4 Star Reviews for 1997 Honda Civic

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.55/5 Average
141 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Honda deletes the Civic EX Coupe five-speed with ABS model. DX models receive new wheel covers, all 1997 Honda Civic trims get 14-inch wheels, and the LX Sedan gets air conditioning.

Pros:
  • Fun, affordable, and good looking.
Cons:
  • Why are anti-lock brakes only offered on models with an automatic transmission?

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 141.00
  • HX Transmission Problems - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    CVT Transmission develops problems at idle ($4500 to replace)- RPMs race up and down- started at 40,000 miles- Honda knows about this "problem". Found out it is common problem- we are trying to get Honda to replace at no charge- because it is $4500 for new transmission (cannot rebuild or repair CVT) and car is worth $7000

  • Got my moneys worth - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I bought this car in 97 with a mere 7 miles on it. It now has 135+K miles and has overall been a great car. Its never had any major problems except that its almost been stolen twice. I am having the problem that (2nd time around) my drivers side window in not working and the passenger side is slow. And there is something rattling whenever I turn. It has taken me everywhere & has been extremely reliable even when I wasnt so nice to it on the road. My older brother wants this car to tool around in & my soon to be 16 y/o wants it, so theyll have to duel it out when its time to retire it for a 4 door which is going to be soon.

  • A good buy - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I bought this car late 2000 as my first car. It had about 69,000 miles and I have since run that up to almost 127,000. The cost of planned maintenance is low, tires are inexpensive, and oil changes at 4,000 mile intervals dont seem to matter. I have only had two unplanned maintenance issues: the ignition coil failed and the car shutdown. This was due to old spark plugs that I had not changed at the needed interval (my fault). Second, a CV joint cracked, although this was probably from normal wear and tear. Bottom line, very few unplanned issues over a LONG life :). Good reliabilty! The car (127 hp, auto trans) is not fast, but it handles well.

  • Still chuggin along - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I bought the car new back in February 1997. Its now over 10 years old. What can I say about this car? Its been through 2 accidents, 2 AC systems (compressor locked and then a rock flew right into it), 5 windshields, blown head gasket, but its still running along. The car still looks new, since I take care of my car, except the front. I drive A LOT! The paint is peeling on the front bumper and the hood, but the rest of the car looks new. Its getting time to buy another car. But I want to see the odometer roll to over 200K, and then Im selling it off. I cant believe a lot of people are still interested in this car. Im movin on up. Im looking into buying either a TSX or Accord

  • My Civic is pretty G - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I have been driving this car for about nine months. I have to say it is quite premium. It looks very nice, is easy to work on, and is fun to drive. Like other reviewers, I really like the lack of power steering and the driving feel it brings. The car is easy to work on and has a lot of tuning potential. Also I get well above 35 MPG in the city.

  • The most reliable car Ive ever owned! - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    Honda has a long-standing tradition of producing vehicles that are extremely reliable, well-built, and fun to drive. My 97 Civic LX sedan is no exception. Purchased by the original owner in 10/2001, Ive only had to replace the battery. The original owner is also a family friend, and with regulary scheduled maintenance, the battery is the only thing that has EVER needed to be replaced. After six years and 85,000 miles, the car still looks and drives like new; no rattles, rust, interior wear - this car was built to last.

  • I bought it used and its running great - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I spent $4000 on my 97 civic hatchback 6 months ago when it has 155,000 miles on it. Its been 6 months and it running great and the average of 320 miles per tank of gas. It does not have any problem on it. All I did is oil change. Engine is still running strong. I just love it.

  • civic ex - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    seems to be a well put together car. handles very well, has better than average gas mileage, a bit hard to get in and out of (due to the fact that Im 6 ft tall).

  • Solid Zippy Car - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I purchased this solid, zippy car when it was already 2 years old at a peak used car value! It hasnt disappointed me. Guests enjoy the roomy backseat. I like the space-making features in front for coins, maps, sunglasses, etc. Hondas modern exterior tricks some to think my car is new. However, my brother bought an identical 98 which has a few more ergonomic features worth considering. I am trading it in because *my* needs changed; Im getting rid of the 2- door, 5-speed. But the value has remained. It will be a perfect twice- used car for someone else!

  • Love my Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    Ive had my Civic for 8 years now, and I love it - I even bought my wife an Accord after such a great experience with Honda so far. It feels very stable on the highway, but is manueverable and fun when you downshift and take it around curvy country roads. Great long trip car - Ive had it get 40 mpg before on a flat highway, no A/C on, going through a whole tank of gas at a time. Otherwise, it averages about 32-34 mpg in normal commuting. Great car, great company - my next car will have 4 doors though - I didnt really care at the time (college) but now I need em (baby).

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