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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  Honda customer support/warranty....fool me once! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 53classic - March 16 - 8:59 am

  At 16,000 kms, the transmission in our new 2007 Civic broke down. Honda claimed that this was due to abuse! My wife and I have driven manual cars for many years....we are both in our 50s and do not abuse our cars. Honda refused to accept any blame and we were forced to pay a $4,000 repair bill. We had no support from anyone at Honda - not the dealer or Honda Canada. Would they consider cost sharing the repair bill or giving us a break on the parts or labour cost? NO! Our lease is now up - the Honda dealer called to see if we wanted to lease another Civic....Are you kidding me?? Fool me once, shame on you....fool me twice....shame on me! Never again.

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  Very Solid High MPG Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bobbichen - March 3 - 1:29 pm

  I puchased this unit used, recently in very good condition. ($13k, 44k miles). Hybrids are certainly a different breed of cat. They drive a bit differently, though I like the driving dynamics much better than the Prius. (Brakes seem "grabby" and steering doesnt fit me HCH has a telescoping and tilt wheel that allows a more aggressive steering position). I find the car to be plenty peppy as to acceleration. Handling and braking are very good in my opinion. Car feels sporty. Hybrid system is a little distracting, and does some odd things (sudden battery "dumps" at times, MPG drops on cold weather). Ride is a bit stiff, bordering on harsh on poor pavement.

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  Still going strong - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sassy1866 - March 1 - 2:30 pm

  I have 49k on my car and have never had a problem with it. I still make sure to keep up with the maintenance. The ride is ok but can be rough sometimes. Ill probably keep it another year or two as long as I dont have to sink any money into it.

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  Back to the Future - 1990 Honda Civic
  By almprin06 - March 1 - 7:52 am

  The roomy 1990 Honda Civic Wagon had dimensions nearly identical to the current 2011 Honda Fit, except the roomy 2011 Honda Fit is much more generous in height at 60" tall. The 1990 Honda Civic Wagon weighs a bit less than the 2011 Honda Fit, but the 2011 Honda Fit achieves more power with better fuel economy.

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  Love my Honda - 1991 Honda Civic
  By kycivic - February 22 - 12:52 pm

  I bought my Civic used in 1992 with 29,000 miles on it. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It is now at 270,000 miles and still going strong. Just regular maintenance needed. The only reason I scored lower on the comfort is because my AC went out 2 years ago,and it was going to cost me $650 to get it fixed. My husband has been through 3 trucks to my one car. Love My Civic si. Looking for another one.

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  wishing i had my 93 integra back - 1999 Honda Civic
  By cjrock - February 7 - 11:03 pm

  now i understand this car is about value and all, but boy is it cheap. Rattles every little bump i take, power windows hardly roll down anymore, awful noises when starting in cold (dealership and mechanic cant target the problem). I can barely hear a passenger when driving on the highway. I wish my I didnt replace my 93 acura...

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  Beware: Battery goes right after warranty - 2003 Honda Civic
  By formerhondafan - February 7 - 12:24 pm

  Just a warning to those looking at this car. I bought in 2002 (2003 model) and have been the only owner for just over 8 years. Five months past the warranty, the battery failed and now I have to pay $3000 to have it replaced. The car has less that 80,000 miles, but because Ive owned it over eight years, the warranty has expired. This is simply too much of an expense to be reasonable or fair. It certainly doesnt justify the gas savings. I am very disappointed in Honda and will not buy another one, because of this experience.

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  Practical Daily Driver - 2007 Honda Civic
  By robliski - February 1 - 3:09 pm

  I have owned my Civic EX Coupe since Sep 06. This is an excellent car for the daily commute as it gives a decent MPG but this is completely dependant on your driving style: If you drive agressive then kiss the MPG goodbye but if you drive more mellow then youll be very pleased. Its a bit stiff which is normal for Honda. The handling is really good for a front wheel drive. The part that always irritates me about this car is: 1) I am always thirsty for torque, and 2) The transmission is sometimes a bit lazy to shift down. So when you take it on a trip, when you get to the hills, you cant use cruise control at all the tranny is constantly downshifting gasping for torque.

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  An outstanding bargain!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By 70schic - January 30 - 1:30 pm

  Ive owned my Civic EX for almost 2 years now and Im still thrilled to drive it every day. Even though its only a 4cyl its quite the zippy little car. The interior is roomy, features are located within easy reach and the USB port is a nice touch. Its a Civic, so of course its great on gas. Its quality built and very reliable. If your looking for a car that is practical, safe and has exceptional resale value-this is it!!

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  Hold on to one if you can - 2002 Honda Civic
  By indylta - January 30 - 7:58 am

  Great car. I had 130k on mine when some very poor driver ran into me and totalled it. Man, I know I had another 150k to get out of it. It is noisy at high speeds, but show me a car in its class that isnt. I drive 50% highway and averaged 37 mpg over the life of the car. Im 5-11 with longer legs and didnt have comfort issues. My friend who is 6-5 did. If you want a reliable, efficient car that will last you until your tired of driving it and then some, stick with the Honda. I wouldnt recommend it if you are bothered by noise at >80mph (mostly wind).