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:

• 

  Love my Civic Si - 2012 Honda Civic
  By buckeye99 - February 23 - 10:30 am

  This Honda is a great car. The 2.4l iVTEC is an absolute BLAST to drive. The 6spd manual transmission is fantastic. While not the fastest car in this price range, I believe its the best all-around vehicle in its class when considering price, gas mileage, reliability, 4 door practicality, and performance. I live in the midwest and weather is not always ideal. With the FWD, the car works very well as a daily driver. The new 2.4l engine offers plenty of torque and power for a vehicle in this class, but with the limited slip and stability control, torque steer is almost non-existent. In spirited mixed driving, Ive averaged 28MPG. In highway driving, its easy to get over the rated 31MPG

• 

  2001 Honda Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By rick248 - February 21 - 12:24 pm

  My Civic has about 85K miles on it. Its been great until this morning when I found out it needed a new transmission. Checking on this, I found out that this is not uncommon for the 01 model: many folks have run into the same problem. Also found out, Honda had a program offering assistance with repairs that ran for 7 years or 100,000 miles. I was never informed about this and now am facing a big bill. I contacted Honda and they wished me well but said they could no longer offer any monetary assistance. I believe they should offer something because I was never notified. They usually have a great product but I think Ill look elsewhere in the future.

• 

  The Honeymoon Continues...Mostly - 2011 Honda Civic
  By 90in55 - February 15 - 1:30 pm

  My initial thoughts were posted here a little over a year ago, and I have since put about 6K miles on the odometer. I thought Id provide a more objective review, now that the giddiness has worn off somewhat. Im still in love with this vehicle! It provides tremendous bang for the buck, has been trouble-free, and looks like a poor mans exotic from certain angles. I will break down and admit that the lack of low-end power has become apparent, and sometimes I feel like a show-off when Im revving the engine alongside my fellow motorists. They think Im trying to race them, while Im just trying to keep up. Oh, but what a sound! One day soon these high-RPM engines will be no more.

• 

  Battery drain problem? - 2013 Honda Civic
  By htnj1 - February 13 - 2:34 pm

  Love the interior and exterior quality. New civic has a comfortable ride and very good fuel efficiency. Also like the fact that bluetooth and rear view camera are standard on all 2013 Civics. However, in the second week after buying the car I didnt drive it for another week and the car wouldnt start. Turns out the battery was dead due to cold weather (around 10-20 deg F) After jump start everything was ok but for a new car this is quite unexpected. Will have to watch it going forward how it behaves....

• 

  Better than the 2012, but ....... - 2013 Honda Civic
  By drjc3 - February 12 - 9:17 pm

  I like the car overall, but Im still having a hard time getting past the cheap honeycomb grill & the too black alloy wheels. I didnt realize when I bought the car 3 weeks ago that the radiator is as visual as the grill itself. The interior noise/engine are improved & the overall handling is very good. I wish I could get past the toys-for-us grill!

• 

  Mugen SI - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jordan231479 - February 12 - 8:41 am

  With just only 2 weeks with the Mugen SI Im completely in love with this car. Not only does it get attention from everyone but its a blast to drive. If your a Honda enthusiast, this is definitely the car to own. It drives like a dream with a stiff cornering when you want it but comfortable enough to drive in long trips.

• 

  So far so good - 2012 Honda Civic
  By montrealcivic - February 10 - 6:49 pm

  Been driving a Civic for years. This is my third consecutive new Civic. Previous models were the 98 and 05. Unfortunately this model has impressed me less than the 05. I am 5 foot 11 and often hit my head getting out of the car. They seem to have decreased the cavity opening by 1-2 inches. The carpeting is not really carpet - more akin to a dish scrub brush. This was easily fixed by adding the rubber mats with the protection package. The dash is one huge mass of not so pretty plastic. The plastic on the prior models at least resembled the texture of leather. I find visibility reduced with the long window frame pillars. The good points help reduce the negatives however.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2001 Honda Civic
  By bsalzano - February 9 - 6:17 pm

  Average 36 mpg, super reliable, classy look,and fun to drive. I bought brand new and have over 160000 miles on it. No problems on this car. Just had one front brake need a new pad but that is all. I love Honda quality!!!

• 

  cvt transmission not worth the savings - 2004 Honda Civic
  By virginia3881 - February 8 - 11:36 am

  I have had 2 civic hybrids. while the gas mileage is good the fact that BOTH of the hybrids transmissions are trash. and to buy a remanufacture one is not an option. No one wants to do the work I have scoured the country for remanufactured cvt transmission for either with no luck and the savings in gas mileage is not worth the trouble I have now. so think before you buy a vehicle with a cvt transmissionl.

• 

  Not all its cracked up to be - 2001 Honda Civic
  By r_berkhei - February 5 - 5:43 am

  I bought my Civic Ex in 2010 with 100k on the clock. The car I find completely uncomfortable. Visibility is good, but feel like safety scores are a joke and why wouldnt they put a 5th gear in the thing! Average about 34mpg. Replaced motor mounts within the first year. Then at 50k came the transmission repair. Even though I extensively researched this car, surprise, 2001 hondas frequent tranny problems! Had to get it rebuilt twice. Then all new rotors and wheel bearings (routine I know). Then 1200 dollars in oil leaks, and now a V-tech error and an o2 code. I use Mobile 1 and change it every 5k and always do suggested maintenance. Just feel like its a POS, "but its a Honda!"