Honda Jazz (2002 – 2008) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Honda Jazz (2002 – 2008) Verdict
Incredibly practical interior with ingenious Magic Seats. Excellent reliability record when properly maintained. Economical petrol engines with timing chains instead of cambelts. Strong reputation means plenty of specialist knowledge and parts availability.
Manual gearboxes can suffer from costly input shaft bearing failure. CVT automatic needs meticulous maintenance and isn't the smoothest to drive. Early cars may suffer from age-related corrosion and water leaks.
Find out more about the Honda Jazz (2002 – 2008)
The first-generation Honda Jazz completely changed expectations of what a small hatchback could be. While rivals focused on styling or driving thrills, Honda prioritised practicality, clever engineering and reliability.
More than 20 years later, it's still one of the most versatile small cars you can buy, making it an excellent choice for first-time drivers, retirees or anyone wanting dependable, inexpensive transport.
Reliability is one of the Jazz's biggest strengths. Many examples have comfortably exceeded 150,000 miles with little more than routine servicing and owners continue to praise the car's dependability. Interior quality is also excellent, with hard-wearing materials that stand up well to years of family use.
However, there are a few well-known issues to watch for. Manual gearboxes can suffer from input shaft bearing wear, often identified by a whining noise that changes with road speed. Repairs can be expensive, so any unusual transmission noise should be investigated before buying.
Cars fitted with the CVT automatic also require regular transmission fluid changes using the correct Honda fluid; neglected examples can develop juddering or transmission problems.
The i-DSI engine uses eight spark plugs and eight ignition coils, making major services more expensive than buyers might expect.
Air conditioning compressors, wheel bearings and steering racks can also wear with age, while some older cars suffer from water leaks around the rear doors or roof seams. None of these issues are reasons to avoid the Jazz, but a comprehensive service history is essential.
Today, the first-generation Jazz represents excellent value. It isn't fast, fashionable or particularly refined by modern standards, but it remains one of the cleverest small cars ever designed.
Few rivals offer the same combination of space efficiency, reliability and low day-to-day running costs. Find a well-maintained manual with a quiet gearbox and you'll have a practical hatchback that's capable of providing many more years of faithful service.
Reviews for Honda Jazz (2002 – 2008)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Honda Jazz (2002 – 2008) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2i to 1.4i
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 34–58 mpg
On the road, the Jazz is easy and unintimidating to drive. Visibility is excellent thanks to its large windows and upright driving position, while light steering and compact dimensions make parking effortless. It isn't exciting in the corners and the suspension can feel firm over broken roads, but comfort is generally good and the Jazz feels surprisingly stable on the motorway.
Engine choices are simple. Early cars came with a 1.4-litre i-DSI petrol, while a 1.2-litre joined the range after the 2004 facelift. Neither offers sparkling performance, but both are willing, economical and exceptionally durable. Expect real-world fuel economy of around 45-50mpg from a well-maintained manual, while the chain-driven engines avoid the expense of cambelt replacements.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|
Real MPG average for the Honda Jazz (2002 – 2008)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
92%
Real MPG
34–58 mpg
MPGs submitted
312
Honda Jazz (2002 – 2008) interior
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3845 mm |
| Width | 1675 mm |
| Height | 1525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm |
The Jazz's party piece is its interior. By placing the fuel tank beneath the front seats rather than under the rear bench, Honda created an astonishing amount of cabin space for such a compact car.
The clever 'Magic Seats' remain one of the best seating systems ever fitted to a small hatchback, allowing the rear seats to fold completely flat or flip upwards to carry tall items such as bicycles or houseplants. Even by modern standards, few small cars match its flexibility.
