Likes

  • Easily the most practical car in this class.
  • Typical excellent Honda build quality and reliability.
  • Great range to choose from, all well equipped.
  • Offers extremely good value on the used market.

Dislikes

  • Some used examples may have missed scheduled  maintenance.
  • While build quality and reliability are excellent, it might not be perfect.
  • In lower trim specs, maybe a little too conservative visually.
  • Some owners have complained the seats aren’t all that comfortable.

Stuff you should know

  • This cheat sheet covers the second-generation GE series Honda Jazz, known internationally as the Honda Fit. This generation is divided into two iterations: the GE.1 (2008-2011) and the GE.2 (2011-2013).
  • Buyers could choose between a 1.3-litre or a 1.5-litre petrol 4-cylinder engine, with both manual and automatic transmissions available. Later in the model’s lifecycle, a 1.3-litre hybrid with a CVT was also introduced.
  • Interestingly, the 1.5-litre engine found in the Jazz/Fit has also been utilised in various Formula motorsport series globally, highlighting its performance and reliability capabilities.
  • In Australia, the pre-update GE.1 offers three trim levels: GLi, VTi, and VTi-S. The post-update GE.2 expands the options to five trims: GLi, VTi, VTi-S, Vibe, and Vibe-S.
  • Honda also released special editions during this generation, such as the Modulo Sports Pack in 2009 and the initial Vibe edition in 2010, providing additional customisation and features for enthusiasts.
  • While Honda is renowned for its build quality and reliability, many Jazz models from this generation are now very affordable. This affordability may lead to cost-cutting by previous owners in terms of maintenance and repairs. It’s important to be aware of common faults and signs of neglect when considering purchasing one of these vehicles.

What goes wrong

Exterior

  • Pre-Purchase Inspection: It’s essential to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection for the second-generation GE Honda Jazz, particularly to check for corrosion. This inspection often requires looking underneath the vehicle, including chassis rails, sills, the floor pan, and wheel arches, especially the rear. While not extremely common, reports of corrosion issues are increasing.
  • Tailgate Door Handle: Some owners have reported problems with the tailgate door handle not opening the boot. This issue is typically caused by moisture entering and causing corrosion. Fortunately, this is a simple and inexpensive fix.
  • Boot Seal Issues: There have been instances where the boot seal fails to prevent water from entering, resulting in water pooling at the base of the boot floor. This can cause an unpleasant odor, akin to a wet dog. It’s advisable to check for any signs of moisture in the boot area during your inspection.

Interior

  • Seat Comfort: Owners have mixed opinions on the comfort of the seats during long trips. While some find them uncomfortable, others consider them perfectly comfortable.
  • HVAC Issues: There have been reports of HVAC problems, including non-functional air conditioning, failing blower motors, and malfunctioning heater cores. The good news is that these issues are generally easy and affordable to repair.
  • Power Windows: A known issue with the power windows is that they may stop going up at a certain point or fully close and then drop down again. This problem is usually resolved by recalibrating the windows, with tutorials readily available online.

Mechanically

  • Overall Reliability: Mechanically, the Jazz is highly reliable. As long as the vehicle has a documented service history, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter significant mechanical issues.
  • Cold Climate Concerns: In cold climates with salted or chemically treated roads, there can be issues with broken driveshafts and rear calipers, as well as park brakes becoming stuck. However, these issues are extremely unlikely in warmer climates like Australia.
  • Transmission Bearings: On rare occasions, manual transmission bearings may experience problems, but this is not a common issue.

Exterior

  • Pre-Purchase Inspection: It’s essential to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection for the second-generation GE Honda Jazz, particularly to check for corrosion. This inspection often requires looking underneath the vehicle, including chassis rails, sills, the floor pan, and wheel arches, especially the rear. While not extremely common, reports of corrosion issues are increasing.
  • Tailgate Door Handle: Some owners have reported problems with the tailgate door handle not opening the boot. This issue is typically caused by moisture entering and causing corrosion. Fortunately, this is a simple and inexpensive fix.
  • Boot Seal Issues: There have been instances where the boot seal fails to prevent water from entering, resulting in water pooling at the base of the boot floor. This can cause an unpleasant odor, akin to a wet dog. It’s advisable to check for any signs of moisture in the boot area during your inspection.

Interior

  • Seat Comfort: Owners have mixed opinions on the comfort of the seats during long trips. While some find them uncomfortable, others consider them perfectly comfortable.
  • HVAC Issues: There have been reports of HVAC problems, including non-functional air conditioning, failing blower motors, and malfunctioning heater cores. The good news is that these issues are generally easy and affordable to repair.
  • Power Windows: A known issue with the power windows is that they may stop going up at a certain point or fully close and then drop down again. This problem is usually resolved by recalibrating the windows, with tutorials readily available online.

