Likes
- Excellent levels of reliability and longevity.
- Maintenance, parts and servicing costs very affordable.
- Huge practicality considering the size of the car.
- Genuinely enjoyable to drive.
Used Honda Jazz (GD) review
Dislikes
- CVT can have issues if not maintained correctly.
- Many on the used market have been ruined.
- Safety not superb compared to modern cars.
- Very loud cabin at any speed.
Stuff you should know
The first-generation Honda Jazz, known internally as the GD, was introduced to the Australian market in late 2002. It represented Honda’s first true entry into the light hatchback segment locally, positioned below the Civic in the brand’s line-up. At launch, it was aimed squarely at rivals such as the Toyota Echo, Mazda 2, Suzuki Swift, and Hyundai Getz. However, the Jazz quickly established itself as something of a class outlier, offering packaging, practicality, and build quality more often associated with larger and more expensive vehicles.
Powertrain options in Australia consisted of two naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engines from Honda’s L-series family. The entry-level GLi was fitted with a 1.3-litre engine producing 61 kW (82 hp) and 119 Nm (88 lb.ft), while the higher-grade VTi and VTi-S variants benefited from a 1.5-litre unit developing 81 kW (109 hp) and 143 Nm (105 lb.ft). Transmission choices included a standard 5-speed manual, a 5-speed automatic available with the 1.3, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) option with the 1.5. While performance figures were modest, the Jazz’s light kerb weight ensured adequate performance in urban conditions, paired with excellent fuel efficiency.
A mid-cycle update arrived in late 2005. Visually, the facelift introduced revised bumpers, headlights, and grille design, giving the car a slightly more modern appearance. Inside, materials were subtly upgraded and equipment refinements were made, including improvements to the audio system. Mechanically, Honda revised the CVT calibration to address drivability complaints and retuned the suspension for improved comfort. The engines remained mechanically unchanged, though refinements were made to maintain efficiency and emissions standards.
Trim levels in Australia were straightforward. The base GLi included features such as dual front airbags, power steering, air conditioning, power windows, and central locking, which placed it on par with or ahead of many competitors at the time. The mid-range VTi gained the larger 1.5-litre engine, alloy wheels, a tachometer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the flagship VTi-S added sport-oriented styling touches including side skirts, a rear spoiler, and larger alloy wheels. Across the range, Honda’s innovative “Magic Seat” system provided exceptional versatility, allowing the rear seats to fold flat or flip up to accommodate unusually shaped or bulky loads.
It was this level of practicality that truly set the Jazz apart. With a compact exterior footprint but a tall, cleverly packaged body, the model offered a load space far superior to its direct competitors. Even today, the GD Jazz remains one of the most versatile vehicles in its segment, capable of carrying loads that rival vehicles could not manage. This aspect, more than any other, cemented the Jazz’s reputation in the Australian market.
Honda’s reputation for reliability and build quality was another strong selling point. The GD Jazz has proven generally dependable, supported by Honda’s extensive service and dealership network throughout Australia, as well as a strong pool of independent specialists. That said, the model is not without its common faults, which we explore in detail in the “what goes wrong” section below. Nonetheless, compared with many contemporaries, the Jazz remains a reassuringly solid used choice.
In the broader Australian automotive landscape, the GD Jazz successfully capitalised on the growth of the light hatchback segment in the early 2000s. Against competitors, it combined Honda’s quality and reliability with levels of practicality that were, and arguably still are, class-leading. On today’s used market, the Jazz continues to represent a sensible choice for first-time buyers, urban drivers, and those seeking a reliable and highly versatile hatchback.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
If you’re looking at a first-generation Jazz in a colder climate where it was badged as the Honda Fit, rust can be a serious concern. You’ll want to check the wheel arches, sills, boot floor, battery tray, suspension and exhaust mounts, and ideally get underneath to inspect the chassis and brake lines. Rust on a Jazz might just be cosmetic and fairly straightforward to sort, but more severe corrosion can absolutely kill the car. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Here in Australia, rust is generally less of an issue, but a few owners have reported it forming at the base of the front windscreen. This can cause the metal to expand and crack the glass, which means a replacement windscreen in the $350 to $650 range.
It’s also important to inspect the front chassis crossmember and the frame as a whole. If you do spot significant rust in a car that’s lived its life in an Aussie climate, it may be a red flag for poorly repaired accident damage rather than natural corrosion.
Paint fade can also crop up, particularly on plastic trims like the mirror caps, but if the car has been garaged and looked after, the paintwork tends to hold up well.
Electrical gremlins in the Jazz are rare, though a power mirror might occasionally stop working, but these are cheap and simple to fix.
