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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  Had my 1997 civic for 19 yrs, still running strong - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Pam in Wisconsin - October 24 - 1:29 pm

  I love my 1997 Honda Civic! It has needed only routine maintenance, no problem with anything. There was a recall on some belts early on, Honda repaired everything at no cost to me. I have a five speed, manual transmission with 207,000 miles on it now and it runs great! Im still using the original clutch and getting 41-43 mpg hwy, 36-38 mpg routine driving. Going to get a Civic EX sedan again!

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  2008 Honda Civic EX - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Monty007 - October 24 - 8:06 am

  Performance for a 4 cylinder is amazing, hp is designed to kick in at speeds of 30mph or more, great passing power, quiet engine, low torque so acceleration is average. The ex coupe ride is firm, seats are comfortable, they remind me of racing seats that keep you securely in place. Tires are a bit noisy but grip well in dry or wet conditions, avg. grip in snow. Wiper blades are speed sensitive + have a built in rain-x feature that coats your windshield with a rain repellent each time the wipers pass over the windshield. I drive 100% in the city and am getting about 21 mpg, includes warming up my car for 3-5 minutes each morning and accelerating like an old granny.

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  Lots of bang for the buck - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ALB SNWBRDR - October 23 - 7:33 am

  The Civic SI has grown up, and so have I (....sort of). I recently purchased (3/08) a 2007 left over Civic SI sedan . I sold my 2005 Civic SI Hatchback. It was a great car. the 2007 has improved all of the features that I didnt like in the 2005 such as: less aggressive racing seats, adding a 6th gear, larger rims, and an armrest (front & rear). The 2007 is fast & can still can zig-zag through corners like a cars twice its price. The exhaust has a nice throaty sound.

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  great value - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jeem - October 21 - 6:00 pm

  Great car, good on gas, needed struts after only 40000 mi. Had brake shake in the front and grinding in the rear. Three year/36000 warranty isnt very good.

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  I am well pleased - 2003 Honda Civic
  By DAVIDR - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this car for a couple of weeks but have already put 1500 miles on it. I am a large man and yet am very comfortable in it. Easy to get into and out of. I am surprised by the exceleration. It is better than I expected. Runs equally well in the city and on the highway. MPG do drop above 70 but that was to be expected. They are still far better than my prior car. I have read several comments for the need of a sunroof. That would hinder the airflow. I am glad it does not have one. That way I wont use it.

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  I am well pleased - 2003 Honda Civic
  By DavidR - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this car for a couple of weeks but have already put 1500 miles on it. I am a large man and yet am very comfortable in it. Easy to get into and out of. I am surprised by the exceleration. It is better than I expected. Runs equally well in the city and on the highway. MPG do drop above 70 but that was to be expected. They are still far better than my prior car. I have read several comments for the need of a sunroof. That would hinder the airflow. I am glad it does not have one. That way I wont use it.

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  I expected better from Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By CrackerJack - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been a long time believer in Honda but the 2001 Civic DX has really let me down. Apart from the small things that keep breaking...(gas cap release, peeling upholstery, constantly locking seal belts, the biggest dissappointment has been the pathetic suspension. The MacPherson struts had to be replaced at 30K. Now at 45K I am faced with having them replaced again. Honda has been very good at fixing everything under warranty, but Im going to trade the car in, because things arent going to stop breaking when the warranty runs out!

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  Truly Timely - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Elizabeth David - October 20 - 11:46 pm

  Anticipation (gas prices) and looking for 3 years to replace our "old reliable" 1992 Pontiac Bonneville were the main motivations for purchasing our Honda Hybrid. I drive a one hour round trip commute every day to work and now only take 1/2 tank a week whereas the Pontiac had to filled every week. I know I save $60+ every month! It does seem to do better in cooler weather -- this morning (Nov. 9th) my gas mpg was 50.9 as I pulled into my parking spot. You do need to learn to drive a little differently (mostly braking gradually), but worth it! Fun thing: freak people out with how the engine and ac turn off when you stop -- can let up on brake to have ac turn back on in our humid climate.

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  Civic Surprise - 2009 Honda Civic
  By CivicSurprise - October 19 - 11:46 pm

  Over the last 15 years I have owned Audis, BMWs, Acuras and Mitsubishis. I have always been trying to find the right car for the small daily commutes and riding around town on small tasks. I always thought having a luxury car was the answer. I traded in my 2006 Acura TSX for the Civic. I was so surprised by this car. I have just enough creature comforts to get by but the ride is very surprising. The room inside is much bigger than I thought. Overall compared to all my other cars I have owned this is the right match for me. Love the gas mileage, comfort and overall use for this small sedan. As reviewed the Civic does have some road noise but it is no louder than an Acura and BMW is louder

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  Everything but the comfort - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dzigi - October 19 - 9:10 pm

  Yes, true cant expect much comfort from civic, but as previous owner of 00 Civic comparing with 08 can say that 08 civic is below my expectation. Front seats are uncomfortable and hand brake hurt my knee every time I drive it. Still havent driven it on longer relations but itll be painful.