Mechanically

  • Overall Reliability: Mechanically, the Jazz is highly reliable. As long as the vehicle has a documented service history, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter significant mechanical issues.
  • Cold Climate Concerns: In cold climates with salted or chemically treated roads, there can be issues with broken driveshafts and rear calipers, as well as park brakes becoming stuck. However, these issues are extremely unlikely in warmer climates like Australia.
  • Transmission Bearings: On rare occasions, manual transmission bearings may experience problems, but this is not a common issue.

Exterior

  • Pre-Purchase Inspection: It’s essential to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection for the second-generation GE Honda Jazz, particularly to check for corrosion. This inspection often requires looking underneath the vehicle, including chassis rails, sills, the floor pan, and wheel arches, especially the rear. While not extremely common, reports of corrosion issues are increasing.
  • Tailgate Door Handle: Some owners have reported problems with the tailgate door handle not opening the boot. This issue is typically caused by moisture entering and causing corrosion. Fortunately, this is a simple and inexpensive fix.
  • Boot Seal Issues: There have been instances where the boot seal fails to prevent water from entering, resulting in water pooling at the base of the boot floor. This can cause an unpleasant odor, akin to a wet dog. It’s advisable to check for any signs of moisture in the boot area during your inspection.

Interior

  • Seat Comfort: Owners have mixed opinions on the comfort of the seats during long trips. While some find them uncomfortable, others consider them perfectly comfortable.
  • HVAC Issues: There have been reports of HVAC problems, including non-functional air conditioning, failing blower motors, and malfunctioning heater cores. The good news is that these issues are generally easy and affordable to repair.
  • Power Windows: A known issue with the power windows is that they may stop going up at a certain point or fully close and then drop down again. This problem is usually resolved by recalibrating the windows, with tutorials readily available online.

Mechanically

  • Overall Reliability: Mechanically, the Jazz is highly reliable. As long as the vehicle has a documented service history, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter significant mechanical issues.
  • Cold Climate Concerns: In cold climates with salted or chemically treated roads, there can be issues with broken driveshafts and rear calipers, as well as park brakes becoming stuck. However, these issues are extremely unlikely in warmer climates like Australia.
  • Transmission Bearings: On rare occasions, manual transmission bearings may experience problems, but this is not a common issue.

Should you buy it?

When considering whether to buy a second-generation GE Honda Jazz/Fit, there are several factors to keep in mind. While the Honda Jazz can be a brilliant vehicle, it’s critical that it passes all pre-purchase inspections. With these cars becoming increasingly affordable, some previous owners with tight budgets might have skipped necessary maintenance or cut corners on repairs.

Ensure the Jazz meets all pre-purchase requirements, including checks for corrosion, mechanical reliability, and interior functionality. A thorough inspection can save you from future headaches and expenses. If the vehicle passes inspection, the 1.5-litre engine is highly recommended. It offers better performance and is considered the best engine option for this model.

While it’s usually advisable to look for the lowest mileage and best condition car, the Honda Jazz’s reliability means that a higher mileage vehicle with a documented maintenance history can still be a great choice. If you find one with minor cosmetic issues, you might have more leverage to negotiate a better price.

In conclusion, if the car meets all inspection criteria and has been well-maintained, purchasing a second-generation GE Honda Jazz/Fit is a great decision. Its reliability, performance, and affordability make it a fantastic choice for a compact car.

When considering whether to buy a second-generation GE Honda Jazz/Fit, there are several factors to keep in mind. While the Honda Jazz can be a brilliant vehicle, it’s critical that it passes all pre-purchase inspections. With these cars becoming increasingly affordable, some previous owners with tight budgets might have skipped necessary maintenance or cut corners on repairs.

Ensure the Jazz meets all pre-purchase requirements, including checks for corrosion, mechanical reliability, and interior functionality. A thorough inspection can save you from future headaches and expenses. If the vehicle passes inspection, the 1.5-litre engine is highly recommended. It offers better performance and is considered the best engine option for this model.

While it’s usually advisable to look for the lowest mileage and best condition car, the Honda Jazz’s reliability means that a higher mileage vehicle with a documented maintenance history can still be a great choice. If you find one with minor cosmetic issues, you might have more leverage to negotiate a better price.

In conclusion, if the car meets all inspection criteria and has been well-maintained, purchasing a second-generation GE Honda Jazz/Fit is a great decision. Its reliability, performance, and affordability make it a fantastic choice for a compact car.

Should you buy it?

When considering whether to buy a second-generation GE Honda Jazz/Fit, there are several factors to keep in mind. While the Honda Jazz can be a brilliant vehicle, it’s critical that it passes all pre-purchase inspections. With these cars becoming increasingly affordable, some previous owners with tight budgets might have skipped necessary maintenance or cut corners on repairs.

