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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  Will keep it for life! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By monkeybomb - January 21 - 11:40 am

  I bought my 1996 civic 3 years ago. Ive put the work into it that it needed replacing cv axles, ball joints, control arms etc... I attribute these things to previous owner errors. This has been the best car! Its small but not cramped. I have 3 kids and we all fit. Mine is a 5 speed standard transmission and I routinely get 37-39 combined MPG! I HAVE ~240,000 miles on this car with the original transmission, clutch and engine. Shes still running strong and is well worth every penny I have into her. If taken care of properly, this car will go forever! Buying seals from auto parts stores will not fix any leakage problem buy direct from dealer.

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  Solid Honda Engineering - 2014 Honda Civic
  By scottywood - January 18 - 11:08 pm

  We got a great deal on a lease and traded in a Prius that needed a new hybrid battery pack. Honda has always been my wifes favorite. This is our third new Honda. All you do is change the oil and put in gas. You cant kill it. It just keeps going. We have the base LX, but it is still a beautiful car with excellent fit and finish. It doesnt lack any features that we miss. The interior is pretty with hard ugly plastics mostly banished and replaced with soft colorful materials. Gas mileage is great and we achieved the E.P.A. estimate of 39 m.p.g.on a long highway trip.

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  Great Car (dependable) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mmeyering - January 18 - 8:36 pm

  Bought this car in an auction never had a honda because of the price to but one, but really glad I bought it. It handles like a sports car. I hear a lot of complaints about power really?? its a 1.8L but it really go good! The gas milage I cant complain like so of the others I get 38 most all the time. I have had no trouble at all for 2 years now bought it with 95k now have 140K. I have Good Year tires and this thing is like a snowmobile in the snow, never been stuck!

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  I am going to be that guy.... - 1998 Honda Civic
  By dxer1105 - January 17 - 10:07 pm

  This car is reliable but.... I just strongly dislike it. I run into many small repairs on this cheaply built car. I hate manual windows. Defrosters are terrible. The car shakes if you drive faster than 65 mph. I had it for 18k from 102 to 120k. Iam about to sell it. Although, I only paid $1,500 for it.

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  Bitter sweet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By msalp80 - January 14 - 12:38 pm

  Ive owned my 2006 Civic brand new. There were a few issues within the 1st 26000 miles. The battery and the engine had to be replaced right at 26k. Ive read that this was a common problem with this model. The car was still under warranty during that time, so it wasnt a big deal. Then at around 80k miles or so my CD player went out. My warranty was up, so I opted not to get it fixed and just used my AUX input, to listen to my MP3. Other than that I hadnt had any mechanical problems until now, besides regular maintenance and my civic has 268k miles. I think shes about ready to quit on me. I havent had it diagnosed yet but I think Im going to retire her and get an Accord. $17k well spent.

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  WISH I DIDNT TOTAL IT - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kaebuena96_ - January 11 - 2:41 am

  This car was passed down to me from my dad and my brother. When I got it it already had 150K miles and when I got it was the first time the check engine light has ever came on and the only issue was my coolant level which was an easy fix. Loved this car so much and was so devastated when I totaled it running into a pole. It was totalled because of frame damage. Thankfully I was okay but my car was done for. Great commuter car and would have to fill up every two weeks. GAS IS AMAZING. GREAT FIRST CAR I LOVE IT.

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  Nice auto (2011 Civic EX) with some issues - 2011 Honda Civic
  By honkytonkman - January 8 - 11:44 am

  Performance is above average for a 4 cylinder engine. Comfort graded a 4 based on small-compact size car as seats are okay but room space is adequately better than other cars of same size. Value well above average and does not depreciate quickly due to Hondas quality and reliability. Fun to drive especially with Moon Roof. Interior design - depends on the person. Exterior design is nice .. does not look like a space ship or a box but has its own distinctive appearance or sporty flare. Build ... noisy in winter climate which is caused by cold and snow. Needs a better sound proofing under carriage and wheel well area or just keep turning up the Radio till you hear nothing. Reliable - yes!

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  Great all around car - 2013 Honda Civic
  By horrowitz - January 7 - 9:05 am

  I bought this car new in May of 2013. I now have 10k trouble free miles on it, only requiring two oil changes. The car starts, drives, and runs flawlessly. Gas mileage around town in the winter is not great, but highway mileage is excellent. Maneuvering and parking in NYC is a breeze in this car. Interior is comfortable, and instruments are well laid out. The stock tires are fine for spring/summer/fall driving, but leave much to be desired for winter driving in snow and ice. get a second set of wheels with dedicated winter tires and you will be fine. This has been/is a great car. It is comfortable, economical, and adequately powerful. I consider it a good buy.

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  Fantastic Commuter!!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By honda_life - January 6 - 1:41 am

  My 02 Civic LX Sedan is the most reliable car I have had. Got it for free from my father with 145,XXX miles, since my other car broke down. It does FANTASTIC on gas mileage. I can go to eastern Washington and back on less than 1/2 a tank. I have had no needed repairs. I wish I would have gotten this as my first car.

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  2008 Civic Coupe LX - 2008 Honda Civic
  By kmat1 - January 4 - 6:03 pm

  I have owned this car for five years now and there are a few complaints. Just like others have stated, the drivers side visor is broken. Ive also seen this defect in other 2008 civic coupes. The rear tires are cupped. This happened within a year of owning the car with only 30,000 miles on it. Two years ago, the automatic locks started to work intermittently. Most of the time I have to manually unlock the doors, and reach over to unlock passenger side. The dashboard is digital and the gas gauge works sometimes, but most of the time its flickering on and off. The A/C works intermittently. When its very hot outside, its guaranteed not to work. Lastly, car vibrates in reverse & park.