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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  Si Grows Up ! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Si_Guy - January 11 - 2:00 am

  No longer a high-strung peaky hot rod, this new Si is aimed at a new market. This is the most European Honda ever sold here. Designed in Germany, built in England, this car is all a GTI should be, but isnt. The flat torque band pushes drivability far beyond any prior Si. The new 2L is perhaps the smoothest 4-pot made today and the 5 speed is the best of any FWD Honda. Other hatches may be hotter, but none can beat the refinement, smoothness, reliability and precision of the Si. If engineering excellence matters more to you than loud exhausts, slamming your ride or drag racing, this is the Si youve waited for.

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  just what I needed - 2001 Honda Civic
  By D Brown - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I love Hondas. Ive owned many cars over the years and nothing Ive had compares. I got this after my 87 Accord LXi finally died. This one is the right mix of sportiness and practicality for me. Ive never been a 4-door guy before, but with two small kids now, it makes sense. Installing their car seats and getting them in and out is a breeze. A five star crash rating, ABS, and good handling are all pactical plusses. The roominess for its class is outstanding. Im 63" and am quite cofortable behind the wheel. The VTEC gives me almost as much power as Id like and the acceleration is enough for me to pass with confidence.

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  An excellent compromise - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jrlarson - January 9 - 7:16 am

  What a fun car. Excellent compromise of cost, utility and fun. Great handling, good comfort, good engine performance. Best fun per dollar Ive ever had in a car. Only thing I dont like is the tendency of the engine to hold up revs when off-throttle while shifting.

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  I expected better - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jmartin - January 8 - 11:36 pm

  Bought this car after EXTENSIVE research. Used primarily as a commuter vehicle to work.It does live up to its mileage promise (average 33-40mpg) It,however, lacks passing power-the price you pay for economy. Has a dash rattle, lacks enough cup holders, road noise is HORRENDOUS on anything but smooth pavement. Hope the 07s are a little more refined.

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Civic
  By John - January 8 - 10:24 am

  I love the way it drives....VERY dependable.....wish is was a bit more sleeker in design, but the 2006 design solves that problem :)

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  Traded my S2000 for a Civic Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kanop44 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  After my first 1000 miles I cant find anything I dont like about this car. Next month It will be loaded up with wife and 2 dogs for a road trip to Florida. It will be nice to pass by all those gas stations. This car could use a few more options, but Im not complaining. It is well equiped and Im adding an aftermarket navigation system and MP3 player. There is no sunroof option. Suddenly I have alot more uses for it than my S2000.

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  2001 Civic Sedan EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By aathorn - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Smooth & comfortable. Easy shifting, great brakes & 30-42 MPG.

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  Hondas May Last Forever, But... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By HKI4EVR - January 6 - 6:24 pm

  I dont know what Honda was thinking when they designed the interior of the Honda Civic. They may run forever, but what is the point if you hate driving it? I have had to replace my stereo twice, my vents vibrate up and down as I drive, when the vents are set to come out at the floor only, I have to shut the rest of my vents to get all the air to come out only at the floor, and now when I push the button to turn on my rear defrost, my radio stations go fuzzy. Not only that, but what brilliant engineer thought that putting cupholders on the other side of the shifter would be a good idea? And what is the point of having an armrest that interferes with the drivers ability to shift?

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  An Upgrade From The Previous Production Run - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Neward Thelman - January 5 - 2:32 pm

  Isnt it amazing how many people describe whatever brand new vehicle theyve just purchased as "An Amazing car", or "Greatest Car Ever!", or some such other hyperbole? The age and mindset of those placing such posts immediately springs to mind. In reality, beyond the "Bestest Greatestest Most Humongously Stupendestist Car Ever" reactions, the new Civic remains tethered to its econo-box origins. I test drove the LX. The styling is overall a forward step up from its previous grandma conservative look, but the designers went too far in many respects. The back end looks like they were going for super-sporty, but didnt really know how its done, so they went way overboard with an excessive - and from some angles - ludicrous design. Inside, the car is much nicer than the Corolla, although its still far short of the plusher refinement of the Chevy Cruze. When driving, you still have a sense of sparseness along with that unmistakably econo-box feeling of an empty, light-weight tin can. Tapping the interior roof confirms the impression of rather cheap hollowness. The Civic had adequate acceleration, but no feeling at all of power on demand. Just drive an Accord for comparison and you feel the difference immediately. However, it has better power than the Corolla. The ride is somewhat jittery. Rear visibility is poor due to the narrow and radically tilted slot of a rear window. If you choose the Civic, youll have to live with a CVT - not something Id want to do; but it seems that many people hardly notice ["bestest car ever!!!"]. Id say that Hondas CVTs are as good as Toyotas, and much better than the droning, straining designs that Suburu makes. Overall, the new Civic may be a good choice for a first time car buyer, or as a second car if you already own a better one. For me, the nail in the coffin is that every trim above the base LX model comes with a moonroof. You get one, whether you want it or not. Will it leak? Maybe it will, maybe it wont. Youll just have to find out - and when, several years down the road - that Civic that you bought for its "unsurpassed" reliability starts dripping water on your head and filling the cabin with rapidly growing, fragrant mold, youll be scratching that very same [now moist] head that had led you to make the purchase. As for Honda - nice demonstration of corporate wisdom.

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  Car for future teen driver?? - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Su - January 4 - 12:40 am

  With gas prices rising I knew it was time to trade in the F-150 King Ranch. I test drove hybrids and did the math. This car made the most sense to me. I drive 50/50 city/hwy. Right now I have less than 1,000 miles on the motor, waiting to see if the mpg meets my expectations. Also read the "cost to operate"...Civic looked good! This is a cheap car and so you get what you pay for. If you have champagne taste, this is not the car for you. Have your list of extras that you like, and find the Honda that fits you. Dont complain later! Youre suppose to be an adult.