Ensure the Jazz meets all pre-purchase requirements, including checks for corrosion, mechanical reliability, and interior functionality. A thorough inspection can save you from future headaches and expenses. If the vehicle passes inspection, the 1.5-litre engine is highly recommended. It offers better performance and is considered the best engine option for this model.

While it’s usually advisable to look for the lowest mileage and best condition car, the Honda Jazz’s reliability means that a higher mileage vehicle with a documented maintenance history can still be a great choice. If you find one with minor cosmetic issues, you might have more leverage to negotiate a better price.

In conclusion, if the car meets all inspection criteria and has been well-maintained, purchasing a second-generation GE Honda Jazz/Fit is a great decision. Its reliability, performance, and affordability make it a fantastic choice for a compact car.

Need help with finance?

What is the car's build year?

2020

Loan Amount

$5,000

Finance estimate ~

$30

Per week*

8.49%

Comparison rate p.a#

Models, pricing & features

Honda Jazz-2

GLi

Price when new: $14,990 - $16,990

Price used: $2,700 - $9,600

Equipment

  • 12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
  • 4 Speaker Stereo
  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
  • Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
  • Audio – MP3 Decoder
  • Audio Decoder – WMA
  • Body Colour – Bumpers
  • Body Colour – Door Handles
  • Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Full
  • CD Player
  • Cargo Cover
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Clear Side Indicator Lenses
  • Clock – Digital
  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Cup Holders – 2nd Row
  • Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
  • Disc Brakes Rear Solid
  • Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
  • Drive By Wire (Electronic Throttle Control)
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Footrest – Drivers
  • Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
  • Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x2
  • Heat Insulated – Side Windows
  • Heat Insulated – Windscreen
  • Intermittent Wipers
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
  • Metallic Finish Interior Inserts
  • Power Door Mirrors
  • Power Steering – Electric Assist
  • Power Windows – Front & Rear
  • Rear View Mirror – Manual Anti-Glare
  • Rear Wiper/Washer
  • Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
  • Seatback Pocket – Front Passenger Seat
  • Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
  • Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
  • Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
  • Spare Wheel – Full Size Steel
  • Speed Dependant Volume Stereo
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
  • Tacho
  • Trim – Cloth
  • Wheel Covers – Full

MY11 update

  • Control – Electronic Stability
  • Control – Traction

MY12 update

  • Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
  • Audio – Input for iPod
  • Mesh Grille
  • Metallic Finish Centre Stack/ HVAC
  • Tail Lamps – LED
  • Trip Computer

VTi

Price when new: $17,790 - $20,490

Price used: $3,300 - $10,400

Adds

  • Air Conditioning
  • Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
  • Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
  • Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
  • Alarm
  • Information Display – Drivetrain
  • Metallic Finish Handbrake Lever
  • Multi-function Steering Wheel
  • Power Door Mirrors – Folding
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Passenger
  • Warning – Speed Alert

VTi-S

Price when new: $20,990 - $22,990

Price used: $4,200 - $12,500

Adds

  • 16″ Alloy Wheels
  • Chrome Exhaust Tip(s)
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Seatback Pocket – Front Driver Seat
  • Side Skirts
  • Spare Wheel – Full Size Alloy Wheel
  • Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)

MY12 update

  • Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted

GLi Vibe

Price when new: $17,740

Price used: $4,200 - $5,700

Adds

  • 15″ Alloy Wheels
  • Bluetooth System
  • Body Colour – Grille
  • Decals
  • Fog Lamps – Front

GLi Limited Edition

Price when new: $17,490

Price used: $4,200 - $5,700

Adds

  • Floor Mats

VTi Vibe

Price when new: $21,240

Price used: $4,800 - $6,400

VTi Limited Edition

Price when new: $19,690

Price used: $4,800 - $6,500

Vibe

Price when new: $15,990 - $17,990

Price used: $6,700 - $10,600

Adds

  • Air Cond. – Climate Control
  • Leather Gear Knob
  • Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary

Vibe-S

Price when new: $20,740 - $22,240

Price used: $8,600 - $13,400

Adds

  • Body Kit – Lower (skirts
  • F & R Aprons)

Hybrid

Price when new: $22,990

Price used: $11,300 - $13,400

Adds

  • Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
  • Brake Assist
  • Control – Park Distance Rear
  • Engine – Stop Start System (When at idle)
  • Gloveboxes – Upper & Lower
  • Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
  • Seatback Pockets – 1st Row (Front) seats
  • Seats – 2nd Row (Rear) Flat Folding
  • Storage Compartment – Under 2nd Row (Rear) Seat

