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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  5-Month, 6,000 Mile Review... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Canadia - January 3 - 11:13 pm

  Preface: I did my homework, and shopped around pretty extensively. I knew what I was buying (an economy car), and held the civic to those standards. First, a few minor quibbles: 1. Thickness and durability of the paint is disappointing. Im finding too many chips on this young a car. 2. I cant locate the source of some random clunk coming from the right rear wheel... Other than that, all I have for the civic is praise. The car handles famously considering its class and competition, and the ride quality is uncompromised. Its solid, doesnt get flustered over bumps, and inspires much more confidence than my previous car (a 1998 Audi A6).

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  Good little car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Gannet - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Wife loves it. Great MPG. Surprising room for a tiny car.

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  AWESOME!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By SASSY - January 3 - 10:00 am

  LOVE THE CIVIC EX!!! TRUELY A AWESOME CAR!!

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  Maxed out EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By odachimaster - January 1 - 9:57 pm

  Great car never let you down. Nice clean look beautiful blue color. Easy to add accessories. Fun to Drive handled very well. v-tec engine had a little pick-up when you need it.

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  All Around Great Car!!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Zero Gravity - January 1 - 12:33 am

  Fuel economy is great. The car gets about 33-35mpg in spirited driving and can do up to 42mpg if driven economically. I would prefer a manual transmission but the automatic performs very well for a commuter car. I always use 87-octane gas, Royal Purple synthetic motor oil and a K&N reusable air filter in the stock intake. I have a sub in the trunk and heavier speakers upfront that probably cancel out the mpg gains from the oil/filter. Worth it to me. Undoubtedly the car’s aerodynamic car- forward design contributes to its fuel economy as well, but the thick pillars front and rear cause large blind spots making lane changes a bit more risky than I’d like.

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  Great car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By MIKE - December 31 - 2:38 pm

  My car is great it has had a few problems but nothing i couldnt fix myself and for only 5 or ten bucks the car had 200k miles on it when i got now its up to 213k and still running strong it has the original motor in it everything but the seat belts are original its a great car to drive and is very fun

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  best car for the price level - 1998 Honda Civic
  By akuoh - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Lucky me. Got it as a bday present in 98 and have been driving the hell out of ever since. Installed a CD changer and alarm as the only extras. The interior is pretty noisy. But after renting a Neon for a trip (it only had 3 gears!), Ive come to realize how well built and designed everything is on this car. Plus the mileage is great (32-35mpg) and no mechnical troubles at all. Great car all around. Sure, I can always want more things in a car, but I wont need it outside of what my Civic has offered.

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  2nd Timer to Honda - 1997 Honda Civic
  By 2nd Timer to Honda - December 28 - 12:44 pm

  Just bought Honda 97 LX with 114.5K miles from a private party as a 2nd car, well kept. My initial reposne is good, stable drive, engine looks to be in good condition. Previously, I had Accord 2000 EX and have now Altima 06. Good to know this comes with keyless entry and auto-theft. Still checking for ABS. Not sure if that comes standard, i think it does but please dont take my word for it. Will be updating this board in about 6 months. If looking for 2nd car, go for it, check with the seller about the timing belts, water pumps and brakes service info (at least).

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  Most uncomfortable to drive ever - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hidiho - December 28 - 10:00 am

  The car looks and drives well enough, but I never imagined the super-low seats would give me as much uncomfort as they have. Im 54" kicking myself for not thinking to get the EX model that has the dial on the side to raise the seat. Its like sitting in the bottom of a boat-- wouldnt be so bad if the steering wheel could come down farther. Ive owned it for a month and Im trading it in rather than have the seat raised. Im generally unsatisfied with the ergonomics of the whole drivers console area.. seems like it would be fine for a tall person, but just awkward for the shorter folks.

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  Solid and Reliable - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Ted - December 26 - 10:14 pm

  Solid performance but conservative styling sums the car up. I have had virtually no problems with it in almost 5 years of ownership. Mileage has been from 35 to 40 mpg in freeway commuting. Scheduled maintenance has been a big improvement - (much less frequently needed than my previous car). The ride is a bit stiff compared to my wifes Honda CRV.