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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  Solid, could be more comfortable and fun - 2008 Honda Civic
  By climber - March 19 - 7:18 pm

  This car is a good compromise. Seating is acceptable, braking and handling are sound, and the engine is peppy. Auto transmission uses more gas around town than manual, a bit disappointing (26 mpg average) but is great and smart-shifting on the highway (40+ mpg). Main complaint is the lack of toe room on the passenger side, front seat. Adult male feet do not fit, so you have to sit with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Toe room is lacking in rear seat. Road noise is annoying on some road surfaces, drowns out radio. Ride is OK, but bottoms against snubbers on sharp bumps such as when crossing bridges. Handling is good but somehow not sporty. Braking is excellent, a bit sensitive.

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  A lot of value for the price - 2010 Honda Civic
  By David - March 19 - 5:38 pm

  The car has a solid sports car feel. Then the vtech kicks in and it launches feels similar to a turbo engage. Beautiful naturally aspired performed while still yielding 30mpg on the highway (i have been getting 32 mpg). I find the interior to be very comfortable and the required touch points are all within reach of the driver (radio, mirrors, door handles, etc). These are becoming increasingly hard to find with rumors of no more 2010 Civic SIs being built to make way for the 2011 transformation. If you can find one, i would most certainly recommend it!

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  My baby the Ex-C - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Mimi - March 18 - 3:34 pm

  This was my first car and I live in an urban area with lots of stop and go traffic. I only drive the Honda about 4 times/week. But this car stands the test of time. Anyone can fix it and it rarely breaks down. I feel safe and secure and I have saved thousands by keeping. I am tempted to buy a VW but my Honda Civic is a hard relationship to end.

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  You will not get your money worth - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Not happy - March 16 - 2:06 pm

  I had to buy new tires after 20 K miles. Honda puts cheap tires on the vehicle (less thread) to get better gas mileage. Also, you will be very disappointed in the mileage. Very poor mileage in the winter.

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  Noisy, squeaky - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Alisande - March 16 - 12:21 pm

  I owned a 1980 Civic that was one of the best cars Ive ever had. My new Civic is a disappointment. After only 1000 miles, I have rattles and squeaks in two places in the dash and the drivers side window. The road noise is fatiguing on long trips. I dont think Honda is making them like they used to. I dont even feel honest selling this car to someone so Ill keep it a couple years then trade it in for a Kia Forte, the car I should have bought instead.

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  My Best Friend - 1998 Honda Civic
  By ALEX - March 15 - 9:49 pm

  Ive bought my civic last year when it had 77K miles. So far I have driven 10K miles and no problems at all. Although the car is not flashy or fast, it is very reliable and can take your from point A to point B with low gas usage. The handling is very nice and this car will look very nice with some sporty rims or a spoiler. I am planning on keeping it until I finish college, and then buying a newer civic! :)

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  93,000 miles and counting - 2003 Honda Civic
  By UncleTurbo - March 14 - 9:40 pm

  Bought my Civic new with the intention of keeping it until either it goes or I go whichever comes first. I was just short of 55 at the time and in very good health so I wanted a car with staying power, that was sporty, fun, and economical. So far, perfect choice. The Civic delivers super gas mpg, I get over 40 mpg on expressway trips and always over 30 mpg, and generally average 35 mpg. No repair issues one strut replaced under warranty ages ago, front brakes at 75K miles, and otherwise regular maint. Handles great, VTec motors hits with more power above 3,500 rpm, a budget sports car. It can take 4 people anywhere in comfort with their luggage. Just a practical and enjoyable car.

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  4Dr Si - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Bob - March 12 - 1:44 pm

  The most fun car to drive I ever drove & I have a quick BMW also. Fit & finish are excellent. I have 5200 miles on it and thus far no problems. I get 25 MPG combined hwy & town even when I drive it hard. Excellent value

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  Great first car! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By KY Civic - March 11 - 8:57 pm

  I got this car for my 16th birthday three years ago with 88k miles, and nearly 30k miles later its still running great. Had to have the axle replaced a while back, for a cost of $800, but thats really been the only problem Ive had. Gas mileage is decent, but could be a little better. Acceleration can be a tad sluggish, but overall okay for a 4 cyl. Couldnt have asked for a better first car.

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  Why I hate Honda Junk - 2008 Honda Civic
  By IhateHondajunk - March 11 - 4:14 pm

  I purchased a 2006 and had an issue with the control arms. I purchased three sets of tires for the car in less than 36k miles. I took it to the dealer several times at my expense and they ignored my complaints telling me at one point it was all in my head. I did not think too much of it until I traded the car in for a 2008 and low and behold the same problem except now the driver side window would fall out and the electrical system was shorted. The window was an easy fix. They replaced the bracket and window but the hitch was that they had sold me the vehicle with tint. They claimed that Honda did not recommend that customers put tint on thief windows yet the dealership sold it to me that w