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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  Not just for kids - 2003 Honda Civic
  By skrause - April 30 - 4:13 am

  I admit, Im not that young anymore, but I still like economical, fun-to-drive cars that will last. I have owned my Si new just over 2 years and have 57,000 miles on it. It is by far the most comfortable long-distance car I have driven. The handling is superb, the seats are comfortable yet sporty, the ergonomics are excellent. I average 30 MPG and my experience with dealerships has been very good. I think the leg room in the rear is better than the Jetta, and the utility of the hatch is terrific. The overall feel of this car is far better the price I paid for it. This is definitely an overlooked value.

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  Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Justin - April 28 - 10:56 pm

  This car is great. If you just sacrifice beating every car off the line from a stop light it will do massive amounts for fuel mileage. As my car has gotten broken in and I have "learned" how to drive it I am now getting 52 MPG! Also driving at about 60-63 MPH (and using cruise control) I have found gives you the best mix of both fuel efficiency and speed. Drives great and is super comfortable. Also I cant wait to claim it on my taxes next year.

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  What big little car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ElliottBay - April 27 - 8:43 pm

  I traded in a 1999 VW Jetta VR-6 for my new Civic EX sedan a week ago, and am very impressed with how BIG this car is on the inside, and how much storage space there is. I bet theres at least an extra 1" of front leg room and 2" more rear knee room than the Jetta. The Civic is reasonably peppy, and corners very well. I just wish the ride was a bit more supple and there was a little less road noise. Ive owned two Hondas before, and expect this one to be typically reliable and long-lasting.

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  135,000 miles on it and still great - 1991 Honda Civic
  By grey ghost - April 27 - 5:14 pm

  I got the manual 5-speed new 15 years ago and its still going strong. I love this car. Its responsive, has excellent road feel, is extremely reliable, it gets great mileage (see below), and visibility out the front and rear windshields is fantastic. There is tons of space in the back for hauling lumber, bookshelves, Newfoundlands, bicycles, etc. etc. Even when I rent new cars for travel, Im relieved to come home to my DX. They dont make cars like this anymore. What will I eventually replace it with? There isnt a Civic hatch anymore. Maybe I wont have to replace it, given the miles reported by other reviewers... :-)

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  Honda EX Auto/Navigation, one sweet ride - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Melch - April 26 - 7:26 pm

  I have driven this car for 15 months (35,000) and I have never gotten less that 38.5 MPG highway and as high 41.5. This car is exceptional and for the price, the value cant beat. It drives like my BMW Z3 as far as handling goes, but does not have the HP to make it as zippy

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  Civic Review - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Nate - April 26 - 4:50 pm

  My Honda, which I bought because of its flawless reputation, has been nothing but good for me. MPG is great, up to 36 on the highway. Add a cold air intake and better wheels and tires and you got yourself a ride! The power of the engine leaves some room for improvement, but you cant complain about 127 stock horses under the hood of a 4-banger. My only other complaint is the paint job. The finish ships if you look at it wrong. Overall a great car though! Wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  Great Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By AL STEIN - April 26 - 9:34 am

  I have owned this car for 10 years and it has never given me any trouble at all. If you need a no worries around town car you can not go wrong. Fun to drive, sips gas and my 5 speed manual has enough zoom to keep all but sports car types happy. Unless I need a sedan for my new child I will buy another Civic for my next car (if this one ever dies!!)

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  Transparent - 1995 Honda Civic
  By NGB - April 26 - 8:54 am

  Bought this new and its been simple and affordable to own. Its been pretty transparent in the sense that I dont have to think about whether or not it will work or get me where I want to go.

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  Honda builds LEMONS too! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By mr. vitality - April 25 - 10:00 am

  car broke down 1 week after purchasing it Brand New. steering wheel fluid leaked luckily I got in time or my steering could have jammed, every peice changed with steering 3 seperate occasions . rust on car after 3 months, front shock had to be changed leak, driver door rattled tried to fic different noise now , problems with heater, and not too mention 4 seperate recalls . Suspension is garbage conpared to earlier models

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  Transmission Woes!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By StaceyKnight - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because of its reliability record (after owning a very troublesome and expensive VW VR6). It only has 28,000 miles on it and the automatic transmission needs to be replaced because of a design defect which causes it to shift brutally hard. Unfortunately, its out of warranty and its a $4000 problem for me. Ive discussed this with more than one Honda dealer and its not an uncommon problem, so watch out!!