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 on gas & safety, poor quality - 2003 Honda Civic
  By eric - March 13 - 9:10 am

  This is the most uncomfortable car on the market the seats are small and hard. The arm rests are rock hard. Ive run into many quality issues such as the body metal is so thin, it wrinkles and dents almost if a bug hit it.

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  Transmission Overhaul Needed at 78k - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kmn - March 12 - 2:53 pm

  I havent had any problems with this car until last month. The automatic transmission started slipping from 3rd to 4th gear and needs a complete overhaul. My car only has 78k miles on it. There is no way it should need a new transmission. The estimate I got from the dealership was around $3000. Stay away from the 2003 Civic! From what Ive read, this isnt an isolated incident.

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  Good Commuter - 2001 Honda Civic
  By markr - March 11 - 10:00 am

  We bought our civic 2.5 years ago hoping for a fuel saver. It does pretty well in the gas mileage department although I must admit it seems the gas mileage has declined significantly over the past year or so. Im 61" and it is a tight squeaze, the sunroof is to blame for that. But the back seat in this little two seater is surprisingly roomy. Driver seat is not comfortable at all. It was made for a 20 minute commute at minimal comfort

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  Amazing vehicle - 1993 Honda Civic
  By gabe - March 10 - 11:09 pm

  Got car with 150K and unknown maintenance record. Used for commute and some long road trips (1,000+ miles) without any problem. Very frugal on fuel and maintenance, good brakes, decent takeoff, good steering and handling, seats 4 w/comfort, heating/cooling OK, good trunk space. The bad: Engine started burning oil at 175K miles. I like mechanics so I did a partial rebuilt (piston rings were worn) and took care of things that mechanics could not (e.g. oil leaks). Cost: about $400 (parts+tools) Car has run great ever since now at 205K miles gets 25-29mpg in only-city driving and 35-40mpg hwy. We got stranded only once when ignition coil died at 197k miles. Overall, I love the car!

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  Good Buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nukeford - March 10 - 4:44 pm

  I purchased my Honda to cut my fuel costs. I had driven pickups for 20 years but the gas savings practically made the car payment. Being 61 I was impressed with the way I felt after my regular four hour drive. The car never had any problems except for a coupe of minor recalls. The downside of this car is its weight. You have to really hold on in heavy rain or snow. There have been numerous occasions when the snow buildup in the wheel wells caused some massive front end vibration.If you live in a warm climate this is the best car to get for fuel economy and comfort. If you are a DYI person you will more than likely have to get your trans fluid from the Honda dealer.

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  Transmission! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cyndee - March 10 - 10:30 am

  I purchased my 2003 brand new and most of my mileage was freeway for 4 of the 6 years. Positives: Mileage 38 mpg town and over 45 Hwy. Fun and zippy Negatives: Transmission at 90m bad noise and at 110 embarrassing. Its said to be a Civic problem avg. at 120m. Heater vents above stereo. In the winter with loud music blew 4 different Honda stereos before they put a Pioneer in for me. Replaced catalytic at 60m. Trunk leaked from day 1 under trunk and they never found it. Thank God Im in So.Cal. I have had a bad time with my Honda, but still loved it. I can say I will not buy another when it finally dies!

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  Just OK - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jmart - March 10 - 10:10 am

  Have had my 06 for 30 months and 61,000 miles. Only mechanical problems were - broken idle pulley, misaligned window (i.e fell off track). Yes, I average 36-38 mpg. Be prepared to live with: A TON of road noise, poor ride quality, constant shifting 5sp auto, poor power band esp with A/C on, and various (ever changing) rattling (ranging from the right front end to the rear shelf). I guess I expected better - maybe I need to lower the bar of my expectations.

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  Great but could use some design changes - 2008 Honda Civic
  By GLB360 - March 10 - 7:16 am

  Great car. I bought it for the reputation, safety rating and gas mileage. Pros: drove from Los Angeles to Dallas and got 36 hwy and up to 46 when not using the A/C, very “zippy” and fun to drive. Huge windshield allowing passenger to prop feet up on dash, adequate room inside and trunk. Cons: sometimes acts like it wants to stall when idling. Front brakes replaced at 22,000 miles (not covered by warranty). I was told this was due to driving in LA traffic which I believe; CD player died so entire audio system replaced 8 months after purchase (covered by warranty) and lots of road noise. Locked keys in car due to automatic locking system - very annoying!

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  honda 2007 - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dave wilm - March 9 - 11:33 am

  really tight drive and smooth ride for a compact car -feels like it has a quality feel with the interior and instrumentation panel, overall I am pleased with vehicle

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  99 Honda Civic HX - 1999 Honda Civic
  By mark - March 9 - 3:36 am

  I bought this car in 2005 and so far havent had any major problems. If you are having transmission problems with this car it is the starter clutch kit that needs replacing. This has been a problem for 99-00 Honda Civics. It cost $1900 to fix at dealership. No major problems with car at all. Right now car runs rough in wet weather. Has only 93k on it. The CVT transmission is what makes the car noisy. Car might need a new distributor or o2 sensor if running rough in wet weather. Car is in great shape and body holds up very well if you wax it every six months. No major complaints so far!