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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  8 month review - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cargo2 - December 26 - 6:33 am

  Have owned this car for 8 months now with a 50/50 mix of city and highway driving. City/highway MPG averages about 31. No problems whatsover, this car continues to run well and look good. Still very happy I bought this car. This car offers the best all around package.

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  2004 SI - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Parker - December 24 - 11:03 am

  Overall, I absolutely love this car. My only major complaint is that theres occasionally excessive cabin noise from the brakes. I also wish that the gear ratio between first and second was a little closer. Aside from that, I get better than posted mileage (I average 31 mpg mixed, 34 if Im only driving highway), the seats are extremely comfortable, the handling is close to perfect, the design is original and attractive.

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  Amazing first car, but I was impatient - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Viper38616 - December 24 - 4:56 am

  When I bought this car I new that the new model would be coming out in November, but I needed the car right then and there so I bought it. I love it to death it is my child, however I wish I could have waited for the new 6-speed 197 hp 2006 Si. None the less this car is quick, even with its 160 hp engine for the first month I had it I peeled out almost everytime off the line. Overall I love this car and I dont think I will ever get anything but a Civic Si, unless VW comes out with a new R32. Man I love those hatchbacks.

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  Great Car.... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By DaveInBoston - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car... Compared to my 99 Pontiac Sunfire GT, this car is worlds apart. Much smoother engine, transmission, quieter and a build quality that makes anything GM built look like a Yugo. She is a quick car once you know that the power is at a higher rpm... This is a car I would recommend to anyone. A pleasure/fun to drive and a great value.

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  First car to ever exceed my expectations - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 23 - 4:45 pm

  I have high expectations when I buy vehicles and usually they are met or over time I find short comings. Overall I cant fault anything in this car. I replaced a 06 BMW 325i and other than giving up a little handling, steering feel, braking and the feel of RWD and that amazing engine sound.... Ive gained enough to offset all that. Quieter, rides a lot better. Smoothest freeway and urban pavement ride of any car Ive been in. Better than our Audi Q5. Sweet engine, cvt is well behaved and tracks effortlessly on the highway. I commute 99 miles a day round trip, so almost 400 miles per week on average with weekend trips. Its the perfect car. Averaging around 38mpg during the first few days breaking it in going 70-80mph but accelerating and coasting a lot so not efficient operation. Phone integration could be better. Touring features are worth it and will hold resale better I think. ACC and Lane assist work very well. Stereo is very good. Better than the similar 10 speaker system in our Audi Q5. First car with LED headlights and they are awesome! Worth it if you are a highway commuter. I drive in the dark about 60% of the time during the year so it was a big deal.

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  First car to ever exceed my expectations - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 23 - 4:45 pm

  I have high expectations when I buy vehicles and usually they are met or over time I find short comings. Overall I cant fault anything in this car. I replaced a 06 BMW 325i and other than giving up a little handling, steering feel, braking and the feel of RWD and that amazing engine sound.... Ive gained enough to offset all that. Quieter, rides a lot better. Smoothest freeway and urban pavement ride of any car Ive been in. Better than our Audi Q5. Sweet engine, cvt is well behaved and tracks effortlessly on the highway. I commute 99 miles a day round trip, so almost 400 miles per week on average with weekend trips. Its the perfect car. Averaging around 38mpg during the first few days breaking it in going 70-80mph but accelerating and coasting a lot so not efficient operation. Phone integration could be better. Touring features are worth it and will hold resale better I think. ACC and Lane assist work very well. Stereo is very good. Better than the similar 10 speaker system in our Audi Q5. First car with LED headlights and they are awesome! Worth it if you are a highway commuter. I drive in the dark about 60% of the time during the year so it was a big deal.

• 

  First car to ever exceed my expectations - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 23 - 4:45 pm

  I have high expectations when I buy vehicles and usually they are met or over time I find short comings. Overall I cant fault anything in this car. I replaced a 06 BMW 325i and other than giving up a little handling, steering feel, braking and the feel of RWD and that amazing engine sound.... Ive gained enough to offset all that. Quieter, rides a lot better. Smoothest freeway and urban pavement ride of any car Ive been in. Better than our Audi Q5. Sweet engine, cvt is well behaved and tracks effortlessly on the highway. I commute 99 miles a day round trip, so almost 400 miles per week on average with weekend trips. Its the perfect car. Averaging around 38mpg during the first few days breaking it in going 70-80mph but accelerating and coasting a lot so not efficient operation. Phone integration could be better. Touring features are worth it and will hold resale better I think. ACC and Lane assist work very well. Stereo is very good. Better than the similar 10 speaker system in our Audi Q5. First car with LED headlights and they are awesome! Worth it if you are a highway commuter. I drive in the dark about 60% of the time during the year so it was a big deal.

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  My first hybrid, and its a Honda! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By IPA2 - December 21 - 1:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST HYBRID, and its only a day old or so. I wanted to write about my first impressions and a few months from now, Ill write again. First of all the ride is smooth and solid. With the CVT, SHIFTING IS SEAMLESS, because there arent any gears, just one consistent motion. The style looks like a Civic, so dont expect people to stop and notice your new Hybrid. However, you can smile and know how your new car isnt thirsty for gas, and the stereo is top notch. The interior leather is very comfortable, and the blue luminous gauges have a futuristic look and very easy to read.We got a fantastic lease, $305/ 36 month. Only first payment down, plus they paid off our other lease, 2months.

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  My wifes Honda Civic EX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Garry L. Mohr - December 20 - 11:26 pm

  I looked at other cars and chose the Honda Civic 4-dr EX because of its style, resale value and because my wife liked the way it looked and felt for her. I wanted her to like the Civic Si, but she wanted a four door with a automatic, what can I say, sigh.

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  Keeps going and going - 1995 Honda Civic
  By J Bruce - December 20 - 5:46 pm

  Bought this 5 years ago for daughter in HS. She has put about 40,000 miles on it. It has been extremely reliable, and we have only had to fix routine maint items. Was in major hailstorm, so repaired all dents, repainted and added chrome / alloy 16 inch wheels. Also added Sony CD player, new speakers, and auto start / remote locks. The car still looks new, and interior is holding up amazing for a 12 year old car. My daughter still likes the car, especially since it was repainted and customized, adding remote starter. Still gets 32 MPG on highway, low insurance costs, and hardly any repair costs. Not sure how much more you could ask of a car. The v-tech engine still runs great.