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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  Civic lover - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Tina - November 10 - 4:19 pm

  I bought this car in 2002 and put 40k mi on it in 3 1/2 years never had one prob. I sold it with 216k mi for a newer civic, and then sold that for an suv, I miss driving a civic so much I am going to buy another one here soon. Best car I have ever driven!!

• 

  Dream Bean - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Alcestis - November 9 - 12:57 am

  My first car was the STD model of this car, which I drove to 117k miles, sold and then bought the Si version at 108k miles from a good friend of mine. With the exception of two minor (only a few inches across) rust spots by the wheel well, this fourteen year old car still has the orig engine, clutch and tranny. I do NOT baby this car, I actually autocross it now, as well as driving it everyday. Its certainly more reliable than my 99 Volvo (with only 56k miles). Only slight wear to the side of the front seat (where I rub against getting in) otherwise interior is pristine. I havent even changed all the light bulbs! I will NEVER sell this car.

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  Best Econo Car Ever Made - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Alex - November 8 - 5:03 am

  Best econo car ever made and owned so far. Very easy to modify (interior/ exterior wise). Ive added a 94 si moonroof, rear windshield wiper, 17" rims, slightly lowered, 99 si dash modification with all red lighting, DC5R steering wheel, 99 si OEM CD player and slave tape deck, better speakers, 99 si head lights, fog lights, 99-00 civic front bumper, power door locks/ power windows, and it still gets 55+ mpg with the added weight. This car may take a while to pick up speed, but is still fast for a super econo engine. So far have had no problems with engine/tranny. A great commuter car. Its a new experience when one drives a car thats nice to your wallet. Ill never get rid of this car!!!

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  Best car I have owned - 2008 Honda Civic
  By arcticracer - November 7 - 4:43 pm

  We bought our Civic at the peak of the gas prices in 2008 in Anchorage. The trip home a week later 350 miles, I got almost 47 MPG. Now with 15K miles, our overall MPG is over 33. Thats with studded snow tires half the year which drop it to about 30. 20-50 below temps here are routine, and the Civic has a GREAT heater we really depend on. It is a blast to drive, ours has a 5-speed (hard to find), and it drives best if you short shift to use the ample torque of the smooth as silk engine. It doesnt lug or stumble even at 1000 RPM. Steering is nimble, sporty, and neutral. Only gripes: Poor radio, doesnt handle multiple strong stations well, and wipers-only 1 intermittent setting.

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  They Keep on Running - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ngalvan122907@gmail.com - November 6 - 9:45 pm

  I had bought a 4 door 2002 Honda civic DX that was practically given to me and that car is a trooper it went through two accidents from previous owners and after a few repairs it runs as if nothing happened. The car is reliable and very compact thus it has great gas mileage. Just the other day I took it to the next city 30 miles to get there and 30 miles to come back and the gas needle did not even move for like two days then after that it continued to move down like it normally does. I did not have to fill up on gas for a couple of days. My only complaint is that it takes a few extra seconds for it to pickup speed and it makes this noise but apparently it is normal. Another thing is the steering is not a smooth as other cars and it has nothing to do with the power steering. I had a 1994 Nissan Sentra and the steering on that was so smooth. Those are my only small complaints. I see these cars everywhere. My co worker has a beat up version of my car and my neighbor who parks next to me has his 2002 Honda civic dented everywhere with the lights popping out but none the less their cars keep running like a charm too. I really dont see this model dying out soon.

• 

  They Keep on Running - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ngalvan122907@gmail.com - November 6 - 9:45 pm

  I had bought a 4 door 2002 Honda civic DX that was practically given to me and that car is a trooper it went through two accidents from previous owners and after a few repairs it runs as if nothing happened. The car is reliable and very compact thus it has great gas mileage. Just the other day I took it to the next city 30 miles to get there and 30 miles to come back and the gas needle did not even move for like two days then after that it continued to move down like it normally does. I did not have to fill up on gas for a couple of days. My only complaint is that it takes a few extra seconds for it to pickup speed and it makes this noise but apparently it is normal. Another thing is the steering is not a smooth as other cars and it has nothing to do with the power steering. I had a 1994 Nissan Sentra and the steering on that was so smooth. Those are my only small complaints. I see these cars everywhere. My co worker has a beat up version of my car and my neighbor who parks next to me has his 2002 Honda civic dented everywhere with the lights popping out but none the less their cars keep running like a charm too. I really dont see this model dying out soon.

• 

  Great "Sporty" car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Justin Slocum - November 6 - 7:13 am

  Reliable and sporty (I have the coupe). Very well designed and quite a looker. Its fun to drive granted its no civic Si but it is quick and agile. I decided to go with the EX Coupe because the Sis have shifter and clutch problems. The sound system is 350 Watts and has a subwoofer. This comes in the Coupe EX and the Sis only. Very happy with the bass response from it. Nice Standard Alloy Rims. Shifts are crisp and smooth. I would definitely purchase this car again. Very complacent ride that does a great job around the corners and is comfortable on rough roads. My only minor complaint is something that plagues Hondas and that is the road noise. Its not awful but could be better.

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  2002 Honda Civic Lx 4dr/5spd - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Pleased - November 4 - 6:08 pm

  This is our second Civic in 15 years, so far we our generally pleased with this car. Combined Hwy/city mileage is 36mpg, long trips it gets 42-45mpg. The car rides nice, handles nimbly,and has been very reliable. Im 62" and I have plenty of room and comfort.The car is a very low maintenance vehicle and well probably keep it as long as our 92 Civic (245K and still going).

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  Dont Believe all the Hype - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Gabriel Welch - November 4 - 4:11 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Honda Civic EX with 148,000 miles from a private seller. It seemed like a good deal at the time but a few weeks after purchase things began going wrong. The handling was non existent. Braking was poor. Suspension was stiff. Technology or lack thereof was unreliable. The ride was extremely uncomfortable. The list goes on. I didnt expect much from a used car with high mileage but this was too much for me. Ive never had so many things inevitably go wrong on a vehicle. Keeping up with regular maintenance just wasnt enough for this thing. Bad tie rods, tie rod ends, timing belt, water pump, brakes, AC, coolant system, head gasket, everything that shouldnt have gone wrong did. The only thing that made driving this car bearable was the amount of money I saved on gas. The Civic truly is a gas saver. Needless to say I sold my Civic with 156,000 miles and bought something newer.

• 

  Dont Believe all the Hype - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Gabriel Welch - November 4 - 4:11 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Honda Civic EX with 148,000 miles from a private seller. It seemed like a good deal at the time but a few weeks after purchase things began going wrong. The handling was non existent. Braking was poor. Suspension was stiff. Technology or lack thereof was unreliable. The ride was extremely uncomfortable. The list goes on. I didnt expect much from a used car with high mileage but this was too much for me. Ive never had so many things inevitably go wrong on a vehicle. Keeping up with regular maintenance just wasnt enough for this thing. Bad tie rods, tie rod ends, timing belt, water pump, brakes, AC, coolant system, head gasket, everything that shouldnt have gone wrong did. The only thing that made driving this car bearable was the amount of money I saved on gas. The Civic truly is a gas saver. Needless to say I sold my Civic with 156,000 miles and bought something newer.