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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  Great MPG and great comfort... just a little pricey upfront - 2012 Honda Civic
  By pokechimp88 - March 12 - 6:48 pm

  Having also owned a 2010 Insight hybrid that is getting about 43 MPG combined and having good reliability with it, we decided to go on and purchase a 2012 HCH III w/lthr. Its a much more comfortable car with more features than the Insight. Because the car isnt broken in yet (200 on the odometer as of its writing) and frequent cold starts in Ohio, the life time MPG is only about 45 MPG, which is slightly above the EPA estimates but that has required a "feather" pedal with little HVAC. The car does have an EV only mode, which is a first for the Honda IMA system and it rocks! I can get 70 MPG on a run with it! Hopefully once the weather warms, I can break 55+ MPG and get 700 miles on a tank!

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  Not like they used to be - 2012 Honda Civic
  By edward1171 - March 5 - 10:57 am

  This has been the gold standard in econ cars for years. Im a bit disappointed at the gas mileage. Even with the "econ" button, ts no better than my 12 year old Sentra. The button takes torque away to such an extent that you need to be on flat land in order for the driving to be consistent. Climate control is pretty good but its nearly impossible to keep the windows clear of fog. Premium audio is almost useless. The auto traction and brakes are decent, if you are hoping to have the car drive for you. However, if you like to control everything its not so favorable.

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  Fun little car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By grahamola - March 3 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my Civic back in Sept. I like howit rides, handles, and is quiet too. I would agree that there is a lot of hard plastic surfaces and blank switchplates, but they are built right.Seats are comfortable and have lots of room inside too.

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  Love My Civic EX - 2012 Honda Civic
  By civiclover1 - March 3 - 1:47 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Civic EX last May, and I love it! It is a zippy ride, and I get compliments on the appearance of the car all the time. I had a "08 Civic and loved it too, but the new technology in the new Civics is great. Drive one....you will like it and the reliability and resale are awesome. You cant go wrong with a Civic!

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  You are not buying a Mercedes - 2012 Honda Civic
  By carlonz - March 1 - 10:27 pm

  So I have had my Civic for one week. Traded a 2005 Altima SL LOADED. I have a base LX automatic. I bought this solely for the gas mileage and in that respect I am getting much more than I expected. This is not a luxury car so dont buy it if that is what you are looking for. The drive is nice and tight, shifting is smooth, braking is decent. It is stylish and solid. I have about 250 miles on it and I have averaged about 36 mpg with 80% hwy and 20% city driving. This is my first Honda and so far I am extremely impressed. I was able to buy it for a touch less than invoice which made it very reasonably priced. I highly recommend this car if you are looking to save gas money.

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  The way a Honda should be - 2003 Honda Civic
  By honda4311 - February 29 - 8:57 pm

  The seashore mist metallic coupe now has 120,000+ miles on it and still runs great. It uses a negligable amount of oil, and the oil stays clean between the changes. I just changed all of the belts, thermostat, plugs, brake rotors, and tires. The car runs like new except for a little belt screach when its cold and/or wet. Im really anticipating getting 200,000+ out of this car. My wife however, not so lucky. A 2002 Honda Accord SE with the same mileage riddled with oil consumption problems (1/2 quart week) and a transmission that is holding on for dear life.

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  Sorry Guys but I guess I bought a Lemon - 2008 Honda Civic
  By same_ole_ford - February 27 - 8:06 pm

  First the maintenance Rear tires have prematurely worn out twice due to a faulty alignment set up from Honda which they had refused to own up to even though they published a service bulletin about the problem. Left front drive shaft failed 42,000 miles replaced both rear wheel bearings at 65,000 miles now the rear shocks are leaking fluid and must be replaced as well. Also there is a Service bulletin about the engine block cracking and leaking antifreeze, which translates into a half done engine rebuild as Honda will not replace the whole engine. Everyone here talks about 70 MPH = 40+ MPG I drive mine 55 to 60 mph on the interstate the best ever is 34MPG. 1st and last Honda anything I buy

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  Good deal at Galpin honda - 2011 Honda Civic
  By cmed1 - February 27 - 6:17 pm

  purchased 2011 certfied honda, fair price, helpfull sales people. 2nd car from Galpin Honda Sons car he is very happy with car good gas mileage. car lacks power but its expected if you want good gas mileage. overall very happye with Glen salesman at Galpin Honda will recommend friends and family.

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  Its a small car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By es330suck - February 19 - 4:10 pm

  The resons i bought this car are MPG and its style. I get Lx and add fog light for reason. The car run loud under 35 mph but much quiet above that range. Upgrading better tire maybe can reducing some road noise, but I can live with the firestone fuel fight tire for now.There are a lot of places could be done better but it will add more cost and weight for any impovement. The cheap carpet and insulation The easily scratched plastic door panel are the obvious.

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  Dependable/Reliable Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By lillykayda - February 17 - 1:58 pm

  I bought this car new in April 1998. Ive owned this car for almost 14 years. I get regular oil changes. The car now has > 208,000 miles and it still runs great. It still has the original clutch and usually gets 35 mpg and have gotten over 38 mpg at times. Ive had to replace the battery twice, front brakes once & muffler once. I will be needing new brake pads on the front and rear soon though. Last year the driver side window got off track and had to be taken apart to fix. The radio volume adjuster doesnt work right. The roof interior where the moonroof is worn. There are some usual exterior flaws. All in all, Ive definitely got my money worth. Hoping to get this good with next vehicle.