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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  Heavenly Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Kim - April 5 - 11:28 am

  I bought this car, primarily for the "Green Factor," but I have been amazed how reliable it has been. Even now, I still get about 50 MPG on the highway, and I will never commute in anything else. Here in Virginia, hybrids bought before 2006 are allowed on the HOV lanes, which is an extra bonus. I will be driving this car until it will no longer run, which seems likely to be many years from now. Aside from a rattle in the dash that comes and goes, this car is quiet, smooth, and makes me feel a little like a race car driver with its quick shift 5-speed manual transmission. I love this car!

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  Fun little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kc - April 5 - 3:20 am

  This car is a ball to drive. I have gotten a lot of compliments on it. The only minor things I dont like are the blind spot where the windshield comes together with the side windows (makes it hard to see because this area is very wide), and the rear seating in the center is not comfortable at all. The other rear seats are surprisingly comfortable for such a compact car. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great little car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jim Hannas - April 4 - 9:35 pm

  I owed this car for 10 years. It was purchased new and primarily driven by my mother and brother. The dealer honored issues that were well out of warranty like: re-painting the car twice and replacing the sun visors. It has been a great car. Weve driven it 86K miles

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  4 Transmissions to date!!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Steve - April 4 - 7:11 pm

  We bought our 03 Hybrid Civic new we currently have put 105,XXX miles on it. The transmission "judder" started at 22,XXX miles, had that trans replaced (w/a rebuilt one) at 25,XXX miles, then that was replaced at 35,XXX (w/a new one) & received a extended warranty for 75,XXX miles for that one. Now we have just got the car back with a remanufactured Trans at 105,XXX miles. We are not able to get any help from American Honda The current "Case Carrier" is a snide, rude, arrogant. The dealer is going to do his best to help. If anyone has a similar story or good contacts to help please let us know, to ALL who read Honda "reputation for reliability" is GONE!!

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  Great little car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jim Hannas - April 4 - 6:48 pm

  I owed this car for 10 years. It was purchased new and primarily driven by my mother and brother. The dealer honored issues that were well out of warranty like: re-painting the car twice and replacing the sun visors. It has been a great car. Weve driven it 86K miles

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  best car ever - 1991 Honda Civic
  By kris - April 4 - 1:39 pm

  Guys, this car is amazing. Been in the family since the beginning. Ive learn to drive in it and Im still driving it. Although its an automatic it doesnt matter. The engine is 1200 cc. Never got breakdown and mileage : 245k! Sure will reach 300k without any repair. And its an old style, I mean little electronic only muscle! When there is a problem, you know what to do.

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  Great lil car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Honch - April 3 - 5:24 pm

  After a lot of research, reading and having only $5000 to buy a car with, I went for this 99 Civic EX. I can say I dont regret the decision. I bought it with 150K on the clock and it starts / runs just like a brand new car. Very impressed. I have a feeling I will get a solid 75K to 100K more from this lil car before any major replacements will be needed.

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  Very Reliable For Me - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GBradburn - April 2 - 10:38 pm

  Have had the car now for over 5 years over 80K miles. No mechanical problems at all and fairly good gas mileage. I bought this car for the gas mileage, easy to park/maneuver in city traffic, and its reliability. All three held true. Needs just a little bit more room for those drivers over 6 feet tall.

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  Covers all the Bases-- Great Value - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MIMI - April 2 - 2:40 am

  Dont know why more arent being sold, as the price is right for a car that is reliable, safe (check out NTSB 5 star ratings) comfortable, nimble and fun to drive, and 40 mpg to boot! Must be the anonymous styling and boring color choices Honda offers. Still, the New generation Civic vastly improves over previous model years. Notice that the negative reviews are all on old civics, for inaccurate rating reflection. My sister drives a monstro SUV for "safety" and I love rubbing it in whenever we fill up her 12 mpg SUV vs. my 38-40 mpg five star safety squirrel Civic.

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  Economical commute csr - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Paul Swan - April 1 - 4:16 am

  This year and model Honda has a small economical engine. Makes the commute from Costa Mesa to Corona and back reliable and cost effective. Its a no frills vehicle, and does everthing I need it to do. Low cost of ownership (gas, maintenance, insurance, DMV fees, etc.)