The biggest recurring exterior issue by far is leaking tailgates and rear doors. Many owners have dealt with water ingress because the seam between the roof panel and rear quarter panel deteriorates over time, as can another seam further down. Water then sneaks into the cabin behind the trim and collects in the spare wheel well, leaving you with a sloshing sound and, eventually, that unmistakable wet dog smell. Some owners have also found water leaking in behind the rear lights or under the plastic roof channel trims.
If you’re checking one out, lift the boot floor, pull the spare wheel out, and look for any signs of water. Have a look under the rear seats too, because another common issue is water leaking in through the rear doors. Behind the trim there’s a thin plastic membrane designed to direct water towards the drain holes, but the adhesive fails over time and water simply runs into the cabin instead.
The good news is, while these leaks are annoying, they’re not deal breakers. In fact, they might give you some bargaining power, because the fixes are inexpensive and straightforward. Thanks to the strong community around these cars, solutions are well-documented and easy to carry out.
Interior:
Inside the Jazz, complaints are
Exterior:
If you’re looking at a first-generation Jazz in a colder climate where it was badged as the Honda Fit, rust can be a serious concern. You’ll want to check the wheel arches, sills, boot floor, battery tray, suspension and exhaust mounts, and ideally get underneath to inspect the chassis and brake lines. Rust on a Jazz might just be cosmetic and fairly straightforward to sort, but more severe corrosion can absolutely kill the car. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Here in Australia, rust is generally less of an issue, but a few owners have reported it forming at the base of the front windscreen. This can cause the metal to expand and crack the glass, which means a replacement windscreen in the $350 to $650 range.
It’s also important to inspect the front chassis crossmember and the frame as a whole. If you do spot significant rust in a car that’s lived its life in an Aussie climate, it may be a red flag for poorly repaired accident damage rather than natural corrosion.
Paint fade can also crop up, particularly on plastic trims like the mirror caps, but if the car has been garaged and looked after, the paintwork tends to hold up well.
Electrical gremlins in the Jazz are rare, though a power mirror might occasionally stop working, but these are cheap and simple to fix.
The biggest recurring exterior issue by far is leaking tailgates and rear doors. Many owners have dealt with water ingress because the seam between the roof panel and rear quarter panel deteriorates over time, as can another seam further down. Water then sneaks into the cabin behind the trim and collects in the spare wheel well, leaving you with a sloshing sound and, eventually, that unmistakable wet dog smell. Some owners have also found water leaking in behind the rear lights or under the plastic roof channel trims.
If you’re checking one out, lift the boot floor, pull the spare wheel out, and look for any signs of water. Have a look under the rear seats too, because another common issue is water leaking in through the rear doors. Behind the trim there’s a thin plastic membrane designed to direct water towards the drain holes, but the adhesive fails over time and water simply runs into the cabin instead.
The good news is, while these leaks are annoying, they’re not deal breakers. In fact, they might give you some bargaining power, because the fixes are inexpensive and straightforward. Thanks to the strong community around these cars, solutions are well-documented and easy to carry out.
Interior:
Inside the Jazz, complaints are surprisingly minimal. Digging through owner groups and forums, there are almost no recurring faults in terms of electronics, HVAC, or trim issues. It’s so uncommon that we wouldn’t even call these “common problems.” You might find some painted interior surfaces looking a little tired, but that’s easily sorted.
What does come up again and again, however, are the seats. Many owners consider the Jazz seats are some of the most uncomfortable seats fitted to any car. They’re fine for about 40 minutes, but after that you start feeling every lump through your spine, there’s not enough support, and no matter how you adjust them, it’s near impossible to get properly comfortable. The foam can be reshaped or the seats reupholstered, but some clever owners have fitted Honda CR-Z seats, which bolt in and are far more supportive.
The only other gripe is one you’d expect: the infotainment system. By today’s standards it’s completely outdated and offers nothing in the way of modern phone connectivity. Fortunately, aftermarket head units are plentiful, with factory-style fascias available to keep things looking neat. Upgrading not only gives you Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera, and whatever tech you like, but also freshens up the look of the interior, which has otherwise aged remarkably well. If you’re into your music, new speakers also make a big difference, unless, of course, you’re playing country music, because the best upgrade for that is simply the off button.
Mechanically:
Mechanically, the Jazz is generally very reliable, though there are a few quirks worth knowing. The 1.3-litre GD1 non-VTEC engine actually runs twin spark plugs and coils, and ironically these can cause ignition issues. The rear plugs are tucked away and easy to miss, so some cars reach this age having never had them replaced, which can lead to misfires.
The 1.5-litre VTEC engine is similarly dependable, though it can develop issues with the VTEC solenoid. Leaks are common, the strainer can block up, and sometimes the solenoid fails altogether. None of these are major jobs to repair and parts are inexpensive.
