Honda Jazz road test reports and car reviews

Honda Jazz 2002

No review submitted

Honda Jazz 1.4 ES manual 2009

Although I have owned my Jazz for just one month and clocked up only 480 miles, mainly on B roads in Surrey and Sussex, I can honestly say that it is a delight to drive. The seats are really comfortable, better than some of the more expensive cars I’ve owned. Close inspection reveals good fit and finish, no squeaks or rattles and taken over all, a well built little car. Must go, I’m of for a drive, just for the fun of it.

Honda Jazz i-shift 2009

I agree with Colin Horey - the i-shift in auto mode is dreadful. Previously I had a Jazz Sport Auto which I loved. I’ve even considered exchanging my new Jazz for the previous model!

Honda Jazz ishift 2009

Having just read Ian Sinclair’s report on the Jazz ishift I have to agree. In auto mode it is absolutely terrible. I have had the car 4 weeks and used it mainly in manual. My previous Jazz was auto which I had 4 years. I am very sorry I bought this. Honda should go back to the drawing board and design a good auto.

Honda Jazz 2008

The way Roger Ashton of London has been told to set the handbrake is quite correct. Press firmly of the footbrake and pull the handbrake lever up without operating the release button. This is the instruction given in the drivers manual for the Corsa D and a Ford Fiesta 1.6 diesel which I owned recently. As a driver instructor I have been teaching this method for some time now and find that the handbrake is far more efficient. You can soften the sound simply by curling a finger underneath the button. Although this method is still queried by some driving examiners I am sure the manufacturers know best !

Honda Jazz 2008

Can Roger Ashton of London whose aunt had problems with the Jazz handbrake please get in touch - forgemill@btinternet.com. Thank you. Julian Dolman.

Honda Jazz 2007

I am on my second Jazz, the first time I have bought a second car. Local use or trips to Scotland from Dorset - a doddle. Next replacement - yes - a Jazz.

Honda Jazz 1.4EX 2008

Unbelievably good car with space that far exceeds that of many in a class above. Practicality cannot be bettered, this is simply the most useful small car you can buy. Terrific engine, especially with a few miles on the clock and never gives less than 50mpg. EX variant is very well equipped and is worth the extra money to get climate control and the like. Great design, fantastic build and excellent to drive. Also totally reliable. The complete opposite of its predecessor (Toyota Yaris) in every respect.

Honda Jazz Mach 2009 2008

My aunt bought a brand new (March 2009) Jazz ES 1.4 i-VTEC (Petrol) i-SHIFT. She applied the hand brake in the normal way and left the car, when she returned she found the car had move from the position in which she left it. On reporting it to the supplier, they said you must NOT use the button on the hand brake; you must click it through the ratchet. This is not something we were taught to do, as we are told the ratchet will wear out and not work. Comments on this would be appreciated

Honda Jazz 1.2DSI 2007

Bought new 2007. I had 3 of the old style Civics previously. No problems with the car it does what it says on the tin. 1.2 engine not very powerful but hey what can you expect from a car that achieves 64/65 miles per gallon on a run and over 50 miles per gallon overall. I would recommend this car to anyone.

Honda Jazz 1.4 SE CVT 2004

I have always been extremely happy with my Jazz, particularly with the space and fuel economy. I was disappointed however to have the rear wheel bearings replaced at 35K miles at a cost of £400. Not something I was expecting so early in my car’s life. I understand this is not uncommon having looked at the internet.

Honda Jazz Jazz ES 2008

It’s a lovely car for anyone who drives a manual. The "auto" version (i-shift) is, however, abominable. I never thought I could ever criticise a Honda for the way it drives, but the ES i-shift was both sluggish and jerky. Rather like being driven in a manual with a very bad gear-change. It felt slow to get away, with a back-jerk at each gear change, as if I were stabbing the brake at each change up. My options are to keep the old CVT (smooth and nippy) or look for another small automatic that is truly automatic.

Honda Jazz 1.4 se 2004

Car is easy to drive and has been trouble free for 4 and a half years. Full Honda service history. Car bought from new, service costs can be high. Just touched 55000miles without any major repair, only brakes [second set all round only 50% worn], tyres etc. [15000mls front replacement]. Only gains 2 stars as gearbox bearings have failed at 55k so you can imagine the cost of repair. Ensure you take out a warranty after the manufacturers warranty ends. Awaiting reply from Honda UK as I believe this should not have happened. Won’t hold my breath but I will raise the star rating if Honda assist and keep my custom. The new Jazz looks good but if build quality is in question what will the future costs be?

