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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  Still a solid, everyday car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mark - November 3 - 1:02 pm

  Purchased the Civic based on its reputation above all else. Wanted a reliable, fuel-efficient, decent sized starter car. To this point it has not disappointed. It has a fairly roomy interior (can comfortably fit 4 people who are under 6 feet tall). The dashboard design is useful with the mph gauge sitting above the rpm gauge--have had no problems with it. If anything, it is more convenient because your eyes barely have to glance down to see your speed. I have been getting mileage along the lines expected: 28ish city/traffic driving and 36ish highway. The drive and handling is smooth enough, but Im no expert on that.

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  Did not meet my expectations - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Brad - November 2 - 10:50 pm

  I want so badly to love this car, but I just cant quite do it for a few reasons. I traded in a 98 Prelude Sh and ordered this car from the factory as soon as I found out about its existence, but its not the four door replacement for the Prelude that Id hoped it would be. First, the transmission issue is incredibly frustrating. Second, the emergency brake jabs me in the knee. I know this issue may be limited to me, but its not a good feeling when you purchase a brand new car and it makes you limp. Third, the build quality is not up to par with the other Hondas or Toyotas Ive owned. Its a great looking and the performance is unparalleled for the price but its not perfect.

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  Best in class - 2007 Honda Civic
  By desimunda - November 2 - 6:20 pm

  Best in class, for sure. The interior, exterior styling is unparalled. Just fantastic and Im getting compliments daily. The throttle feels much better then my 04 civic sedan. This feels a lot heavier and powerful. Very different car then the 04 civic. Its also very steady on the highway. Quiet, etc.

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  Honda equals No Support - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Fed Up with Honda - November 2 - 3:40 pm

  Tires wearing out at 13,000 miles. Went to Grand Forks, ND dealership and told should have rotated tires at 8,000. They couldnt do it because it was Saturday and understaffed. In 2009 and 3 sets of tires later, I find Honda service bulletin 08-001 describing rear suspension control arms defective and causing rapid tire wear. Went to Bemidji, MN Honda dealer who put in required replacement kit. The dealer charged me $384 which I appealed. They contacted Honda and a month later my request for a no charge was denied as I was out of warranty. The car was in warranty when the bulletin was issued but Honda does not send bulletins to owners. Fend for yourselves Honda owners!

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  Economy, but not so much fun.... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By reelalarm - November 2 - 6:45 am

  I have had this car for 5 months, great economy, not a pleasure to drive. The visibility on right side is none, you cant sit high enough to judge how close you are. Please when going up a hill stay in right lane, there is no power to pass or accelerate. The car is very low, can bottom out easy. I also get back aches from driving long distances. But it is what it is good on fuel. I will be heading to Florida soon, that will tell the story.

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  Excellent Civic! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Rutter03 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  i love it. its sporty, its cheap, and it gets you around and keeps green in yur pocket when it comes to gas. i race it sometimes, i wouldnt reccomend it to the person who wants a fast car, but its great, and its fun!.

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  Big Mistake - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Ginger - November 1 - 10:31 pm

  I owned an 87 Honda Civic for 11 years without one single problem...so of course I wanted another. This one is the lemon of the bunch. Ive had nothing but problems. Its been in the shop with the oxygen sensor from day one and the service technicians cant get it fixed, Im on my 3rd transmission...the first one had to be replaced at only 9,000 miles and the third one doesnt seem to be doing well and my air conditioning had to be replaced at 18,000 miles. This car has nickled and dimed me to death. I think I got one that was made in the USA. Im officially done with Honda.

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  Good Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jackie - November 1 - 9:30 am

  Ive had this car for a few months. Its fun to drive, is cute & has a nice looking interior. I got it mainly as a commute car and it seems to get around 35 mpg, since I do mostly freeway driving. The only thing that I would change would be the seats and the headrests (although I was told the headrests were designed for safety and all cars have them now). My commute takes me a solid hour to get to and from work and the seat can get uncomfortable at times. I find myself trying to adjust into a comfortable position while driving. I didnt have a "seat problem" with my other cars. With the headrest, it feels like it is nudging your head constantly. Other than that, I would recommend this car.

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  Feels More Luxurious than a Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Blas Bustamante - November 1 - 7:57 am

  I have 25 miles on my 2016 Civic Touring, I have just realized when I got home that the subwoofer rattles like its 20 years old. I have had this car for two hours! Please turn your volume up while sitting in the car and or test driving it, as soon as you drive it off and then realize you have an issue with the sound system you will not be able to think of anything else but how irritating the subwoofer is. It will definitely send you back to reality, the reality being your car is not an Acura or a high end luxury car and that they did use smoke and mirrors to get you to purchase their new model. When you purchase a brand new car you dont expect to have any problems right out the gate, the fact is you shouldnt have a single issue with a new car whatsoever. The sound on this car is insulting, you pay extra for a premium sound system and you get rattling, really give me a break. I shouldnt have to take it back the very next day after I spent five hours in a dealership acquiring this vehicle.

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  What can I say, its made by Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By graphixbyjeff - October 31 - 2:47 pm

  I bought my Civic Si and 2 weeks later took it on a 3,000 mile journey. My gas mileage was low 30s and the seats were comfortable. I am very satisfied with my purchase and use it as my everyday ride.