The CVT transmission is where things can get tricky. Many owners report a shudder, especially when taking off from a standstill. A fresh fluid change is the first step, followed by a calibration procedure, and if that doesn’t work, some owners have had success with specific additives like Xado Revitalizant EX120. Normally we wouldn’t suggest additives, but in this case it can buy some time. If the shudder persists, the transmission will likely need a new start-up clutch, which isn’t cheap. Unfortunately, some sellers try to offload cars with this issue rather than repairing it, so if you test drive one with a shudder, walk away.
Rear wheel bearings are another wear point, often going after 100,000 kilometres. Some owners view this as premature, but really it’s within the realm of normal wear and tear. Beyond that, age-related issues need to be considered, as the GD Jazz is now over twenty years old. Regular maintenance is key, and if properly cared for, these engines and drivetrains are capable of huge mileage.
Exterior:
If you’re looking at a first-generation Jazz in a colder climate where it was badged as the Honda Fit, rust can be a serious concern. You’ll want to check the wheel arches, sills, boot floor, battery tray, suspension and exhaust mounts, and ideally get underneath to inspect the chassis and brake lines. Rust on a Jazz might just be cosmetic and fairly straightforward to sort, but more severe corrosion can absolutely kill the car. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Here in Australia, rust is generally less of an issue, but a few owners have reported it forming at the base of the front windscreen. This can cause the metal to expand and crack the glass, which means a replacement windscreen in the $350 to $650 range.
It’s also important to inspect the front chassis crossmember and the frame as a whole. If you do spot significant rust in a car that’s lived its life in an Aussie climate, it may be a red flag for poorly repaired accident damage rather than natural corrosion.
Paint fade can also crop up, particularly on plastic trims like the mirror caps, but if the car has been garaged and looked after, the paintwork tends to hold up well.
Electrical gremlins in the Jazz are rare, though a power mirror might occasionally stop working, but these are cheap and simple to fix.
The biggest recurring exterior issue by far is leaking tailgates and rear doors. Many owners have dealt with water ingress because the seam between the roof panel and rear quarter panel deteriorates over time, as can another seam further down. Water then sneaks into the cabin behind the trim and collects in the spare wheel well, leaving you with a sloshing sound and, eventually, that unmistakable wet dog smell. Some owners have also found water leaking in behind the rear lights or under the plastic roof channel trims.
If you’re checking one out, lift the boot floor, pull the spare wheel out, and look for any signs of water. Have a look under the rear seats too, because another common issue is water leaking in through the rear doors. Behind the trim there’s a thin plastic membrane designed to direct water towards the drain holes, but the adhesive fails over time and water simply runs into the cabin instead.
The good news is, while these leaks are annoying, they’re not deal breakers. In fact, they might give you some bargaining power, because the fixes are inexpensive and straightforward. Thanks to the strong community around these cars, solutions are well-documented and easy to carry out.
Interior:
Inside the Jazz, complaints are surprisingly minimal. Digging through owner groups and forums, there are almost no recurring faults in terms of electronics, HVAC, or trim issues. It’s so uncommon that we wouldn’t even call these “common problems.” You might find some painted interior surfaces looking a little tired, but that’s easily sorted.
What does come up again and again, however, are the seats. Many owners consider the Jazz seats are some of the most uncomfortable seats fitted to any car. They’re fine for about 40 minutes, but after that you start feeling every lump through your spine, there’s not enough support, and no matter how you adjust them, it’s near impossible to get properly comfortable. The foam can be reshaped or the seats reupholstered, but some clever owners have fitted Honda CR-Z seats, which bolt in and are far more supportive.
The only other gripe is one you’d expect: the infotainment system. By today’s standards it’s completely outdated and offers nothing in the way of modern phone connectivity. Fortunately, aftermarket head units are plentiful, with factory-style fascias available to keep things looking neat. Upgrading not only gives you Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera, and whatever tech you like, but also freshens up the look of the interior, which has otherwise aged remarkably well. If you’re into your music, new speakers also make a big difference, unless, of course, you’re playing country music, because the best upgrade for that is simply the off button.
Mechanically:
Mechanically, the Jazz is generally very reliable, though there are a few quirks worth knowing. The 1.3-litre GD1 non-VTEC engine actually runs twin spark plugs and coils, and ironically these can cause ignition issues. The rear plugs are tucked away and easy to miss, so some cars reach this age having never had them replaced, which can lead to misfires.
The 1.5-litre VTEC engine is similarly dependable, though it can develop issues with the VTEC solenoid. Leaks are common, the strainer can block up, and sometimes the solenoid fails altogether. None of these are major jobs to repair and parts are inexpensive.
