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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  Practical and fun - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Eileen - January 18 - 9:23 pm

  I needed a fuel efficient vehicle that would hold up over time. I drive approx. 125 miles per day, mostly on the highway. So far, this is a wise choice. It meets the familys needs and mine especially when I fuel once a week now instead of every other day!

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  No problems! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By justjess - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Imagine getting in a vehicle every day with no problems. NONE. Thats been my experience with my 2000 civic EX coupe. As with most Hondas, if you take care of it, it will take care of you! Sometimes Ill notice someone driving a late 70s model civic on the road (no wonder most Honda dealers have the 100,000 mile club). Im leasing my 2000 civic, and will probably miss it when it goes back next year. Ive considered getting the Jetta next year, but when I hear about the window problems with the jettas and all of the other annoying problems with the vws, it of course gives me second thoughts. If Im smart, Ill get another Honda!

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  Hybrid Drivers make it last! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Easy - January 17 - 2:56 am

  I have thought of making bumper stickers for my Civic but I love it some much I dont want to mar its appearance. I guess Ill have too once I get my HOV sticker. I havent gotten my registration yet so it will be awhile. Anyway - on with my review. My wife owns a Prius which I have driven so I can nake first hand comparison. Prius hybrid system is slightly better since it can move the car from a stop without the ICE, perfect for traffic jams or congested freeways.The Prius averages 45 MPG so far.The Civic beats the Prius in all other categories. The Prius interior looks cheap by comparison. If you are after the highest MPG car get the Prius, but if you want a fun to drive car get the Civic

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  Small yet big on the inside - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Lukas - January 16 - 2:25 pm

  Overall a great car. Small yet roomy on the inside. Superb car on the gas! Small engine but w/ 5-speed was able to keep up w/ "big guys". I ended my Honda experience being crushed by a tractor-trailer at the stop sign - I am alive but I cannot imagine surviving a real crush

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  2007 Honda Civic EX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Civicdriver - January 15 - 1:13 pm

  Really like our 2007 Civic. Pros: Styling, ergonomics, gas mileage, fit and finish, standard safety features. Cons: Somewhat squirrelly in the rain, road noise, over the nose visibility/low front end.

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  ratings - 2004 Honda Civic
  By T. Cramer - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a superior vehicle for economy,convenience and style. It is pleasant on the eye in the interior and exterior. It is fun to drive and surprisingly roomy for a car of its size.

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  wow - 2004 Honda Civic
  By eliza - January 15 - 10:00 am

  this was my very first car..... i love it, and i wouldnt change it for anything in the world.

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  fun ride - 2009 Honda Civic
  By First Honda - January 15 - 8:53 am

  Really fun and peppy ride. The only problem I have is with the drivers seat. Im 58" and find the seat extremely uncomfortable, digging into my leg underneath and my foot falls off the pedal to the right. To be expected for a compact car I guess. I wonder whether its just me or if others are having similar experiences with the car seat? Also, there is no visibility in the front or back. Parking not easy.

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  Long-term review based on 9 years of ownership - 2008 Honda Civic
  By stlpilot - January 14 - 7:23 pm

  We purchased our 2008 Civic EX brand new about 9 years ago. We are big fans of Honda cars and would like to pass along our ownership experience to the rest of you concerning this car. Unfortunately, owning this car hasnt been without headaches. We experienced the same re-occurring maintenance issues mentioned in most of the other reviews. The big ones were pain issue and engine mounts. Our car is black, and my understanding the 2008 and the 2009 Civics and Accords had many paint issues. Our Civic was repainted three times (three different sections), due to paint defect. All this was covered by Honda, but only after many hours on the phone with Honda. This was a major headache and it Honda did not cover the costs, this would have been very expensive to us. The second big issue is the faulty engine mounts. We replaced our engine mounts about 12,000 miles ago and the problem seems to be coming back. If you are considering on purchasing this car, please keep in mind the costs associated with replacing the engine mounts. Regarding everyday driving, this car is perfect for your short distance drives to the store and back, returning great fuel economy. However, you will regret driving it on long multi-hour drives. It is loud and the seats arent comofortable. We are in our 30s and very fit, however after a single road trip in the Civic, we will never take it out for another road trip. We will keep this car until it has 180 or 200k miles on it before selling it. This could be a great car for a college kid, but I think you could buy a slightly newer Civic and avoid all the above mentioned problems.

• 

  Long-term review based on 9 years of ownership - 2008 Honda Civic
  By stlpilot - January 14 - 7:23 pm

  We purchased our 2008 Civic EX brand new about 9 years ago. We are big fans of Honda cars and would like to pass along our ownership experience to the rest of you concerning this car. Unfortunately, owning this car hasnt been without headaches. We experienced the same re-occurring maintenance issues mentioned in most of the other reviews. The big ones were pain issue and engine mounts. Our car is black, and my understanding the 2008 and the 2009 Civics and Accords had many paint issues. Our Civic was repainted three times (three different sections), due to paint defect. All this was covered by Honda, but only after many hours on the phone with Honda. This was a major headache and it Honda did not cover the costs, this would have been very expensive to us. The second big issue is the faulty engine mounts. We replaced our engine mounts about 12,000 miles ago and the problem seems to be coming back. If you are considering on purchasing this car, please keep in mind the costs associated with replacing the engine mounts. Regarding everyday driving, this car is perfect for your short distance drives to the store and back, returning great fuel economy. However, you will regret driving it on long multi-hour drives. It is loud and the seats arent comofortable. We are in our 30s and very fit, however after a single road trip in the Civic, we will never take it out for another road trip. We will keep this car until it has 180 or 200k miles on it before selling it. This could be a great car for a college kid, but I think you could buy a slightly newer Civic and avoid all the above mentioned problems.