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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  2012 Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By lutzie - November 21 - 7:43 pm

  I went from a chevy truck to a Civic in May and I am very pleased. I test drove the 2011 and 2012 civic. The 2012 has more room for the driver because the E-brake is back further for more room. I am 76 inches tall at 265lb and comfortable in this vehicle. It also is iPod ready and very friendly to operate all features. The ECON feature is unbelievable to say the least. Gas mileage has increased since I bought this car. I now have 7500 miles on it and my MPG was 45 average on my drive home from work, it was 33MPG before I filled up due to my in town driving. You cant ask for a better car and gas mileage on a gas engine. It is peppy, but the more you get into it the lower the MPG.

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  Not a vehicle I would recommend - 2010 Honda Civic
  By jennamarie - November 21 - 3:11 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Civic last July brand new. In the last 4 weeks my power steering pump has been replaced and repaird five times -- as well as the seals on it. Not only have I had major issues with the power steering, my sun visors have both cracked and been replaced, my seat belt buckle was replaced as it was not functioning correctly. If you want a headache with good gas mileage and a company that does not have your back when its product is defective - GET A HONDA CIVIC!

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  Look around - 2011 Honda Civic
  By flgirl23 - November 21 - 1:47 pm

  I bought a new Civic about a year ago. It has been to the shop 4 times already. Once for a stuck window, once for a door that wouldnt close, and once for a grinding engine noise. The car was brought in today due to peeling door covers. The dealer has been very difficult in fixing these issues. The quality of the paint, and over all materials are poor. If a leaf falls on it, the car will scratch. The placement of the speedometer makes it very difficult to see and the light coloring stains easily. I am looking at trading mine in and getting another make of car. They just arent what they used to be.

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  Still a great ride! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By limaguy79 - November 20 - 12:28 am

  My intitial impression of owning the car is great. Its incrementally better than gen. 8 (2006-2011) The information display is very helpful and the ride is comfortable. Continental 16" tires have been no problem in rain on the hwy and car handles in typical Honda fasion with a compliant and solid feeling. The interior, which has been the subject of much debate could feel a little "warmer" but overall isnt offensive. The navigation system in my vehicle helps to absorb some of the plainess on the dash associated with lower trim models. I continue to stay with Honda for their reliablity, strong resale value and for how well im treated at my local Honda dealership for service.

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  Faithful Fiji Chariot - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 96xlsnoble - November 13 - 11:26 pm

  Coming from a 2008 S2000, The SI sedan has its cousins genes (vtec/i-vtec feel and sound, 8000rpm redline, electro speedometer).Of course the AP2 has better seats.My Si has a few mods that enhances its looks and performance and I love this car.It handles predictably and never complains for being FWD.It inspires confidence to push even harder.Cant argue that at this price point.Its no EVO, STI or 370Z Nismo, but its still fun to drive.

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  Best in Class - 2012 Honda Civic
  By kerpalsingh - November 8 - 7:50 pm

  I needed a reliable commuter car. I looked at the Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, VW Jetta and Mazda 6. The Civics handling is just as good as the Mazda 3 and the LX has way better standard features. Ive driven almost 1000 miles and have very few complaints. I drive about 60 miles a day (mixed) and with the Econ feature off I get about 36 mpg, when its on I get about 38mpg. The handling and build quality of the car are outstanding. The seats could be more comfortable and the standard speakers have muddy mids and highs, but good bass. I paid almost $1000 less than INVOICE so that was a huge factor in me getting the Civic. I have no complaints about road noise but the engine can get loud.

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  Civic - better than ever! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By winkr22 - November 3 - 12:34 am

  We bought the car a few months back with overall value in mind. Overall value, for our purposes, was defined as a combination of reliability, gas mileage, safety, long term cost of ownership, and comfort. I would say in that order -- but really all of them were high on the order list. We were not looking for the type of car to modify or look thuggish, and we did not want the type of car that gets stolen for that purpose like some of the older Japanese models like Civics did. As a VALUE oriented car, this vehicle is spectacular and exactly what we wanted. We have stopped subscribing to CR as their quality of reviews over the last couple of years has gone more the way of sensationalism

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  Great Little Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By kendaddy126 - November 2 - 11:01 pm

  I am in sales and I can drive as much as 300 miles in one day. Probably an average of 130 or so. The Civic runs great, and gets 41mpg! They say these VXs can get as much as 50mpg... I dont know why I dont get that, but Im not complaining... It could be that its a 95 with 180k on it and its just not going to get 50mpg. I think its funny that these hybrids today get the same mpg as my little cheapo honda. Its pretty slow and could definitely use some more hp.. espically with the AC on. If performance is important, dont go with a VX.. get an SI. Also, make sure you change the timing belts and water pump every 90k mi.

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  Honda is the Best - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hondaisbest3 - November 2 - 9:50 am

  I have been told million times how good Hondas are. I have experienced it myself now. I purchased 2003 Honda Civic in 2004, It has been 7 years now with 172,000 mileage and this CAR still runs like brand new. Civics just dont break. I have been driving this car ALOT but still its really good. NO serious/Major Problems. After driving Honda Civic, I will never ever think of buying anything but Honda. All my friends who purchased Fords had too many engine & transmission problems with their cars. Honda is the Best.

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  Fun, efficient, and reliable - 2009 Honda Civic
  By argimal - October 30 - 9:20 am

  Had the car for over two years now. Feels alot faster than it is. I love the high revving 4. Traded an S2000 for this because of family expansion. Havent regretted yet. Would prefer a little more power but am satisfied. I commute 82 miles round trip to work and get 28-33 mpg depending on how hard I drive it, usually 29 mpg in mixed driving. 33 mpg on long trips consistently. Great car.