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The Honda Match has been in manufacturing worldwide since 2001, and whereas it solely reached US shores by 2006, this tiny Honda hatchback has confirmed to be a preferred selection for these searching for an inexpensive automobile that excels in gasoline financial system, practicality, and worth for cash. From its intelligent rear seat design to safe physique development that makes it secure and enjoyable to drive for a automobile of its dimension, it’s arduous to move up this tiny, however cleverly designed Honda.
Whereas Honda is related to a few of the most dependable vehicles in the marketplace, new or used, it’s nonetheless good observe to evaluate which mannequin years of the Honda Match skilled essentially the most and least variety of points, must you be all for used instance. On this piece, we’ll analyze one of the best years for the Honda Match and the worst years in relation to reliability.
Japanese automaker Honda rose from the ashes of WWII and set about its enterprise as a producer of bikes initially, solely launching its first automobile, the T360 kei truck, in 1963. Founder Soichiro Honda focused the American market as a very powerful nut to crack, resulting in generations of iconic nameplates just like the Civic and Accord being amongst America’s best-selling passenger vehicles. At the moment, Hondas are famend for his or her security, practicality, and reliability, with a sprinkling of efficiency from fashions just like the Civic Sort R.
Based 24 September 1948
Founder Soichiro Honda
Headquarters Hamamatsu, Japan
Owned By Publicly Traded
Present CEO Toshihiro Mibe
Reliability information has been sourced from the NHTSA. Remembers and complaints listed, in addition to suggestions from sources equivalent to shopper surveys and house owners teams, have been taken under consideration. Authoritative sources are listed on the finish of the article.
Honda Match: Historical past And Generations Overview
The Honda Match, often known as the Jazz in markets exterior North America, debuted in 2001 for the Japanese market. Earlier than the Match/Jazz was conceived, Honda glad the subcompact automobile phase with its profitable Honda Civic mannequin. Nevertheless, put up Y2K, the Civic, coming into its seventh era, was unable to fulfill the strict Japanese laws surrounding automobile dimensions to proceed being categorised as a compact automobile. Therefore, the Match/Jazz was designed as its substitute, satisfying automobile measurements and weight restrictions, in addition to engine dimension to qualify as a subcompact automobile.
The primary-generation Honda Match (GD/GE) arrived within the US for the 2007 mannequin yr. The North American mannequin was similar in each approach to its Japan market Jazz counterpart, minus distinctive entrance headlights, a entrance grille design, a barely longer entrance finish, and rear bumper design.
Crucially, the distinctive design parts featured within the Jazz additionally utilized to the Match. This included a centrally-located gasoline tank and compact rear suspension design that allowed for a bigger inside than different subcompact rivals, with extra cargo area and a decrease loading ground. This was complemented by a intelligent configurable second-row seat design, often known as ‘Magic Seats’, which could possibly be folded in a number of methods to accommodate numerous cargo masses – irrespective of how lengthy, tall, or by amount.
As well as, the Match utilized Honda’s ‘World Small Automotive Platform’- a newly designed automobile construction that gave its unibody chassis most rigidity and energy, giving it superior dealing with and security qualities different subcompact rivals lacked. Additionally contributing to the Honda Match’s success was that it arrived as common US gasoline costs had been growing, making it in style amongst consumers who wanted a fuel-efficient, dependable automobile at a really inexpensive worth level.
The second-generation Honda Match debuted for the 2009 mannequin yr. Together with an up to date entrance look and headlight/taillight redesign, the physique featured an extended wheelbase and wider physique. The chassis and suspension had been additionally redesigned, growing structural rigidity and lowering the firmness of the journey, with out sacrificing the Match’s much-praised dealing with dynamics. As well as, each Match fashions – the bottom Match and Match Sport, obtained Honda’s Automobile Stability Help (VSA) as customary from 2011 onwards.