Honda Jazz (2002 – 2008) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3845 mm |
| Width | 1675 mm |
| Height | 1525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | - |
| Boot Space | - |
| Warranty | |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £9,217–£12,310 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | - |
| Official MPG | 48.7–51.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2i S 5dr | £9,217 | - | - |
| 1.4i SE 5dr | £11,310 | - | - |
| 1.4i SE 5dr Auto | £11,310 | - | - |
| 1.4i Sport 5dr | £12,310 | - | - |
| 1.4i Sport 5dr Auto | £12,310 | - | - |
Model History
June 2001
The first giant step forward in small car design since the original 1959 Mini. Entirely new one box model on sale in Japan from June 2001. 3,830mm (12 ft 7in) long x 1,675mm (5 ft 6in) wide (1,878mm mirror tip to mirror tip) x 1,525mm (5ft 0in) high.
By December 2001 already Japan's best selling car. Replaced the lacklustre Logo and arrived in the UK early in 2002, providing stiff competition for the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, SEAT Ibiza, Skoda Fabia, Citroen C3, Nissan Micra, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa, Toyota Yaris and Daihatsu YRV.
Features chain-cam 1,339cc 8 valve DSI engine technology. (Dual and Sequential Ignition System comprises two spark plugs per cylinder in a compact combustion chamber where sequential ignition results in low CO2 emissions and excellent fuel economy.
1.4 (1,339cc) I-DSI petrol manual: 61kW (83PS) at 5,700rpm / 119 Nm (88 lb ft) torque at 2,800rpm.
Despite compact dimensions, the one-box cab-forward design makes it look quite big. Luggage volume is 353 litres to the parcel shelf with the rear seats up (more than the Fiesta) and a huge 1,323 litres with the seats down. Chain cam engine puts out 61kW (82bhp) at 5,700rpm and 119Nm (88 lb ft) torque at a low 2,800 rpm. Combined economy is 49.6mpg and CO2 output 134g/km. Engine is optimised for ordinary 95Ron Premium unleaded petrol. Insurance is low Group 3E.
Mounting the fuel tank in the centre of the car under the front seats and using a new H-shaped torsion beam rear axle allows for an unusually low cabin floor. The short nose also allows more interior space which is equivalent to many C sector sized cars.
The 66/33 split rear seats can each be fully folded into the floor with headrests in place, providing a completely flat loadspace 1,740mm (5ft 9in) long. And by sliding the front passenger seat fully forward, then completely reclining it, objects as long as 2,400mm (7ft 10in) will fit.
The versatile rear seat squabs can also be tipped up and locked against the seat backs creating a central luggage area ideal for a dog to be carried. Height of this area from floor to ceiling is 1,280mm (4ft 2"), enough for small children to stand up and change clothes after an afternoon on the beach.
Prices: £8,995. £10,295 and £11,295.
August 2002
CVT-7 from August 2002 at £900 extra has seven steering wheel paddle shift selectable ratios. Much liked by readers who have bought one.
Later available with a well-integrated body colour side-protection strip. Voted Auto Express 2002 Car of the Year.
Available from July 2002 in wider choice of colours including Iris Red (pink); Orchid Yellow, Clover Green, Ice Blue metallic and Nighthawk Black pearl.
March 2003
Revised 2003 models with better suspension and CD players arrived March 2003 but only with CVT-7 transmission. Revised suspension manuals delayed until May 2003.
110PS 1.5 VTEC version in Japan and Australia, and also Thailand and Malaysia from Spring 2004. Comes with CVT-7 as standard. (6th picture shows a customised Jazz 1.5 in Thailand, where the Jazz is regarded as a young people's car.)
April 2004
Upgrade from Spring 2004. All now fitted with four wheel disc brakes, ABS, handy seat folding lever and two sets of alarm remotes.
October 2004
Facelifted inside and out for 2005 (on sale 6-10-2004) with option of new 1,247cc entry engine and more colours. Revised range comprises 1.2 S, 1.4 SE and 1.4 Sport grades (replacing the current 1.4 S / SE / SE Sport line up), with the entry price point starting at £8,600.
