Automakers have to make tough decisions that sometimes translate to the discontinuation of a vehicle. In some cases, a car sells better in one market than another, so the manufacturer limits production accordingly. This is the case for Honda and its subcompact car, the Fit. After the 2020 model year, the Honda Fit will disappear from the U.S. market.

But the Fit isn’t going down quietly. In fact, it topped this year-end list.

What you probably didn’t know about the Honda Fit

If you feel cheated for being a little unfamiliar with the Honda Fit, you’re not alone. The Civic Type R and the wildly popular CR-V have overshadowed the Honda Fit in the United States. In many circles, it’s the most underrated hatchback ever.

Known for its trademarked Magic Seat, the Honda Fit offers incredible seating and cargo versatility. As an example, the rear seat bottoms can fold up, allowing tall and skinny cargo to slide in perfectly. Or you could recline the passenger seat all the way for transporting larger and broader items. It’s a functionality that other subcompacts can’t match.

The Honda Fit is a small car with big value

Don’t let this small hatchback and its super-affordable MSRP mislead you into thinking the Honda Fit doesn’t offer plenty. For a subcompact, its interior is spacious and handsome.

Plus, its roster of driver assistance features is impressive. With its 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway ratings, this little hatchback proves to be a great asset to commuters.

And to sweeten the deal, the 2020 Honda Fit’s starting MSRP is an affordable $16,190.

Bidding a fond farewell

If you can’t get your hands on a 2020 Honda Fit, you might be out of luck. According to Car and Driver, the manufacturer announced it would end production in the United States but would launch a 2021 model in Japan and Europe.

Citing poor U.S. sales numbers in 2019, Honda hopes the subcompact crossover HR-V will fill the gap the Fit left in the North American market.

It’s a tough call because the Fit is a great hatchback. But its failure to catch on with SUV-loving Americans was enough to sway the automaker to change course.

‘How ya like me now?’

The Honda Fit appears to have disagreed with its discontinuation in the U.S. and wanted to make its final mark. The little hatchback earned the highest score on a popular list. 

U.S. News recently published “The 10 Fastest New Cars Under $20,000 for 2021.” And achieving the top score on the list, with 8.3 out of 10, the 2020 Honda Fit impressed the critics.

Its 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine proved to be agile and fun — and unafraid of long-haul highway drives either. U.S. News noted the Fit’s eagerness to please and its pep when bobbing and weaving in traffic. Its size also makes it a breeze to park in tight spaces.

Topping this list, the Honda Fit seems to be flipping the finger on its way out.

It might not be too late to get your hands on a Fit. Your local Honda dealer might still have some 2020 models. But if you don’t act soon, this feisty hatchback will be gone, off partying in Europe and Japan.