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:

• 

  2008 Civic MT problems - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mwitt - December 29 - 3:49 pm

  I have had my 2008 Civic 5 speed manual for over 2 years now. I have 47,000 miles on it. I am very disappointed. First minor problem: One of my rear tires cupped and had to be replaced. OK, maybe not Hondas fault. Next, drivers side window has a problem. Sometimes it goes up and sometimes it doesnt. Now, a big problem. My clutch is not working. Car jerks and vibrates when shifting into 1st and 2nd gear. The dealer said I need a new cluth at cost of $2000. Ive had Hondas before and have loved them for their reliability. I dont think I will be buying one again.

• 

  Far From Perfect - 2010 Honda Civic
  By bayoubilly74 - December 26 - 8:14 pm

  I bought a 10 Civic---in a hurry I might add. I test drove a new Accord but did not buy it due to cost. Went with Civic blindly. Ive owned 2 before so I figured "how can I go wrong?". Well, it rides fine, looks good from the outside, and has a bunch of storage spots up front. The stereo is great for a stock system. Other than that, I cant really say this is the Honda I thought it would be. The cabin is tight--watch out if you are 6ft or over. The roofline slants at such an angle that I hit my head if not careful. Also, there are no cupholders in the back...ZERO. Not sure how the designers got away with missing that simple feature.

• 

  fun economical car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By adansereau - December 26 - 6:47 am

  this is my wifes car , i drive a crv. it is a sporty coupe with good handling , not as good as an si i had and not as much power, but it zips along pretty good and returns about 30 mpg around town. prior civic have given us over 40 mpg on the highway. got a black one and put a nice oval exhaust tip and some aftermarket letters ( ex ) just to make it personal. looks great, looks like a sports car and yet it is econmoical. it is well made, the engine is sewing machine smooth and as with all civics reliable. i do steal it from my wife to go out and have fun driving thru some country roads.

• 

  Great Value - 1996 Honda Civic
  By kerrym1 - December 22 - 7:43 pm

  I bought this car a few years ago and with regular maintenance, it has been a charm! I have loved having this car for the gas mileage, of which averaged 40mpg (lots of highway driving). I now have 322k miles on it and it seems to have past its prime and the engine is going. It has served me well and will definitely be buying another!!

• 

  Very Reliable Economical Transportation - 1998 Honda Civic
  By exhaust_fan - December 17 - 9:12 pm

  I have had this car for about six years and have only done one repair. Replaced the windshield wiper motor. Everything else has been maintenance. I get excellent gas mileage. 34-44. Great commuter car

• 

  great budget car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By rodmanzer - December 10 - 3:22 am

  I purchased this car in 2009 with 149,900 miles. The paint was original but the clear was coming off and the color was fading. It came with all new belts,hoses,radiator, ignition wires that I can see. It is an automatic with A/C and power steering. Disappointed no anti lock brakes they were an option.It runs perfect and a year later still does, it burns the normal amount of oil all engines do no matter the miles. It is a gutless wonder, rids like crud and you have to punch it just to get going but it gets great gas mileage and is very reliable. I worked for Honda in the service department so I knew what to get as a economy car used and I like to buy American GMs they are great too.

• 

  Surprising - 1990 Honda Civic
  By rpthorp - December 8 - 2:41 am

  I went from an 88 Iroc-Z, to this 90 Si, and surprisingly, I still had fun. I bought it because I wanted something more reliable, with better gas mileage that was still fun to drive. The handling was wonderful. The combination of double-wishbone suspension and the lack of power steering made you feel like you were connected with the road. And because it was so light, it really didnt need power steering all that badly. But then she bent a rod... I lost respect for my Si, along with some money, but no hard feelings. Pay attention to the belts and you wont have any problems.

• 

  Never again - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I had been getting good (>43 MG) mileage before the Honda update to my Hybrid in May of 2010. Prior to that update I had reached 47.8 MPG on a 1,022 mile trip from my sons home in GA to my home in Boston. After the May computer update, I never got better than 38 MPG, even on the highway. Ive had this thing back to the dealer at least 3 times for crappy gas mileage after the May update. One more thing - the resale value on these things is terrible. The Toyota dealer across the driveway from my Honda dealer offered me $9 grand on a trade-in for this $22,000 Hybrid with less than 34,500 miles and less than 24 months driving. I pick up my new 2010 Prius tomorrow.

• 

  Poor Gas Mileage, poor acceleration. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ttomaka - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Nicely-designed car but never did better than 40 mpg combined city/highway. I recently received the Honda-directed firmware "update" which has radically altered the hybrid propulsion system. Fuel economy has decreased by 5 mpg, and the car often is incapable of accelerating when you need it. Honda refuses to admit to a problem.

• 

  Good mpg and very reliable - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in 2007. Never gave us a single problem in the past 3 years. Averaged MPG at 43. In pure highway, can get to 50+. Battery is reprogrammed a few months ago. It feels ok with reduced capacity and power. Some mentioned battery problems in hot places though.