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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  EPA estimates are way off - 2012 Honda Civic
  By pstanger - September 14 - 11:16 pm

  I was hesitant to commit to the 2012 SI because the EPA estimates are not very impressive. But I took a gamble figuring if I was disappointed, I could easily trade due to the high resale value. I have just under 6000 miles on it so far in about 6 weeks. In mixed driving my worst tank of gas was 32 mpg. Best so far was over 37 (with a bit of neutral coasting at exit ramps, etc). As the car "breaks in", it really feels like its getting quicker. Its great fun to drive. Much more torque than my 08 EXL. Interior noise is not quite, but is acceptable. My 08 interior is a bit classier. But Im getting used to the 12.

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  DTD - 1992 Honda Civic
  By harrowing_lane - September 14 - 6:38 am

  I drove this car until it died. I got the car in 1998 and I got my 350 dollars out of it that I definitely owe Honda some money (Dont tell them that). The car currently has 298000 miles on it. They really dont make cars like that anymore. Sometimes it was really hard to start but always kept me safe. I drove this car from NY to PA, TN, IN, GA, SC, FL, CT, OH to name a few places. I loved my car rust and all. The thing is the engine is still alive and kicking .Thing is the car will fall apart but the engine is really built to last. Its just water is coming in now and the alternator has finally died. Bottom line if I could get a semi new 1992 Honda Civic. I would buy it yesterday.

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  2012 This Hybrid is Awesome! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By peter789 - September 7 - 3:01 pm

  I just purchased at a fantastic price. Deal hard. Hybrids are not selling as well because old reviews were bad. So I did not pay the hybrid premium that I would have to make up with gas savings. I do 70% city and 30% highway and getting between 45 and 47 mpg so far. This Civic is made in Japan and sells very well there. Hence the Japanese near 6 dollar a gallon gas. I am sure that in my state the cost of gas will be in the 4.50 to 5.00 range soon which will make this purchase so much more justified.

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  Built to last - 1998 Honda Civic
  By frank0001 - September 3 - 4:17 pm

  Bought car in 4/2001 at Honda dealer w 100k warrantee for $13k. Had 36000 miles on odometer. 11 years and 190k miles later, still runs great: 30mpg, doesnt burn oil, fun to drive, no rust on body. Usual maintenance: 2 timing belts with water pump, new exhaust and muffler. Only glitch-needed new catalytic converter, 02 sensors, and new distributer in 2011. Bought cat and sensors online at Majestic Honda and saved $$$$. Just change oil often and this car will run forever.

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  Five Manual Transmission Complaint - 2012 Honda Civic
  By mastersergeant - September 2 - 5:34 am

  Body styling is sporty in coupe compared to the competition. Thought I was purchasing a quality built vehicle. I prefer manual transmissions in small cars for the sport of shifting. The five speed transmission has a clunking sound when engaging and releasing clutch pedal shifting out of first into second and from second to third gear. Honda is aware of the complaint/noise and has no repair. Had they simply put on the window sticker that the complaint is there without a fix I would not have bought the car. Very disappointed. Have driven other older vehicles to include the old VW Beetle that have had quieter transmissions. Fuel economy is great! Very disappointed with transmission.

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  civic exl - 2012 Honda Civic
  By adansereau - August 24 - 6:06 am

  Just gor this EXL coupe w nav three days ago. Traded a 2010 ex coupe. This car is quiter, more comfortable, rides better, and feals more premium. Consumer Mag dished this car and i am saying nuts to them. I have had 64 cars and this is nicely appointed quality car. Big difference to the 2010. The nav and bluetooth and xm are great ! Buy one you wont be sorry.

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  VERY Disappointed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dev87 - August 23 - 12:20 pm

  Bought my 2006 Civic Hybrid in 2009 from a dealer. Was told by the dealer that the vehicle had not been in an accident, but that was a lie. Though that it is not Hondas fault, I can say that I am extremely disappointed on how the car has deteriorated since I got it. Had to replace the 12v battery, Hybrid battery needed an update in 2010 which made my MPG worse, and recently my compressor went out, which is a $1700 fix. Dealer retail is now $2000 less than what I paid 3 years ago, plus if I take into account the replacement of the compressor, I am a good $4000 in the hole. Not something I am willing to fork over for a car that has only gone downhill.

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  this econ model is built for MPG - 2012 Honda Civic
  By shotandabeer - August 17 - 12:52 pm

  All highway at 65 with a/c on = 42+mpg if you leave your foot off the gas and dont drive in a real hilly area. I love it. What value! Econ is fantastic for chinging shift points but you will slow down a bit on a hill - until yuo punch it or take off econ setting. I have seen 46 mpg at lower speeds on flat terrain in the summer and not using the gas pedal much. I got the "dumb" lease $189/mo. Dumb if you dont get one... for business travel. Also have a pilot and an accord - two other no brainers. Fantastic vehicles. get one!

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  Great Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By joegti10 - August 13 - 11:37 pm

  My sister bought it a few years old with very low miles and I picked it up off of her 7 years ago with 100K. Its still going strong at 201K with regular 3k oil changes. This is a northeast car where it battles large blizzards, oppressive heat and salt. Heres what has failed and replaced in the last 100k...it was pretty much flawless for the first 100k. I beat on it a bit, lol. Exhaust system (still has orig manifold), distributor cap, radiator, rear swing arm, front brakes a few times, rear brake line, drivers side power window motor, headliner issues, few sets of tires, relay issue with blinker, rear 02 sensor, clearcoat starting to peel. Otherwise its a great car...

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  Most expensive car to maintain, Ive ever owned - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bikestwo - August 9 - 1:41 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Honda LX-SR in Sept 2008, expected to get many years of troublefree motoring,.... it has 30,100 Kms on it now,... Ive replaced 6 shocks, one has been replaced 3 times. had the brakes serviced,, had to have the rotors machined at 30,000 Kms,... couldnt believe it,.. even purchased the extended warranty, nothing was covered.... so much for many years of troublefree motoring,... Ive spend more money on service on this vehicle, than on any other car Ive owned... Wont be buying another Honda product anytime soon