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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  04 Civic EX Coupe 58K - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Shawn - June 3 - 10:51 pm

  This is overall a pretty solid car. The trick with this generation Civic is to avoid the 1st two model years, and ideally the 04-05 iterations seem to be the most reliable. Interior is the typical attractive/conservative Honda mix, ditto with the outside. Performance, its not a performance car, but for 1700 ccs and getting the gas mileage it does, it performs admirably. Fun to drive, Honda always hones in driving responses (gearbox, steering etc) which make them fun to drive, not a chore. For the enthusiast, these arent cheap to make "fast", but theyre awesome cars for suspension modification. This hugely improves the fun to drive element (at the cost of ride quality, of course).

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  What a surprise - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill McNabb - June 3 - 10:30 pm

  I purchased the vehicle without a test drive for a second car for my daughters. I previoulsy had a Matrix AWD, but could not get side curtain air bags. I have always owned Toyotas and I was completely surprised by what a great car the Civic is to drive. On the highway the wind had no affect (very stable) and the motor was extremely smooth. I love the safety features. The only complaint I have is the emergency brake is in a bad spot for tall drivers. What a thrill.

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  Honda = Chrysler now - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Honda NoGood NoMore - June 3 - 11:15 am

  Purchased new with 6 miles on it and drove it for 5 years (80,000) miles. Reliability and Honda service was terrible. At 35,400 miles, third gear synchro went out on manual transmission. I have been driving manuals for 25 years and I have a CDL and I never burned out a clutch or damaged a tranny. Fixed under warranty but never shifted right again (grinded and clunked when going into gear) and shifter was VERY stiff and VERY difficult to down shift. Took back 4 times and dealer said it was fine!? Called Honda Corporate and wrote letters, no help at all. All 4 struts went out at 40,000 miles too ($1300). Road noise terrible, factory tires rated worst on tirerack and hydroplaned very badly.

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  The IMA Battery - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Pete - June 3 - 9:30 am

  The IMA light came on, so I took it to the Dealer to check. The IMA system was not charging, so they had to order a new one for me. The cost of replacement was $5000, which I did not have to pay, as they are warrantied for 10 years. I wanted to know if this is a common problem with The Honda Hybrid, as mine is less than 4 years old.

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  Hybrid - great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By G. Gagnon - June 1 - 5:40 pm

  This is a great car - 45-52 mpg - original owner and I am very pleased. The downfall is the noise level, especially in the back seat. Seats could be a bit more plush also.

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  Good Hybrid - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bob - June 1 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this car since I commute over 50 miles to work. I am not getting the gas mileage advertised, but it is pretty close (44-47 mile range), and I drive fairly fast (70-75 mph). I dont do much city driving but when I do, I get in the 40 mph range. Its still a great deal though and with the mileage I save, the savings are adding up. I am a tiny bit disappointed by the interior room especially in the drivers side. The head room is fine, but my right knee continually rubs against the interior dash by the radio. The seats also dont have the greatest support in the world, so one is pretty cramped after a long trip. Cockpit dash design is pretty cool expecially a night! Radio is great.

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  Phoenix Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Phoenix Civic - June 1 - 3:06 pm

  Excellent car. Honda got it right with their redesign! Great normal Honda quality, ride, performance, etc.

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  I love this Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By melmar07 - May 31 - 2:38 pm

  I really love this car! I t is not good on Gas, it is Excellent! Better than non Hybrid Models. Those who saying about Hybrid Models, take it from me who owns one, THOSE ARE NOT TRUE!!! They just cant afford it or they just owned a hybrid lemon

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  College Kids Dream - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 4bealls - May 31 - 1:13 am

  This is my second car after starting out with a Saturn. I love the looks and feel very safe driving it despite the relatively small size. Great mileage!

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  Excellent sedan needing very few tweeks - 2007 Honda Civic
  By K5LDB - May 30 - 7:06 am

  Overall this is an excellent car. On an 800 mile trip visiting my daughters I got 38.9mpg at 65-70. To me thats excellent mileage with only 1275 total miles so far. Its noticeably smoother and quieter than the Lancer Ralliart I sold. For what its intended to be it handles and performs well. Its a good value in its class. After looking at Sentras and Corollas the Civic just beat them in design, both inside and out.