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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  Amazing!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By L7jr - July 13 - 5:30 pm

  I feel I can now judge the car after owning it for about 1,400 miles. The performance of the engine is more than adequate especially when moving the shifter from D to D3 and back again to get that extra power when merging or passing. The steering and handling are amazing. The styling of this car, especially the front makes me want to drool when I gaze at it. Fuel economy is also excellent. I consistently average 30MPG between my fill-ups. The two-tier dashboard is perfect as well as the great stereo. I love the fact that I can plug my MP3 player into it and let the subwoofer do its thing. This car is defintely worth the money when broken down dollar for dollar against the TC and Corolla.

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  Wonderful car, we love it! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Thien - July 13 - 5:16 pm

  Excellent design both in and out. Very fun to drive and love to look at the MPG gauge to see how Im doing. Have to turn a 180 on driving habits. Just bought the car last week so I cant say much about the mileage. Currently the computer estimated at 35 mpg w/AC blasted all the time in city drive. Cant wait to get up to the EPA estimate.

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  first japanese make - will never go back - 2006 Honda Civic
  By neilb - July 13 - 10:53 am

  the interior is very nice. i was going to purchase the prius until i saw the interior of the civic. it is more refined and the strange center console on the prius bothered me. i really like the exterior styling. my gas mileage has averaged around 48 mpg and i expect it to go up after the break-in period. the navigation system is a must have. i have the silver opal and the color is great. seems to change depending on the time of day. safety features are unprecedented: 6 airbags standard, abs, a.c.e. structure protects during collision, front seat weight and position sensors, active head restraints are all standard.

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  Transmission failure at 44,000 miles - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dorado - July 12 - 7:30 pm

  I bought the car with expectations of significant gas savings and because I was pleased with former Honda cars. Gas mileage was so-so given it is a hybrid (long distance 50 mpg - mix of distant and normal town milage 41 mpg) - so not as great as Prius. Real problem was that transmission died at 44,000 miles while I was on a heavy traffic road. No warning! No power and luckily I was able to coast to a parking lot. Reconditioned transmission, towing etc. cost $3,085. Talked to Honda Care and only concession was cost of transmission at "warranty" cost. Not happy camper and no longer Honda satisfied customer.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dadtova - July 11 - 10:03 am

  I Love this car. The body style is awesome. This is my first Honda. I commute 80 miles a day round trip to and from work. So far after a month, I have avg. 47 mpg. Im glad I paid the extra money for the Nav system with XMradio. I love it that I only have to fill it up once a week, even with my big commute. I found that in order to get the best mpg you cant be a lead foot.

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  Great car, just needs a few improvements - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Carl - July 10 - 10:26 pm

  Very happy with the car. Not only is it fun to drive, but it is fuel efficent and stylish to look at. I bought the car because I travel about 80 miles a day and I am now saving major cash on gas over the Ford I had before. Honda has a winner here if they would just make a couple of improvements.

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  Best yet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tinner - July 10 - 10:40 am

  When you get in this car, it is like slipping on a favorite pair of shoes; very comfortable,and it is amazingly roomy inside. Everything is right at the finger tips and the design is very intuitive. We do mostly highway driving and are getting about 36 mpg with 10,000 miles now on the car. The engineering is incredible - the car is so quite inside and rides very, very smooth! Finally, it comes standard with side airbags and a great safety rating. I would and do highly recommend this car.

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  Well Balanced - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Well Balance car - July 9 - 6:20 am

  I brought it use with only 5000 miles on it. I was just looking for a 2nd car for work only because I drive about 100 miles a day. But I found more than that in the civic. Im getting average around 36 mpg. This car is fun for daily driving. I drive through downtown and interstate. the feel is great, steering is very responsive. The road noise is a little more than I like, but with the Navi with the 350 watts stereo. What road noise. I love the forward look and size of the windshield, but it does pick up everything including rock form cars ahead. Had to replace the windshield once already. This is a great car and with the price tag, that just make it a greater car. Love it

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  Awesome car!!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By bori - July 7 - 3:00 pm

  Ive had my 2009 EX for 3 months now and love it! Much more comfortable than the Corolla that I used to have. No complaints from me. There are times when I start it up it takes a couple of extra seconds to get the engine running. Ive discovered if I park on the smallest hill sometimes theres a clunking noise as I shift from P to R, also there are times when I shift from R to D Ive noticed the engine accelerates a little as the tachometer indicates, but other than those minor things the 09 Civic is definitely an awesome car to own!!!

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  troubles - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jweer - July 6 - 2:00 am

  bought new in 2002, some major problems...paint, vibration that were not addressed by dealership. Comsumer Reports must be on the take from Honda, Toyota etc. Would much rather have a Ford focus, at least its fun to drive and Ford acknowlodges mfg. defects. Honda is just in denial