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:

• 

  From 2010 Mazda CX-7 to 2012 Civic EX-L - 2012 Honda Civic
  By jenashley86 - July 25 - 11:31 pm

  My Mazda CX-7 had to go. It was requiring Premium fuel and only got on average 17mpg. I looked at a couple of other sedans, but I knew the Honda would be the best decision for me because of resale value and reliability. I got the Honda Civic Sedan EX-L and love it more and more every time that I drive it. The leather seats are extremely comfortable. The options available on the MID screen are incredible (set how you want your doors to auto-lock, set Trip A to reset when you fill up fuel, etc.). It took only $37 to fill up the tank the other day (it would have been $60 in the Mazda), I knew that I had made the right decision.

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By energist - July 8 - 8:01 am

  I bought the car new in 2003 and its been great. I see many complaints about gas mileage, but mine averages 49 MPG with snow tires on. This has been the most trouble free and economical car Ive ever owned, and its fun to drive.

• 

  Love this car X2 - 1994 Honda Civic
  By dakkri - July 8 - 3:02 am

  I have just purchased my second VX, a 1994. My first was a 1992 and I drove it until I needed a truck and traded it in at 168,000 miles. Bought this 94 after a long search for a later year model with the 2 airbags. My 92 got a consistent 47 per gallon highway with the A/C on, 50 with A/C off. The 94s mileage is about the same. No hybrid BS, no batteries to replace. This car is a great commuter car and still fun to drive. Cheap to own, cheap to repair, cheap to insure. I wish Honda would build a new version of this no hybrid, no weird looking, 50 mpg car.

• 

  Lesser of the evils - 2012 Honda Civic
  By dannerd - July 7 - 8:07 am

  I based my car buying decision on my experience with owning an assortment of different beaters, and that this time I was going to buy something new. Out of all the beaters Ive owned, Hondas always got the best gas mileage, were the cheapest to fix, were easy to sell. If you read the bashing reviews for the 2012 civic, youll notice the gripes are mostly about the cheap interior plastic and road noise. If you compare the reviews to other competitors like the 2012 focus or elantra, they are having serious issues involving the transmission, and check engine lights coming on recent to the purchase of the vehicle. That should tell you something. No car is perfect, but Honda seems to get close.

• 

  Great purchase - 2012 Honda Civic
  By soleil575 - June 12 - 10:56 am

  I am very happy that I purchased this EXL Civic. Im enjoying the leather seats, moon roof, navigation, etc. The car is delightful to drive in the city and on the highway and it has more than enough pep for my needs (particularly when econ mode is off, but I usually keep it on to enhance fuel economy). I love the i-mid screen - its convenient to glance at the upper-level screen while driving. The tech is user-friendly and the voice commands are effective and quite intuitive.

• 

  New 2012! Fun! Fun! Fun! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By aubiekong - June 8 - 10:17 am

  I purchased this car new because it felt like a qaulity product from Honda. The MPG is Fantastic. The instant display bar with MPG makes driving the car a fun "game" to maximize your mileage per gallon. Driving in mostly stop and go traffic I am averaging over 33 miles per gallon! It takes a very light foot but the instant display gives you the feed back to learn to drive with a very light foot on the gas peddle. Well done Honda!

• 

  2001 Honda Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By blipnick - June 7 - 7:28 am

  Fantastic car, 170,000 Km (approx 110,000 miles) and only basic maintenance (except for an alternator). Achieves approx. 48 MPG highway according to the Scanguage II.

• 

  I bought my new 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchback with cash way back then... - 1991 Honda Civic
  By biggeek - May 23 - 3:33 am

  2012...Perhaps 20 years, 140k miles and $5k total so far over that entire time for non-consumable repairs (CV boots, cracked engine mounts, etc.) The original engine is still running fine. It seems like every other year, I get a note left on my 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchbacks windshield: "Do you want to sell this as-is? Call me at xxx-xxxx"

• 

  Great Car / Great Mileage - 1995 Honda Civic
  By kendaddy126 - May 22 - 3:38 pm

  I have had my civic for a while now. It gets as high as 48mpg. I average around 39mpg. Its not big on creature comforts... no cruse, no power steering, no power locks, no power windows. Its got AC and a radio. It also has over 200,000 miles on it. Still runs strong. Ive done the timing belt once (time for another) CV axels, master cylinder, battery, alternator, and general mantance.. thats it! Im now debateing spending more money on another timing belt and to have the seat re-done.. dont know if its worth it on a car this old, but its paid for and runs great so I probably will... Its also bone stock.. no rice rocket here

• 

  Reliable, 40MPG, Need any more reasons? - 2012 Honda Civic
  By steve2012civic - May 14 - 8:50 am

  I bought the Honda Civic LX last June and have put on this car about 15,000 miles. Im not sure why this car initially got so many bad reviews. From what I can tell and have experienced these people reviewed the wrong car or are on drugs. Here are the facts after owning this car for almost 1 year. It averages about 39.8 mpg for my 30 mile commute to and from work everyday, is a blast to drive and I have had no mechanical or electrical problems at all. If you are looking for a great car, low maintenance, high mpg then look no further. I walked out of the dealership paying $18,000 for this car and have since then payed it off. I will keep this car as long as possible. Thank you Honda!