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:

• 

  Honda Civic 2001 - Driving for the long haul - 2001 Honda Civic
  By longhaul2001 - April 5 - 11:12 am

  My 2001 Honda Civic LX 4-Dr has gotten as high as 40 mpg driving to MN from IA. My 1st year, a rubber piece on the front of the car fell off after 2000 miles (threw it out). Brand new tires would slip on damp pavement (got rid of original Firestones within weeks of purchasing). By year two, the transmission was shifting roughly and my mechanic used white grease to improve the action. Headlights burn out frequently (replaced 6-8 times). After 5 years, the electronics for the windows blew and had that fixed (not just a simple fuse problem). The struts & bushings failed. Besides all this, I have rolled over 180,000 miles & it has been reliable on many road trips.

• 

  another great Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By ppowell6 - March 27 - 7:33 pm

  first off, we have been driving Honda/Acura products since 1984. The wife has had 06 and an 09 Accord EX-L and was ready for something new. Her car is usually driven on our trips, long and short, and the Accords were great but with the 2 of us in it most of the time, the Civic seemed like the logical choice when looking for a new car. It is perfect for what we drive it for and the gas savings is incredible so far, compared to the Accords.

• 

  love it... - 2012 Honda Civic
  By conniek1981 - March 24 - 8:50 am

  Ive had my 2012 si sedan for just over 3 weeks and so far I love everything about it.. I feel safe knowing my daughter is in a good quality safe car. And when shes not in the car I get the capability to drive it how it was built to be driven.. I just passed the 1000 mile mark and now thats its broken in so to say I can actually see what its made of.. very happy I did my research and went to the dealership knowing exactly what I wanted and got just that. Im a very happy camper. And I dont see the thrill going away any time soon.

• 

  Love my lil 4 banger - 1998 Honda Civic
  By kickback2 - March 19 - 6:43 pm

  I bought this car in 1998. Was my first new car. I was into the fast and furious concepts of things. The only mod I still have left on the car is air intake and the exhuast tip. I have gone through 1 window mash attempt to steal the car. They didnt steal at that time. On the side nice big scrape on the passenger door which I never fixed. Then the car was stolen and took my nice after market system with sub and amps. To say the least I was bummed. They found the car 3 days later. I had my insurace restore the car to stock has I bought brand new. I can say I have repalced several things over the pass 14 years with 145,000 miles on it ans still running great.

• 

  Great little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By iacivic06 - March 19 - 2:42 pm

  I bought my Civic in November of 2005, one of the first 8th gen civics in my area. It been a great car, very reliable and perform well. With the exception of check engine light for and 02 sensor twice, I have not had it in the shop for anything. It still looks great.

• 

  I got a lemon - 2009 Honda Civic
  By chuckles0505 - March 18 - 9:35 pm

  I was extremely disappointed with this Civic. It regularly left me abandoned, unable to start. I dont know how many times I had to be towed, and the dealership here in Oregon blew me off. This kept happening and happening, that the battery after just a few weeks would suddenly stop holding a charge. After over a year of this, the dealership finally put in a new battery. It still had problems. Something else was wrong with the electrical system somewhere, and the dealership wasnt going to help me out. Then a rock made its way into the brake area somehow, and caused damage. After I wanted out from such an unreliable vehicle, I sold it as a loss. The lemon is someone elses problem.

• 

  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2003 Honda Civic
  By techgromit - March 18 - 9:21 pm

  I owned my 2003 Honda Civic LX for 8 years now, its given me the least amount of problems compared to every other car I ever owned. True its also the first new car I ever owned, but Ive has far more problems with other used cars with less mileage. Parts last longer than other cars Ive owned, from tires, to struts to breaks, they all need to be replaced less often, at least thats been my experience. The transmission does slip a little when it cold out until the car is warmed up, replacing the transmission fluid twice did little to improve it, but so long as I let the car warm up before doing any drag races, it runs fine.

• 

  2010 Honda Civic Lx-s Sedan - 2010 Honda Civic
  By honduh10 - March 17 - 8:08 am

  Handles like a go kart, in a good way, steering is nice and tight, not too tight. Suspension is firm around corners but absorbs the bumps. Gas mileage so far is 35 mpg with an automatic 50% highway 50% around town. Stereo is decent, not cheap, but nothing high-end. The lx-s comes with a black interior for anyone who hates the all gray look. Also comes with a small deck lid spoiler, rims, leather steering wheel and sportier seats. Engine feels like its going to run forever. Cant notice the transmission shifting except when going from reverse to drive. Back seat room is amazing. My 6ft 4in dad has leg room to move around and enough head room to feel comfortable. The flat floor helps alot too.

• 

  Honda Quality sucks specially made in North America - 2009 Honda Civic
  By car8888 - March 13 - 8:13 pm

  I used to own a couple of Hondas and an Acura. This one honda civic made in North America is really a Lemon. I have only like 36,000 miles and\the following were done to my honda civic. 1) remote control transmitter two times. 2) Evaporator for aircondition gave way. 3) Right axel was replaced. 4) Tirod was also replaced. 5) Front air bag plastic got crack. 6)Front drivers sun visor replaced. I was forced to buy an extended warranty and I am not sure what is next problem? I am tired of going to the dealer. Mileate is also bad, I am only getting only 22 to 25 miles in the city on normal driving and the tires are almost gone. My old Hondas and Acura seldom see the dealer.

• 

  troublesome - 2008 Honda Civic
  By charley33 - March 13 - 4:30 pm

  I have this civic since new. Its got 60k miles. During that time I have the cv joint replace 5 times and battery replaced once under warranty. I had the starter replaced once at 40k miles for $500 and engine mount replaced once at 59k miles for $300. Now I think my civic has a suspension problem. I wonder if honda quality have declined or my dealership (northwest honda, MD) is incompetent and causing problems.