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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  Horrible Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Ray - April 23 - 2:54 pm

  The only thing good about this Honda is the mileage. I bought it new in 2001, and will never buy another Honda. Air dam fell off until I finally threw it away. Gas filler mechanism fell apart within 2 weeks. Drivers power window fails to go up when it rains. replaced wheel bearing at 40,000, engine mount at 50,000, headliner fell down around 50,000, left control arm at 65,000,rear defroster doesnt work, Manual transmission needs overhauled at 90,000. Right control arm is also shot at 90,000. This car has been nothing but a mechanical money pit. Worst new car I have ever bought. Dont buy the Civic.

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  An outstanding care - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Rick - April 21 - 6:36 pm

  Albeit, I just purchased this car, it has been a blast to drive. Impressive from the onset. Ive had Mustang Cobras, Corvettes and so on and this car ranks right up there. It truly is the perfect car. Fits 5, good on gas, power when you need it and second glance looks. Ive looked at Cobalt SSs (horrible build quality and interior is a joke), Caliber SRT not up to par, and would rank this equal with the Mazdaspeed 3. Im now a Honda guy.

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  Dont waste money, buy straight gas engine - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mac8 - April 21 - 6:22 am

  Well I have had this car for one year, the only savings I can figure out is mileage, I dont drive it much because it not comfortable, visibility is poor and braking at low speeds it surges as it jumps into coast mode and gas engine shuts off. Therefore the saving is I stay home more. I leased through Honda so I am stuck with it for two more years. Driving in Florida where its as flat as a pancake, around town, Ft Myers area I get a whooping 33 mpg. I took it to east coast and back got around 47 tops. Excuse down here is they use to much ethanol in gas. Its no better than a regular Civic , only less power, dont waste your money, no real saving.

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  Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jmharrell - April 20 - 10:20 pm

  Ditched the car as soon as I found someone to take it. Transmission went at 30,000 miles, and started to go again at 60,000. Honda was only willing to help until 75,000 and then I would be responsible for each $4,000 transmission replacement. Only got 37 mpg because it didnt have the power to maintain higher freeway speeds in rural areas above 75 mph whereas my now regular civic gets 40-50 at those speeds. Avoid at all costs!

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  Great Car! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jmharrell - April 20 - 10:17 pm

  Has 129,000 miles so far, original clutch, all original parts besides regular maintenance items like timing belt, water pump and brakes. Runs great, handles great, manual gives it some pretty decent acceleration. Get 33 city/40-50 mpg highway depending on speed and type of highway.

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  Still going strong (update) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ryanj1178 - April 19 - 11:10 pm

  Bought brand new in 2007, the car now has 44,000 miles on it and drives the same. Have not had any issues whatsoever. Look forward to the next 44,000 miles.

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  Great car but - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jpc477 - April 19 - 9:13 pm

  This is my 3rd review. Bought in Jan of 09 w/ 59k miles, now has 78k. Gas mileage is wonderful. Handling is solid, engine runs smoothly and transmission shifts smoothly. When I first got the car power wasnt quite what I wanted. A cool air intake, header, and performance exhaust helped. However Ive had some unexpected issues. Fuel door cable broke - $300 to fix! O2 sensor failed, over $260 to fix, front control arm bushings replaced for $300. Not things I would expect from a Honda at the age / mileage it is. Overall I still think Honda is an excellent product but I will probably at least look at reviews more closely when I eventually replace my car - which Im not planning on for a while.

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  Love this car more than the Acura I had - 2001 Honda Civic
  By gem of a car - April 17 - 4:27 pm

  I bought this car used with 60,000 miles. I was a student and couldnt afford a car that needed a lot of repairs - - this car has exceeded my expectations. Nothing has gone wrong with it and it still gets as good as mileage as when I first bought it (35 mpg). I keep waiting for the clutch to get old but it hasnt. Ive replaced timing belt, tires, and brake pads. Its a beautiful car, MUCH prettier than Prius. The original paint job is really well done. Attractive dash. Ive driven up & down hilly San Francisco, around town, and across the country. I only wish there were more models of Honda with such an attractive body.

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  A good buy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By aengberg - April 17 - 3:47 pm

  It is fun to drive, and a great commuter car. It is extremely reliable. I put over 25,000 a year on it, and have had no problems with it. It is not a luxury car, but it is sporty, and performs well. I would recommend this car for a young person looking for a fun and reliable car. Like I said it is not a luxury car, so if you want something smooth, and comfortable you might want to spend a little more and look at an Acura. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best cars on the market.

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  So far not very impressed - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Farrell - April 17 - 12:27 am

  This is my first Honda, and frankly, I was expecting more. The ride is very noisy, and the suspension system on the car is disappointing. Im not sure if I just got a new car with lousy shocks and struts, but you feel every imperfection in the road. I would like others feedback on this. So far the fuel economy on the car is ok, but nothing to rave about. I have only owned the car for a few days, but already miss my trade in. In short, based on Hondas reputation I thought i was getting better.