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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  Great, Reliable Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Radar - August 6 - 3:12 pm

  I bought my Civic Hybrid new, and after six years have put in almost 89,000 miles. The mileage is great: I average 42-44 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving, and on long freeway trips I often get my mileage up to 51 mpg or better. I have only had two issues with the car so far: 1. The chrome covering on the door handles started peeling off and have cut my fingers on it a couple times. 2. In the last 6 months the car has started shuddering when I take off from a stop- -a common problem in Honda sedans from this year I hear? Still, the mileage is great and it has been otherwise very reliable. Im keeping this for one more year, and seriously considering a new one to replace it again.

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  Great 1st car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Cre8ive133 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  After thorough research on Consumer Reports and other car rating websites, I found the Honda Civic to meet my needs while cutting fuel costs and keeping the cost of my car under $20,000. With my job, I put on heavy mileage. I am very glad I bought the Civic EX. The manual shift may have been more fun to drive, but since I commute through so much traffic each day, it wasnt worth getting. Riding this car each day is fun, reliable and efficient. Id get it all over again if I were given the choice. Great first or commuter car!

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  Not bad, could be better - 2007 Honda Civic
  By John - August 5 - 12:57 pm

  I have had only a few problems with it. The electric motor at low speeds jerks the car until you stop accel or accel faster. I did not expect a sports car since this is a hybrid but driving it in the NYC (only got 25MPG in city) and highways (35-40MPG) a car like this is unable to get out of its own way. This has caused me to get hit once since I could not get away from someone coming up behind me even when flooring it. I avg about 39-44MPG on my 30 mile one way to work and back. Car does not handle well even with new tires. AC does not seem to cool as much as I like, gets warm on auto stop. Road noise is horrible at 40+. Sound system is blah. Expected more overall for $26,000.

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  Great All around car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Alan - August 5 - 12:46 am

  My wife and I bought 2 new hondas the same day I bought the civic her the fit sport we love the honda reliability she had a crv for nine years virtualy trouble free. the civic seemed like a good choice for me because of reliability, fuel economy and nice styling inside and out.

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  2006 Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By T - August 4 - 1:03 pm

  I purchased the 2006 Honda Si after a great deal of research and many vehicle test drives. As a matter of fact, I test drove it, then called the dealer two hours later and told him I wanted it. After owning the car for a day, a rattle developed in the back. I began searching for the cause and determined that the passenger side rear seat was not latched - problem solved. When cruising, the car is very quiet, but accelerate up through the gears and the tuned exhaust sings as the engine tachs up. Cornering is a dream in this car with virtually no body roll, and the deep buckets really hold you in place.

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  Quite a surprise - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rkrass - August 4 - 5:26 am

  I replaced a larger sedan with this vehicle which I had to wait a few weeks to get. I would say it was definitely worth it. The vehicle is well-designed and it is still fun to drive even after six months or more. I dont get 40 miles to a gallon although I have gotten close. My daily commute is a mix of highway and back roads. Initially I thought it was overpriced but I cant say I have enjoyed other cars this much. I am kind of a big person and the car has plenty of room. Well done, Honda.

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  Best Economy Car Ever! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By mickyboy1 - August 4 - 5:01 am

  I was getting pretty sick of the up and downs in the gas prices and really got concerned when gas approached $4 a gallon. I decided that my 22 MPG Santa Fe had to go. I shopped around and fell in love with the 2012 Civic. I gave up the power of a V6 for the fuel economy of a 4 cylinder and I dont regret it. I cruised from Cleveland to Columbus at got 41 MPG. Take that Big Oil! I dont need my wallet sucked dry every time I fill up. The Focus was interesting but the cockpit was cramped. I did not like that the auto transmission chattered on my initial test drive. The Hyundai Elantra styling was too extreme and the KIA Forte looked cheap on the inside.

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  Throughly Disappointed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By miller31 - August 3 - 2:54 pm

  This car is a Disappointment. I just bought the car and it already has more interior noise then any other car Ive ever had. The roof liner is loose the glove box is making noise. Recently drove to Vegas and the power on the car is embarrassing. Took a while to get up to speed to pass slower cars. This thing needs a lot more torque. Not to go fast just to get up to speed fast. Also the front end is so light anytime you take off the tires burn out. Way to much road noise as well. sometimes you cant even talk because the road noise is so over bearing. I do love the MPG. Over all I am disappointed in my purchase and will get rid of it at first opportunity.

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  Bad Mileage Low Quality Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Armand Hesslegrave - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Very bad mileage in winter city driving. 14.9-18 mpg. Worse than many SUVs. Dealer says this is normal for winter. Paint quality is very poor and inconsistent. Interior and exterior rattles galore. Tire sidewalls gave out at 8k. Brakes howl on cold mornings, dealer says "civic brakes do not like the cold". AC fails sometimes. Engine hesitates at @2500 and 3500 rpm. Dealer says I am "driving it wrong" and that engine does not like "hard onramp acceleration" and that it is made for "careful use". Road noise is MUCH worse than other compacts, and suspension transmits even the smallest bump to the occupants. Front suspension creaks and moans.

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  fun car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By siguy - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. It is not a sports car, but handles well and is a lot of fun.