1.2 (1,246cc) I-DSI petrol manual: 57kW (77PS) at 5,700rpm / 110 Nm (81 lb ft) torque at 2,800rm
With a 1,247 cc petrol engine serving up 78 PS, the 1.2 offers performance similar to the larger i-DSi unit: 0-60 mph in 13.4 sec and top speed 106 mph. Also fuel economy of 51.4 mpg in the EU combined test, with CO2 emissions very low for a petrol engine at 129 g/km. 1.2 model also benefits from redesigned front and rear bumpers plus metallic garnish for the fascia controls.
Bigger changes for the SE and Sport grades which feature new headlamp and rear light cluster designs, door mirror-mounted LED indicators and new style 15 in alloy wheels (previously the SE had 14 in steel rims). Inside, SE and Sport models have new textured seat fabric, self-illuminating instrument dials similar to the Accord, and a new sporty steering wheel. Also a new stereo system with steering wheel mounted remote controls, outside temperature gauge, chrome handbrake button and, on CVT models, steering wheel mounted paddles in place of buttons (left paddle used to change down, right to change up).
1.4 Sport now has its own look with sport front grille, unique alloy wheels, stylish body kit plus front foglights, automatic climate control air conditioning and digital display as well as black interior trim. Four new colours are introduced to the Jazz range for the 2005 YM, including Sirius Blue, Macha Crame (green) and Venus Orange metallics, plus Helios Yellow pearlescent. Over the years, steering and handling has been much improved. 2006 models fun to drive. SE as well as Sports now have electric folding door mirrors.
What to watch out for
Honda recommends change of CVT fluid every 25,000 in "severe driving conditions" which includes regular driving less than 5 miles from cold otherwise CVT trouble can result. There is a new, improved CVT fluid for the box, which requires the old fluid to be flushed out first. Cost should be no more than £150, though there have been stories of quotes of £400.
High cost of servicing. Valve/cam clearances cannot be checked without removing the inlet manifold, adding £80 to the cost of a service. 2nd annual service can cost £430 including a new set of front pads.
Batch of faulty EGR valves eventually caused jerky running on early Jazz models. Replaced FOC. EGR valves can also block if cars are used a lot in traffic or for short runs from cold and this leads to jerky running.
Make sure the a/c works as compressors have been known to fail.
Can have a manual transmission selector problem. Some cars have needed new manual gearboxes. Manual transmission bearing failures on 3 to 5 year old Jazz well known in 2007 and extremely common by late 2009. Dealers quote £1,400 for a full rebuild. Seems that Honda will repair some (not all) post 2003 cars FOC or provide some goodwill if pressed, but not cars built before 2003 as they say these cars did not have the problem. Even the new 2008 Jazz has a problem. If the transmission becomes noisy Honda is asking owners to leave it to 6,000 miles, then changes the transmission oil.
On early Jazz a clicking noise heard when turning left in 2nd gear may be due to the reverse shift holder ball bearing being contaminated and partially seized, causing the reverse idler gear to not return to neutral. Shifting into 2nd gear causes the reverse idler gear to touch the countershaft reverse gear. This problem has been known by Honda since 2002, and resulted a stronger reverse shift holder being fitted to later models. Repairs to early Jazz may be quoted at around £730.
Two complaints within a few days of each other of rear doors letting in water, possibly through waterproof membranes cracked by frost.
In 2006 one reader suffered front damper and steering rack failure on an early 02 Jazz costing £1,600 to fix. Honda paid half.
Owners of grey import Jazz/Fit CVT-7s built between 5 June and 23 October 2003: the CVT belt may break, resulting in transmission failure. This problem was the subject of three separate recallsin the Far East, New Zealand and Australia. If the problem has been fixed in Japan there will be yellow paint on the left bonnet hinge bolt.
Several complaints of prematurely failed rear wheel bearings on Jazz over 4 years old.
