation.

To remove the speaker, remove the Phillips screw and screw clip at the top of the speaker. Disconnect the wiring harness and remove the assembly.

To install your new speaker, you’ll need to attach the new speaker to the adapter bracket. From there, you’ll attach the speaker wiring adapter (free with your speaker purchase) to your Fit’s speaker harness, then secure the speaker/bracket combo to the door using the original screw. Once the assembly is attached, test to make sure both speakers are working properly before you reinstall the panel.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver

Dash tweeters

The 6-speaker system on the Fit Sport includes tweeters mounted on either side of the dashboard. The tweeters themselves measure 1.584", while the opening cut-out is 2.444". That’s actually big enough to flush-mount aftermarket tweeters, so check the tweeter measurements when you’re considering which component speakers to purchase. Our universal backstraps can help, because they can be cut or bent to the size or shape you need for your Fit.

Getting to the tweeters is simply a matter of prying off the grilles, releasing three tabs and removing the tweeters. Replacing them is a bit more challenging, because you may have to fabricate your own mounting bracket and, since there’s no wiring adapter available, you’ll have to splice into the factory wiring. A set of Posi-Products connectors can help you make connections without crimping, soldering, or tape. Just strip your stranded wires, insert them in the caps, then hand-tighten the two caps together. The wire ends get locked between opposing cone shapes to create a water-, dirt-, vibration-, and heat-proof housing.

Tools needed: small flathead screwdriver or panel tool

Rear door speakers

Replacing the rear door speakers on the Honda Fit involves the same basic tasks as replacing the front door speakers. You’ll need to remove the sail panel in the trailing edge of each rear door before diving into the rest of the removal process, but that’s the only notable addition to the list. Just remember to be gentle when prying off the panels.

Tools required: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Honda Fit

Bass in your Honda Fit

If you want to add a full-size subwoofer box in the cargo area, there’s plenty of room to do so. With the seats in their upright and locked position, you have 39" W x 20" H x 25" (bottom) /14" (top) D of available space back there. At this time, there are no custom-fit enclosures designed for the Fit, but we do offer a range of powered subwoofers that will give you plenty of bass without taking up valuable cargo space.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

Other options for your Fit

There are plenty of ways to improve your Fits' sound and everyday functionality. Here are a few suggestions:

Add an amp (or two)

A new 4-channel amplifier will help you get the most out of your new speakers. You'll get cleaner power (and a lot more of it), which will result in much, much better sound. A mono amp can provide the juice you need for your new rear deck subwoofer, too. Learn more about adding amps to your system in our Car Amplifier Buying Guide.

iPod® and satellite radio adapters

Better sound is a wonderful thing, but not everyone is up for replacing the factory receiver. Not a problem. You can still add versatility and great sound to your Fit, especially if you’re okay with the idea of going CD-free. We offer several adapters that will allow you to use an iPod, MP3 player, or satellite radio with the factory system. You can upgrade the speakers later for even better sound.

Dynamat

The Fit has a well-earned reputation as a solidly built car, but it’s still a subcompact and it can be a bit buzzy at highway speeds. The Dynamat Xtreme Door Kit is the perfect way to seal out the noise and seal in the sound. This heavy-duty insulating material is easy to install, and it really makes a difference. This is a great thing to do while you’re installing new speakers. Why take the doors apart twice if you don’t have to? One kit will take care of the front doors on your Fit.

Remote start and security systems

Adding remote start capability to your vehicle lets you warm it up in the winter or cool it down in the summer. The iDatastart system is incredibly convenient and makes it easier than ever to install a remote start system, so we highly recommend it. The module requires a vehicle-specific T-harness (sold separately) to connect with your vehicle's computer, security, and ignition systems, so we ask that you call to order so that we can make sure you get the right harness for your ride.

You can also talk to your Crutchfield Advisor about a security system. They’re not as easy to install (we usually suggest letting a professional do the job), but we can help you choose a system that’ll work in your vehicle.

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