The CVT transmission is where things can get tricky. Many owners report a shudder, especially when taking off from a standstill. A fresh fluid change is the first step, followed by a calibration procedure, and if that doesn’t work, some owners have had success with specific additives like Xado Revitalizant EX120. Normally we wouldn’t suggest additives, but in this case it can buy some time. If the shudder persists, the transmission will likely need a new start-up clutch, which isn’t cheap. Unfortunately, some sellers try to offload cars with this issue rather than repairing it, so if you test drive one with a shudder, walk away.
Rear wheel bearings are another wear point, often going after 100,000 kilometres. Some owners view this as premature, but really it’s within the realm of normal wear and tear. Beyond that, age-related issues need to be considered, as the GD Jazz is now over twenty years old. Regular maintenance is key, and if properly cared for, these engines and drivetrains are capable of huge mileage.
Should you buy one?
We’ve got a lot of time for the Toyota Yaris, the Mazda 2 and the Suzuki Swift, but if you’re shopping in this part of the market and your budget is on the tighter side, the Honda Jazz really should be right at the top of your list, provided, of course, you find the right one.
The challenge with these cars today is that many have lived fairly hard lives. Servicing may have been skipped, corners cut to save money, and with so many of them passing through multiple owners, you never quite know what a particular Jazz has been through. Some will have been meticulously cared for, while others may have been treated as nothing more than cheap transport.
That’s why tracking down one with a proper service history is so critical, and arranging a professional pre-purchase inspection really is non-negotiable. These checks will reveal if the car has been maintained correctly, if any big-ticket issues are lurking in the background, and whether you’re looking at a genuinely good example or one to walk away from.
If it passes all those tests, our advice is simple: buy it. Once you’ve got a solid Jazz in your driveway, you can make it even better. Adding some extra sound deadening will quieten things down nicely, upgrading the infotainment system and speakers will bring the cabin into the modern age, and if you’re that way inclined, lowering it slightly and fitting a set of good-looking wheels and tyres
We’ve got a lot of time for the Toyota Yaris, the Mazda 2 and the Suzuki Swift, but if you’re shopping in this part of the market and your budget is on the tighter side, the Honda Jazz really should be right at the top of your list, provided, of course, you find the right one.
The challenge with these cars today is that many have lived fairly hard lives. Servicing may have been skipped, corners cut to save money, and with so many of them passing through multiple owners, you never quite know what a particular Jazz has been through. Some will have been meticulously cared for, while others may have been treated as nothing more than cheap transport.
That’s why tracking down one with a proper service history is so critical, and arranging a professional pre-purchase inspection really is non-negotiable. These checks will reveal if the car has been maintained correctly, if any big-ticket issues are lurking in the background, and whether you’re looking at a genuinely good example or one to walk away from.
If it passes all those tests, our advice is simple: buy it. Once you’ve got a solid Jazz in your driveway, you can make it even better. Adding some extra sound deadening will quieten things down nicely, upgrading the infotainment system and speakers will bring the cabin into the modern age, and if you’re that way inclined, lowering it slightly and fitting a set of good-looking wheels and tyres can completely transform how it looks and drives.
Do all of that, and what you’ll end up with is a first-generation Jazz that’s not only practical, reliable, and affordable, but one that also feels fresh, fun, and pretty close to the perfect little runabout.
Should you buy one?
We’ve got a lot of time for the Toyota Yaris, the Mazda 2 and the Suzuki Swift, but if you’re shopping in this part of the market and your budget is on the tighter side, the Honda Jazz really should be right at the top of your list, provided, of course, you find the right one.
The challenge with these cars today is that many have lived fairly hard lives. Servicing may have been skipped, corners cut to save money, and with so many of them passing through multiple owners, you never quite know what a particular Jazz has been through. Some will have been meticulously cared for, while others may have been treated as nothing more than cheap transport.
That’s why tracking down one with a proper service history is so critical, and arranging a professional pre-purchase inspection really is non-negotiable. These checks will reveal if the car has been maintained correctly, if any big-ticket issues are lurking in the background, and whether you’re looking at a genuinely good example or one to walk away from.
If it passes all those tests, our advice is simple: buy it. Once you’ve got a solid Jazz in your driveway, you can make it even better. Adding some extra sound deadening will quieten things down nicely, upgrading the infotainment system and speakers will bring the cabin into the modern age, and if you’re that way inclined, lowering it slightly and fitting a set of good-looking wheels and tyres can completely transform how it looks and drives.
Do all of that, and what you’ll end up with is a first-generation Jazz that’s not only practical, reliable, and affordable, but one that also feels fresh, fun, and pretty close to the perfect little runabout.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of August 31, 2025.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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