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:

• 

  A great little car! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By papalogan - June 9 - 8:34 am

  This is our 4th Honda (previously had an Accord, CR-V, and Pilot). We bought this EX-L to use mainly as a commuter car for me. Weve had it about 2 months now, and Ive already got just over 3K miles on it. Gas mileage has been great, its comfortable, and wind noise is minimal. I know its considered a "compact" car, but it feels anything but compact. In fact, it feels about the same size as our 90 Accord! Overall, were very pleased with our purchase.

• 

  I miss my Civic! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By mdries - June 8 - 12:53 pm

  This was my first car in high school, and I loved it. I now drive a 2001 Acura CL, which has a LOT more cool features than the Civic however, I often find myself missing the Civic. It did not have any modern features like power locks, power windows, or a CD player. However, the car ran unbelievably well considering it was 15 years old and had about 220,000 miles when we sold it! If I did not switch to my sisters Acura when she bought a company car, I would probably still be driving the Civic today. Also the MPGs on this car are phenomenal! If you accelerate conservatively you can get 35-40 MPG easily.

• 

  New 2012! Fun! Fun! Fun! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By aubiekong - June 8 - 10:17 am

  I purchased this car new because it felt like a qaulity product from Honda. The MPG is Fantastic. The instant display bar with MPG makes driving the car a fun "game" to maximize your mileage per gallon. Driving in mostly stop and go traffic I am averaging over 33 miles per gallon! It takes a very light foot but the instant display gives you the feed back to learn to drive with a very light foot on the gas peddle. Well done Honda!

• 

  2001 Honda Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By blipnick - June 7 - 7:28 am

  Fantastic car, 170,000 Km (approx 110,000 miles) and only basic maintenance (except for an alternator). Achieves approx. 48 MPG highway according to the Scanguage II.

• 

  Problem child - 2001 Honda Civic
  By romapav91 - June 5 - 1:52 pm

  In a span of 11 months I have replaced both control arms, the motor mounts twice, the clutch 2 times, oil is leaking from the transmission. Performance wise, dont even think about putting any rims on it. it brought my MPG from an average of 33 in the city to 27 which is a big difference. Ride becomes very bumpy and scary at times. So far has only been giving me problems.

• 

  Great car... Minor complaints - 2009 Honda Civic
  By remlap48 - June 4 - 11:17 am

  I only have 54k on my LX, so long term reliability is something Im counting on down the road at this point. As far as +s go... peppy performance for an auto- 4cyl. Very solid tight build quality. Corners well (although I really dont drive like that). Est. mpg. 25 city (Im actually getting 28 :o). Stock speakers thru quality stereo source, VERY impressive. My only complaints would have to be, a rather limited turn radius. Only 1 compatible tire size, and not being able to see any of the outside of the car from the inside, except part of sides thru mirrors. Makes parallel parking a real adventure at times. Over all rating ++++-.

• 

  Econ class do it urself car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jmarloe - June 2 - 9:42 pm

  Bought mine in early 2008 for 18.5 at 5%. It now has 98k miles on it, has been used for driving around the bay area in Cali for a job, multi trips from Cali to TX, and for the last 3 yrs Ive used it for pizza delivery in TX. Some repairs I have done myself are replacing both cv axels at 70k for $160, tires at 55k miles with good-yrs $540, the starter at 90k for $132. I am by no means a mechanic I bought some basic tools, spent a few hrs researching and as you can see from other reviews I saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars doing it myself. This car has been through a lot but still runs like new and feels as though it will for another 98k.

• 

  20.000 miles in 11 months - 2012 Honda Civic
  By erik25 - June 2 - 10:06 am

  Still going strong and no issues,would be bad just after 20k. See the car much more on the road then when it came out. I think people want a relaible commuter and cheap on gas. Its only a shame that in a few months a redesigned one comes out........hope this time they do it right and give it six gears with an overdrive.But this one has to make at least 100.000 miles before i even think of something else,and that will be no problem for this car.......

• 

  I bought my new 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchback with cash way back then... - 1991 Honda Civic
  By biggeek - May 23 - 3:33 am

  2012...Perhaps 20 years, 140k miles and $5k total so far over that entire time for non-consumable repairs (CV boots, cracked engine mounts, etc.) The original engine is still running fine. It seems like every other year, I get a note left on my 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchbacks windshield: "Do you want to sell this as-is? Call me at xxx-xxxx"

• 

  Great Car / Great Mileage - 1995 Honda Civic
  By kendaddy126 - May 22 - 3:38 pm

  I have had my civic for a while now. It gets as high as 48mpg. I average around 39mpg. Its not big on creature comforts... no cruse, no power steering, no power locks, no power windows. Its got AC and a radio. It also has over 200,000 miles on it. Still runs strong. Ive done the timing belt once (time for another) CV axels, master cylinder, battery, alternator, and general mantance.. thats it! Im now debateing spending more money on another timing belt and to have the seat re-done.. dont know if its worth it on a car this old, but its paid for and runs great so I probably will... Its also bone stock.. no rice rocket here