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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  4 years and 75K of pleasure - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Zeke B - July 15 - 11:20 am

  This car is a gem. Ive driven it from 55K to 130K in 4 years, and Ive had only minor repairs (O2 sensor, lock actuators), plus 4 new struts. The front seats are so good that even a long drive on the stiff suspension feels fine, and the car handles smoothly and well on windy roads, in rain, in wind, even pretty well in snow. The engine has a terrific balance of torque and smooth operation up 75MPH, without having to downshift all the time -- but they should have included a 6th gear; at 80MPH, its revving high and loud at about 4000RPM, which gets tiresome and wastes gas if youre keeping up with fast traffic (e.g., Atlanta). Ive fit a mid-sized armchair in the hatch, and had 2 adults ride in the back for an hour (it was cramped, but doable).

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  4 years and 75K of pleasure - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Zeke B - July 15 - 11:20 am

  This car is a gem. Ive driven it from 55K to 130K in 4 years, and Ive had only minor repairs (O2 sensor, lock actuators), plus 4 new struts. The front seats are so good that even a long drive on the stiff suspension feels fine, and the car handles smoothly and well on windy roads, in rain, in wind, even pretty well in snow. The engine has a terrific balance of torque and smooth operation up 75MPH, without having to downshift all the time -- but they should have included a 6th gear; at 80MPH, its revving high and loud at about 4000RPM, which gets tiresome and wastes gas if youre keeping up with fast traffic (e.g., Atlanta). Ive fit a mid-sized armchair in the hatch, and had 2 adults ride in the back for an hour (it was cramped, but doable).

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  Good small economy car with a zest! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By HONDA FAN - July 14 - 1:53 pm

  I looked at Toyota Corolla S which is slightly cheaper than this Honda Civic LX. Honda civic provide a better grip on the road and fun to drive. I have the car for almost two months and I averaged like 30 miles per gallon on both city and highway. Very agile and preppy comparable to my Acura Integra. I love the double cluster gauge specially when you are cruising. It gives you the exact mileage. The least favorites are the following: 1) No trunk remote release for this model. 2) The plastic are easily marked. 3) 40/60 split on the rear seats. Now is the best time to buy a Honda for you can get more than 1,000 off the MRSP price of this car.

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  Ugly-refuses to die - 1993 Honda Civic
  By HONDA LOVER - July 13 - 8:28 pm

  well, i have to say that this truly is a wonderful car. i bought my civic just to have as a beater b/c my grand cherokee gulps too much gas. i ended up liking my civic so much that i sold the jeep and rely solely on the civic. shes ugly...the clear coat is peeling and the rear quarters are rusting, but she runs like a champ. i still get 40mpg commuting thru the rocky mountains at 80mph everyday for work. at 10000 feet above sea level, that truly is amazing. even with my automatic transmission, it still does well. it now has 166k and i am hunting for a new vehicle now that i have graduated from college but i cant make myself get rid of such a wonderful vehicle. it doesnt even burn oil!!!!!!!

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  A truly different driving experience - 2003 Honda Civic
  By VikeKen - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This car produces a different ethic to driving. Many cars talk about creating a different "driving experience," however, the Honda Civic Hybrid truly creates a new way of thinking about driving. I feel more in tune with how my car operates as I continually look at the IMA gauge to see it charge the batteries or assist the gas engine. I pay more attention to details like road noise and my driving speed. Although I can see some drop off in performance at higher speeds, it is entirely workable as the price of the new experience in driving.

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  No Surprise Here - 2003 Honda Civic
  By DrChimpanzeeMD - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Theres not much you can say about this car that hasnt been said already. Bottom line is it doesnt get any better than this in this class of car.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Honda Civic
  By robb. - July 12 - 4:50 pm

  I love driving this car. It is even more satisfying knowing that its good on gas. I get better than rated mileage in this car. I havent even modified it. This car is great for people who enjoy driving and who have needs beyond merely getting there. Its nice to have a spacious small car that still performs and isnt that expensive.

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  Nice wheels - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ricardo arita - July 12 - 1:12 am

  Nice car

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  Best Civic Yet! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mtbiker278 - July 11 - 8:03 am

  Compared to other cars Ive driven (including the corolla, escort, neon) this Civic has them beat hands down. The refinements that Honda has put in are incredible. Virtually every aspect of the car is better than any that have come before it. As for the gas mileage, I have also experienced the low gas mileage. HOWEVER, all brand new engines will get lower gas mileage at first. This is because the piston rings have to wear into the cylinders, along with any other moving metal part on the car. Once broken in properly, say after the recommended 600mi., youll see a gradual increase in MPG. While you might not get the stickered 30/40 MPG, youll certainly get higher than the 24mpg city.

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  little problems add up to big headaches - 2002 Honda Civic
  By smith - July 10 - 7:41 pm

  Although I do believe that the Civic is reliable and gets good gas mileage, I have been disappointed with several aspects of the car. I had to replace my tires within the first year, the inside rear of the car started to squeak after 6 months, the condensor needs replaced ($1200 job), plastic instrument panal randomly cracked(Honda wouldnt fix even though under warrenty), the engine is loud when idoling, stiff ride, and now the rear back tire is grinding and its not the brakes. So, I wake up everday holding my breath, hoping that nothing major happens!