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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  Love my Honda! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RMartinez717 - November 9 - 5:53 pm

  Well I had my 2003 Honda civic for about 4 or 5 months now and I have to say I am very glad I decided to go with a Honda for my first car. Not only is it dependable and of a high quality, its not overpriced and has great fuel economy so I could do what I love best and drive wherever I please without constant stops to the gas pump. I look forward to driving my car ever time its tons of fun and sporty! And Ive only had to do an oil change, new air filters and spark plugs since I got it cuz I dont know how the other owner took care of the car but so far seems he did ok.

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  Nice Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By nawipper - November 9 - 2:03 pm

  Traded in my old Jeep Cherokee with the CARS program. Fun to drive, great mileage (35 mpg on first two tanks in mixed driving). Sporty handling. I like both the interior design and the exterior. Drove a Corolla and Maxda 3 and liked this best overall.

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  Honda scores again! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By marktbeauchamp - November 8 - 6:06 am

  I never thought I would own a Honda Civic because Ive always had bigger vehicles. My last car was a 2002 Ford Explorer. But, the test drive absolutely sold me! It feels bigger than I imagined on the inside with plenty of room (Im 62" and 230 pounds). The newly designed dash almost feels like some kind of futuristic spacecraft with the navi pod. The seats are very comfortable. I have to frequently drive for hours at a time and the fatigue factor is nonexistent! I can go 5 hours without stopping and feel no pain! The navi system is awesome...no more Yahoo or Mapquest for me! My first tank of gas netted me an incredible 39 miles to the gallon (mostly highway). My lowest city milage, 31mpg!

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  Save Your Hard Earned Money - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mac 8 - November 8 - 4:51 am

  This car is not fun to drive, bottom line my first trip from the north to Florida the car averaged 34 MPG, car was loaded down and bikes on the back. My Std CRV did 28, this investment was a waste of money, I would return to a CRV in heartbeat. Every overpass it downshifts, underpowered.

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  Ridiculously good experience - 2006 Honda Civic
  By andrew r - November 6 - 7:10 pm

  105,000 miles, heres my list of issues... oh yeah, ZERO brake pads @ 82k, tires @ 85k (but I definitely overdid it there), oil changes/tire rotations@ 5,000 filters/blades as needed... thats it. Car was worth every penny of MSRP, getting a discount was only icing on the cake.

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  Some short Comings!!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mac 8 - November 5 - 3:25 pm

  After owning for 5 months, some of the glamor has worn off. I bought it for economy and it is very good in that department. As far as driving I hate the fact that you cant see the right side to judge or even the left front, thats a minus. Also with the hybrid I would not recommend it if you live in hilly country, has little or no power on grades. Seats are not comfortable, esp if youre over 21.

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  I love this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By smarques - November 5 - 10:00 am

  After shopping for a Prius for better than a month, stopped into the Honda dealer, drove it home that day for about $5K less, and havent regretted it for a minute. Actual MPG doesnt match EPA estimate, but that shouldnt shock anyone. Still getting 35 mpg in high Florida summer primarily making "ant trips" of 2-5 miles. Over the winter, consistently broke 40mpg. Efficiency meter, though not entirely accurate, helped me modify my driving habits to maximize mileage. I cant wait to trade in my pickup for a true hybrid there too!

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  Please note during break in period!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Joe - November 4 - 6:56 pm

  This is a great car and I have posted before about the tire pressure, but it is important that you also DO NOT change the oil during the break in period until you get down to 10% oil change indicator. We are pushed to change the oil ASAP all the time, but on the first go around, FOLLOW THE MANUAL and get the most out of the break in additives from Honda. Just a great performing vehicle. Man, the money you cant beat the quality, reliability and durability!

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  You can do better for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JohnnyK - November 3 - 11:47 pm

  My 1987 Civic was a much better car: better MPG, rode smoother, was much quieter, had better ventilation through the dash and had more comfortable seats. This car is loud on the road (and Ive had two sets of tires - my Jeep was quieter!). I cant stand how this thing locks itself even after opening the trunk, and the seats are more sporty than comfy. The stereo is nice. We just bought a 1986 Toyota pickup that rides better and is quieter as well. Im trading this car in for a Camry or a Mercury Grand Marquis. Never again will I buy a Civic. Sure, its reliable, but so are most cars these days. My friends Accord, not much better. Sorry Honda.

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  Best choice in segment - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jeromey - November 3 - 7:48 pm

  The car has been extremely reliable. No maintenance required except oil, tires, brakes over 7 years. Handles well, agile car, fun to drive with 5 speed manual. Holds value very well, thus probably best choice in the segment.