Tech specs

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback

Engine Specs

  • 1.3 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 73kW / 127Nm (GLi 2008 – 2013, GLi Vibe 2010, GLi Limited Edition 2010, Vibe 2012 – 2014)
  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 88kW / 145Nm (VTi 2008 – 2013, VTi-S 2008 – 2013, VTi Vibe 2010, VTi Limited Edition 2010, Vibe-S 2012 – 2014)
  • 1.3i/10kW Hybrid 4-cylinder petrol, 65kW / 121Nm (Hybrid 2013 – 2014)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (GLi, VTi, VTi-S, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition, Vibe)
  • 5-speed Automatic (GLi, VTi, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition, Vibe, Vibe-S)
  • 5-speed Sports Automatic (VTi-S)
  • 1-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (Hybrid)

Fuel Consumption

  • 5.5 – 8.2 / 100km (GLi, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, Vibe)
  • 5.5 – 8.8 / 100km (VTi, VTi-S, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition, Vibe-S)
  • 4.5 – 4.6 / 100km (Hybrid)

Length

  • 3900mm – 3920mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1695mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1525mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2500mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1075kg – 1178kg (All Models)

Towing

  • 450kg (unbraked) – 1000kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 4 stars (GLi, VTi, VTi-S, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition)
  • 5 stars (VTi, VTi-S, GLi, Vibe, Vibe-S, Hybrid)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback

Engine Specs

  • 1.3 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 73kW / 127Nm (GLi 2008 – 2013, GLi Vibe 2010, GLi Limited Edition 2010, Vibe 2012 – 2014)
  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 88kW / 145Nm (VTi 2008 – 2013, VTi-S 2008 – 2013, VTi Vibe 2010, VTi Limited Edition 2010, Vibe-S 2012 – 2014)
  • 1.3i/10kW Hybrid 4-cylinder petrol, 65kW / 121Nm (Hybrid 2013 – 2014)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (GLi, VTi, VTi-S, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition, Vibe)
  • 5-speed Automatic (GLi, VTi, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition, Vibe, Vibe-S)
  • 5-speed Sports Automatic (VTi-S)
  • 1-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (Hybrid)

Fuel Consumption

  • 5.5 – 8.2 / 100km (GLi, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, Vibe)
  • 5.5 – 8.8 / 100km (VTi, VTi-S, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition, Vibe-S)
  • 4.5 – 4.6 / 100km (Hybrid)

Length

  • 3900mm – 3920mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1695mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1525mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2500mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1075kg – 1178kg (All Models)

Towing

  • 450kg (unbraked) – 1000kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 4 stars (GLi, VTi, VTi-S, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition)
  • 5 stars (VTi, VTi-S, GLi, Vibe, Vibe-S, Hybrid)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback

Engine Specs

  • 1.3 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 73kW / 127Nm (GLi 2008 – 2013, GLi Vibe 2010, GLi Limited Edition 2010, Vibe 2012 – 2014)
  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 88kW / 145Nm (VTi 2008 – 2013, VTi-S 2008 – 2013, VTi Vibe 2010, VTi Limited Edition 2010, Vibe-S 2012 – 2014)
  • 1.3i/10kW Hybrid 4-cylinder petrol, 65kW / 121Nm (Hybrid 2013 – 2014)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (GLi, VTi, VTi-S, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition, Vibe)
  • 5-speed Automatic (GLi, VTi, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition, Vibe, Vibe-S)
  • 5-speed Sports Automatic (VTi-S)
  • 1-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (Hybrid)

Fuel Consumption

  • 5.5 – 8.2 / 100km (GLi, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, Vibe)
  • 5.5 – 8.8 / 100km (VTi, VTi-S, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition, Vibe-S)
  • 4.5 – 4.6 / 100km (Hybrid)

Length

  • 3900mm – 3920mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1695mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1525mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2500mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1075kg – 1178kg (All Models)

Towing

  • 450kg (unbraked) – 1000kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 4 stars (GLi, VTi, VTi-S, GLi Vibe, GLi Limited Edition, VTi Vibe, VTi Limited Edition)
  • 5 stars (VTi, VTi-S, GLi, Vibe, Vibe-S, Hybrid)

Warranty & servicing

Warranty

  • 3 years / 100,000 km (All Models)

Servicing

  • 10,000 km / 6 months (All Models)

Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.

Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.

In the market?

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Jun 28, 2024.

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.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

Related Blog Articles Latest from ReDriven Blog

Join the ReDriven Community

You are the best, the content in your videos is so helpful, delivered in a great way. Please keep going as for sure you are unique in every way. All the best from Guatemala

L. G. - YouTube

You guys have truly found something wonderful… Loved this channel ever since from the beginning… Will support you guys as long as you guys keep making these wonderful car reviews…

Calvin - YouTube

This is probably the best channel I have ever seen when reviewing vehicles. New or old. The honesty is so appreciated. I’ve been a mechanic for 20 years and I find it very informative when looking for a vehicle for my daughter. Keep up the awesome work.

Jason T. - YouTube

© 2024 ReDriven All Rights Reserved