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 Honda since 82 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dave in VA - February 18 - 9:20 pm

  I only got my new Civic last night but Im already very impressed. I currently own two Nissans (99 Sentra SE and 01 Frontier) and the Honda is a very well-built vehicle. With gas over $2/g and a 50 mile roundtrip commute each day I wanted something more econimical and comfortable than my truck (16mpg) that would last forever so I naturally went to the Honda dealer. The handling is top-notch, WAY better than I would expect out of a compact sedan, acceleration is more than sufficient, the safety features are plentiful. The Civic is smooth and quiet even at highway speeds and takes very little effort to maneuver. Tons of headroom (Im 61") and legroom.

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  My second Honda purchase - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Matyas - February 18 - 4:53 pm

  I love the interior/exterior looks. I expect good reliability - I drove a 98 Civic until now. I bought 17" wheels, unfortunately that means I will have to sell the 16" set myself. I wish this was a dealer/manufacturer option. The road noise is pronounced on some low quality pavements, but not bothersome in general. In fact I test drove an upscale sedan for comparison and that was just slightly less quiet. I get 32-36 mpg city/highway milage in warm/hot weather with 95% AC use. (Also the odometer undermeasures by 3-4%, this will change with tire wear.)

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  this car is super cool - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Ken4238 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the best car around, good looking, acceptable price, long lasting engine, i like it.

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  a LOT of car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GregSi - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I dont mind that this car is not popular because I got mine for $15.6K ... nearly $4K off sticker. The engine is peppy , but could benefit from an extra 20 hp or so. The rally- style shifter, although weird initially, has become intuitive now. Close gear ratios make for fun driving, but a sixth gear is needed for highway crusing (4K rpm at 75 mph). This car is a blast to toss around, but the wheel/tire combination leaves much to be desired. Suspension is a bit bouncy, but well mannered when taking corners at speed. Aftermarket suspension and wheels/tires are a must, in my opinion. Also, the tranny doesnt like 1-2 shifts after a while.

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  car with a personality! - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Deep in the snow - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is just great. I thought it was getting old so I bought a newer Dodge to replace it. The latter had half the mileage, twice the engine size and all the extra features you can think of... I ended up selling it and keeping my Honda instead. Even at 100k miles, it is a very reliable car and its engine starts promptly at -20F, only done minor repairs. Overall, excellent car. Great looking too.

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  good car to own - 1996 Honda Civic
  By EXrocket - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. Not only is it easy to find aftermarket parts for it, but its easy to install and makes a great difference to the car. O bought the car @ 155,000 miles and the engine is still running strong. The person who had it before me took care of it very well. All you got to do is do the usual maintenence such as oil changes and tune ups, and this car will last for a long time. This is my sixth car and by far this is the most reliable car Ive had. Simple bolt ons can be put into the car to improve performance and handling such as intake, new shocks & springs, and strut bars.

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  Ill buy another Civic!! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By LisaH - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since day one and have loved every mile. I have almost 200,000 miles on it. It is a little cramped fitting more than just me and my dog in, but all in all it has paid me back for every penny I put into buying and even refinancing it. Took it on a x-country trip and put 10,000 miles on it in a little over a month and it was the most comfortable drive I could have asked for for under $10,000. GREAT first car. I am hoping to replace it with a 4-door Civic this spring.

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  Good Car, Some quirks - 2009 Honda Civic
  By CivicsOKwithMe - February 15 - 1:20 pm

  Ive had my Civic for about 2 months now and I really enjoy it. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing this vehicle and it has lived up to almost everything I heard/read. I love both the interior and exterior styling -- the two tier dash is my favorite. The quality of the interior materials is far beyond that of some of its competitors, namely the Toyota Corolla. I read some other reviews that complained about the lack of a remote trunk release, 60/40 rear split seats, and outside temperature gauge: All of these features are available on the EX trim. My only complaint is the gas mileage...I average about 27 mpg. Based on my research, I was expecting better fuel economy.

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  Honda is good - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Johnny528 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Has gone through mom, sister, and me for 13 years. Ive seen other reviews of LX owners complaining about the lack of horsepower. With 108 on the EX, it is adequate but still lacking. On a brighter note, this cars engine sounds like the day we bought it and it looks to last another 10 years without a hitch. It has even gone through 4 pretty severe accidents but its still going. If you want reliability, dont pass this up.

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  A Very Nice Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Max Khan - February 14 - 11:43 pm

  I bought new Civic for my wife and she loves it along with our two kids. I get to drive it only over the weekends and wait for it. Yes, its a real cool- looking, fun-driving Civic. Press the gas - and it goes. Breaks are real good and body is solid. Honda has done a real good job. Thanks guys!