USED Honda Jazz Hatchback (01 - 08)

My car

My Wife has owned a 1.4 sport now for 5 years and I have just bought a 2008 SE. The car is extremely spacious, not just in the boot, but inside the car as well, and has proved an excellent load lugger, even better than my old Audi A4 avant, which wouldn’t even hold a stroller buggy across its width. During a family camping trip, my Wife’s car was fully loaded and still did 52mpg, at high motorway speeds, The best she has ever got is 57mpg. My new one has only done 3000 miles now, and its fuel economy has risen from an average of 42 to 47 mpg, but I do a lot of town driving. Reliability has been excellent, Changed the ERG valve at 40K,. Brake pad wear isn’t any different to any other car I have ever owned. Quality of trim has proven to be first rate with not a squeak or rattle in 5 years. I find the Jazz an excellent car to drive around town, and it is more than adequate for long motorway journeys too. The engine, a 1.4litre with 80odd BHP is never going to be the fastest thing in the world, but it is smooth and doesn’t require over revving like some of the boy racers that have written some of the other reviews seem to think. You cannot have good economy and turbo performance from any engine (boy racers buy something else). As for the reviewer that says his girlfriend though it was dangerous……What were you trying to do with it? My only criticisms are the ISOFIX mounts could be easier to get at, and an intermittent rear wiper would be nice.

My car

I last reported on my 56 plated 1.4 SE Jazz on 21/12/06 when new. The car has now covered 12,000 miles. Reading recent reviews many reports mirror problems I have experienced. A lack of engine response and power when needed, non precise steering, a grating of brakes after rain due to rust on the brake discs (thus indicating possible early brake renewal), and an engine stalling problem when taking off from rest. The latter has led to the vehicle back to the dealers on some ten occasions. The actual stalling has now, it seems, been fixed by changing two relays, but still the engine hesitates when starting from a standing stop. As others report I have never felt in control of the engines revs on this car. I have also just noticed corrosion appearing on one wheel. Honda floor mats started wearing after a couple of months and ‘off’ the shelf replacements had to be fitted. Fuel consumption is not brilliant 38mpg local running, 44mpg long distances. The best I have ever done is on one trip of over 200miles on quite ‘A and B’ class roads never going over 50mph.. A respectable 50mpg was returned on this occasion (All mpg’s stated are actual) The only reason I still have this car is the 3year warranty, and up to now, free complementary services from Honda. I baulk at the next dealer service said to be £425. A disappointed owner.

My car

Have had Hondas before, all trouble free, but my wife had the first Jazz in our family and I was so impressed with it that I scrapped plans to buy a Civic and bought one as well (is this a general problem for Honda I wonder) because it more nearly fitted my needs as a frugal commuter car. Apart from having to replace rear nearside wheel bearings at around 40K on both cars, they have both been entirely trouble free.

Fairly high driving position, light and airy cabin, much bigger in cabin and boot than people think, amazing 'magic seats', slick gearchange, light steering (stiffens up as speed rises), amazing turning circle, relaxing to drive with lovely smooth engine and torque coming in low down, no need to keep swopping gears.

Would recommend it as an antidote to people who drive lesser makes of car that cost them regular money in repairs, sure a honda will cost you more initially, but residuals are great, because demand is so high don't expect a discount - but the peace of mind of driving a Honda is priceless.

My car

I bought the CVT-Auto model about 6 months ago. Been driving it on motorway and around town and it has been brilliant. The servicing at a Honda dealer wasn't that cheap but no more than for other makes that I've owned. It's an incredibly practical car that swallows up luggage while small enough to nip around town. Economy seems reasonable, equipment is good and interior layout eminently sensible. I'd happily recommend this car to anyone.