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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  Very good everyday car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Grand Rapids driver - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a car to get me (and my family) to and from work and around town for the next ten years. Of the cars I researched, the Civic seemed best able to do that. I also found it nice to drive. When I got into the Civic and drove it, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. It handled very well and the manual transmission shifted almost effortlessly. The interior is very roomy for a compact and the flat back floor makes the back seat seem even bigger. All in all, this was exactly what I was looking for.

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  Pick One Up, IF YOU CAN - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Doug - December 3 - 8:50 am

  Have had this car for about 2 years and simply love it. Bought it before the gas crisis and glad I did. Yes it does not have the pickup of normal cars but that is what the Hybrid technology is all about. If you floor it it decreases your efficiency. Has had one recall but that was an easy 1- hour fix at the local dealer. All it was, was some small computer change. Big trunk space, excellent standard features that come with the car, and looks great.

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  VERY RELAIABLE CAR - 1996 Honda Civic
  By CAR - December 3 - 2:00 am

  It is a very reiable car. Just rides smooth

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  Just bought another Honda! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By m1e1b1s1 - November 30 - 12:46 pm

  We had planned 3 years ago to purchase a truck when we paid off our Accord, however with gas prices as they are. We were looking at either a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, Honda of course won out! We now own 3 Hondas, our Daughter has a 94 Civic, which still runs GREAT with 170K (shes a teenager), our Accord is great as well..its only 3 years old :-) I just LOVE my new Civic. Its roomy, amazingly not much smaller than our 2005 Accord, we had thought another Accord, however our teen will be graduating and off to college, leaving my DH, myself and our 8 yo son, so a Civic is big enough. We look forward to many years with our Hondas!

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  Superb Machine - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Steve T - November 29 - 8:10 pm

  I traded an F-150 Lariat. No regrets. This a great little car. Its tight, plenty of pep. The transmission is smooth. Fit and finish is top quality. The moon roof is great. Very fun to drive. Im 6 ft tall and there is plenty of room. The first tank of gas gave 30.27 MPG. 60% cty 40% hwy. My fuel consumption just got reduced by half. Ive only had this car for a week but it looks like fuel will just get better as it breaks in.

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  Good but not great - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rich - November 29 - 5:56 pm

  Owned the car for 2 months and 2500 miles. Overall, it is a good car. The 5 speed auto is smooth, willing to kickdown and will hold a gear to readline. Like the styling and the digital speedo. The fuel economy is only good in a combined downtown/highway commute. However, I have several issues with it. First, the front seats are awful. No lumbar support and odd seatback shape induces lower back pain after a half hours drive. Other issues, bouncy front-end on the highway, drive window switches set too far back on armrest, loud wind noise at 70+ in crosswinds, odd shaped door locks.

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  Good car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By KathyMD - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my civic. I am sad to have to trade it in, but this car just cant cut it in the snow, and I get a lot of snow where I live. But otherwise I have no complaints. It is reliable, considerably fast for a 127 hp, the stock stereo system is pretty good.

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  Love my new car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By baseball mom - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I went to the internet for information before buying our new Honda Civic. We were looking for three things - reliability, safety and great fuel mileage. We found all three in our new Civic. My family of 4 fit quite comfortably in our new car. With Hondas history of reliability, we are looking forward to passing our new Civic on to our daughter when she leaves for college in 4 years.

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  Honda LX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Happy Thus Far - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Yes, its all been said. If you are looking for a realible, well built, humble looking car that is reasonably fun to drive, this is it. I have measured gag mileage at 44 on the highway. The shifter is silky smooth. The instrument panel is sharp looking. I have owned and driven other Civics, and the 2003 has the same solid dependable feel but with more refinement. Keep up the good work, Honda!

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  Nice for what it is - 2016 Honda Civic
  By David Burke - November 28 - 5:10 pm

  Some of the reviewers here think they should be getting Lexus quality in this car, but thats not going to happen. I owned a 2009 Civic Sedan and a 2013 Elantra sedan before buying this one so I am able to compare pretty well. First and foremost for me is the cabin noise because thats where they really got better over the other two, with the 2009 Civic being really noisy and this one very quiet for a small car. Ride is second because this is much smoother than either. Cabin noise, ride and handling make this car feel like it should be much more expensive, and this handles like a dream for the price. I was really wowd when I first got behind the wheel and it is a pleasure to drive. The seats could be better & more comfortable but overall the quality of the interior is much nicer than the other two. What I think is that this car is a really good value and I am quite happy with it so far. Not many miles yet so I cant comment on reliability.