Honda Jazz Hatchback 2002-2004

The Honda Jazz (01-08) is an excellent little car that has been well built throughout. Although it is classed as a supermini, it is one of the biggest of its class and will not disappoint if you want something that looks small on the outside, but still offers enough room inside. If you stick to city driving then you will not find many cars better than the Honda Jazz. It is so easy to maneuver and you will find it a breeze to drive. The only draw back of this vehicle, as with most city cars, is the lack of power for motorway driving. However, if you have bought a city car then it is unlikely that motorways are you main concern.

Pros and Cons:

• Good build quality and well equipped
  A breeze to drive
  Engines will provide all you need for city driving

• Not a good choice for motorway driving
  Expensive servicing costs

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Exterior and Interior

The Jazz is not a bad looking car if you take it for what it is - a city car. The whole aim of the vehicles is to provide comfortable city driving at a reasonably low cost. The Honda Jazz does this fairly well and isn't too bad too look at either. Although the style will be more suited to older generations, it hasn't limited itself to just one target market. The different levels of trims will change the exterior styling, although the sport model looks a little over the top.

Inside the Jazz is fairly well equipped for its price. Even the entry level S comes with a number of standard features including electric front windows, CD player and central locking. The SE, probably the most popular model choice, adds air-conditioning and on some later versions alloy wheels. The Jazz has quite an upright driving position that provides a good view of the road ahead. Most of the instruments are well laid out and within a good distance of the driver. The interior does look a little dated now and is full of plastic which some owners may not enjoy. Again though, it has to be remembered that this is a city car that doesn't cost much and it was not designed to be more than that.

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Engines

There are two petrol engines to choose from for the Honda Jazz. There is a 1.2-litre 75bhp version and a 1.4-litre 85bhp. The two different engines are available with a choice of four trim levels.

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Performance and Economy

Both engines are good for going around town but will have to be worked really hard on motorways or longer journeys. The real benefit of these cars is the low cost motoring. The 1.2-litre engine will achieve 60mpg if you are careful and will average over 50mpg. The 1.4-litre also performs well managing a combined 48.7mpg. Although the economy of these petrol engines is very good you shouldn't expect unbelievable performance. The 1.2-litre engine will get from 0-60 in 13.3 second and the 1.4-litre is only slightly better managing it between 12.9 or 14.0 second, depending on the trim level.

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What it's like to Drive

The Jazz's ride at times feels too firm, but gives excellent body control and a superb handling. The ride was also improved in later models of the Jazz. Both engines are fairly well refined and will be perfect around town. But, as we have already mentioned, they will not be suitable for long motorway driving unless you happen get caught in traffic jams a lot! The Honda Jazz is expensive for its class, but the price is worth it as owners of the vehicle have proved to be highly satisfied with their car. Another major benefit is the Jazz will hold its value extremely well, and one should get its money back when it comes to selling it on.

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Faults and Repairs

The Honda Jazz comes into its element when you start looking at repairs and common faults. This car has an excellent reliability record and is a typical Honda with its excellent build quality. One thing that should be looked for is jolty engines. This is often caused by the Exhaust Gas Circulation (EGC) valve. Other than that the only things that need to be checked is that the Jazz has been properly looked after. City driving can mean a lot of short journeys, which may mean that the car doesn't reach full temperature so regular services will be a benefit. Also due to lot of parking at curb the tracking may have been knocked so this should be checked, although it is easy to fix.

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