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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  Economical and sensible but not much else - 2006 Honda Civic
  By craig - March 18 - 6:38 am

  Owned this car for three years and have had no major problems -- Just two recalls for a tensioner bolt and drivers seat bracket bolt. Gas mileage is superb, but it is only a small 4 cyl. and you can notice the strain. As a prior poster mentioned, car is not good in the snow. Maybe too light? Have had difficulty ascending slight grades with only a coating of snow on the road. I have also had problems with traction on level streets from a stopped position. Interior constructed of VERY cheap plastics that scratch and mark seemingly from just looking at it wrong. Suspension squeaks during cold weather months. No momentum obtained on highway driving have to keep your foot to the floor.

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  The Future - 2006 Honda Civic
  By qualia - March 17 - 6:56 pm

  A manly man, I feel the urge to buy a high-powered car. Hybrids are for enviro-weenies, right? I *almost* passed over this magnetic pearl beauty. Wow, am I glad I didnt. Power is more than adequate. While the numbers are not stellar, the car never strains during acceleration. Its smooth, smooth, smooth. And the overall impression is one of exceptional high quality; youre cruising quietly in a spacious canopy with a panoply of high-tech info at your command. Ride is comfy, cornering is tight, body is rigid, response to inputs is immediate. Way out of its price class. So, before you indulge your horsepower craving, test drive this car. 49 mpg so far!

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Honda Civic
  By BMWLoyalist - March 17 - 5:50 pm

  Considering this is the first car Ive ever owned, Id have to say that this was an exceptional choice. For what we compared it to, this had the best bang- for-your-buck value with all of the stuff you could possibly want in a car. The power is a little disappointing, but the light and responsive steering more than makes up for it in my opinion. It looks sharp and appealing, as it should, considering its aimed towards my generation. Im not exactly a fan of the Japanese-made cars (mainly a Euro fan), so it amazed some people that know me well who thought I mightve gone with a used Bimmer (328i) or Benz (C230). Well, that goes to show you just how good this car is.

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  Best Civic Yet! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Richie K - March 17 - 11:33 am

  For all you folks who are searching for the Ideal all around vehicle, this is it. This is my second review of this 2008 Civic LX and after 3000 miles since my last I can report that this is the best choice for a compact car Ive ever made. Quiet, comfortable and economical. Most of my driving is on the interstate with consistent speed (68mph). I have seen an average of 41+ mpg on my 168 mile round trip per day. Comfort is excellent for a vehicle of this size. Noise levels are low and you cant even hear the engine at high speed. It also runs considerable slower than my previous 2001 Civic EX (2200 rpm at 70 mph). Workmanship is superb. I have to fight my wife to drive this Civic.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By MollyJ - March 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Civic and I love this one more than the first! The performance is outstanding and the gas mileage is superior to any other car in its class. It is VERY fun to drive - I wish I had purchased it sooner! I would highly recommend this car to anyone considering a four-door sedan.

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  This is a Honda? - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ashleysandsamsmom - March 16 - 7:09 pm

  I just bought the car, I have had it a week and there is a vibrating noise in the front end when taking off or going up a hill. The dome light is bad and the fuel gauge is not working properly, the sensor is being replaced in a few days. The breaks are making a scrubbing noise. All of this has been brought up to the dealership they say all is normal but the fuel sensor and dome light! So to have this car for only a week and all these things to be wrong, thats not good. I thought Hondas were reliable and wonderful cars! It didnt come with a CD player and the windows you have to manually roll them up, I am lazy.

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  I love my Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By R. Senex - March 15 - 8:23 pm

  I can tell you that the hybrid gets excellent mileage if you slow down just a little. I drove a 625 mile trip and on the way there I drove 78 miles per hour and got 37 mpg and on the way back I dropped my speed to 68 and got 42 MPG. I love to drive this car in traffic, it gets around smoothly. Only complaint I have is the parking brake lever hits my leg when driving. I am over 6 feet tall and that lever gets annoying, but if you were shorter it would be fine.

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  40 mpg - 1996 Honda Civic
  By BPM, Maine - March 14 - 11:37 am

  Great point A to B car, excellent for city driving. The 96-00 Civics are some of the best used cars around. Inexpensive to own (purchase price, Ins. cost, repair, fuel etc.). ***The SOHC engines can be prone to connecting rod bearing failure at high mileage.***

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  Short rough ride - 2016 Honda Civic
  By joe martin - March 14 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of two civics-06,10, I took my family to test drive a 16 model- 4door EX. I am old school, so I was freaked out by the fact that this car has NO key. You touch the door handle and it unlocks, you put your foot on the brake to start it-with a button!! The ride was ROUGH!!! Much rougher than the the ride of my 2 door ex, and 4 door LX(with 204,000) miles on it, mind you. Very disappointed. Drove it straight back to the dealer.....so so disappointed. So now I have to just get a used Accord. BTW we also drove a 16 Accord LX-the ride was MUCH better, but was with the vibration when accelerating, and sitting at a stop light about!! I guess I am being too picky folks. but I expected a lot better vehicle. Hell I own 2 of them, I know they have been good cars for me....but I have serious doubts about the new ones.....

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  In Love With This Civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Katy - March 13 - 10:48 pm

  I love this car! I never have any trouble starting it even in very cold weather, it handles great in the snow, it can be kinda noisy but I can live with that. The best part is that I get 36 mpg in the city and close to 40 on the highway! Ive always loved Hondas for their durability and longevity and this car is no exception!