Where fitted with rear disc brakes, complaints of parking brakes not holding the car on temporary stops in traffic.
'Piston slap' reported on Jazz 1.4 I-DSIs from 2005 at around 3 years old.
New electric window switch panel £196 + £63 to fit.
Dodgy rear door seals common resulting in wet carpets in rear footwell and consequent misting of windows.
20-07-2011:New clutch and clutch hydraulics required on 3 year old at 30k miles.
01-08-2012:Wheel bearings can fail after about 8 years.
28-12-2012:Report of 6 year old Jazz needing a complete new set of locks after they all became sticky and eventually failed. Cost £576.
13-01-2013:Nice story: 2004 Jazz CVT suffered transmission judder cured by change of Automatic Transmission Fluid under warranty at 3 years old. In January 2013 suffered same problem and, remarkably, Honda footed the bill for a second change of ATF, which cured it.
22-06-2013:Report of ABS failure on 60k mile 2004 Jazz 1.4.
13-06-2014:Airbag SRS failure reported on 7 year old Jazz. Quoted £600 by Honda dealer to fix. Apparently a growing issue and big recall looming in the USA: Honda SRS Airbag US Recall.
14-08-2014:Hot re-starting problem reported with 2008 Jazz 1.4 I-DSI. Somtimes starts if key is removed and a 2nd start attempted. Immobiliser fault suspected, falining battery in remote key, or separation of a contact due to heat.
24-03-2015:Report that airconditioning of 160k kilometre 7 year old Honda Jazz used in Italy freezes up and gets blocked with ice after 2-3 hours and 120kilometres.
02-07-2015:Transmission bearings of 2005 Jazz 1.4iDSI failed at 40k miles.
21-11-2015:The Honda Jazz 1.4iDSI engine has 8 spark plugs and 8 ignition coils so replacing them all is an £800 job at a Honda dealer.
08-08-2016:Electromagnetic clutch failure reported on 2008 Jazz 1.4iDTEC CVT-7. Quoted £945 to replace by Honda dealer.
12-01-2018:Report of failure of weld/seal between roof section and side panels of a 35k miles 2006 Honda Jazz leading to water draining into the spare wheel well. Quoted £180 to to check and seal the rear of the roofbar gutter C pillar roof joint. Then check for cracks where the hatchback is hinged onto the car roof.
04-05-2018:Report of steering rack failing on 2008 Honda Jazz 1.2 Mk 1. Estimated cost of replacing with aftermarket parts £600 + labour; with a Honda rack £800 + labour. But car only worth about £1,500.
14-05-2018:CVT transmission of 2006 Honda Jazz eventually starting to fail with occasionally hesitant changes. Replacement of the CVT fluid did not cure it.
18-06-2018:Another report of 1st gen 2006/56 Jazz suffering the same leak as 12-1-2018. Honda dealer charged £120 to "find water leaking through the roof seals, cleaned out original sealant, resealed and repainted."
07-02-2019:Another solution to water ingress to the rear of Mk 1 Jazz: "From the rear of the vehicle peel back a few inches of the roof rail rubber and open the rear hatch fully. You might see a very thin crack in the end of both roof rail gullies. Working under cover and using a hair dryer completely dry this area and smear a waterproof silicone over the cracks and allow to dry and replace rubber. Rain water had been running from these cracks down both sides of the rear hatch door frame face and into the spare tyre well.
14-04-2019:Further description of the rear waterleak and the solution: "Water collecting in the spare wheel well, and couldn’t find the source. Then a Google search suggested failed mastic in the spot welded seams that join the roof panel to the side panels, just inboard of the tops of the doors. These seams are covered by black plastic strips. The strips easily prise out, and cracks appear in the mastic between the metal edges. Fill these with new mastic, the paint over the new mastic. No more leaks.
30-04-2019:Manual transmission bearing noise reported in recently purchased 2005 Honda Jazz at 88,000 miles.
