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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  HONDA CIVIC 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By BOB JERGER - February 17 - 11:40 pm

  A lot of fun to drive since the initial test drive. Love the small steering wheel and digital dash. Have had it only a month but have over 2,000 miles on it already. Love the styling and color (blue metallic). Changes color in different lighting. A few minor problems I have are the seat belts are a reach, wish both doors would open when you put it in park and the false advertisement of "XM" ready radio. The dealer said it would be $800.00 to install the XM. Were hoping to get the family pack and put it in my civic and sons car at 6.95 per month but not at that cost. Other then that great to drive.

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  My Ideal Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Linda Keller - February 15 - 1:36 pm

  Hondas are a "family tradition". Over the last 20 years we have owned a dozen Hondas--Accords, Civics and Preludes, most purchased new. Why? Because Hondas are the most reliable vehicles with superior features, style, safety ratings and great mileage, too. My children grew up knowing the quality of the vehicles and chose to purchase their own after finishing school I currently own the 2005 EX 4-door Special Edition and this will quite likely be THE car for me. It is comfortable to drive, has a bit of a sporty look and a very superior sound system. As a "Baby Boomer" getting close to retirement, it is important to have a car that is reliable. And there is no choice better than a Honda.

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  The Future Is Here.... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By MikeT - February 15 - 3:10 am

  I purchased an Atomic Blue Civic coupe a week ago, and its been a fantastic ride--very smooth, well equipped for the price, roomy, great mileage, and a pleasure to drive. Some reviews complain about the dash design, but it feels very natural, like a heads-up- display on a fighter. Hopefully this style catches on. Ive gotten nothing but complements on this vehicle. It looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, and Im looking forward to many good years with this vehicle.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned!!! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By suki - February 13 - 1:55 pm

  What can I say, I love my Honda Civic HX Coupe. I bought this car after owning two domestic lemons and could not have been happier over the past nine years. Gas mileage is exceptional, I easily get 40+ mpg on every tank of gas. I learned how to drive manual transmission on this car, so it has definitely been put through some stress and still, she runs like new. For the first 8 years of ownership, this car was virtually maintenance free except for regular oil changes. I have replaced the tires, plugs, window regulator and muffler, but all of these things are minor. Honestly, I could not have ever asked for a more dependable car. It will be a sad day when I finally have to trade her in.

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  Honda Civic Hybrid Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dorado - February 13 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car second hand from a buick dealer and car checked out as being clean. I spent a premium price for a hybrid versus a Civic of comparable age. At 44,000 miles the trnsmission failed and I face a $3,500 bill for a refurbished transmission since I was told they do not make new transmissions for this car. Question is whether the original transmission was deficient to begin with. Fuel economy just OK at 42 mpg which includes hyway and local driving in last 4,000 miles. I know it was not an economic decission to buy a hybrid but to add the cost of a new transmission at only 44,000 miles really makes me wonder if I will ever buy a hybrid again.

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  Good Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By blazer16 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Passenger side front seat-back broke off on right side.

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  hassle free for me! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By hondas4me - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car that I have owned that I have found to be very reliable (previous cars VW bug,dodge caravan,ford tempo) we have had it for amost 3 years and have had no problems. the only bad thing was that it took a long time to get parts in when we were rearended. but other than that it has been a dream!

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  03 EX: none better at its price - 2003 Honda Civic
  By star1 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I can tell you that as a long-time Honda civic owner this version is by far the most refined, sporty and reliable to date...far nicer than the 99 I recently parted with and far superior to anything in its price range. The fit and finish are top- notch. The interior is very stylish and I much prefer the 03 cloth vs the 02 and older cloth interior. I can only think of two complaints: 1) the engine does seem a bit louder than my 99 did. 2) the new interior fabric, while very nice, doesnt seem to allow you to move around easily...it "hugs" you, not allowing you to move about very easily (get in one and youll see what i mean).

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  I love this car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Patti - February 11 - 7:06 pm

  Over the past 3 years, weve never had any problems with this car. Havent had any repairs done, just the regular maintenance. When I drive the car, it consistently gets 45-52 mpg (depending on whether its highway or city; summer or winter and whether the bike rack is on the roof); my husband gets a little lower--probably 42-51. Driving styles will definitely impact the mileage. As a short person, I love that I can see out of the car and the blind spots are minimal. Only having to get gas once every 4-6 weeks is a major plus; and weve driven the car from Chicago to Syracuse, NY on more than one occasion (a 12 hour drive), using just one tank of gas.

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  Suspension is crap - 2001 Honda Civic
  By boxter76 - February 11 - 10:11 am

  Bought brand new, careful maintenance, still issues. 20,000 miles - both front struts replaced under warranty. 90,000 miles - all 4 struts replaced, $900 cost. 100,000 miles - catalytic converter, 2 oxygen sensors, front control arm bushings replaced - $1500 cost. SRS light went off due to faulty drivers side seat belt buckle, dealer replaced under lifetime warranty of safety equipment. 120,000 miles - rattling started and at 40+ miles/hour sounds like Im flying a plane. Many suggested here that wheel barrings are out. Never left me stranded, but starting to require more than preventative maintenance.