This era Match was additionally the primary and just one to have an all-electric mannequin offered alongside its gasoline counterparts. Out there beneath lease in choose states, the Honda Match EV was launched for the 2013 mannequin yr. This was supposed to function a ‘compliance automobile’ for Honda to satisfy state-specific legal guidelines to fulfill US authorities laws for low-emission automobile gross sales.
The third-generation Honda Match was launched in 2015. The only real engine selection continued to be a 1.5L four-cylinder with i-VTEC variable valve timing, however was up to date to include twin overhead cams (earlier generations featured Single Overhead Cams), with direct injection for extra energy and higher gasoline effectivity. The Match lineup additionally expanded to function 4 trims (LX/EX/EX-L/EX-L w/Navigation) in complete, with a Sport trim added within the 2018 mannequin yr. This was the ultimate era that the Honda Match was out there for the North American market, with the Honda HR-V serving as its substitute in Honda’s lineup from 2020 onwards.
Honda Match: Generations and Key Specs
Technology
Mannequin Years
Engine Choices
Transmission
Key Options
1st Gen (GD/GE)
2007-2008
1.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder
5-Velocity Guide, 5-Velocity Computerized
Launched ‘Magic Seat’ second-row seat design First era to make the most of ‘Honda World Small Automotive Platform’ First era offered in North America
2nd Gen (GE/GG)
2009-2013
1.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, Electrical
5-Velocity Guide, 5-Velocity Computerized, 1-speed gearbox (EV)
Solely era to function an all-electric variant VSA customary throughout all fashions (2011 onwards)
2013-2014 (Match EV)
third Gen (GK/GH/GP)
2015-2020
1.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder
6-Velocity Guide, Repeatedly Variable Transmission (CVT)
Direct Injection, DOHC integrated into 1.5L I4 engine CVT transmission replaces 5-speed automated Honda Sensing security know-how out there
Whereas the Honda Match/Jazz continues to be made in different components of the world, this piece will focus particularly on the Honda Match mannequin years that had been made for the North American market, between 2006 and 2020. On account of restricted reliability information out there, the 2014 Honda Match EV and 2020 Honda Match have been excluded from consideration on this article.
The Finest Honda Match Years For Reliability
Whereas the Honda Match has been topic to a couple manufacturer-issued recollects all through the years, the hatchback continues to be considered one of the dependable ones on the used market and a very good all-rounder at an entry-level worth level. From the information we’ve got consulted, these are one of the best years of the Honda Match.
As with every secondhand or used automobile buy, we suggest doing as a lot due diligence as potential to search out an instance that’s much less more likely to encounter main points – even amongst these with comparatively low mileage or with a complete service historical past. This might lengthen to having a pre-purchase inspection carried out by a professional service technician or mechanic, so you understand as many particulars concerning the situation of the Honda Fit your needs want to buy.
2013 Honda Match (Second Technology)
Of all of the second-generation Matches, the 2013 fashions file the least variety of complaints, based on Automotive Complaints. Including to this, this being the ultimate yr the second-generation Match was made for North America, profit from extra up-to-date product high quality assurance by Honda. For security causes, it’s suggested to inquire if the most important Takata airbag recall repair has been finished (with documented proof if potential), as this Honda Match was among the many many Honda fashions affected by this widespread recall involving the airbag elements. As well as, guarantee the latest recall issued in 2020 resolved corrosion of the driveshaft.
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It may not be round anymore, however the littlest Honda was sensible and frugal. This is the way it advanced as America fell out of affection with small vehicles.
2017 Honda Match (Third Technology)
In case you are seeking to purchase a third-generation Honda Match, among the best years to give attention to are these made for 2017. Reportedly, these profit from higher high quality management in comparison with early third-generation fashions, as Honda’s Japanese manufacturing facility quickly supported the manufacturing of North American market fashions. NHTSA information doesn’t report any recollects issued for this mannequin yr presently, although some house owners have reported occasional points with the air-con/heater unit, miscellaneous electrical faults, and cooling system points. Regardless, the 2017 Honda Match is essentially cited as one of the best yr for reliability for the latest era offered in America.
