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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  Slow boat to nowhere - 2010 Honda Civic
  By kevin - June 25 - 9:27 pm

  I picked up this silk wallet and it was still a sows ear. Loud inside . When I demoed it the salesman said oh dont accelerate too fast it might not be good 4 the engine. so I obliged and drove it medium speed and it seemed to provide all that I needed. After I bought it , which was my fault as I was in a rush, when I punched it to get it up to 60 on the fwy it sounded like a 1000 pack of black cat firecrackers going off under the hood or tarmac level when a A380 takes off Heavy. Thought the damn thing was going to explode. Then the mileage -- Im getting sub-20s and I do 50/50 fwy city so I took it in and they said it needs to break in. My foots gonna break it in soon. theres more but no room.

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  Does not live up to its name - 1997 Honda Civic
  By slowcar - June 25 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased this Honda to replace my Turbo Eclipse because i needed a daily driver car for my commute to Nashville. Car has been riddled with problems. 139k transmission went out, spark plugs were seized in head. Now my electrical system is malfunctioning. The headlights Dim i am throwing codes for oxygen sensor, speed sensor, and ELD. cannot figure out what is wrong with it. I will never buy a Honda again, i must have been one of the few that purchased a true lemon. i have had the car for 6 months drove it 6000 miles and have had to invest 3500 on top of the 3000 cost. Horrible design why did i get such a lemon?

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  Extremely Reliable, Very Boring - 2005 Honda Civic
  By abanerjee - June 25 - 1:06 pm

  My parents got me this car pre-owned certified right when I got my license a year before I headed off to college. This was perfect for my use. Its safe, doesnt waste gas, and is completely adequate from getting from point A to point B. I love how its small enough to zip in and out of lanes without causing a problem, and its roomy up front. That being said, it is a really boring car. Its also incredibly noisy on the highway and the brakes are extremely sensitive. However, its economical, environmentally friendly, and since I got it in 2008 I havent had a single problem with it. Just regular servicing, and its good to go. Great car for college students or new drivers.

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  LOVE Mine - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Kimberly - June 24 - 8:16 pm

  This is the most reliable car ever. Ive had it for 15 years and Im the original owner. The cup holders are a bit ridiculous as described by other reviews and the rubber piece that frames the moonroof snapped and broke about 3 years ago. It still opens and closes but it scraps the roof -|. By now my seats are getting warn and uncomfortable. Needed a new radiator about 2 years ago. A/C electrical panel needed to be replaced after 10 years. With the money Im saving on this car Im having no troubles saving for my next civic. Worth every penny.

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  Most reliable car Ive had - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Ellery - June 23 - 1:09 pm

  Purchased my 99 Civic EX with 60,000 miles from a dealership in 2003. Over 7 years later shes still running like a champ at 190,000 miles. Ive only had to replace the belts once and have the routine oil changes and fluid flushes. She has survived three minor accidents without damaging anything mechanical - just the window controls/trunk seals arent up to snuff now. Hoping she makes another 100,000! You cant beat the value/longevity of this vehicle!

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  Rear Axle Defect? - 2008 Honda Civic
  By circ99 - June 22 - 12:40 pm

  Bought 2008 Civic new. Rear tires have a camber alignment issue. Dealers have said designed that was. Burns up tires unless you rotate at every service. Just filed safety complaint with ntsb. Bought car for daughter, who knows nothing about tires. Unsafe. I dont need tires blowing out. Honda USA ignored my request, but I did find a dealer who will fix it for a price $$. Wow. Purchased Honda care warranty. They dont want to touch this issue either. Beware beware if you are going to buy, check out the rear wheels !

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  Look on the road, these cars last - 1992 Honda Civic
  By jonas - June 21 - 11:08 pm

  Ive been tempted to see the car, trade it in for anything because the car lasts so long. I am the original owner when it first came out it was the first rounded edge small luxury car. Sure somethings needed replacement: 2 radiators, 1 set cv boots 3 alternators, 2 ignition coils. Every thing else I could replace myself. I solved the problem of wind noise 14 years later with a rubber band stuffed in the door rubber grommets to press it against the window better and to place some noise insulation underneath the floor and inside the front doors. Get a k & n air filter and pickup from stop is good enough. On the freeway, given the light weight, at high speed it can match any car from 70+

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  Oh! The new car smell! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By MG - June 21 - 1:21 pm

  Had the car for a few days now and I must say I love this thing. Got the basic LX with nothing added in. Got a great price. I love the way the instrument gauges are laid out. The A/C is cold enough and road noise is not bad, but then again, it is a fairly light car. The acceleration is not as good as some other cars but for a 1.8 L engine, its good enough. Besides, if you want good acc in a Civic, get the Si. This definitely is a great car. With a mix of horrible city traffic and highway. I got about 31-32 MPG for my first tank.

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  Love my Hondas - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Sils79 - June 18 - 10:05 am

  I absolutely love my Civic, this is my 4th Honda and it is wonderful just like the rest. The car handles wonderfully and the craftsmanship is top notch for this class. Could use a little more punch under the hood, but for 40 mpg freeway, I guess Ill compromise a bit on acceleration. All in all it is a wonderful car and based on this, the other Civic and 2 Accords I will keep on coming back to Honda.

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  First [and Last] Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By LadyM - June 17 - 10:38 pm

  I purchased my Civic new in the summer of 2008 and within three weeks it was leaking power steering fluid. IIRC, the dealership had to replace the power steering rack. A major repair before 1K is not a good omen. Within a few months, the car developed a starting problem. Ive been to the dealer 4 times for that particular concern. They replaced the starter motor and the other three times they found nothing wrong. It still will not start sometimes. When idling, the AC starts to blow lukewarm air, even when its on the coldest setting. Again, dealership couldnt find a problem. The suspension is noisy and the interior plastic scratches very, very easily. I wont buy a Honda again.