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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  2008 Civic EX-L, Manual w/Nav - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jim Patnode - July 23 - 12:26 am

  In all fairness my ride/drive evaluation are being compared to my previous BMW. It will take awhile to adjust. The change was necessary due to gas pricing. Overall I am happy with the car. The styling is very nice along with the interior. The nav system is very easy to operate. The audio system is great. Having problem with adjustable sound (SVS), not a Honda issue...operator error. Aside from the great gas mileage, my 85 mile trek to work is quickly becoming bearable especially when a visiting the gas station...$30 instead of $80.

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  My first Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Alvin - July 22 - 8:40 am

  This is my first Honda. I had a 1997 jeep Wrangler for 9 years before this car. So you can see that I plan to keep my cars for a long period of time. When I was impressed when I first layed eyes on the civic. The style is sharp. It has a kind of sports car but with nice comfort. The five-speed is quick the way I like it. And the EX offers a looong list of standard equipment including a sun-roof and 350 watt stero. My family cannot believe I only paid $17200 for this car. The only extra the car does not come with is the navigation system. But I already know where I am going. I have had the car for 2900 miles and I love it. For the money, I would truly recommend this car.

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  My Civic-Lex Hanson - 2001 Honda Civic
  By hanson - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Civic LX in November of 2000. I have enjoyed driving this car since then. Though the car is not perfect, I still feel that the Civic is the best car for the money. What other car in the market can provide the value that the Civic does? I think that the style of Hondas appeal more to the younger croud. I would not want to drive a Toyota, too many older drivers driving them. Since, I have had my Civic, I have had some issues with some squeeks and rattles. The dealer has tried to fix them, but there still there. I know that my Civic is very reliable, and I know I will last me.

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  Civic VX - 1994 Honda Civic
  By truespeed01 - July 20 - 5:32 pm

  Well I just bought my civic and I just love it. I get 40 mpg with its vtec motor under the hood. It has 75000 miles on it and orig bought it to do a motor swap. But the stock motor is so great I am gonna hold off a few more weeks and enjoy the great gas mileage. As far as the inside the cup holders are the worst ever your better off using the center console and the seat. The stock seats are horrible and I added some seats front a newer RSX type S.As far as the interior other than the seats everything is nice I also replaced the dash lights with led bulbs to brighten them up a bit. Car Is fun to drive and is a great platform to build off of. With the swap it runs 13s and gets 30 mpg.Yay crvtec!

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  Excellent economy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jerund - July 20 - 3:27 pm

  We are typically getting 48 mpg during the summer, with air conditioning on, and about 45 in the winter in Rochester NY. On top of that, while not peppy, the car can work into traffic without fear, and weve used it on vacation with two other people and luggage in the car. My only complaint is when it drops gear while climbing hills on cruise and revs too high. Built very solid, best door thud of any car weve owned, and has been no trouble at all, aside from one recall notice, covered while in for an oil change. Also, oil is changed by indicator, not by miles, which for us is about 10 months. Shopping now for another Civic, a coupe this time.

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  Another Civic mistake - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Elizabeth - July 20 - 11:08 am

  This is my 2nd Civic both bought from private sellers. First one: 2000 EX coupe, had a mechanic look at it and it just wound up being a piece of crap, not well cared for like I thought and was told. Sold it. This one was 1 owner, always maintained from day 1, all paperwork so I thought it was okay. Stupid me! Costly repairs on things and I still have costly repairs to do. This $3300 is now almost a $5K car! Civics are notorious for window issues, A/C not great, and I find it uncomfortable to get in/out of and sit for a long time in those thin seats. I bought it w/138K miles and I now have 140K. Cant afford to get rid of it now. Hondas are so overpriced and overrated!

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  Getting used to my new car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By specialfind1 - July 19 - 5:26 pm

  I have had this car for a week now. Am sure I will get used to this vehicle soon, which is why I wanted to write before getting too accustomed to it. Was driving a Chrysler Sebring Convertible before this (a great guy magnet) but owned many Hondas previous to that, including the Accord, Odyssey and a CRV. Seats are very uncomfortable. Back seat was exceptionally uncomfortable for three passengers. Hondas used to have nearly flawless, logical interior design but the company just went too cheap on this model. Sun visor cannot even be quickly pulled down because roof indentation is on right-hand side of visor. Car is noisy too, including whistling windshield noise of unidentifiable origin.

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  Great Car - EXCEPT. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mark - July 18 - 10:06 am

  Ive had this car for almost two years and I still love it except for ONE thing. At 25,000 miles I had to replace all four tires (Bridestone Tourenza) because of flat spots, cupping and feathering. Bridgestone basically said "tough luck" and Honda said that its obviously a tire problem. In researching this situation I am not alone with this problem. It IS the cars fault due to some faulty struts and suspension components (mostly at the rear). Now I have 4 premium Michelins and, believe me, Im keeping a close eye on them for irregular wear. Other than that, this is a great car to drive and is fantastic on gas! I always get 38-40 mpg on the highway, even at 75 mph with the AC on! Nice!

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  Simply amazed! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Fraug - July 17 - 1:56 pm

  A few years ago I would never buy a vehicle that was not an "American" automobile. When gasoline prices began rising early 2004, I was no longer as proud of my American gas-guzzling pickup truck. Though I still need it for my small ranch. Perfect for that! Anyway, the payment for my Civic was almost the same as the cost for the gasoline I was using in my truck for commuting to work. The amount I spend on gasoline now is almost the same as I was spending on my pickup 4 years ago. i am averaging 32- 35 mpg with 73,000 miles. I commute 100 miles total every day. I have had ZERO problems with my Civic!

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  Great car, un-Honda-like problems - 2007 Honda Civic
  By SamN - July 17 - 12:13 pm

  This Honda is not unlike its predecessors in being a quality, reliable ride, equipped with only the most necessary bells a whistles to ensure repairs remain inexpensive. Overall, its a quality car that is easy to drive with a above-Honda-average amount of pick-up. Comfort is an issue for the tall, as has always been the case. My only real complaint is that the interior materials seem cheap, easily showing scratches, wear, oil, and dirt. This is especially worrisome for any leaser. After a year of ownership, some parts of my EX look worse than my former 1991 Civic.