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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  Eh... Automatic DX - 1999 Honda Civic
  By laken - May 21 - 4:28 pm

  As you read this, please keep in mind that this was my second vehicle and I purchased it from an individual who bought it new from the dealership. When I purchased the vehicle in 2010 the guy handed me a grocery bag full of receipts from all of the maintenance he had to do while he owned it - red flag #1. 2 years later I have had to replace the exhaust manifold and the radiator. Also, the air conditioner is broken and I refuse to fix it for $900. Im pretty sure it eats spark plugs and wires because Ive replaced them twice. It sounds terrible when Im driving on the highway, shaking & whatnot. However I do drive it a lot and I have put about 40k miles on it and I also get 35-40MPG.

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  Nice Car but Having Some Mechanical and Mileage Issues - 2012 Honda Civic
  By happykt1 - May 20 - 6:43 am

  I like my car even though it looks like a 10 year old fuddy duddy Toyota Camry from the rear. With the Eco Assist on, the acceleration is very mediocre on this car. I also havent gotten over 30 mpg because of stop and go traffic on the freeways in Austin Tx, which is a huge disappointment to me. I expected better especially since I keep the car in the green zone according to the Eco Indicator quite often. The first month I had the car, it stalled out twice and I was going to take it in but the problem went away. However, four months later in 90 degree heat, the car is once again stalling out, especially in the morning. I only have 5.4 K on the car and drive 22 miles a day to and from work.

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  Extremely Pleased - 2009 Honda Civic
  By jones1124 - May 19 - 1:14 am

  I was coming off of a horrible Chevy experience. I had two vehicles back to back and they were awful. My Equinox was free and clear and I still decided to purchase the 09 Civic. I am very happy with this car!! I am 34 and past the need for looks and frills and wanted something I could put 150-200k on and I think Ive found it with this vehicle. At 70k Ive only needed front brakes. I do the normal tire rotation,oil and filter changes and it runs very smooth. My friend needed to borrow it and he commented on how well it brakes,the easy steering and overall handling. So far I can say that Honda has me for life,and I could not be happier!!!

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  Reliable, 40MPG, Need any more reasons? - 2012 Honda Civic
  By steve2012civic - May 14 - 8:50 am

  I bought the Honda Civic LX last June and have put on this car about 15,000 miles. Im not sure why this car initially got so many bad reviews. From what I can tell and have experienced these people reviewed the wrong car or are on drugs. Here are the facts after owning this car for almost 1 year. It averages about 39.8 mpg for my 30 mile commute to and from work everyday, is a blast to drive and I have had no mechanical or electrical problems at all. If you are looking for a great car, low maintenance, high mpg then look no further. I walked out of the dealership paying $18,000 for this car and have since then payed it off. I will keep this car as long as possible. Thank you Honda!

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  A five star vehicle - 2012 Honda Civic
  By jay2012 - May 10 - 3:08 pm

  I have a new Honda Civic EX for about two months now and its been a great car. Very happy with the way its drive and no blind spots , very easy to see out all around the car while driving it. Its very comfortable to drive and great seats. Its really good on gas and I have been getting 31 to 33 mpg in the city and its all mostly city driving with some stops. Cant wait to see what its gets on the highway. I got a silver one and I really like the color silver because its doesnt show very much dirt and its a nice color. Overall its a very nice car that why I rate it five star.

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  Best Little car ever! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By peanut12538 - May 9 - 11:09 pm

  I bought this car in 2001 brand new, I have taken it to a Honda dealer for all maintence. I love this car and it has never let me down. With 140,000 miles all I have done is very basic stuff and things that wear out like timing belts, brake pad, Ive done my oil, brake fluid, and tranny fluid as needed and this car has never gievn me a bit of issue or trouble! It has been one very well built little car! If you follow the owners manual I think youll be very happy with this car.

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  Our third Civic is the quietest! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By hardcopy - May 7 - 4:18 pm

  We cant relate to the professionals claim of excessive road/wind noise. This car, up to 80MPH, is as quiet as our Cadillac CTS. Maybe Honda responded to the critiques with more sound deadening - it is quiet. We havent gone more than 12 miles from home and we are averaging the advertised 44 MPG. Particularly impressed with the included technology. Bluetooth works great. We particularly like the near headsup display of driving data. Not nearly as quirky as a Prius. Drivability is typically Honda confident.

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  Unreliable in its later years - 2006 Honda Civic
  By _pioneer_ - May 6 - 7:42 pm

  Look at the problems people are having with this generation of Civic at 8thcivic.com forums. My vehicle did not want to start and it was a key mobilizer problem. The sun visors kept falling down and blocking half of my vision and it took Honda years to issue a service bulletin to get it fixed. My driver window fell down inside the door TWICE due to a plastic clip. Now I just had the engine block crack and the dealership tells me a motor mount is broken and my transmission fluid is leaking a bit. Ive had a 1983 & 1999 Civic and currently have a 2000 with 172K miles that has had less problems than this 2006 with 132K miles. Hondas cost cutting has made me buy a Sonata. Honda isnt the same.

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  So you want a Hybrid.... - 2012 Honda Civic
  By hybridman2012 - May 5 - 7:22 pm

  If you are on your first mission to buy a hybrid, this article will help you! I started my quest to find the "gas mileage" car I needed by going to a Toyota dealer and driving the famous Prius. After being unimpressed with the style, power and certainly the price, I went back to Honda. This would be my third Honda if the 2012 Civic was the one I was looking for.Here are some facts that accually are true to help you make your decision: First - Honda has a Lithium Ion battery back weighing 20lbs. Prius has a NiCad battery weighing 200lbs. The NiCad has a memory and wont last as long as Hondas Lithium Ion with a warranty of 10yrs or 80,000 miles! Last - More power, most quiet, NICE!

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By cycleguy1979 - May 3 - 4:55 pm

  I purchased this car almost 4 years ago, after heavily researching it. It had 120k miles on it when I got it, now it has 208k. It consistently gets 34mpg city/hwy, and 36 all hwy. Get the 5 spd manual, I hear the auto is gutless. The front seat is ok, but for a 63" tall man, im basically in the back seat. The engine purrs and has been 100% trouble free. Kinda loud at 75mph, this is basically a tin can on wheels. Its a great commuter car but as far as road trips forget it. I just took a 3k mile road trip and my wife and I were very uncomfortable. Id buy another one in a second for commuting. Honda cars are the best for reliability and fuel mileage.