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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  Transmission/Clutch Recall Info - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ACRUMP - July 17 - 1:05 pm

  There was a recall on the transmission (Judder Slippage - the car rumbles when accelerating, esp noticeable going uphill). According to protocol, they have to do this "burnishing procedure" 3 times, at which point they will replace the entire clutch on your transmission (for free, under the recall). You also need to be under 100K mi to be eligible. My car is at 98K....theyre just about to replace my clutch, so Im very excited about that. Other than this one issue, my car has been running perfectly. Ive been keeping track of MPG for over 10K, and Im averaging 46.5 MPG. Im absolutely thrilled (and confused that some people claim to get only 35 MPG).

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  Hybrid That Delivers - 2006 Honda Civic
  By XerEagle - July 17 - 3:26 am

  I have owned the HCH for a month now and during that time I have driven over 2400 miles. It included a long weekend trip. The ride is comfortable and maintaining highway speed isnÂ’t a problem. Gas mileage: 43.5mpg first tank of gas and after learning to drive the Hybrid my last tank netted me 52.7mpg. Note: I stayed in the 65 to 67mph range on the highways to net 52mpg. Normally, I can net 45mpg driving at higher highway speeds. The interior is comfortable, well designed, fit and finish is very good. Trunk space is good, although the rear seats donÂ’t fold down. The navigation system is cool and you can adjust, search w/the voice recognition system.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By pjgallardo - July 16 - 9:05 pm

  I bought this car used by trading in a V-8 truck. The drive is awesome and smooth. Getting used to the limited vision, overall Im very happy with everything so far. The power with acceleration was a pleasant surprise.

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  Love My Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By MadDogJohn - July 15 - 5:50 pm

  Great car to drive. Only two problems: (1) Its so easy to spin the wheels, I already got a reckless driving ticket. (2) Dont hit potholes. Ive hit two this winter and because of the low profile tire, both tires split on the sidewall (cosmetic) and both wheels were dented.

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  Awesome Car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By SunnyCA84 - July 15 - 12:46 pm

  I have owned this great car for 1month now and I love it! The ride is so comfortable and the interior space is large. This is my 1st car that I am making payments on and I am so glad that this is the car that I chose.

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  Once Reliable... Now Not So Sure... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Sean - July 15 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car from my sister over 5 years ago (she bought it brand new). Ive always been on time with the scheduled maintenance and havent had any huge repairs other than the timing belt and water pump combo repair that cost about $1400. But NOW... some days when it starts, it will idle very rough and can barely climb hills. The engine seems to be misfiring even when I drive during any driving conditions. Brought it to the local shop and they cant find anything wrong. I feel very betrayed by my Civic just because Ive always done the maintenance on time. Changed the spark plugs and ignition coils and still runs like garbage.

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  Great First Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By WSUguy - July 14 - 9:28 am

  We bought my civic a year used from friends who were moving on to a Prius. It was a great first car, everything just worked. I never had a problem outside of a flat tire. I only filled it up once or twice a month, and with its 12 gallon tank that was really amazing. It has a really fun ride and did a great job getting me through high school. My sister is now driving it, and there still is yet to be a mechanical issue!

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  I miss my 96 Accord - 2006 Honda Civic
  By grace2007 - July 13 - 5:02 pm

  I bought the Civic because it was close in size to my 96 Accord and the price was right. I didnt realize that squirrels find my wiring harness so tasty and Ive had to spend over $500 repairing. I asked if there is anything that can be done to protect the wiring harness. Nope. Evidently they like the foam that surrounds it. At 34k I need a real ABS sensor and was told it was covered under warranty. Went to pickup the car and had to pay for it in order to get my car back. I have loved Hondas but they need to get a 10yr 100000k warranty. Next time I will look at a Hyundai. One more thing...the dash and glove box rattles terrible. No fix for that either.

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  Great Mileage and Affordable - 2009 Honda Civic
  By EVM - July 13 - 3:20 pm

  I was looking for the best high mileage sedan out there and I think I found it. A fun, responsive drive. So far averaging about 41 MPG, but most recent fill up averaged 43.7 MPG. Back seat is a bit tight but it fits my two children just fine. Very stylish -- I did not like the egg-like body of the Prius. Even with the hybrid battery, I think the luggage space is more than adequate.

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  2005 Honda 4-door sedan - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Laurie C. - July 13 - 4:26 am

  I have been in 3 crashes since I purched this car in March of 2005. Though slighly injuring my neck and upper shoulder areas, I escaped with no serious injuries. It is the safest small sedan on the market today IMHO. I generally get 35-40 mpg. July 27, 2006, I just turned over 10,000 mi. It is better than the 2 Accords I previously owned. I am very satisfied with my decision.