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2019 Honda Match (Third Technology)
Patrons who need the very best Honda Match with minimal recollects/complaints and one of the best gear out there onboard are suggested to focus on the 2019 fashions. These profit from being the second-last mannequin yr the Match was made for the North American market, with lots of the preliminary beauty and mechanical points resolved by Honda by this era. A gasoline pump recall did have an effect on this explicit match, however total, it is bought a wonderful status for reliability and is among the finest years for the Honda Match.
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Honda Match Mannequin Years To Keep away from
As a Honda product, the Match has confirmed to be a really dependable product – even amongst these with very excessive mileage or arduous use over time. Offered routine repairs has been finished to maintain them roadworthy, any Honda Match ought to show to be a strong automobile. That being mentioned, some Matches have been extra liable to points than others.
Generally Reported Points
Inside accent issues Electrical points AC/heater issues Bodywork/paintwork points Gas system points Steering/suspension points
In case you are available in the market for a secondhand instance, anticipating it for use for a few years and don’t want it to be a big monetary burden, we suggest avoiding these Honda Match mannequin years.
Associated
Honda will begin sending recall notification letters to house owners beginning July 24.
2015 Honda Match (Third Technology)
With essentially the most reported complaints of all mannequin years of the Honda Match, the 2015 Match is one we undoubtedly suggest avoiding if you’re seeking to buy from the final era of this mannequin. These early fashions have a tendency to hold extra points that might be rectified later within the automobile’s manufacturing life.
The 2015 Honda Match has essentially the most total complaints, and we additionally fee 2015 because the worst mannequin yr ranked on a number of elements equivalent to restore price and common mileage when issues happen. Probably the most-reported downside can be with the 2015 Honda Match for terribly uncomfortable seats.
In accordance with Automotive Complaints, essentially the most reported downside of those fashions is the very uncomfortable entrance and rear seats, with house owners citing their lack of again/neck assist as a typical fault. The seats had been solely out there in tough-surfaced fabric upholstery, although later third-generation Match fashions would have the choice for leather-based seats for higher consolation. To be honest, this subject would not instantly relate to reliability, but it surely definitely impacts the enjoyment (or lack thereof) of this Match.
Different areas of concern embrace CVT transmission points, poor construct high quality of inside sections, the outside bodywork/paint coat simply chipping, and miscellaneous electrical points, to call a number of.
Main Remembers
Incorrect A-Pillar Put in Transmission Software program Could Lead to Pulley Failure Plug High Ignition Coil Harm Improper Rear Seize Rail Bracket
Associated
The NHTSA particularly states “the chance to automobile occupants is dire.”
2007-2008 Honda Match (First Technology)
The primary-generation Honda Match fashions could also be ultimate for these wanting the Match’s qualities in any case costly worth level, however given they’re nearing 20 years previous and their age is turning into extra evident – we suggest avoiding them should you plan on shopping for one to make use of long run. On the NHTSA, each the 2007 and 2008 Matches have extra total complaints than the common for all Match mannequin years.
A recurring criticism amongst house owners of those Hondas is drivetrain and suspension elements experiencing various levels of failure, from fluid leaks to total axles breaking off the automobile itself. Others report the rubber seals are now not water-tight. As a purchaser, any subject that would make the automobile unsafe or unroadworthy to drive ought to be taken severely.
Except you might be merely aiming for an inexpensive runabout that you just will not hesitate to get rid of when it does ultimately come to the top of its usefulness, it’s worthwhile to price range for the marginally dearer, however youthful second-generation Match fashions onwards.
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Abstract: Small In Dimension, However Huge On Reliability
The Honda Match continues to ship loads of redeeming qualities, packed in a compact physique and with a really inexpensive worth level. Although the Match has confirmed to be a dependable and sturdy mannequin, we advise avoiding very previous examples or ones which were pushed very arduous with little due care. Discover the proper instance and the Honda Match will make a wonderful each day driver that may be very gasoline environment friendly, and extra sensible than different premium rival crossover SUVs.
Sources:
Honda
,
NHTSA
,
Automotive Complaints
