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 little car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Benjamin - July 18 - 2:16 pm

  Got it with about 92k in October(now @ 110k). I voluntarily replaced my water pump & timing belt before it hit 100k, new brake pads (front & back), and rotors. Only engine mods are a Cold-air intake & pulleys done by the previous owner who Im guessing drove it hard. Window regulators need changed soon, and A/C compressor needs replaced. Drives great, consistently get around 30-32 mpg with mixed city/hwy driving, and I drive very aggressively & fly on the highway 75+ miles/hr Replaced stereo & speakers and tinted the windows slightly for a more enjoyable ride. If youre looking for a low-maintenance car, get a 5spd EX for max fun without as much worry of theft as the SI.

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  You need to check out the Civic! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By DJL100 - July 17 - 9:47 pm

  I picked up my 2009 LX 4-door today -- 4,500 miles in Crystal Black Pearl -- nice! I love this car! Rides great and handles great as well. Other reviewers have stated noisy ride. Well, lets see, its a 4-cylinder, its not a Rolls-Royce people! The road noise is no worse than any other compact car. The noise is also dependent on the road surface on which you are driving. All controls are within reach and where they logically should be. The digital speedometer pod is very cool and very easy to get used to, it took me like 2 minutes to adjust. If you are looking for a small car that handles well, is fun to drive, good and gas and very reliable, CHECK OUT THE CIVIC.

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  Brake failure at 15,000 miles - 2009 Honda Civic
  By sandy - July 17 - 7:31 pm

  My 2009 Honda Civic is a year old with 15,000 miles. Took it to the dealer for brake problems and was told the brakes are dirty and rusting at 15,000 miles? This is inexcusable. I paid over $600 for repairs on a new car. Now Im hearing many complaints and am afraid I will soon have to replace the brakes at my expense. Ive driven a Honda for 15 years and will never buy another one. Im thinking of trading my new Civic in for a reliable car.

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  Best Honda Ive owned - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Westies96 - July 16 - 12:46 pm

  I traded in a 2008 Honda Accord EXL Coupe for my Honda Civic LX-S. I gave up leather, sunroof, and bigger engine but got a great car. I have had many Honda Accords and I was amazed how comfortable this car was. I am 61" and I have plenty of room. Great options are included in this pkg. The only give up from the EX model would be the sunroof and audio controls on the steering wheel. I can live without that. Great interior with the special fabric and ultra suede. It adds a little bit of class to the car. I have had my car for 2 months now and have no regrets. I get excellent mileage and a good ride. I have not experienced any noise as a few others have commented.

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  Just Okay - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Rebecca - July 13 - 10:07 pm

  Though not exciting to look at or drive, my Honda does the job. Love the gas mileage - that in and of itself is what makes the car a great buy. Comfort really lacks though. Driver seat is not good for long drives.

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  Excellent car-disappointing MPG - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Stuart - July 13 - 1:27 pm

  Very attractive, well designed car. Love the blue color and all of the added features found on ex.

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  Great Car - Best Daily Driver - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Some_Guy - July 13 - 11:39 am

  58,000 miles on the car, and no problems. None! Change the oil, and Im averaging 39-40 mpg most of the time. Slight drop in mpg in the winter 36-37 at times in extreme cold. (NY winter) have seen as high as 44 mpg in summer on long trips. Not the hottest car on the road, and it wont win any races. But for an economical to own reliable car. It cant be beat.

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  98 Honda Civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jess - July 12 - 8:15 pm

  I recently sold this car for a Honda CR-V but I owned her for 8 1/2 years and sold her with 178k and had very little issues other then Normal R&M. I always did the recommend maintenance and changed the oil every 3k.

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  Just Traded my Civic In... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jbchickenhead - July 12 - 3:29 pm

  I bought my 08 LX 5-speed brand new (with 10 miles), and it was a great car through and through. Although it is pretty weak in acceleration, it more than made up for this in gas mileage and reliability. Over the 2 years I owned the car, it was in the shop a total of 0 times! All this while averaging 34-35 mpg throughout the life of the car. A great car, but needs more luxury. I traded up to a fully loaded CR-V, but do occasionally miss the old Civic. Good car to buy, great reliability, great mpg! I traded it in with 50k miles on the ticker and Im pretty sure another 150k miles would have been equally as trouble free...

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  Sudden Transmission Failure - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Terminator - July 11 - 9:39 pm

  Purchased this coupe brand new. After 107K while driving at 75 mpg on the interstate, car lost acceleration suddenly and engine just rev. Auto trans failed without warning and almost got into a big accident as truckers frantically maneuvered to avoid hitting me. Hondas are supposed to be reliable but a complete transmission failure without prior indication of such is a safety issue. Also, the necessity of a complete transmission replacement or overhaul instead of just a torque converter and a trans oil pump replacement is a bit stupid design. Never buying another Honda again. Hyundai here I come.