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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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By HondamanCan - May 22 - 9:26 am

  This has been the most exciting and well built car I have driven to date. It is very sporty. It has a lot of pick up and the short shifter is about as easy as a manual gets. An all around great car and a great purchase.

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  What a car!?! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By James O. - May 22 - 8:47 am

  My 2004 Accord EX is without question the best car I have ever owned (am will likely own). In four years I have not had a single issue with it, both interior and exterior. Routine maintenance and a little TLC leave her running and looking great. An added bonus is the fantastic fuel efficiency now that gas is through the roof. On average, she gets close to 30 mpg. If you are considering buying a Honda, this particular model will serve you very, very well.

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  Sports Coupe - 1995 Honda Civic
  By ERL - May 21 - 6:16 pm

  We bought this car new in 1995. It was absolutely superb while we owned it. The EX model with the VTEC system provides a very good amount of power at high revs although it is gutless down low. The car was very reliable and the Acoustic Research stereo was good for its era. The handling got worse as it aged, but it was still pretty tight and sporty 13 years on. The five-speed manual is necessary. The interior was very well made with great dash and door panel material. This is, in effect, a sports coupe -- not an economy car. It is also great in the snow (with Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires) The reliability could also not be beat. A wonderful car.

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  Its a blast! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By DaBomb - May 17 - 1:16 pm

  Used to own a 91 Accord (with 250K on odometer at the time it was totaled). Hondas have come a long way since then. At first I thought Id stepped down from an Accord to get into the Civic, but now Im totally satisfied, especially with the wonderful gas mileage this vehicle offers. Furthermore, a smaller car is easier to park! Im not totally in love with this vehicle though, however I am, like I said, very satisfied with the purchase. And, as a repeat Honda owner, I have no doubt about its exceptional reliability. Yet, needs work on the exterior durability. Dings and scratches easily. Its great to know that this car will probably last as long as my former Honda too.

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  Look out for the "Rally" Shifter - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Tim Duerst - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had issues my new si. When I has my car for 2 weeks the shifter when out. Then it took letters to the pres, vp, gm, and corp. honda to get my car fixed in just sort of a month. ever since the fuel economy had been worse, first and reverse slip a few times a week, 3rd randomly grinds. also the shift knob loosened and my cruise control is out more than it works. this was my first honda and if things do not improve maybe my last. also barber honda in bakersfield doesnt know what customer service is. consider yourself warned.

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  Best car for college students - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Nokdelun - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Handle is great, economic (For surviving full time student), Very comfortable, all around the love of my life(keeping in mind its JUST a car)

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  Better Than I expected! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Margaret - May 16 - 10:49 pm

  Ive always driven large vehicles - Jeep Grand and big Dodge Truck - switching to a smaller "car" was a huge step and it turned out that I made the right choice with the Honda Civic. It meets all of my expectations. Im a realtor and my clients approve!

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  Hybrid Surprise - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Joe Brady - May 15 - 5:00 pm

  I bought the Civic Hybrid to ensure that my wife could make her 100 mile (round trip) commute even if gas were to be rationed. Her other car is a Mercedes, and although she says that the Merc "fits her better," she has only driven it three times in the three months that we have had the Civic. On the rare occasions that I have been permitted to drive the Honda, I have been impressed with its fit, finish, and general willingness to do whatever I ask it to do. It is definitely a small, light car, but it is almost silent at speed, and surprisingly lively. We are averaging 45mpg to date, and make no special attempts to conserve fuel. Overall, the Civic Hybrid was a great choice.

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  Beware of the lemon - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Josh - May 15 - 9:06 am

  If you are thinking of buying a Honda beware, I bought a Honda thinking that it would be a great investment and that it would be worry free. Two weeks later, my A/C did not work properly. Two weeks after I had it repaired, it failed to start. I took it back to the dealership and they could not find a problem and I still have this issue. I have called Honda and they are not concerned with having a defective product. As soon as I can I will get rid of this vehicle. The myth that imports are better vehicles are just that myths. There is a lot of noise in the vehicle my 05 will rattle down the interstate, I hear a clicking everytime the windshield wipers come on, and wont start everytime

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  Nice redesign - 2012 Honda Civic
  By eddyc1 - May 15 - 1:18 am

  Took delivery of a beautiful blue EX-L last night. Love the redesign. The 5 inch information display is a very nice addition. Performance and fun to drive didnt get high marks. I mean, its a Civic and my other car is a 335I. But for what I was looking for in a commute car, it fills the bill. Hitting the ECON button does in fact make it noticeably harder to accelerate, but it should be great for best mileage and you can turn it off quickly. Seats not all that comfortable, but my wife thinks theyre fine so could just be me.