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:

• 

  Value for money & fun to drive - 2005 Honda Civic
  By ramvem - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Civic Hybrid is quite a remarkable car. I switched from a Mercedes to this one because I wanted a low operating cost vehicle. I was driving an 87 Mercedes 190E (ancestor of C230). The interior room of the Civic is pretty much the same as was in my 190. Seats are firm and comfortable. The car is very quiet, and also a lot of fun to drive. Its got a good amount of low end kick from the electric motor, and since the gas engine is very small its also very smooth & quiet. Gas mileage is in the upper 40s so far. Audio is not that great.

• 

  Civic just keeps on chugging! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By DallasKen - March 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a vehicle I never thought Id enjoy driving. I gave up my commuter car a year ago, bought my wife a new car, and inherited her Civic grudgingly. However, it grew on me... its spartanly comfortable, gets great gas mileage, drives and handles well. Although not powerful, the light weight of the car and spritely engine give it acceptable punch at expressway speeds. I compare the driving of a 1993 Civic to that of an imagined (although soon to be a reality) 1-series BMW!

• 

  No Worry, Great Economy Sedan - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Alex L. - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought it at 134k and now at 163k, and for a car with alot of miles, it has No Rust, and great perfformance. Handles awesome and comfortable for an economy sized car. I can parallel into any parking space in the city and yet fit 4 people in comfortably (5 snug). Best mpg of any car !

• 

  Great Car Some Frills - 1990 Honda Civic
  By HondaFanatic - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car was exactly what I expected, and more. My disappointment lies only with the engine. Its 92HP engine makes me hesitate before passing (the car is very responsive, but weak). The car has great handling, and seats very the front passengers very well. Other than the engine, however, I have to complain about the height. The car sits so low that not only his an interesting experience getting out of the car, but it tends to scrape across the bottom when traveling over speed bumps. Dont get me wrong, though, after seeing friends with other compact cars (even newer cavaliers seem less luxurious), this car simply blows them all away

• 

  Its a blast - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JBONE - March 18 - 6:43 pm

  So I was not really looking to get a Civic until I drove the new Si. I have had classic Chevys over the years and they have all been over 300 hp. I know the the SI is not 300 but it still has guts for a 4 banger. The handling of this car is great right off the lot. I have yet to change anything to do with the suspension and I dont belive that I will. I did put 18" wheels on it with better tires. It made a pretty big difference.

• 

  Disappointing - 2005 Honda Civic
  By caloosa - March 18 - 5:50 pm

  The car is suppose to be most efficient in the city. However, the hybrid doesnt perform any better than a non-hybrid civic. It averages 34-35 mpg when it is rated at 48/47 mpg. A very annoying feature is the air conditioning. Living in the south, we really need a strong air conditioner, however, the hybrid shuts down when you are stopped. This is to save gas, but the air conditioner also shuts down and temperatures in the car can be unbearable if you are stopped for long! For the price that I paid for the car, I could have purchased a much more luxurious vehicle with more bells and whistles and just slightly lower gas mileage. Hold out for a Prius!

• 

  CNG Honda- feels good to drive - 2007 Honda Civic
  By aerodog - March 18 - 2:43 pm

  Cannot choose which I like more, driving by the gas stations with $5 per gal displayed, or looking at the exhaust pipe after 10,000 miles and it looks totally new! The "feel good" factor is strong..stronger than when I drove the Honda Insight, and far more comfortable too! The Civic body styling is light years ahead of the older Civic along with the functionality too. Only one complaint to those who are 510" or taller. That emergency brake hits you just below the right knee and after longer drives is a total pain! Think Im going to remove it, then all is very, very nice. Range is a little short, but my daily drives are not that far. In short, the US should get on the ball and CNG more.

• 

  pocket Rocket - 1999 Honda Civic
  By djbango - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, still turns heads. The owners of the new Si, deep down wish the yhad the 99-2000 model

• 

  Fun commuter - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Zap - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The car easily achieves 37mpg avg. If I take it on a trip it will breach 40mpg. Car corners very nicely but Honda fumbled with the shock/spring settings on the rear end. Car feels a little too bouncy some times. Especially under higher cornering loads. All controls are well placed and convenient. EX stereo is splendid for a stock unit, especially when using the CD player. When it is cold, do hear a few creeks and squeeks. Sunroof slide cover has a minor rattle. Have had to go to the dealer a few times for 1) Side Airbag light, 2)persistant idle problem and 3) a rocking drivers seat. All of these have been taken car of.

• 

  DONT BUY A HONDA - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous22 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Front bumper chipping & rear trunk peeling. Body dents way too easily & has flimsy bumpers. Tires have terrible traction (firestone). Turning ratio is too small. Engine is gutless (no get up and go without redlining the engine). Dash always rattles when cold. Cheap cloth for interior. Substandard radio and speakers. Suspension and shocks are way to stiff (feel everything on the road). Small gas tank (fill every 3-4 days). Mats and trunk liner do not fit correctly for OEM. Transmission jerks when slowing down abruptly. Seat comfort is minimal.