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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  Great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Rex Nelsen - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Driving around Phoenix,AZ I average 47MPG. Took a 4,000mile trip back to the midwest with a lot of mountain driving. Loaded with luggage,two adults and AC running continuously, we averaged 43MPG. Had NO problem going thru mountains. Had lots of power and pep.

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  Thank Gd for Hybrids - 2004 Honda Civic
  By David G. - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Great performance. Never a problem and great mileage. What more can you ask? Comfort? Yup, its got that too as well as creature comforts and features like CD player, Climate control, cruise control, etc. Try it. You wont like it... Youll love it. D.

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  2004 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BillW55 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the most economical and fun car to drive. The IMA system smokes some of the fancier cars like the BMW, Jetta, Ford ponies right at the light. I made a trip from NJ to South Carolina (800 miles one way) on 17 gallons of gas. It cost more for the tolls than it did for the fuel!The road pep is surprising. Great sound system as well. Plenty of room for the passengers and the trunk is very roomy.The engine is extremely quiet. Interior cooling and heating are super. BUY this car!

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  Worst Car Ive Owned - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous - March 10 - 10:17 pm

  Maybe I was one of the unlucky few who got a lemon, but this is by far the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Im currently driving a Toyota and would never go back to a Honda out of pure fear. We purchased this car used in 2014- we had to have it rewired immediately after purchase. $200. 2000 miles later all the valves bent while driving on the 101 and stalled in the middle of the freeway. $500. 2000 miles later the spark plugs went out. Began overheating. $75 3000 miles later the transmission started slipping and going out. The Engine light turned on. Read as a misfire to cylinders. Over heating was off/on. 500 miles later head gasket blew. Overheated stopped. $500. 500 miles later began over heating again. 200 miles later head gasket blew again and the radiator, fan, and switch needed to be replaced $400. 2000 miles later the radiator began to leak and we had to fill the car up with water up to three times a day. The car had been maintenance by my mechanic: oil changes every 3k miles, tire rotation every 6k miles, topped off fluids after every oil change, etc. The car broke this fast after so little use. We did end up selling it after only driving it 10,000 miles. The appearance of the car, however, was spotless! Easy to clean and maintain- the car looked brand new up until the day we sold it. This car and I had a love/hate relationship. I loved it when it worked- when it didnt I hated it. Will personally stick with my Toyota! Im sure Honda Civics are lovely cars, but I would personally stay away from the 2001 model.

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  Worst Car Ive Owned - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous - March 10 - 10:17 pm

  Maybe I was one of the unlucky few who got a lemon, but this is by far the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Im currently driving a Toyota and would never go back to a Honda out of pure fear. We purchased this car used in 2014- we had to have it rewired immediately after purchase. $200. 2000 miles later all the valves bent while driving on the 101 and stalled in the middle of the freeway. $500. 2000 miles later the spark plugs went out. Began overheating. $75 3000 miles later the transmission started slipping and going out. The Engine light turned on. Read as a misfire to cylinders. Over heating was off/on. 500 miles later head gasket blew. Overheated stopped. $500. 500 miles later began over heating again. 200 miles later head gasket blew again and the radiator, fan, and switch needed to be replaced $400. 2000 miles later the radiator began to leak and we had to fill the car up with water up to three times a day. The car had been maintenance by my mechanic: oil changes every 3k miles, tire rotation every 6k miles, topped off fluids after every oil change, etc. The car broke this fast after so little use. We did end up selling it after only driving it 10,000 miles. The appearance of the car, however, was spotless! Easy to clean and maintain- the car looked brand new up until the day we sold it. This car and I had a love/hate relationship. I loved it when it worked- when it didnt I hated it. Will personally stick with my Toyota! Im sure Honda Civics are lovely cars, but I would personally stay away from the 2001 model.

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  The economical pocket rocket - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jakeo - March 10 - 4:10 am

  The value and performance of the Si are 2nd to none. Handing is perhaps best of any front-wheel drive car due to perfectly-tuned suspension and limited-slip differential. I get 34 MPG highway with 200 hp! Of course, this drops if you drive in the 6K-8K RPM VTEC mode, but I still get 28-30 MPG in mixed driving. Seats are nice, with good side bolstering for cornering, and comes with 8 airbags, a killer 350 watt, 7 speaker system with a sub. I cross shopped the VW GTI, but I know that car will lose its value must faster than a Honda and everything will go wrong.

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  sold on the technology - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Nancy - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This technology is definately the future and Im proud to be a part of the experiment. It is fun to try to get the best mileage you can out of a tank of gas and rewarding to know that you are doing what you can to reduce pollution.

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  sold on the technology - 2003 Honda Civic
  By nancy - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This technology is definately the future and Im proud to be a part of the experiment. It is fun to try to get the best mileage you can out of a tank of gas and rewarding to know that you are doing what you can to reduce pollution.

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  Comfort and mileage - 2003 Honda Civic
  By carmennbob - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had an Insight for 7 months and enjoy it. The Civic Hybrid has surprised and pleased us. It is very comfortable and we still get about 50 MPG.

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  Honda cant be stopppppped!!!! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Joe/ HondaHottness - March 10 - 2:00 am

  My civic is the first car i bought, the aftermarket for this car is crazy. There is so much to do with this car. The vtec is great to i wish a had the cash for the SiR though. My car gets good gas mileage, (better than any american performance car).