Responses to this review

I wish I could have got that far! My gearbox bearing failed after only 13,500 miles! My fault for being a low mileage driver, as the warranty had expired the year before. Honda paid labour charges, but I had to pay out for another £113, plus various other charges, for what I consider to be faulty original parts! Reading on the Internet I find that gearbox bearing failure on the Jazz is is not unknown, and I have heard from a good source that it is due to side- loading when the clutch is depressed; that I cannot comment upon. I bought my Honda on the basis of its great reliability record, and am disappointed. Yes, it is a great car otherwise, but now I do not think I would buy another, you must have confidence in a car - Michael Simmons from Buckinghamshire

Honda Jazz Auto 2003

Very economical, very roomy and practical. A/C failed after 49,000 miles. Also this has 8 spark plugs, local garage (not Honda) did not know, eventually burnt out the 2 coils....... Costly, but a brilliant car. Sold after 5 years for 1/2 of new cost.

Honda Jazz 1.4 dsi 2003

This was my wife’s company car until very recently when she purchased it from the company! The car is now five years old and other than routine servicing has only ever had tyres, wiper blades etc. It has sailed through its two MOTs and has never failed to start on first turn of the key. Fuel consumption is approximately 50mpg and on the motorway will cruise no problem at 70 all day. I sometimes have to check the rev counter at traffic lights etc to see if the engine is still going as it is that quiet.The bodywork keeps remarkably well and looks as good as new after a visit to the local hand car wash. Interior is extremely spacious given the exterior dimensions and the general interior feel is quality without being luxurious.We have enjoyed our "little Jazz" and my wife treats it as one of the family its that dependable. Finally my company car is a brand new Golf TDI 170 bhp which on the motorway is exceptional, but when I am going out locally I still find myself reaching for the Honda keys knowing I will come back smiling (all of you Jazz owners know what I mean).

Honda Jazz 1.4 LS 2008

I was thinking which car to buy instead of my Citroen Xantia as a second car for my family (kids 7+9) for long journeys and holidays (we decided to keep 12 year old Citroen Ax for city rides) and was very disappointed when first saw JAZZ because it was small in dimensions comparing to Xantia. But my friend who have had it for several years just said: go inside and try to drive it and ask the dealer agent to show you all that can be done inside it (all positions and tricks with seats). I was really surprised with its possibility on the road but also huge space inside. So when I took my wife on a test drive she said that we don’t have to look at other cars (price of new Jazz was 13.460 EUR) because she loves it at first sight. After a few minutes of discussion in front of the dealers shop we agreed to buy it - no regrets. When I was buying the Xantia I spent several months trying to decide what car I’ll buy. We really can’t wait the day Jazz will be delivered to us.

Honda Jazz 2005

Great car, well worth the money . Fuel is a lot cheaper than my old car. It is good for room in the boot and smooth running.

Honda Jazz 1.2 base model 2006

Brilliant car, cheap to run. Has returned 48mpg over a combination of 5 - 10 mile daily trips and monthly 500 mile motorway journeys totalling 38.000 miles over 30 months. Nothing has broken, never failed to start and it even cleans up well after a couple of weeks of my 18 month old son daubing various unnamed substances all over the rear seats. It has been suggested that I upgrade to a bigger car next year with more comfort for rear passengers - a Civic perhaps - but with fuel prices the way they are 68mpg from the new model Jazz sounds very attractive.

Honda Jazz 1.4 SE 2003

I bought the jazz from the local Honda dealer, I have been very impressed with the Jazz. For me the clincher were the back seats - that is the base of the seats can be raised up, the amount of interior space is more like a class above, my previous car was an Astra 94 model and the boot space was very similar to the Astra but the jazz is a lot smaller outside. People sitting in the jazz for the first time comment on how much room there is. Running costs, road tax £120, insurance group 3 and petrol costs are very low. Making visits to the petrol station less frequent than the previous car. The Jazz has idsi petrol engine with vvt the engine uses 8 spark plugs, this results in 50mpg, the same economy as a 1.0 litre but the performance of a 1.4. The petrol tank has been moved forward instead of the rear which frees up load space. Equipment wise the jazz is very comprehensive, ac electric windows all round electric sunroof, cd player, alloy wheels all of these enhances the drivers enjoyment. The only negative is the ride its bit harsh on poor roads, and tyre noise is loud too but this is due to my car being one of the early model, and i have changed the tyres to Nexen tyres these are a lot better then the Yokoma which were on before. I had a courtesy car from the Honda dealer a jazz 08 and the ride was a lot better, engine performance wise i go for the 1.4 anytime, as its ideal for cruising on the motorway. For servicing costs I pay into a servicing plan monthly, a reasonable £15 per month, to which all the consumable items and labour are covered which to me is a good deal. If i did not pay into the plan I would have been paying up to £450 so its best to enrol into the service plan, another aspect of Jazz ownership is that it holds its resale value very well.

