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:

• 

  2007 Honda Civic LX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Lauren Kane - February 19 - 12:40 am

  I have been nothing but pleased with my Civic. No major problems, and when traveling on the highway I generally get around 40 mpg, which is incredible. I have had no work done on it in the last two years other than the usual oil change. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Wow, Si vs Ex...what a difference! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By civicracer32 - February 18 - 7:43 pm

  Ive owned a Civic EX 2007 model for 10k miles now, and just traded in another 07 Civic hybrid for the Si. Wow. This thing is like a whole different car than the EX. The car surges forward with throttle input where the EX has a delay and doesnt seem to have near the torque. The Si actually feels quicker than it is. The handling difference between the Si and Ex is even more pronounced. It sticks like glue and feels very "planted" throughout the corners. I absoultely love this car and recommend anyone who is looking at an EX to at least drive one of these if your budget will allow you to take a small jump in price to be able to buy one of these.

• 

  Quite a competition but the Civic won! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Sparkland - February 18 - 7:00 am

  My wife and I shopped quite awhile for an economical car that would provide us with years of durability. We narrowed the choices to the 2008 Honda Civic and the 2009 Toyota Corolla. It was a close competition especially since Toyota was offering 0% financing on the Corolla and Honda had no incentives on the Civic. Contrary to the previous poster, I found the Corolla to be very refined for a compact. The XLE model was our favorite and it does include alloy wheels, bluetooth, traction control and NAVI. The Civic won us over with reliability (Corolla first year of new model) and fuel economy as well as engine performance. The interior at least on the EX seemed a little more refined.

• 

  No Economy, nor Honda Quality Here - 2008 Honda Civic
  By johncr12 - February 18 - 6:03 am

  Ive owned a Honda, either a Civic or Accord since 1973. I purchased one of the first Honda Civics in the US (Wash DC). So I know the quality that Honda is capable of. This particular car I purchased over a Prius, based on the style and economy of the car. I can overlook the definite road noise that is present, but I cannot over look the low mileage, far below the est MPG of 40/50. The best I have gotten on a 180m trip was 30.8 mpg. As for city mpg, I average 28.7. Would I recommend this car, absolutely not. I currently have 420 miles on this vehicle (second car). Shes not yet broken in, but looking at others mpg- this car is really lacking. This will be my last Honda. Prius is right!

• 

  Love this car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By luvmycivic - February 18 - 12:54 am

  Never had a problem in 3 years. Started without any problems every time. Only complaint is there is not enough room for front passengers feet with legs stretched forward and Im short. Minor shortcoming however and would definitely recommend. Sat in back seat a few times and was surprised how roomy it was.

• 

  so so - 2005 Honda Civic
  By valkyrievf1j - February 17 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car for 2 things fuel economy, and reliability. Based on those 2 things I am very happy with this vehicle. My main down point on this car would have to be the complete lack of any get up and go. Off the line starting power is poor, while the motor does pretty well at speeds in excess of 55 mph with little struggle. I dont think that this car is worth what it sells for, but so long as I can get 7 or more years of reliability out of this I will be pleased with my purchase.

• 

  Excellent, but could be better - 2010 Honda Civic
  By johnnymg - February 15 - 11:50 pm

  OK, Im going to be a bit tough on this car even though Im pretty happy with it. On the plus side: EXCELLENT leather seats~~!!!! Good power and nice auto trans. Good but not great gas mileage. On the negative side: The rear speakers are just hanging "bare" with no rear covers. This is really unacceptable. Cheesy badging all around the car. Cheesy interior badging with a big chrome H on the steering wheel. The interior looks like it was designed for "kids". Lack of a power drivers seat. Lack of a instantaneous and avg fuel usage. Could use a slightly heavier steering. These are all minor nits against a pretty good car. I drove a Prius and that was a real joke compared to this Honda.

• 

  Cant go wrong... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By pjssesco - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I looked around at many different cars and found that the Si was the way to go. Im 6 and Im comfortable in this car with plenty of room all around. Car isnt the quickest but has more than enough pick up to get you where youre going. If you choose there are plenty of modifications to add the extra H.P. if thats a problem. I have no complaints about this car.

• 

  2003 Hybrid review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By fidlcat - February 14 - 10:00 am

  . I commute about 70 miles daily - mostly on "country roads" averaging about 50 -55 mph with, with only 5-10 of these miles being "city" driving. I am very pleased with this car. I average approximately 50 mpg and have not had any mechanical problems. I enjoying seeing how far I enjoy trying to beat my last mpg and am hoping to get the 600 mile tank as some other owners have reported being able to do. Thus far, I can get about 500 - 550 per tank. In spite of a few issues I have listed in the "suggested improvements" section, I am extremely pleased with this car and would buy another.

• 

  Best Honda ever in the world - 1990 Honda Civic
  By mimichar - February 12 - 5:07 pm

  Bought my Civic new, still love it after 252K miles. Nothing but routine maintenance and replacement of parts you would expect after that much mileage! Mostly city and highway driving.