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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  Its Good - 2001 Honda Civic
  By bongo - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Roomy for a compact car. Family of four (two car seats) fit just fine. I was a former Nissan Sentra Driver and the Honda blows it away.

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  Good Purchase for Basic Trans - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Professor - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a low-cost, well-built, high reliable vehicle - 2001 Honda Civic. Been happy with my purchase. Though Ive read about some 1st-Year Model problems...Ive been fortunate not to have any. In fact...at every dealership maintenance service, I make sure all vehicle problems are addressed. Great fuel economy...and Honda reliability so far at almost 25,000 miles.

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  Perfect for me - 2007 Honda Civic
  By preciousTS - December 25 - 2:00 pm

  I needed a vehicle with great gas mileage, yet big enough to hold luggage, two keyboards, stands, an amp, a large box of equipment, a large dog crate and a bicycle. I can fit all of this and more into my little Civic Hybrid. While shopping I actually had salespeople attempt to load my music equipment into a Prius but it would not fit. This little Civic is a joy to drive, looks great, is quiet and comfy and has all of the safety features I have come to love and trust about Hondas. I get anywhere between 43 to 57 miles per gallon, and find this to be a zippy little machine. I previously drove a Chevy Malibu and loved it, but for the savings in gas the Civic wins the day. Sweet little car!

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  I bought a piece of trash - 2002 Honda Civic
  By John Thompson - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Evidently I was fooled by the claim that Japanese cars are reliable. I bought this piece of junk last month and have had nothing but problems with it. When I pulled out of the dealership, the car died. They dragged it into the repair shop and told me the next day that the fuel line was clogged. I figured that it was a fluke and drove off. Before I got home, the thing stalled again. This time, I found out that an engine module had malfunctioned. I have had it for two weeks since and have had two pieces of trim come loose and fall off somewhere on the highway. Needless to say, I would warn all against buying a Honda, especially the Civic.

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  Honest Assessment - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JoeBlowConsumer - December 24 - 2:43 pm

  I really like this car; however, there are aspects that I dont like. Perhaps this will be helpful to others. *Remote doesnt open trunk *Much plastic on this car. Looks good in most places but feels cheap in some. ex. inside door lever, hand break,etc *Dont like fabric on the door handles and console. Waiting to get dirty and stained. * body materials very thin and some plastic. Lightly press or rub roof and it flexes. Doors sound cheap and hollow when closed. * Road noise if that is of concern to you. * cannot use DVD media in stereo to play mp3 and dvds. Only CD media Good car but always room for improvement

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  Money Well Spent - 1999 Honda Civic
  By unkqty - December 24 - 2:11 pm

  Second satisfied owner - purchased 4 years ago w/upgraded suspension, stereo, & intake. I really like the car and will drive it until the wheels fall off. Although its first and foremost an economy car, its a really good one. Gets 25-35mpg on 32mi suburban commute and >36 on long trips (more w/synthetic oil). Although it gasps (35mph) over Colorados I70 mountain passes, it otherwise offers surprising performance. Requires only routine maintenance, much of which can be performed by owner. Unfortunately, arrogant attitude at several dealerships is that Hondas sell themselves, so they dont have to work as hard or appreciate the customer as much - a real turn-off for me.

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  Comfortable/affordable/fun commuter - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cash-money - December 23 - 8:56 pm

  My EX is sooo easy to drive. I have an 89 Si and this is a big improvement. The 06 Civic gets great gas mileage, is practical, but also nice looking with the new design. The EX has most of the luxury features that I became accustomed to with my sport/luxury sedan so I dont mind moving down in class to save money and get to where Im going comfortably. Besides, most of the time I drive at a moderate speed and dont treat this like a sports car. This car is perfect for our expected baby (safe), an occasional friend, and an easy to drive tool for getting from place to place without the hassle of a big bulky vehicle. We installed leather to make the ride seem more than it is. Mileage= 31mpg

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  EX-L Coupe-2009 - 2009 Honda Civic
  By pktommi - December 23 - 11:20 am

  I have owned this vehicle for almost two months now and this is the first car I have never had to take back shortly after purchasing to have squeaks fixed or rattles fixed or adjustments made. Honda really has really got their act together. The first month or so the ride was a bit choppy but on the second month the suspension seems to have loosened up a bit and the ride is much better now, I am coming down from a much heavier car that did have a nicer ride to it and it has taken a while to adjust. Quality craftsmanship every place I look, everything is put together very well. I am a little disappointed that the trunk lid does not have a liner on it, no computer, and no intermittent wipers.

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  Time Marathon - 1994 Honda Civic
  By cm221975 - December 21 - 10:53 am

  This car now has 250k and it has gone without any problems. Seriously, no problems! It has been a beast amongs beast! I love it, this is the best car in the plan on never selling it. I am writing this review because now that I have had the car for 14 years and 250k miles, I wanted people to know about its reliability. Yes I change the brakes, and oil, and your usual old car thing...everyone I know is amazed at hoe long this car has lasted...specially since I am not the nicest person to it.

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  Biggest piece of crap I have owned - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jayse - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I really like the car minus all of the things that have malfunctioned with it. The fuel sending unit was replaced a month after purchase. The left front damper, left front stabilizer link and the right front strut assembly have been replaced. The AC compressor went out about 34 thousand miles, the alternator went out at around 41 thousand miles.