2006 Honda Jazz SE from UK and Ireland - Comments

The car is only a couple of months old, but there were no faults on delivery, and no early problems have arisen.

This car was purchased as a replacement for my wife's Vauxhall Corsa. She loved the Corsa, but having given 7 years decent service, it was starting to pick up a number of annoying repairs and we dreaded a big bill at the next service/MOT.

We've had a couple of Honda's in the family and have had no problems with either the cars or our local dealer, so we decided to look at a Jazz. The car has met all expectations:

It appears really well built, albeit the doors seem just a bit too 'tinny' and lightweight.

As others have commented, it is extremely spacious inside.

The SE model is equipped with just about everything you could want in a small runabout. The latest models even have an MP3 input - something that Honda and the dealer don't seem to have publicised - strange, as it is a real plus point for my kids with their ipods.

The only real gripe at the moment is that the fual economy is not as good as expected - our old technology Corsa got better. However, I'm hoping that things will improve a little once the car has loosened up a bit.

The Jazz isn't cheap to buy (in the UK at least) and it's hard to haggle much of a discount, but I'm hoping it's worth the extra money in terms of reliability and geberal durability - we tend to hang on to our cars for several years. The Jazz always tops reliability surveys.

We've also bought a Jazz. Very happy with it. I think it suits the 'Big-small' tag better than the new Yaris.

Regarding the fuel economy, ours is very impressive for less than 500 miles (CVT). As this engine uses knock sensors with the aim of maximising compression you will see better economy with BP ultimate or optimax - but I would run it in before using it.

Regarding the fuel consumption, it gets much better with some more mile on it. Mine (1.2 dsi liter gas engine) uses about 3.4 to 4 liters per 100 kms at cruising speeds of 60 mph.

There has been some issues with engine management on early Jazz, which lead to poor performance and excessive consumption. Those have been sorted out by now.

My wife has had a Jazz for a couple of months now and is over the moon she can easily average 50+ mpg locally with up to 60mpg on run. The light clutch and beautiful 5 speed box are a joy to use. One tip to those not getting expected mpg, although the brakes are very effective, try not to use them!! remember every time you use the brakes you are wasting petrol in the form of warming up the brake disc. think ahead and avoid heavy braking and your mpg will soar.

We are a family with two very young children. We live in Hong Kong, where parking spaces are small and so are the roads. Thus, we are quite interested in the Jazz. Two things I am concerned about however are whether the engine can handle the Hong Kong hills and how safe the car is as compared to a more expensive compact (such as a VW Golf). Any input is appreciated.

An update on my original post. Our Jazz is now loosening up nicely - fuel economy has improved (or maybe our driving has adjusted to the car) and now averages 42mpg. The car is used in London, so 42mpg is quite impressive.

The car continues to be fault free, and attracts a lot of positive comments from friends and family for the quality and space of the interior.

To answer the questions from the chap from Hong Kong: the car pulls extremely well and should cope with all, but the most extreme of hills. The car has a 4 star safety rating in Europe (NCAP) - not as good as the latest cars from the likes of Renault or Toyota, but still a safe car.

We also have a Jazz and chose it over the new Yaris or current Polo. Neither offered the same seating\luggage ability. Both had compromises with drum brakes (1.4 auto, 1.3 auto)

Agree the DSi works best on hi octane fuel. Says 97 or super minimum on filler. Look on honda world site for more info on the engine.

The cvt is great and the handling is very good.

Bad points - soft seats, minor ergonomics grate ie lights on a stalk is fiddly. No all the buttons illuminated. But I'm comparing to a VW.

I've done a lot of research on my next car (about to change from an 01 Vauxhall Corsa) and have just ordered a Honda Jazz as a company / lease car - I found your comments very useful. I've gone for the 1.4 DSi CVT-7 SE. I wanted a small automatic that wouldn't guzzle fuel, was flexible and got four people inside in comfort, instead of the relatively cramped Corsa. I'll post comments on how I get on.

Honda lent me a Jazz as an courtesy car while my Integra type R was having some major work done. Have to say I was impressed, it's not as quick and I wouldn't want to blast down a B-road in it, but as a city car it was fab. Definitely would consider one in the future if I ever need something more practical.

Thanks. I've got a Jazz CVT now and am very pleased with it. A very good all-rounder. No speed freak, but very smooth auto box and good on fuel (about 40 MPG), and very well built.