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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  Its An Economy Car, People! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By KDK - January 21 - 11:36 pm

  We have only owned Hondas for the past 12 years because we dont want the hassle, headache and maintenance woes associated with other vehicles. Honda has not disappointed. We recently purchased the new 2009 Civic LX-S to replace our 1997 Civic as a work/commuter car. In reading other reviews, I am surprised to see complaints like "no lighted vanity mirrors," "no keyless entry for the trunk," etc. Are we missing the boat here? This is excellent for what it is, an economy car. If you want a car for under $19,000 with reliability, great fuel economy, look no further. If you want heated seats with your keyless entry, buy something else and stop complaining.

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  Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By John - January 21 - 8:50 am

  This car drives like a car that cost thousands more than I paid. Have 60000 miles and still drives like new, averages 32-39 mpg. I take very good care of this car and it has not let me down. Will stick with Honda. Car is not perfect, but not far off. I love the way the trans down shifts with out me having to push the gas pedal half way to the floor. No complaints, love this car will buy another one when the time comes.

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  Enjoying the Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Elaine Fox - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this car on both long and short trips. The gas mileage is about 47 miles per gallon and it has great pickup on the highway...I have no problem doing 20 mph or 75 mph when needed. It doesnt take long to get the pick-up needed to go from being stopped to going 75 either. I thought it might at first and found I was doing 80 to compensate...so it wasnt necessary to floor it at all. Its a great car and I wish more people knew about the hybrids. I think its a crime that they do not advertise them the way they do the SUVs and other "gas guzzlers"! Sincerely, Elaine Fox

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  Great little car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Traveliter - January 19 - 10:00 am

  We missed purchasing the car during the initial shipment in our area, but after contacting over 40 dealers in our state, we lucked out and found a dealer who still had one in their showroom. We drove 400 miles to buy this car, and we couldnt be more pleased. It didnt even take a whole tank of gas to drive it home! The ride is smooth, the seats are comfortable, the vehicle is attractive both inside and out, and I take delightful glee in seeing the "average mpg" display gauge, which at this time is showing 46.7mpg (we drive on hills). Were just tickled!

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  Fuel Efficient - 2006 Honda Civic
  By MARTINCAM - January 19 - 3:13 am

  Before purchasing, I read several reviews on this and other cars. I owned a 2002 Camry, but just wasnt comfortable in that new style that model year brought. I read where several people were not happy with the fuel efficiency of the Civic, especially in city driving. After about 6,000 miles, I can state that I am NOT one of those people. Although most of my driving is highway, I do have some city driving. I average 37 mpg overall. On two predominantly highway trips, I average 42 mpg. I admit, finding a car that is comfortable for me to drive has been nearly impossible for about the last five years, so perhaps take my comfort rating with that in mind.

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  Good, better, best... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Aussiedave - January 19 - 1:46 am

  My previous car was a 2005 Honda Accord 2.4l 4cyl. A beautiful car. I must admit a degree of trepidation in the purchase of my first Hybrid. All my fears were allayed. This is a perfect mix of economy, comfort and performance... in that order. Straight out of the box I got 50mpg without even trying in the worst bumper to bumper traffic on earth. I have a 60 mile round trip to work. With a mix of city and clogged higway travel. Just love those gauges. It really does "teach" you how to drive for economy. I like the way it looks like a standard Civic.

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  Best car ever - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Ryan - January 19 - 1:40 am

  So I got this car about 3 weeks after I got my license for 3500. It had 50k miles on it and Lotta body damage. But this car is awesome. If your by yourself and theres nothing heavy in your car. The acceleration isnt half bad for a tiny engine. The handling on this is crazy good. You can go around turns and corner stuff so easy. I think Ive filled it up once in 3 weeks because of how good the mileage is. This isnt too big of an issue but for people who go really fast on the interstate. 90 is probably the fastest you ever want to be going in this car. It can go over 100 if it wants to but after 90 it just gets scary. This car is just fun to drive because you have total control. My model had no traction and stability control or abs. So the safety of this car is in the drivers hands.

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  Civic snow dilemma - 2006 Honda Civic
  By melekpod - January 18 - 12:43 pm

  My Honda has been reliable in fair weather and rain, but snow, I find it a problem to get up some of the smallest hills. I bought a manual transmission hoping I would have more control in the snow. I thought it was the tires, so I bought new tires, still have the same problems. Also, I open the window and water seems to pour in on the controls when its raining and rolling the window down usually has cleared the windows in past vehicles, but it doesnt, seems the like the rubber squeegy is on the wrong side of the window? Had a ford contour w/ no problems in snow.

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  Great can but noisey - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Beaker4572 - January 18 - 2:53 am

  The 06 Honda Civic is an overall great vehicle, nice design, pep, and great gas mileage. There is a problem with wind noise and tire noise however. After 17,000 miles, it sounds like a distant freight train on various road surfaces. My tire guy stated its a common complaint about the Bridgstones on the vehical. Honda needs to make this right. The dealer says tire wear and bad alinement? But the noise is getting louder. Again a love the car but if this keeps up Ill get rid of it. I dont believe I should have to purchase new tires after just 17k!

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  Great car...but a little sluggish - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jake - January 17 - 9:20 pm

  My mom bought me this car as her final gift to me before she passed from cancer in May 2009. I love this car! I love the dash layout, Im a big guy though and the seats are a bit narrow. Quick around town, but on a recent trip on route 66 to California I noticed on long inclines you have to put pedal to the floor. Lots of "zip" but horrible acceleration in situations where you pull a U-Turn and have to gun it... almost got hit a couple times because even to the floor its just so slow getting up to speed. Transmission has inconvenient shift patterns too. Thats the only bad, all in all its great little car and I get over 400MPG on the highway!!!