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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  Mostly positive - 2006 Honda Civic
  By LKH - August 18 - 10:30 pm

  I love my little Civic. I was amazed how well it handled Floyd Hill, just outside Denver (6% grade). I was able to maintain a steady 65 all the way up. Its responsive, and it has the best sound system Ive ever had. The only things Im not wild about are the headrest (makes your neck bend more than I like) and the low slung front end, which screaches on the bump as I enter my drive. They should prop it up another inch, and move that headrest back about an inch. Then it would be the perfect car. But as is, its awesome.

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  Wouldnt buy again - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jamie - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Needed new struts at the first oil change. Needed new tires and alignment also (though I drive 12 miles daily on a highway with no potholes). The radio stinks. There are cubbyholes and compartments, which would be great, but the hinges are breaking (after opening about four or five times).

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  Outstanding - 2003 Honda Civic
  By wendellgee013 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Not the fastest thing in the world, but more than adequate for any legal speed. Excellent handling. Crappy dealership tires (Firestones)- should be replaced at purchase. Aamzing interior.

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  hot in florida - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ocello - August 18 - 10:00 am

  the hybrid is the future i did have an suv whit about 15 mpg but i have to have a feather foot to avg 40 mpg but still a wonderful idea toyota does not use engine for slow city driving please explain thank you

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  Give it 2 thumbs up - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Attitude - August 18 - 10:00 am

  When i first bought the car, i thought, "I could have gotten me something a little bigger (since im 59"). But the more i drive it, the more I realize that it is just enough room for me and the comfort of the seat. O MY GOD!!!perfect 10!! the gas millage can not be any better. (providing that the gas is high right now. It is also a very sterdy, dependable little car. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Good purchase and worth the money paid - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Simon Lai - August 17 - 11:22 pm

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  Wow, better than a WRX!!!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dayton - August 15 - 2:03 pm

  The shifter is really nice and the feel of the shift engagements are superb, even for a cable shifter linkage. Almost as nice as my friends S2000, which has direct mechanical linkage. The handling is very neutral, and the OEM Michelin tires feel as grippy as the Kumhos Ecsta 712s on my previous WRX. At least, the handling is very similar if not better, than the mentioned WRX. To me, it feels like there is morepower at mid RPM than WOT.

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  awesome little car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Archey - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 civic in 2000 and have never had a problem with it. I commuted over 100 miles on most days to go from home to college to work and then back home. Never one problem. It got great gas milage, a big plus for me. It even did good in the snow, especially with studded snow tires. Even though my car has nearly 100K on it, its still going strong. My family buys only Hondas and have never had problems with any of them.

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  I love this car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By tubachubbs - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I got this car right before the school year started and I love it. The interior is very well designed and I prefer the dash location for the power sunroof, though there are those that despise it. My auto does suffer from horribly slow upshifts, however, though it is still very fun to drive. The best thing about this car is the pelithora of aftermarket parts that can be utilized to make the car your own and increase performance. The only thing I would change about my car would be to throw out the auto a put a five-speed manuel in it. I have driven manuel versions and they are the best.

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  Traded in Element for Civic, loving it - 2009 Honda Civic
  By talktozee - August 14 - 11:40 pm

  Traded in my Element for a Civic because of gas mileage. I looked at Corollas, Scions, and even a Ford Fusion. In the end I had to fall back on the reliability and resale value of the Civic, and boy am I glad I did. The Civic isnt a performance car, nor is it entirely comfortable on long rides. But the interior is top notch, the steering and acceleration is responsive, the USB iPod interface is a nice touch, and the OVER 30 MPG average that Ive been experiencing over the last 2000 miles has been amazing. Sure, I cant haul as much as I used to, but I never really did, and the Civic is a great car I will use for years to come.