Overview & Reviews

Since its launch in 1973, the Honda Civic has been one of the most popular compact cars sold in America. Its success can be attributed in large part to its consistently high level of quality inside and out and its long-standing reputation for reliability and low running costs. Impressive fuel economy and engaging performance have also played a role in making the Civic a top choice for many Americans.

The competition has largely caught up with Honda, though, and there are now many excellent small cars vying for your attention. Still, we continue to recommend the Civic due to its ergonomic interior layout, wide range of models and high resale value. For small-car shoppers in search of a solid used vehicle, the Honda Civic is certainly a smart choice, as its long production run and many variants make it easy to find what you want.

User Reviews:

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  Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Bett1e - December 9 - 2:00 am

  My actual test drive of the Honda Civic: The ride was loud, the acceleration was great past 50. The car hesitates at start up and pull off. The brakes seemed a little too soft (I actually was nervous). The styling looks almost good but it doesnt look so good that you know it automatically when you step to the car. The creme interior is just ugly. The interior looks cheap but the steering wheel is better than the Honda Accord. The sunroof doesnt add anything to the car. Based upon my test drive, I would definitely choose the Honda Civic over the Toyota Corolla

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  The Best Little Honda ever - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Rachael - December 8 - 7:29 pm

  I ran my little red 98 Honda civic dx into the ground. I was hoping it would last me until I graduated college but after almost 9 years its time had come...a piston broke in the engine which would have been twice as much as the car. She had a long run. She went through 5 break ins, 5 stolen radios, 2 mufflers and exhaust systems, 2 windshield replacements, 2 window cranks, 2 sideview mirrors, a starter, sparkplugs and 4 accidents one being with a 10-point buck at 70 mph. Although she shook when I got her to 80, she rode right along at 120. Although the interior and exterior wasnt anything fancy, she ran long and hard through thick and thin. RIP little Honda...best car ever.

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  I hate this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By disappointed - December 8 - 7:05 am

  I am extremely disappointed in this car. We had our last Honda (1989 Prelude) for 15 years and it was nearly bulletproof. I had to replace the head gasket after 3 years on this Civic (at about 65,000 miles) and have the head machined – very expensive repair. I’ve spent more money fixing this car since I bought it than I have on an 11- year old Chrysler product with over 215,000 miles on it. The car lacks the power to get out of its own way. I dont know if I just happened to get a lemon - or if there is a problem with this year model, but its not an "automatic" choice for me to go buy another Honda.

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  More than I imagined - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Steve - December 7 - 1:21 am

  Honda sensing is fantastic!

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  Satisfied customer - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - December 5 - 11:02 pm

  I purchased this Civic for work when my daily drive became 55 miles each way. 25 freeway and 30 mountain switchbacks. The fuel savings have paid for my car. The only problems in 80000 miles have been the sun visors and the OEM Bridgestone tires wearing out. The engine performance as well as the fuel economy improves with the engine RPM. Keep the engine up over 2500 and the car performs well. Run it at 3500 and it really scoots. I put on some Perreli P3000 (now 5000) tires increasing the handling and doubling the tires life. The only drawbacks to this car are it seems to be invisible sometimes in freeway traffic probably due to its low roof line and it has no room for snow chains if they are required.

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  Hondas are the best! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By nowayanoin - December 5 - 5:31 pm

  I purchased this car after owning 4 Saturns which had no problems out of and got an avg mileage of 40 mpgs, I was worried about the price it would be to fix, and up keep a Honda, but have had no problems in the past 2 yrs. Only work that I have done is oil, brake, and tire changes! Bought the car with 120000 miles in 2007 now has 250,000 and runs like the day it did when I bought it! It is a very comfortable car. I am 511" and the seats are very supportive and show little wear! Very fun car to drive and gas mileage is amazing, get 34-38 mpg! Would strongly recommend getting a Honda to anyone!

