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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  Lots of problems, some under warranty, some not - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jim Jones - December 2 - 10:00 am

  The paint started peeling after a few years. Recall notice not given until out of warranty. Had to pay $800 to repaint the hood and trunk. Every Honda Civic Ive owned 1996 (224k trade-in), 2004 (190k died), 2006 (still running) had the passenger side window motor fail. However, the automatic transmission is good. Exhaust problem fixed by Honda but it failed again and was a few days over that warranty. On the 2004 Civic the transmission failed and had to be replaced by Honda after only 2k miles, so Im sensitive about that. Ill try an Accord in a few years after I get to 250K or the car wears out.

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  Really like the civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Joe - December 2 - 4:33 am

  Had our new civic for ~2weeks now and really like it. Thought I wouldnt like the futuristic dash but actually like it now that Ive used it. Managed 30 mpg on first tank (mixed driving) and hope it keeps getting better. Traded our full size truck as we commute to work 50+ miles per day round trip. Miss the ability to throw stuff in the truck bed sometimes but the improvement in fuel economy is phenomenal! Great car, A+++

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  Love this car! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By heronak - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new and have loved it ever since. Aside from regular maintenance, have only replaced brakes, muffler and just last week, CV joints. No problem installing an after market CD player. Gets around wonderfully in the snow (with studded tires) and is a kick to drive. Very dependable.

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  Luv my Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Russ - December 1 - 12:43 pm

  After driving the Chevy Cobalt, Corolla and Aveo I tried this car and there is no comparison hands down, the Civic won me over. I have had no problems at all. Very little road noise. This car is sharp inside and out and excellent on gas. Very solid and stable performance. Im looking for reasons to drive it. This is my first non GM car and now I see why GM is slipping. Only Honda for me from now on. The A/c will freeze you out!

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  Trouble with Civic ex 2002 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By candybar - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Honda civic ex 2002 has had tons problems and has not been a good buy! Major problems out of this car. Engine problems with computer, steering, heat sheild, wont start at times and a ton of other problems..

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  Great caR - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Debra Zimmerman - November 30 - 12:03 pm

  Sunroof is worth going to EX. Uphill acceleration not good but bad using eco setting. Eco setting very worth it. Easy to use cruise control

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  Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jim smith - November 30 - 10:00 am

  transmission blew up after the first week i had it. Absolutely the worst car I have ever owned. Truely a lemon.

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  Awsome Little Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jim - November 30 - 9:10 am

  There just arent enough words to describe how nice this little car is. Headroom is the nicest. Cant even fit into any ford, Chev or Toyota and have more than five inches clearance in the little Civic. Quick, Nimble and oh so economical. Average mpg is just around 50.

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  VIBRATIONS??? - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Terry - November 29 - 8:16 am

  I recently purchased this LX-S and when I test drove it, I experienced a mild vibration from the car at about 50 MPH. I asked the sales rep about it and he explained that flat spot on the tires may be to blame. This sounded logical and in his explanation I agreed with him that this could possibly work out with the tired being inflated and brought up to operation temp. However, now 1500 miles later, I still have a vibration at 50-60 MPH. This is most severe first thing in the A.M. when the vehicle is cold. I have the vehicle in the shop today for the issue today for the second time. I am being told now that there is a service bulletin for this.

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  Great Choice! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Karl H - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Honda keeps it simple and puts the money where it counts most. Front brake pads lasted 92k miles. Replaced a cv joint and the horn at 96k. Still on first muffler. Great repair record for a 10 year old. Rides vary smooth and handles well but is under powered. Got 54mpgs twice on long trips with a tail wind. Cant imagion selling it, plan to pass it on to my daughter in four years.