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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  Civic in Crisis - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Atlanta Zach - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as my first car, my Civic may have to be retired pretty soon. Purchased at 92k miles, currently 150k , it seems pretty young, esp. for a Honda. Ive had radiator flushed, and checked (along with hoses) for leaks, had the thermostat replaced three times in two months, no coolant leakage, overheats regularly. Due to nearly non-existent residual value Im going to buy a replacement and tear it down to attempt a ressurection. It HADnt given me many problems the entire time I owned the car even with sometimes inconsistent maintenance. I would recommend the model to a potential buyer but beware overheating issues.

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  Great car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By puffy999 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The car is great. It handles well, goes as fast as I need it to go, and is great on gas. Has not had one problem since I purchased the car. There is only one difficulty Ive found. It does not want to go into reverse very easily with a 5-speed manual transmission. It sometimes takes a bit of work, especially on a slight hill. Also, if you are putting in an aftermarket stereo system with subwoofers, make sure you take a day off to do it. It takes awhile to take the entire interior of the car apart. Remember to connect a couple wires in the stereo plug if you want to use the dome light!

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  Not that so reliable - 1996 Honda Civic
  By andrewl98 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 96EX coupe two years ago because of its so called excellent reliability. BUT its disappointing. Engine is noisy. A/C works, but wind speed adjustment is poor. No wind comes out at all at position 1 and 2. When I use position 3, hurricane start. Accelaration is not smooth. Beacuse of this(start not smoothly), I was subtracted 3 score when I took road test for my drivers licence. When I accelarate on the ramp of highway, I feel I am abusing or torturing this car. It struggled so hard but still make me feel I will be hitted by the car behind me. Thank those cars slow down in time, otherwise I can not seat here to write this.

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  Civic EX 06 Automatic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chris - July 16 - 12:23 pm

  So far Ive enjoyed this car. Ride could be a little less bumpy but it is a coupe after all. Gas mileage is great. I get a lot of stares when driving this car.

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By VFRBEE - July 16 - 11:00 am

  Currently I have 20,000 miles on the car with one problem with the power outlet. Im impressed with the fuel economy which is better than I expected. Best is 36 mpg in spring & fall when AC not in use. Worst is 33mpg in winter and when AC in use. Driving is rural country roads with stop sign every 1~4 miles. Power train is refined and smooth compared to other cars Ive had in this class. I was not happy with the handling, a little too much body roll. Ive heard theyve dialed in a little more softness into the suspension of this iteration of the Civic.

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  Good MPG even doin 75MPH - 2006 Honda Civic
  By L Raine - July 16 - 5:06 am

  We traded off the gas guzzler Expedition for this communter. It handles very well and gets about 36 MPG average on the HWY running 75-80 MPH. The interior is basic but for the price I cant complain. The seats arent as comfortable on long trips, and the trim is plastic for the most part. I am concerned with the drive train in the automatic as it sometimes feels as if there is play in going from off the gas to back on. I figure its under warranty and if it needs service our dealer will take care of us.

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  I love civics! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By John McKelvey - July 16 - 12:36 am

  This car is great! They get great performance out of 115 horses. Gas mileage is great. Lots of legroom even with a car seat in the back. Ill drive this car until it dies. The only thing it needs is power windows and locks with keyless entry.

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  Couldnt think of a better first car. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Bruce Wayne - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Display stopped working at 2000 miles; dealer had to get a new chip which reset my odometer. Besides that I have not encountered any mechanical or electrical problems. People working at the dealer were sleazy, didnt listen to me and werent in a rush to help. Gas needle has a mind of its own. Panels and doors fit together very well and obvious care taken toward fit and finish but doors still dont close with a confident thump. For the cars size the trunks massive. Drivers seat uncomfortable but not unbearable to be in for long trips. Back seat is nice and fairly roomy. Yawn inspiring acceleration. Ride is smooth, cabin noise minimal on highways.

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  Most fun car we have driven in years - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Beatricec - July 15 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Honda Civic hatchback and we love it. The white dials are easy to see in daylight and and night and the clutch and shift are a delight. A winner.

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  Review of Civic Coupe Ex 2006 with Navi. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By grishma - July 15 - 7:46 am

  Value for money... Sleek looks...however not the most comfortable car especially for pillion riders. Great road grip and acceleration. Big people should test drive before making decision.