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Hatchback

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

JAZZ

Pricey, but Jazz owners are the most satisfied supermini drivers around

Used Honda Jazz Hatchback 2001 - 2008

You'll have to stump up a fair stash of cash to get hold of one.

For the same money, you can have your pick of many younger superminis, but you get what you pay for, because the Jazz is a hugely practical, reliable and stylish little motor. It's good value and will depreciate more slowly than most rivals.

Notice the word 'reliable'. That means you shouldn't have any unexpected expense on repairs. However, servicing isn't cheap. The Ford Fiesta, Renault Modus and Toyota Yaris will all cost less to maintain and even a Mercedes A-Class won't be much dearer.

Still, insurance won't hurt your wallet - a gentle group three for all but the top-trim 1.4, which is group four.

It's easy on fuel, too - the 1.2 will manage just over 50 miles per gallon unless you're stuck in town, and the 1.4 is only a couple of miles short of that.

Pricey, but Jazz owners are the most satisfied supermini drivers around

Unless you're desperate for the 1.2 petrol version, you're better off looking at the 1.4 petrol.

There's nothing wrong with the 1.2 itself - it's our recommendation if you're buying new - but there are very few on the used market.

Go for the 1.4 and you'll have a far wider choice. It's hardly any thirstier than the 1.2 and gives a welcome extra turn of speed.

Avoid any cars built before spring 2003, because that's when the suspension was revised to take the edge off the stiff ride. There was a facelift in 2004 - a tidy-up outside and extra kit inside.

Entry-level S trim is modest (CD player, electric front windows, central locking), so buy an SE model for its air-con and, on later cars, alloy wheels. Top trim SE Sport (later just 'Sport') has climate control.

Honda dealers have the best younger cars, but independent traders and classifieds are good for older models.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

You'll struggle to find a Jazz with any kind of problem, never mind a serious one.

Check the suspension, though, judging from comments made by owners in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey. Watch, too, for it pulling to the left as a result of being kerbed.

Cars that have spent most of their time in town - an ideal environment for the Jazz - tend to pick up dings and scratches, so inspect the bodywork, wheels and tyres closely. Ensure the door mirrors are undamaged and adjust properly - they're expensive to fix.

City life can also cause the Jazz's exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve to get stuck, which can lead to jerky, inconsistent engine response (the EGR takes exhaust gas back to the engine intake system to help improve efficiency). Avoid any that behave like this.

Other than that, a full service history adds reassurance and value to the car when you come to resell it.

One fact answers that: the Jazz has twice taken top spot in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey and remains the top supermini. It's deeply satisfying to own.

It's good to drive, too. The petrol engines have reasonable pace around town and don't drink much fuel, although you'll need to work them hard to get the most out of them. All the controls - brakes, clutch, gearbox and throttle - gel together perfectly.

The ride can feel too firm at times, but it gives excellent body control and tidy handling. And, keen drivers will want more weight and feel from the steering, although it's nice and light for the kind of manoeuvres that will form the bulk of its daily life.

No-one will find the interior wanting. If Doctor Who drove a supermini, this would be it - small on the outside, cavernous inside.

It's flexible, too. The split rear seats fold flat and the bases can tip up for another self-contained storage area. The back of the front passenger seat folds flat, too.

Used Honda Jazz Hatchback 2001 - 2008 reliability

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Used Honda Jazz Hatchback 2001 - 2008 review

You'll struggle to find a Jazz with any kind of problem, never mind a serious one.,Check the suspension, though, judging from comments made by owners in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey. Watch, too, for it pulling to the left as a result of being kerbed.,Cars that have spent most of their time in town - an ideal environment for the Jazz - tend to pick up dings and scratches, so inspect the bodywork, wheels and tyres closely. Ensure the door mirrors are undamaged and adjust properly - they're expensive to fix.City life can also cause the Jazz's exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve to get stuck, which can lead to jerky, inconsistent engine response (the EGR takes exhaust gas back to the engine intake system to help improve efficiency). Avoid any that behave like this.Other than that, a full service history adds reassurance and value to the car when you come to resell it.

What to look for when buying a Honda Jazz 2001 - 2008, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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