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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  2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan - BEWARE - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JD - November 29 - 7:26 pm

  The cons: The shifter is horrible, it is extremely clunky and has occasional problems shifting into third gear (it is almost like you are getting locked out of third) (Yes I know how to drive stick and no, my floor mats are not getting in the way!!). The passenger airbag light goes on and off even when there is nothing on, behind, under, in front of or in back of the passenger seat. The sun roof rattles more than a rattle snake getting beat with a stick. There are other rattles that come from the passenger seat and the doors. The paint chips very easily. Everything in the interior of the car is made of cheap plastic.

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  Civic Commuter - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jay - November 29 - 1:29 pm

  I bought my Civic with 21000 miles. I now have over 109000 miles with no major issues. The manual transmission hasnt given me any of the issues that other people describe with their automatics. I replaced the exhaust within the last year, but if you live in the salt belt this is to be expected. I also replaced the original battery last winter, it was 8 years old. The car handles well, but is no BMW.

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  Most economical & reliable car so far - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Anders Seits - November 29 - 12:35 pm

  The 1999 Honda Civic LX 4-door I bought new and have owned for over 6 years has proved to be the most economical and reliable car I have owned so far in my life. I am 60 years old and have owned Fords, Chevrolets, VWs, and a Mitsubishi Galant. The Honda Civic might not be as comfortable and roomy as some of them, but it has been an excellent, reliable, cost-efficient car for city and highway driving. The only repair so far has been the replacement of the interior blower fan, because of worn-out bearings. Current mileage is 78,000 miles.

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  Excellent Car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Benjamin - November 28 - 10:32 am

  I bought this car when it had 55,000 miles and have had it for 5 years. The ONLY problem Ive had was the starter went out, besides that I have just done regular maintenance and it has been extremely reliable. I previously had a 1993 Civic that just wouldnt die, either. Again, no problems. Ill be a Honda guy for life, this is the most dependable car on the market, you wont be disappointed.

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  03 LX sedan - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dalaw - November 28 - 7:26 am

  Bought the car new in Oct 2002. I was looking for the clearance 2002 but liked the 03 a lot more. I get plenty of compliments for the cool-blue LED gauges; even a guard at a security check point gave compliments. I get about 32 mpg average in mixed driving but highway mileage easily gets close to 40 mpg if you drive around the speed limit. Low-speed ride can get harsh and the stock suspension is tuned all wrong. The front suspension is soft but the rear is stiff and bouncy, especially going over speed bumps. I am going to have to change out the shocks ASAP. Highway ride is stable and the car feels solid at speeds, however. Oil filter is located in the worst place, ever.

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  Perfect gas-miser/weekend racer - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mbratton - November 26 - 10:56 am

  I loved the Mugen from the first time I saw it on the showroom floor -- I knew I had to have it. Sure, its way more than the base Si, but a test drive of the two will let anyone know that the money was well spent on the suspension and wheels/tires. The looks I could care less about, but the handling is absolutely superb! Ride is harsh, as you would expect from a sports car, but the gas mileage is amazingly good (about 26 mpg in 100% city for me, even with "spirited driving"). The only cons for me are the lack of nav and the fact that its a car that must be parked "out of the way" so as to avoid vandalism/theft.

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  Surprised Happy Owner - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Alson Chin - November 25 - 6:09 pm

  The Civic is much more luxurious than I expect. The cabin is very quiet, something you would find in a more expensive car. It has a blind side camera, so when want turn right or make a lane change to right, the blind spot on passenger side pops up on the led screen. Very handy in the city, when there are bicyclist in your blind spot. Over all very happy with the purchase.

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  Best commute car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By King George - November 25 - 3:33 am

  After 11K miles, the car is perfect except I cannot get rid of the the "tire" warning light. This car gives 38.8 mpg for both city and highway. Acceleration is adequate to merge and change lane at 60-70mph. I got speeding ticket for running 89 mph ( in fact it was 93 mph) in a smooth highway. Sound system is much less than perfect but if you just listen to radio then its a good fit for the money.

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  In the Shop at 1100 Miles - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Nate - November 25 - 1:02 am

  This is the fourth Honda Ive owned. Never had too many problems with the others so I decide on the 2016 Civic for my newest car purchase. Its a great car, as long as you dont care to know how much gas you have. With only 1100 miles on it, the gas gauge stop working. Well, not entirely. It has a bug where it only wont work in the morning. If you drive it around, turn the car off, and then turn it back on, it will work. But its a brand new car; I shouldnt have to do that. I took it back to the purchase dealer and they said there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. Took it to a second dealer (now at 1600 miles) and they currently have it in the shop and are keeping it overnight. Im very very disappointed in Honda and in my purchase of this vehicle. Who knows what will go wrong next? Think long and hard before purchasing this vehicle as the quality of Honda has gone significantly downhill.

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  Last Honda I will Purchase - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Tom Giese - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I know Honda has a reputation that precedes itself. That being said I must have purchased that one in a thousand defective vehicle. I have had nothing but problems with my car the past two years(check engine light constantly coming on) O2 sensors, transmission control unit ($2400). The engineers at Honda spent weeks helping service stations. When I tried to contact Honda for help with my problems I encountered the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Again my experience may buck the norm but it has been bad enough for me to catagorically state I will never again purchase a Honda. Cheers.