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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  Will this car ever die? - 1995 Honda Civic
  By CN - August 29 - 10:07 pm

  It just runs and runs. At this point I might simply keep another 3 yrs and give to my kid. At 156,000 miles, this puppy is still running strong, no blue smoke. I simply change oil regularly and perform general maintenance CV boots, brakes, oil, wiper blades, etc. Generally speaking minimal repairs. Ive saved a boat-load of money driving this car for so many years. Its comfortable, zippy, easy to park. I wish I had bought the sun roof model back the. My next one will have all the bells and whistles as Ive had many years to save money to buy now. Great car!

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  Fantastic - 2010 Honda Civic
  By waynegroh - August 28 - 2:39 pm

  The car has been great so far, no problems with the emergency brake rubbing against my leg, unless you are a bigger person, I am 510". and there is ample room between my left leg and the emergency brake. Ive had the car for two weeks now, and I love everything about it. I dont hear the road noise that some people have concerns about. the only thing that is tricky, is the blind spots in the car. Just take your time, and you will be fine when looking out for other vehicles on the road. I really like this car! The a/c is cold, and the radio is surprisingly loud. The high beams are extremely bright which is good in desolate unlit areas. It has ample pickup speed. I have the automatic model :)

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  I hate to sell it! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Proud owner - August 28 - 12:21 pm

  I bought my 1994 Honda Civic hatchback brand new and only use to go grocery shopping and other local driving. It has approx. 43,000 miles on it and is in great condition. Im thinking about selling it mainly for new and improved safety features. but I hate to let it go!

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  The 2005 had better additions - 2010 Honda Civic
  By wshazbot62 - August 27 - 4:09 am

  I had a 2005 VP same as the 2010 I have now, big difference. The 2005 had keylock doors, smaller dashboard, a lid to the center console, ya really. I would have thought it would have new upgrades, not take away upgrades. I am so upset with how they took away minor options, that I thought were standard. You can hear the road noise a lot more in the 2010 then the 2005 too. All in all I am not happy with the new one, the car has made odd noises since day 1 and I have never heard a car sound like that before. But when I take it in, no noise. The 2005 had a grinding noise in the brakes, I take it in 5 times and the 5th time they find sand, and find mine was not the 1st to have that problem.

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  Excellent first car. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Rob - August 27 - 1:32 am

  Bought my car brand new in July 2008 when gas was about $4.50 a gallon. Two years later and just over 20,000 miles and the car still runs and looks like the day I bought it. This being my first ever car and Honda to boot I have no major complaints whatsoever.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Fellcolor - August 26 - 10:49 pm

  Definitely the fastest base model civic, and a real charm to drive. I put over 90,000 miles on the car in less than four years, from NYC at Friday commute to the length of Highway 1, and hour upon hour in Chicago rush hour. I had no regrets, and am not convinced that my new car will be as reliable over the next year as this car would be. The cabin is spacious and ergonomic. The speedometer is well placed and sufficiently easy to read that it becomes second nature. Visibility is certainly good enough. There are a lot of things that annoy me about this car, but it took a lot of thought and substantially more money to replace the car after years of hard use.

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  Best in the West - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bill - August 26 - 10:17 am

  I have 116,000 on this car I bought in late 2005. It gets 50-52 MPG mostly freeway. I have had not a trouble with it, great car!

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  True reliability and quality - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Justin G. - August 26 - 10:12 am

  Terrific car that Ive owned for 3 years and not one mechanical problem. It is reliable, built to last, gets 40 mph (better than it is supposed to), and generally is the best car Ive every owned AND one of the least expensive. I plan to keep this car for many more years.

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  Wish I had never bought it - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mike - August 25 - 8:27 pm

  Bought this car one year ago and within a couple months I began to regret it. First, the build quality is terrible. Within 6 months parts of the dashboard came loose and/or began to rattle, the front windows make strange noises when driving with them down, and in the winter I would hear metallic grinding noises when driving in cold weather. Also, if its been sitting for a few hours and I go to start the car, quite often it cranks for a long time, then doesnt start, regardless of outdoor temperature or how much fuel is in the tank. I bought a Honda so that I could trust it to last a long time and get me to work every day, but so far its failed at both. This was my first, and last Honda.

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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Nick Hayes - August 24 - 9:11 pm

  I bought my Civic from a Honda dealership as a certified used car, with around 48k. Now with 90k, I am still surprised at its complete reliability and lack of problems. My civic was hit in a parking lot, and I hit a deer last summer, and not only did it hold up well but it has returned to its original form. Regular oil changes and a set of tires, and this car is easily my best investment. I have the constant itch for a sports car, but know that giving up my civic is the wrong idea.