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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  First car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Matt Gr. - August 14 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought me this car just one month ago, and Im already thrilled with it. The ride is excellent, the engine zippy, and the fuel economy is perfect for a teenager without a job, like me. The power windows are a little creaky, but no problems so far. Also, two hubcaps fell off, but thats most likely because CarMax didnt fasten them on well when they put on new tires.

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  Excellent car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By TS3 - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since 1997 and am ready to buy a new one but this one keeps going. Great car, I am at 178000 miles and on the original timing belt. Only replacement I have done is the distributor about 10000 miles ago. I drive this car hard everyday mixed city/highway driving. No complaints

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  How common is this? - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Kat - August 13 - 11:06 am

  I just had to get my front brakes replaced on my 2007 Honda Civic with only 20,000 miles. This is way too early I think. Has anyone had any similar problems? I am not hard on the brakes and I just drive it from work back home with little traffic!

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  Great car, engine loud, suspension poor - 2001 Honda Civic
  By tichonm - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Two years and 39,000 miles and have had very few problems. That says a lot as we beat the living heck out of this car daily in Atlanta traffic. We are constantly flooring the gas (due to the week engine) and then slamming on the brakes due to crazy Atlanta traffic. New Dunlop SP Sport A2s tires dramatically improved the ride quality, traction, and cornering. My local Honda dealer is replacing the entire rear suspension due to squeaks. Luckily they are going to cover it because the problems started while under the original warranty.

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  What a great little car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By greatlilcar - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new in 1994 and it has been no trouble at all for 157,000 miles. I take very good care of it and do all the routine maintenance by the book myself, oil, tranny fluid, brake pads, tires, spark plugs and the timing belt at 90,000 miles. I have kept all gas mileage receipts since she was new and overall average 32mpg in mixed driving with the automatic. The body looks like new and the interior shows only very minor wear on drivers seat and drivers floor carpet.

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  BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - August 11 - 11:36 pm

  This is the best car that I have ever had in my entire life! I traded in my 2003 Cadillac CTS for it because when I first saw this Civic I just had to have it! If you are going to buy a Civic it absolutely HAS to have the Navi. I will never buy a car without it! Also, it feels great to get 40 MPG when I was getting about 13 MPG in my Cadillac. I got the Civic because I am going away to college and I need a commuter car, its just more practical to have a car in Los Angeles that has good gas mileage and a Navi.

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  I Love it! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Ashley D - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have a Honda Civic EX, and its Milano Red. I absolutely love my car! Its so quick, I havent had any problems with it, and the paint just shines :)

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  Huge Blind Spot - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ztrain - August 10 - 1:10 am

  This car is a blast to drive. But the elongated sleek space capsule design that won it the Motor Trend car of the year for all models is also one that brings its biggest weak spot. The back part of the support of the roof leaves huge blind spots. Its a blast in the 5 speed. And its about the easiest car ever to drive. You wont have a problem teaching someone how to drive a stick with the very forgiving clutch and easy gear pattern. Good acceleration as well.

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  Special and Fun - 2004 Honda Civic
  By GaryJTN - August 9 - 3:56 pm

  I traded an 02 Si for this 04 and I love the larger wheels and the sharper design of the headlights and taillights. Handling, cornering are fantastic. Engine noise. What engine noise? The engine loves to rev so even city driving is fun.

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  best car ever - 1997 Honda Civic
  By mackel - August 8 - 9:23 pm

  this car drives perfectly and is a joy on every commute