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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  The best 2 door coupe - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Joe - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the Special Edition when it first came out. I found that dealers are not too willing to play with the price because it is a SE. I shopped around and ended up getting $2000 off the sticker price. The car is so much fun to drive. It is my first new car, and I have no regrets. Excellent on gas and a very sporty appearance. The car handles great around corners and just driving it period. I got mine in Rallye Red. It sure draws a lot of attention. The Special Edition features are great. An incredible sound system, and unique alloy wheels. The sun roof is a great feature on sunny days. It is worth the money!!! Over all it is an amazing car for the money.

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  A Very Good Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Gs Honda - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for six months and have had no problems. I would expect a better sound system in the EX class. A good car overall.

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  Good Car, Crappy Windows - 2000 Honda Civic
  By BBrownfromCA - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has served me well. I have had no engine problems whatsoever, but the power windows are defective and barely work. My 5-speed is fun to drive. Low-end power is nonexistent but there is a nice surge of power once you push it up over 4500 rpm, which is the sweet spot for Honda 4-cylinder engines anyway. Handling is crisp and the ride is smooth although noisy at highway speeds. Front seats are unsupportive for long trips. CD player has started to skip badly despite repeated cleanings of the laser lens.

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  Best car ever - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Seba - July 10 - 9:48 am

  My wife bought this car new back in 2001, it now has 136K miles, never any repairs just regular service like, spark plugs, timing belt, trans service, brake pads and regular oil change every 3-4K miles, great car for the money. Great gas mileage. It still fills like the fist day.

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  Nice looking car but very bad city MPG - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Joe - July 10 - 5:10 am

  I had purchased this vehicle after my friends told me it was good on gas. Well I got a civic 2009 EX and the MPG is horrible. I am getting 23 miles per gallon on this car. My tank is half empty with only 110 miles. I wish I can take it back for a more economical one. Not to mention the price. Too high for this car. Honda, youre going cheap to improve gas efficiency on brand new cars. People you will not be happy paying over 20,000 for this MPG. I am not a rough rider either.

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  Mixed review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mixed review - July 9 - 3:21 pm

  Bought new in 9/03. Front passenger strut failed at approx 4k. Clutch started making squeaking noise at 25k. At 60k had clutched inspected, not an issue that has to be fixed but would cost $600 to eliminate the squeak. Driver door lock worn out at around 60k making it embarrassing when trying to get in the car if I actually locked the door. Cheap paint chips and scratches easy. Dents really easy. Not having ABS is a little dangerous, and the car for being so lite weight lacks breaking power.

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  Great value - 2001 Honda Civic
  By idnpeg - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a great value. I get 30 mpg every tank, city driving. Yes, there is wind noise, the ride is not as smooth as previous models; but, no mechnical problems. The radio has been replaced twice. I test drove an Accord and I felt crammed in the driver seat; the Civic is just as roomy. I paid 14,800 US dollars for this car, and I feel I got a great value.

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  This car is indestructible - 1998 Honda Civic
  By CP - July 8 - 12:05 pm

  My 98 Civic is the best car Ive ever had, and when (if) it eventually dies there is no way Ill consider anything else but another Civic. I have driven this thing into the ground and it has never had the slightest problem. 169,000 miles on it so far, and it looks its age, but it NEVER GIVES UP. All it wants is the usual oil change and minor checkup every three months and it will go forever. I never get less than 30mpg out of it. I cannot imagine WHAT youd have to do to this car to break it. I use it for the daily commute, plus several longer road trips every year, and even offroad once down a 4WD-only jeep track (stupid, but it survived).

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  Love it too much to give up! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jess52006 - July 7 - 8:21 pm

  I have had my 02 civic since it was brand new in 12/2001. I now have 104,000 miles on it. I love the 5 speed manual, makes it fun to drive. Only one major problem (brake booster $700 repair) since the few "new model quirks" were covered by original 3yr warranty. Average 38 mpg mixed driving. We have gone through 3 other cars in the life of this one and just cant give it up. Ill probably drive it until it dies (which could be another 200,000 miles!) Never once have had an oil change on time (like every 6,000 miles) and its always at the correct level...even when I go wayyy over. :) I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  06 coupe looks great - 2006 Honda Civic
  By civic - July 6 - 10:53 pm

  Traded in the 05 civic 2 door. was real pleased with the 05,but needed 4 doors. I looked around quite a bit and narrowed it down to two models; the 06 Jetta and the 06 Mazda 3.I went with the Honda because of its great reputation to building a quality product and because the gas milage was better than the other two.Iliked the Jetta better as far as trunk space and the "German" engineering and the Mazda 3 was a blast to drive but the Jetta was a considerly more expensive auto than the Civic and the Mazda only lost out because as I said the gas mileage and reputation of the Honda in my perception is the best. The Honda is not a zoom zoom car but is is upscale for a auto in this catagory.