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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  Beware! The rough, slow start problem. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By neurite - January 29 - 2:33 am

  The civics of 2009, 2010 has the rough, slow start problem even as a new car. Google it and you will see many complaints about the same problem. My civic has about 10,000 miles. It happens a couple of times a week that the car starts tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-wuuuun. Sometimes the first start eventually fails and need to restart. Very annoying. I have been having this problem since the first week I bought it new.

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  More comfort than a box of rocks! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By moitz - January 27 - 3:12 pm

  Well, its been 5 years since I purchased this car used, with 32k on the clock. It now has 145k on it, and Im expecting to own it another 3 years and 60k. So that right there should tell you something about it. This gen of Civic is, quite simply put, the ideal commuter and city car. The engine is reasonably smooth and peppy. Very low road noise with Goodyear Affinity Triple-treads. Steering is nicely weighted for city driving. Ride quality is sportier than its American counterparts, and build quailty is far and above the class leader. 5 adults will fit if needed. Sunroof and power gizmos abound. Repairs are infrequent and cheap. 36 highway, 30 city. How can you go wrong?

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  So... why are people buying hybrids? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By fronteeer - January 24 - 7:32 am

  Ive owned six cars in my life: two Chryslers, one Chevrolet, two Volkswagens, and this is my second Honda Civic. My first Civic, a 1996, made me a Honda fan for life. Im actually embarrassed for having bought into the "German engineering" hype, because neither of my VWs was that great of a car, and as for the Chev and Chryslers, well... we all make mistakes. My wife and I have two other vehicles, but because my Civic (past and present) has comfortable front seats, lots of room for the kids, tons of trunk space, a decent stereo, phenomenal fuel economy and bulletproof reliability, we always seem to take it everywhere. The 1.7L VTEC engine is a perfect blend of economy and performance.

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  Steer Clear of Civics - 2010 Honda Civic
  By pmdclassics - January 22 - 8:38 pm

  If you live in a cold climate do not buy a Honda Civic, the heater is very, very poor at best. Your car will not heat up if the temp is 20 F or colder. Worst heater in any car I have owned the last 30 years. Not only that the gas mileage is like driving an SUV. 24 MPG in town and highway mix. I leased my Civic and boy do I regret it. Cant wait until the lease is up to dump this car.

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  Its been a good car so far... - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ratphink - January 20 - 10:16 am

  Bought the civic last summer and its been pretty good so far. She had a body noise that I was told was a problem with the 2010 civics but the dealer took care of it. It still shows up when the road is especially bumpy but its ok. Milage is great and the car sips gas. Handles great and because I am average height, theres plenty of room for me and friends. It really is fun to drive and I love the reliability. I also notice that people arent dinging my doors cuz the car is slimmer than my Camry yet has the same room inside as my old car(98 camry). So far, overall, I would buy another.

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  great car poor quality of interior - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drain90 - January 12 - 9:02 pm

  my dad got this car new and then gave it to me in 08 with 70000 miles on it. and he has never had to have major work on it. and i put like 30000 miles on it and it still runs like new. my only complaint with this car was that the interior was real cheap both my visors melted off during the summer and a lot of other little things messing up like the outlet for phone charger not working and i had problems with my door not locking. but over all its a fun car to drive its got a little balls real good on gas and looks good

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  Hybrid in disguise - 2004 Honda Civic
  By illili - January 7 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car because I commute too many miles a week for a 4.0 v6 to cut it. I drove the car back from Chesapeake VA to the top corner of Pennsylvania and it drove wonderfully. The gas mileage is superb I get mid-upper 40s in my area (This will vary greatly for anyone looking to buy one based on elevation changes on driving route, habits, ethanol in gas, etc.) during the dead of winter. The comfort is just about the same as my truck, however Im more into functionality than luxury when it comes to vehicles, so if you need clouds to sit on, this isnt your car. The car has little passing power unless you shift down a few gears, but thats not what its designed for.

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  DO NOT BUY - 2009 Honda Civic
  By txsco - January 6 - 8:31 pm

  I usually keep cars 6-10 years got rid of this after one year, 7500 miles. Why? In a little over 12 months, car was in the shop four times-twice for Check IMA light, once for Check Engine light, once because entire drivers side window assembly failed-the whole thing, window, frame, motor for electric window. Vehicle was dangerously slow, and gas mileage was much worse than advertised(maybe because of the constant computer updates-see Edmunds forum for more info). Ive owned some really bad cars over the years-anyone remember the Chevy Monza?-but this was by far the worst.

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  Not Bad - 2009 Honda Civic
  By sjet - December 31 - 10:54 am

  I leased a Honda Civic for the price and have not been too disappointed.

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  Do not buy this car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By fhiebel - December 29 - 3:58 pm

  Unfortunately at this point I would say do not buy a Honda car. I have been a loyal Honda owner for over 20 years but Honda has dug their own grave with this car and battery issue and their lack of customer support! Just go out and read all the issues that people have had with the IMA recall and battery issues for this car. Very unhappy customer.