Honda Jazz 1.4 SE 2003

Marilyn Burford, England Honda Jazz 2007. I have the diesel engine version which is pretty noisy on starting and takes about 5 miles to get going. As I only do about 10 miles a day this is a big draw back. The children like it however and they call it the jazz mobile. I don’t know what car you are driving Marilyn but Honda have never sold a Jazz with a diesel engine - your two star rating for a non-existant model has prevented the Jazz getting an average of 5 stars in this forum - well done.

Honda Jazz 1.4 SE 2003

I’ve had Honda cars before and thought I was downsizing to a Jazz, but it’s a lot bigger inside than people think. Can get two sets of golf clubs with two folding trollies and holiday luggage for two in the boot without folding seats down. Normally get about 55mpg commuting 25 miles each way to work, and about 45mpg around town. Smooth engine with torque coming in low down in rpm range, tractable and easy to drive without having to change gear too often, the gearchange is light and direct. Easy to park with very small turning circle and light steering for parking, but stiffens up as speed rises, fairly quiet ride (depends on tyres fitted) and can hold conversation easily at 70mph.

Honda Jazz 2007

I have the diesel engine version which is pretty noisy on starting and takes about 5 miles to get going. As I only do about 10 miles a day this is a big draw back. The children like it however and they call it the jazz mobile.

Honda Jazz 2008

Hello. Does anyone out there drive a Honda Jazz or know anyone who does? I work for a company in London who is putting together a short promotional documentary film for Honda, and we’re looking for contributors to chat about their car and their passions/interests, and how the two come together. If anyone does have a Jazz and would be interested in contributing then please give me a shout - my name’s Tom and i can be contacted either on hondafilm2008@yahoo.co.uk or on 0207 194 7056... Thanks for reading this, Tom.

Honda Jazz 1.4cc 2007

Best car I ever owned, beats my previous Volvo 440 hands down. It took 3 adults and myself as driver on a journey through France just after I purchased it; with four cases in boot. We averaged 48.5 MPH over 1,875 miles. Amazing around town; about 46 mph, on longer journeys with two we average 49.2 mph... Its upright seating is extremely comfortable which means I can drive further without have to get out and stretch my poor old legs. If the Jazz has a downside it’s a harder ride than my old Volvo. Finally, it will be my car of choice for years to come.

Honda Jazz 1.4 i-DSI SE 2007

This is quite simply a wonderful car - it was Japan's 2002 Car of the Year and I can see why. The driving position is excellent; the interior is well constructed with everything where you would expect it. One thing that pleased and surprised me was the generous amount of loading space once the back seats had been lowered, carrying flat-pack furniture was not something that I thought would be possible when I purchased the Jazz but it has proven remarkably adept in this area. I wanted long-term reliability from my new car - reports suggested that this is exactly what the Jazz would give me and that it has done. This is a well constructed, green and stylish car.

Honda Jazz 1.4i SE CVT-7 2004

I’ve had this car from new and it has been the best car I’ve ever owned. It’s been totally reliable and I still enjoy driving it after all this time. I will be looking to change my car soon and will have no hesitation heading straight for my local Honda dealer and getting another Jazz. Brilliant car, loads of space for size of the car and very capable over short and very long (France and back) journeys.

Honda Jazz 1.4i-DSI SE 2007

Excellent car, out-classes all of it’s rivals. A brillant supermini, featuring fold flat rear seats for clever storage solution. Great on the motorway, quiet and acceleration is fantastic. Residuals are great too.

Honda Jazz 1.4 Sport

After one year of ownership, this really is a great little car. After changing from a Passat Estate I had expected to have to make a lot of compromises, it may be smaller but the adaptability and quality more than make up for that. Don’t waste time, buy one now!

Honda Jazz Honda Jazz 1.2i DSI

This is a brilliantly versatile little car. I love the way I can fold both the back and the passenger seat flat for storage space, it’s inexpensive to run and to insure and I think looks really smart. I really like the wide windscreen too, makes me realise how poor visibility was in my previous car (Matiz). Really nippy around town although I must admit I’ve not been on a long journey in it yet so will see how she does when I go to Cornwall next month.