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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  Time for a change - 2010 Honda Civic
  By goldenrule55 - August 6 - 4:20 pm

  Also have a 2006 civic ex bought used three years ago. Happy with it so just traded our other car for a new 2010 ex. Now we have to civics, on the new models they did away with the sound pads in the engine and trunk so now you see bare metal. In 4 years the two cars are almost identical, the new one has a usb connector on the radio and new steering wheel, otherwise cant tell them apart. Also if you have a brand new one make sure you check closely specially on the roof for paint defects that you can see through the clear coat (Google it) my 06 also had them and now they look like sore spots. Took it back to the dealer body shop so that there will be a record for future claims.

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  New used Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By NewHondaGuy - August 6 - 3:35 pm

  I am new to Hondas, but bought this 07 off-lease due to gas mileage and reported reliability. Like the looks. Like the handling. Some interior materials seem cheap. I am concerned about the durability of the paint. I can see lots of chips apparently from ice removal. Also chips due to stone damage. Too early to report on actual gas mileage. Really, this 07 seemed like a new car-quite clean. Never saw a plastic dip stick before. Better be careful parking it as one cannot see the nose from the drivers seat. Happy with purchase so far. Hope to give an update after we have had this car for a while.

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  3 Strikes - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Jim - August 4 - 5:44 pm

  The Civic drives well, but the seats are horrible. Dont expect the backup lights to illuminate anything. The front of the vehicle is too low, dont even think about getting close to a curb. Mileage isnt bad, but not as good as my previous Corolla.

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  My Civil Little Civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Mos Steph - August 4 - 3:42 pm

  I bought my Civic from a local Honda dealer in 2005, had 36,000 miles on it. I change the oil every 3000 miles. Only had to replace the battery, front brake pads, tires. Only out of the ordinary repairs were the airbag sensor (Honda replaced for free not even under warranty!), a tie rod (wear & tear), and some electrical connection that had to do with one of my headlights. Its not the most flashy, fast car but its zippy, economical, and just right for me. If I had kids or pets to haul around Id probably go for the sedan or an Accord but for now I love the coupe. Im a Honda person for life now after having an Oldsmobile & Chevy. If I had to do it again, Id get a 5 speed if available.

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  Good on gas bad on ride - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ex-civic owner - August 2 - 9:12 pm

  I loved the mileage I got out of a tank of gas. The tires wear quickly, the ride gets shaky and there is vibration at highway speeds. The Road noise is horrific, but radio was good enough to drown out that noise. The car looked great but rode horrible. The tires wore poorly even on a brand new car. The rear arms replaced at 1 year, the car was cool looking and fun to drive in town, on the highway this was a nightmare.

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  Best Compromise Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By sts_pa - August 2 - 3:31 pm

  The Civic Si Sedan is probably the best combination of sport and practicality available. It combines a race-worthy 2.0L with the best shifter/clutch Ive ever used. This car feels more upscale than my 2003 RSX-S was and performs at least as well. I get 27-33 mpg depending on city/hwy mix and am almost always speeding. Nice interior layout and materials.

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  2005 Honda Civic EX is a tin can - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Quality isnt there - August 2 - 12:14 am

  2005 Honda Civic ex special edition has ridiculously thin metal and a lot of plastic. So thin that you can easily put your foot through the car. The car only has two front air bags, so this definitely isnt a safe car. This car gets bad mileage and suffers from a number of engineering problems. The automatic choke comes on every time you start the car -- even if you dont need it and you cant shut it off until the car moves. In addition, the choke is too strong and just sucks fuel. Also 5th speed doesnt drop rpm sufficiently and you end up getting poor mileage at the higher speed. You are lucky to get 34 highway, while the 2001 Civic ex automatic got 36. This car should get 38.

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  Best car ever made? - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Mike Nelson - August 1 - 1:43 pm

  If a better all around vehicle has ever been made that is accessible to the average person, tell me about it, ok? I cant remember what the mileage was when purchased, but it was over 200,000 and I wasnt the least bit concerned about it. We had just had some typical Iowa winter weather when I road tested its 4x4 capabilities and bought it then and there. I eventually put in a new radiator, went through the clutch system entirely and had the suspension system bushings replaced. I have put well over the used purchase price into this vehicle without a single regret. With 240,000 miles and nearly 20 years old, it is a trusted daily driver.

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  Great value - 2007 Honda Civic
  By albatem - August 1 - 11:54 am

  Overall a very good car. Roomy inside and dash is cool. Trunk is also very large. Can carry 5 adults, but a bit cramped in back on long trips. Although it is only rated around 140 hp it is peppy and had no problems merging onto the interstate. Consistently gets 33-40 mpg on the highway. Had a couple issues, rear tie bar and front suspension parts went out, but it is a certified car so still under warranty. Only issue I have is placement of hand brake annoys my right knee on long drives.

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  Reliable little car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Indrek_S - July 30 - 7:01 am

  Extremely reliable car you will not notice you have it. Service once a year (around 160 USD) and that´s it. I had some problems at the beginning. One electric motor position sensor was faulty (common problem for 2007 built cars. after changing under warranty, no problems). Also drivers window was running out of rail. Warranty covered it (new rails). this is also common for Civics. And third trip to dealer was due to dead battery (covered under warranty). All those faults occur first couple of months and 70,000 km later no problems at all. Every time I visited dealer with those problems they gave me replacement Hybrid until my car was there. So good customer service overall.