Honda Jazz III (GK) (2015 – 2020)
Reliability score : 9.2/10
The 3rd generation Honda Jazz (code GK), also marketed as the Honda Fit in North America and Asia, is a versatile city car (B-segment) renowned for its record-breaking interior space. Thanks to the central placement of its fuel tank, it retains the famous "Magic Seats" (fold-up rear seat bases). Launched in Europe in 2015 (although it appeared in Japan as early as 2013), it benefited from a late 2017 facelift (marketed in 2018) which introduced the 1.5 i-VTEC 130 hp engine to the European market (Dynamic trim). It is an extremely rational model, prioritizing space, modularity, and very high-level mechanical reliability, at the expense of soundproofing and suspension comfort. Overall design score: 8.5/10.
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional mechanical reliability of gasoline engines (1.3 and 1.5 i-VTEC)
- Giant interior space for a 4-meter car (legroom worthy of a sedan)
- Unbeatable modularity thanks to Magic Seats (fold-up seat bases, flat floor)
- Very low real-world fuel consumption, even without hybridization (often under 5.5 L/100 km with 1.3L)
- Excellent peripheral visibility (large glass surfaces)
- Perfectly handling 6-speed manual gearbox (precise and short)
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Poor soundproofing (road and aerodynamic noise on the highway)
- Very firm suspension comfort, jolts at low speed
- Infotainment system (Honda Connect) slow, dated, and unintuitive
- CVT gearbox that makes the engine "rev high" during strong accelerations
- Fragile water-based paint (sensitive to micro-scratches and gravel chips)
- Small fuel tank (40 liters), limiting range on the highway
🎯 Verdict
The Honda Jazz III (GK) is one of the most rational and safest used car purchases on the market. If you are looking for a city car capable of transporting bulky items, comfortably accommodating 4 adults, and never breaking down, this is the number one choice. The 1.3 i-VTEC engine is the ideal compromise in Europe for its legendary reliability and fuel efficiency. The 1.5 i-VTEC offers a real plus on the road but is rarer. However, you must accept firm comfort and light soundproofing on the highway. Highly recommended purchase, provided you check the service history if you opt for the CVT automatic gearbox.
Common issues
Problèmes de pompe à carburant (rappel constructeur)
High
🔧 Variable (souvent avant 100 000 km, lié au rappel)
💶 Gratuit si couvert par le rappel, sinon 400 – 800 €
Vérifier l'historique du véhicule pour s'assurer que le rappel a été effectué.
Usure ou dysfonctionnements de la transmission CVT
Medium
🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km
💶 2 000 – 4 000 € (réparation ou remplacement)
Suivre scrupuleusement les intervalles de vidange de l'huile de transmission CVT.
Dysfonctionnements du système d'infodivertissement (écran tactile, Bluetooth)
Low
🔧 Dès l'achat ou 20 000 – 80 000 km
💶 0 € (mise à jour logicielle) à 500 – 1 000 € (remplacement module)
Tester toutes les fonctions de l'infodivertissement avant l'achat.
Usure prématurée de la batterie 12V
Low
🔧 40 000 – 80 000 km (3-5 ans)
💶 100 – 250 €
Vérifier l'âge de la batterie et la faire tester lors de l'inspection.
Estimated maintenance costs
| Oil change |
£70 – 130 |
| Timing chain |
£650 – 1 300 (si remplacement nécessaire, non planifié) |
| Clutch |
£800 – 1 500 (pour boîte manuelle) |
| Complete brakes |
£220 – 450 (avant et arrière) |
| Estimated annual budget |
£500 – 1 000 |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.