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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  Unexpected Issue - 2011 Honda Civic
  By taffy2011 - May 13 - 4:56 pm

  The first problem I had with this new car is a needed replacement of a front wheel bearing with only 15K miles. It also needed a realign. Now I know why CR didnt recommend the Civic for this model year.

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  excellent hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By lalala1 - May 12 - 11:10 am

  My civic hybrid has been through a lot - long commutes, cross country trips, 2 high school drivers. Its still running well with over 170k miles & getting over 41mpg which is a lifesaver right now. As long as maintenance is kept up with it will last a long, long, long time! Im expecting to drive this car for several more years, I love it.

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  update ........30.000 mi - 2009 Honda Civic
  By erik25 - May 6 - 2:26 pm

  Have now driven 30.000 miles with it and it still drives as new.Also got a average of 41 mpg and sometimes 45 mpg,not bad for a gas car!! Just get 43 psi in your tires and i added some body panels under the car,helps to. The only thing i dont like about this car is the automatic transmission,shifts to much when i dont want it to,see they solved it on the new model,with a stronger torq converter.Its something i can live with,not a reason to sell it with these gas prices!

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  11 years later, still in love - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jimmert - April 29 - 7:02 pm

  This was my first car I ever owned and I got it while I was in college. It has 92K miles currently and I think it can go another 11 years and 100k easily. I did have to rebuild the transmission 2 years ago due to my lazy upkeep and the short stop-n-go trips I had to work and back. I decided to go ahead with the expense because of the sentimental reasons and during the past 2 years its been real reliable since I moved farther away from work its now a 12 mile hw commute instead of 3. The weatherstripping along the doors has cracked exposing the chrome below due to the car being parked in the sun most of the time. Still this car has been awesome, 32-35mpg and I enjoy driving it everyday.

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  My 1996 Honda Civic Ex "Baby" - 1996 Honda Civic
  By jenny30 - April 26 - 7:54 pm

  All i can say is i have never been happier than owning my Honda Cv. Im a proud owner of it. I got it when it had 90,000 miles purchased as is 3500 no warranty from a friend. My baby is still going strong. Its been in two wrecks not my fault. And its still going. I fixed it though got it a new body kit. It needs a newer one. I really have nothing bad to say about this, i maintain my vehicle very well. Happy to say ive treated is as i would want to be treated and its giving me favor in return. Ive fixed minor things like water pump that would go bad for a 96 or air filter stuff like that. Nothing major. My baby is now at over 200,000 miles and still going strong. Long live HONDA!

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  2010 Honda Civic DX model has potential - 2010 Honda Civic
  By elmarco - April 25 - 5:06 pm

  The 2010 Honda Civic DX model with manual 5 speed and DOHC engine is fun to drive. This is the cheaper version of the Civic Si. My previous car was a 2001 Ford Mustang, and this Civic gets much better gas mileage. In my opinion, the Civic coupe is stylish, but this car is far from perfect. Ive had suspension problems with this car from day one. Ive been to a couple of different Honda dealers in Dallas, and I got jacked around every time I went there. The clutch feels a little rough sometimes, an honest work-out helps. Honda OE shocks, struts, and springs are low quality lots of squeaks and rattles This car has potential, but I am really disappointed with Honda customer service.

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  2011 Honda Civic LX Manual - 2011 Honda Civic
  By kiyotchan - April 23 - 8:39 am

  Recently purchased it new after giving 2002 Honda Civic to my son. Was going to buy used, but recent manufacturer to dealer incentive made the price so attractive that the difference between the new and recent Civic with 20 to 30K miles became almost nonexistent. I know I am biased, but I have always liked Honda for its reliability, great gas mileage, and peppiness. This car has not disappointed me. It is noticeably more powerful and surprisingly quiet compared to 2002 that I had. The manual shift is quite different from the old version, but it did not take much time to get accustomed to it it has more sporty feel to it.

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  My 93 Civic Si Coupe - 1993 Honda Civic
  By mattamelius - April 16 - 11:32 am

  Ok, so about a year ago i picked up a 93 civic coupe with the original SOHC Vtec. The car had approx 297,XXX kms when i got it, and currently has 322, XXX. I love this care, since owning it, I have only done oil changes and put new rims and tires on :) Never had a problem, still pulls strong. A few mods, Chipped ECU, Short Ram Air Intake, and body kit. Extremely Reliable!!! The only bad I can say about the car is that, rear seat comfort, and the rust it has on the quarter panels and starting to show on the passenger door. Other then that, best car I have owned!

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  good car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By swanny4 - April 14 - 1:47 am

  I bought my civic 6 years ago on a junk title. It has always started for me and never let me down. It is so faithful that I am even bored with it! What a good car. Nothing exciting, just faithful.

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  Love my Honda, but... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bj789 - April 13 - 12:20 am

  For an economy car, its pretty nice. My last two cars were German and their reliability issues drove me to Japanese dependability, but man were Germans a blast to drive. And while Im still happy with the Honda, there are some issues Im now suffering. Mainly performance issues. Otherwise, its functional, reliable, efficient and gets me from A to B with little worry. Most of my driving is in the city, and it zips around in traffic fairly well. I would not recommend as a highway commuter.