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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  116k and still going - 2001 Honda Civic
  By KevinML - September 19 - 12:18 pm

  Purchased my Civic 2/04 w/42,995 miles. Been very reliable and great on gas, I get 37MPG overall. Change oil w/Mobil 1 synthetic and rotate tires every 3k religiously. Dealer for other scheduled maintenance according to manual. Very meticulous. Now I need new cat converter, new electronic load distributor and new seal for manifold leak. Total $2k. In addition I need new strut up front (replaced once when I bought car). Just as a warning to others. I didnt see these repairs noted in other reviews. This is first time car has needed serious repair. Overall, still a great car.

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  Honda Civic VP - 2005 Honda Civic
  By George Hobart - September 18 - 11:26 pm

  Good economical car. I bought the 2-door, VP package with side air bags and manual transmission. I do not see too many manual transmissions this close to NYC. I on the tall side but not too tall, 6-1" and I found that the 2006 model had a reduced head room and a more radical sloping windshield. My 2005 model has a higher head room and the windshield does not slope as much, letting me get into the car easier. I never liked motorized windows or electric locks, found them to be trouble waiting to happen. I bought the car to use for a long time, I hate throwing things away.

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  2009 Honda Civic Si Coupe - 2009 Honda Civic
  By JG - September 17 - 10:53 am

  The 2009 Honda Civic Si Coupe is a real bargain for an under $25,000 car. I never tire from driving it. The seats are pleasing to look at; however, I sometimes have a difficult time finding a comfortable seating position. Below 5,800 rpms there is not much power. I usually reach i-VTEC in first and second gear, but that is usually it unless I want to obtain a speeding ticket. On the streets I have only been able to redline the car in first gear because it already brings me to 55 mph. Honda should increase the power, so it can be accessible earlier. The transmission is smooth, and I am able to shift the gears effortlessly although fifth and sixth gears are mostly useless.

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  Mysteriously Cracked windshield cannot be replaced - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Joanne - September 17 - 3:34 am

  Honda failed to make enough replacements for the 2016 Civic windshield which dealer and glass companies tell me could take up to six months to manufacture and replace . UNACCEPTABLE HONDA! Car was purchased with summer road trips in mind which are not now possible. No known rock or debris impact -windshield just cracked one day and huge cracks continue to spread into driver field of vision making this a SAFETY ISSUE . Very disapointed! Car was not inexpensive . HONDAs lack of foresight in manufacturing replacement parts is disturbing AND shows lack of concern for product reliability or consumer safety .

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  53,000 BUMPY miles - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jmart - September 16 - 9:28 pm

  Have had my CIVIC LX for 28 months/ 53,000 miles on odometer. As mentioned in my previous entries the car still rides roughly even on new tires. Rattles in dash, rear deck area. WHY does this car have SO MUCH ROAD NOISE? Clunky transmission-still-now has a new whine to it. Still gets approx 34 MPG, though. KBB, NADA, Black Book value ahead of my pay off. Im proud of that. Thinking of 09 Corolla.

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  civic 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By civic - September 16 - 8:20 pm

  I like this car a lot! I just bought it about 3 weeks ago and I couldnt have chosen a better vehicle. Its very sporty looking. Ive gotten so many compliments from people. The only bad side is that at night while driving, theres a glare on the windshield from the blue light (how fast youre driving). Other than that its a great car that will hold its value!

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  Civic Minded - 2005 Honda Civic
  By James - September 16 - 3:40 pm

  This is my second Honda Civic EX Coupe. I decided to give the Civic another chance as a commuter car. My other cars are an 05 EX Accord and an 05 EX CR-V. So far so good, no major complaints. This is a very good car within limits. Ive owned 12 cars in the past 25 years. It doesnt matter if they are domestic or imports, theres problems with them. The Hondas Ive owned have been no more reliable than Fords or Chryslers. People need to realize these are machines that can break down regardless who builds them. Theyre cars; take them for what they are, not who builds them!

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  Excellent Quality and Reliability - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Alfredo - September 12 - 8:47 pm

  I bought this car last year with 110,000 miles and now at 125,000 it has never let me stranded, I drive 100 miles per day with an impressive 30 mpg using A/C. I have never visited a repair shop except for changing tires and timing belt and brake pads, which you have to replace in every car due to normal wear. I am a student and let me tell you is the best decision Ive ever made, Hondas are reliable, economical and excellently well built, when I graduate I think Ill keep it as a second car. Forget Bimmers Saabs or Jags, if you want luxury get an Acura which is basically a Honda with the luxury package!

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  Wow - what a mistake - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Hizo - September 12 - 11:40 am

  After having waited for this car, and paying for the upgrades, i feel like my money went down the drain. Day 1, pick up the car, leave the dealership, and there is a popping noise from the suspension, the cd player was broken. Took the car in found that the suspension needed to be fixed, the front tires had to be replaced and the cd player among other items. A month into ownership, the car starts making all kinds of rattles, and loud noises when coming to a stop. Cat was replaced and many clips and molding in the car. Transmission started popping out of third gear, that is still being worked on. All in all, Honda has done over 9K of warranty work on the car already!

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  Your average car, nothing special - 2005 Honda Civic
  By TheMike - September 11 - 3:38 pm

  Yawn is the feeling I get when I drive this car, as a younger driver this car is boring. I bought I needed a cheap reliable car and I thought this would be one. After 3+ years of ownership I wish I opted for another Chevy, it would have been cheaper and I think just as reliable. Some interior trim pieces do not stay in place, the suspension creaks, recently the car has had a problem going in reverse, the road noise is pronounced, you feel every bump, the stock bridgestone tires are rubbish, the cloth seats have faded. Its a good car to get you around town and the gas mileage is decent, those are the only high points. The sunroof switch is also REALLY annoying.