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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  Nice Car though needs improvment - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Kaggsman - March 9 - 10:52 pm

  The car drives very well. It does very well in gas mileage. However when the gauge reaches quarter tank the needle almost judt drops to "E". I upgraded from the Dx model to th LX. I like the thicker tires and the new gauges.

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  06 Civic EX 4 door auto: impressions - 2006 Honda Civic
  By `DickBrub - March 9 - 2:40 pm

  So far, 1st tank or two 35+mpg. Great handling. Trunk smallish as is rear seat fore and aft. If the LX had split seat and rear discs at $500 more I would have gotten one rather than EX. Oh, well. I have no need for sunroof. Just barely enough leg room for 61" me. Great handling, much better than CR-V that I traded in. Plastic dipstick painted orange - cant see the oil. Aftermarket replacement?

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  Love my Honda! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Trish - March 9 - 4:55 am

  I could NOT have asked for a better first car! I purchased this vehicle my freshman year of college with 220 k miles on it... It now has 251k on it! The only time I have ever broken down in the past two years was when the transmission went out... Which was what I believe to be my own fault! I was told by a friend that I was likely low or out of transmission fluid! Luckily for me my dad has a few mechanical skills so we bought a junk yard tranny for about $300 or 400... Besides that.. I have AMAZING gas mileage when I keep it tuned up. Ive had brake pads changed a couple of times, and headlights a few times few to a short... But this is in a two year span with high mileage so all in all I think its an amazing vehicle!

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  A Little Disappointed - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jan - March 8 - 6:24 pm

  Little things on cars tend to break down when it reached 100k, this car was one of them. 106k miles and 6 years later, I had problems with the catalytic converter (I was told that this was the most common break-down for Honda cars). It cost me around $1000 to have the part, and among other things, fixed. The left speaker stopped working right after my warranty expired. The interior of the car rattled and squeeked when hitting bumps on roads. I read one of the reviews and it stated that this model was overrated, thats true. Honda doesnt make the same quality like it used to. My family bought a truck and have driven 280k miles, yet no mechanical problems only the CD player doesnt work.

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  Stickin w/ the hondas - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dwarfl0rd - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned an 87 prelude, 87 crx, 95 civic hatchback, 01 prelude and now a 03 civic ex sedan and honda continues to make cars that fit my needs. Ive owned my new civic for 6 months with 4400 miles. My wife was broadsided in it 3 months ago and the car flipped over. She walked away from the accident w/out injury. Caved in the entire passenger side, and flipped the car over onto the drivers side. Car did what it was supposed to do and protected my wife. Ill be stickin w/the hondas. The car also handles good, and gives me great gas mileage and reliability. I dont need anything else. Thanks Honda.

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  Decent Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By RHtremblay - March 7 - 5:32 pm

  I bought this car back in 02 Since then i have put about 102k miles on it. The car has been very reliable. However, the car is lacking in the performance department with only 126hp. The ride is also a little bumppy. Replaced the stock stereo system as soon as I bought it. Brakes lock up way to much and this car has ABS so i dont know the reason for that one. Car gets good gas mileage. Interior is breaking down a lot (faded, cracking, tears, etc.) I love the size of the back very roomy for a coupe. The moonroof is great on sunny days. Perfect car for roadtrips. Most reliable car ever!!!

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  2016 Honda Civic LX as compared to 2004 TSX - 2016 Honda Civic
  By JD & Company - March 7 - 12:00 am

  We leased this vehicle about 3-months ago after selling our 2004 TSX. In contrast to the TSX, the Civic uses regular gasoline, and has basic-sized steel belted tires that are H-rated. Stepping out of the Acura line to Honda was our best option to cut costs without giving up too many of the items that we enjoyed on our TSX. NOT having to buy premium gasoline, and change tires (V-rated sized) every 24-months is a godsend. The Civic is nimble enough around town, but lacks passing power at highway speeds. Our seats are cloth, and I do miss the leather seating with motorized seat adjustments. Fuel ecomomy is excellent at around 26 miles in stop and go driving to just under 40 on the highway. The Civic is a practical car, and has adequate trunk space. It is really designed for four passengers, not five as claimed in the drivers manuel. The A/C is cool. The car sits a little lower to the pavement than our Acura, but handles really well. Back-up camera, media jacks and cup holders. She starts up quick, and idles quiet as a mouse. In my business, I had previously rented Toyota Corollas, in fact I typically sought them out with National and Avis when they were available. I prefer the Civic handling over the Corolla. Both are about the same on fuel efficiency. The Honda Civic is a decent value and it is possible to purchase a really "dressed-up" Civic but that defeated the reason that we wanted it in the first place. BTW, the more add-on features and packages...the exponentially higher cost. It is possible to flirt with a $30,000 price tag if youre not careful. This is not a misprint....$30K. At that price, you should just look into a Honda Accord. Our Civic gets the job done adequately enough as equiped. I recommend the Civic to those seeking a more practical solution to their monthly and annual driving expenses.

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  Good Reliable Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Tim J - March 6 - 2:56 pm

  Great car - has been pretty reliable, now at 135,000 miles. Have had to fix: Exhaust Manifold Muffler (both rust) Distributor/Rotor (wouldnt start) I would characterize the repairs to this car as minor, vs other cars I have owned or a similar age. From my own experience/other reviews it appears that exhaust rust is the only real fleet-wide problem with the 1996 civic. Fortunately these arent terribly expensive to replace, vs the repairs I have had on other older cars.

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  I love my civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By helen - March 5 - 5:33 am

  I got my 06 civic in Sept.06, So far no big problems, everything is cool with the car except for the widow wiper on the left is not working as it should be, it leave streaks and makes my view blurry in raining days, I had to pay to replace it. The driving experience is good and it is light on gas. id give it a 9/10

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  Im loving it! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By clavie - March 4 - 12:00 pm

  I got this Civic as a second car and because of my commute became my primary car. So far, no issues and really good gas mileage (from 37 to 46MPG in AZ) with Octane 87. I believe I have the better one so far according to (www.fueleconomy.gov). So why buy a hybrid? I recently changed the spark plugs which made a huge difference as the car is more responsive than ever. Im loving it!