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  No worries - 2001 Honda Civic
  By fremontcivic - December 5 - 1:58 pm

  I bought this car new in 2001 and have only changed tires, oil and wipers. Not a single thing has needed repair on this car. I wrecked a civic SI and bought this car with the insurance check. I drive it very hard and it just wont break. Great car.

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  Better than I expected - 2017 Honda Civic
  By E Rogge - December 4 - 8:29 pm

  No maintenance issues with the car so far; we have 700 miles on the car. The turbo engine and CVT combination is a *great* bit of engineering - superior low-end torque *and* great mileage. There is a tiny bit of turbo lag, but for daily commuting and long distance trips its a non-issue. We test drove a Mazda3 Grand Touring before the Civic and that engine had to be flogged to get the same acceleration. And unlike my friends 2.5i Subaru Outback, this engine/CVT does not annoy me with constant RPM droning. The CVT seems to find the right RPM for the moment. Unlike my 2006 Highlander which has horrible down-shift lag when passing other cars, this car "downshifts" *right now*. The car handles well, not as good as a 2017 GTI, but definitely better than the other compact cars Ive owned (2000 Accord, 2004 Corolla, 2010 Corolla) and tested. Cornering turn-in is much better than expected for a front-wheel-drive car. The driver seat is one of the best fits ever for me and Im six feet tall. On the other hand, the passenger seat sits too low in the car for both me and my wife. The entertainment system took a while to figure out and is a bit quirky. The user interface could be better. Interior fit and finish is great. Overall great car. One of our best car buys ever.

• 

  Better than I expected - 2017 Honda Civic
  By E Rogge - December 4 - 8:29 pm

  No maintenance issues with the car so far; we have 700 miles on the car. The turbo engine and CVT combination is a *great* bit of engineering - superior low-end torque *and* great mileage. There is a tiny bit of turbo lag, but for daily commuting and long distance trips its a non-issue. We test drove a Mazda3 Grand Touring before the Civic and that engine had to be flogged to get the same acceleration. And unlike my friends 2.5i Subaru Outback, this engine/CVT does not annoy me with constant RPM droning. The CVT seems to find the right RPM for the moment. Unlike my 2006 Highlander which has horrible down-shift lag when passing other cars, this car "downshifts" *right now*. The car handles well, not as good as a 2017 GTI, but definitely better than the other compact cars Ive owned (2000 Accord, 2004 Corolla, 2010 Corolla) and tested. Cornering turn-in is much better than expected for a front-wheel-drive car. The driver seat is one of the best fits ever for me and Im six feet tall. On the other hand, the passenger seat sits too low in the car for both me and my wife. The entertainment system took a while to figure out and is a bit quirky. The user interface could be better. Interior fit and finish is great. Overall great car. One of our best car buys ever.

• 

  Better than I expected - 2017 Honda Civic
  By E Rogge - December 4 - 8:29 pm

  No maintenance issues with the car so far; we have 700 miles on the car. The turbo engine and CVT combination is a *great* bit of engineering - superior low-end torque *and* great mileage. There is a tiny bit of turbo lag, but for daily commuting and long distance trips its a non-issue. We test drove a Mazda3 Grand Touring before the Civic and that engine had to be flogged to get the same acceleration. And unlike my friends 2.5i Subaru Outback, this engine/CVT does not annoy me with constant RPM droning. The CVT seems to find the right RPM for the moment. Unlike my 2006 Highlander which has horrible down-shift lag when passing other cars, this car "downshifts" *right now*. The car handles well, not as good as a 2017 GTI, but definitely better than the other compact cars Ive owned (2000 Accord, 2004 Corolla, 2010 Corolla) and tested. Cornering turn-in is much better than expected for a front-wheel-drive car. The driver seat is one of the best fits ever for me and Im six feet tall. On the other hand, the passenger seat sits too low in the car for both me and my wife. The entertainment system took a while to figure out and is a bit quirky. The user interface could be better. Interior fit and finish is great. Overall great car. One of our best car buys ever.