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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  Sporty feel, reliable car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By tekkie - February 14 - 6:40 pm

  We bought our Civic EX from the original owner to replace a 1990 Acura Legend due to an accident. I wish it were a stick instead of automatic, but the gas mileage is still great. I am noticing that it is getting a bit sluggish with age and I miss the power of the Acura, but it handles well on snow and dirt roads and has a nice, tight suspension. A dashboard wire to the speedometer/odometer is loose, too. I think the latest oil change indicated it might have a slight oil leak, but havent noticed any burning oil or oil on ground, so its probably very minor. This is an all-around great car. I hope to pass it on to my daughter to drive in high school in 4 years.

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  zoom - 2004 Honda Civic
  By tivo - February 14 - 1:08 pm

  Ive the manual 5-spd, v. different driving- functioning than the automatic. Like a racing car. The control is magnificent, zip-zip here, there, everywhere - zoom, juice to spare, just downshift. Driving is easy, shifting smooth, cruise control great luxury. Cant imagine what more expensive autos are like! This athletic lean machine is for the tight human athletic lean machine who travels light, Slim. Extra poundage - not.

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  My SI - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Isemaidn - February 14 - 9:39 am

  I havent done this before, but am very impressed with my Honda SI. Not only is it fun to drive (and I love where the gear shift is) but it is reliable. I havent had any mechanical issues, unlike my VW Jetta diesel. The road noise is a little high, but with my muffler, I accept that as being my option. I only wish it was 4 door, instead of 2. With two small nephews that I constantly drive with, it is hard to get them in their car seats. I give this car an A+. Honda did an awesome job and stands behind their workmanship (so far). It drives well on the snow, as I live in the AK. Job well done, Honda!

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  Disgusted with Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By TPTV - February 10 - 11:12 pm

  I will never buy another Honda. Honda ought to be embarrassed to have their name on this car. Although I just bought the car last year, I have had it at the dealership to have numerous flaws repaired or replaced under the warranty: (1)windshield replaced due to distortions (2) door handles and side mirrors replaced due to the lack of quality paint job (3) front and rear bumpers painted due to lack of quality paint job (4) the regulators in the front doors had to be replaced when the windows stopped going down all the way and (5) the moldings that cover-up the front side airbags show gaps when it should be flush mounted.

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  Love my Civic in sunny weather - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Des Moines - February 10 - 10:07 am

  Ive had this car over 2 years. Love to drive it except during the winter. It pretty much leaves me stranded - cant navigate the snow and has poor traction - even with snow tires. If there is more than 1 inch snow predicted, I stay home or drive our truck.

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  My Honda Civic 2002 Ex (Automatic) - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Raj - February 10 - 5:45 am

  I love my 2002 Honda Civic Ex. I bought this car about 1 year back and already have put 9000 miles on it. Currently the odometer reads 67000 miles. This is a small beautiful car with a wonderful gas millage. With an automatic transmission I get about 25-26 miles/gallon in the city and 32-35 miles/gallon on the highways. Other than the usual regular scheduled maintenance I the car requires nothing and runs perfectly fine. I changed the battery this winter. The only complain with this car is its poor factory installed audio/speaker system.

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  200k and still strong! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Heather - February 8 - 8:38 pm

  I am a Honda Fan! My 98 Civic has over 200,000 and is still going strong (this is my 2nd, the first was a 1990 with 109K). Shes had a few problems, but who hasnt? The A/C system was replaced when she was 7. I had to replace the odometer cable. When she was 10, the radiator and ignition coil was replaced. Understandable at her age. Overall, she has been a wonderful little car. Fairly zippy, shes not a Porsche, but she gets me onto the freeway with no problems. The interior is completely intact, nothing broken or fallen apart. In the last year (shes now 12) the dash lights for the air system have faded...havent asked the dealer about it. I give the Honda a 10 star rating.

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  Awesome - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gapster - February 8 - 11:34 am

  I love this car! its my 3rd honda...never owned anything else. The one complaint I have about this car is it is terrible in snow! it seems to slip around a lot. Looking into buying some better tires that what it came with. other than that....I have nothing but great things to say about this car!

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  great car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By bamagirl - February 7 - 4:04 pm

  I bought my civic new and have no regrets. I love it. It is fun to drive, sporty, and reliable. It also gets great gas mileage - 36 mpg in the city. I couldnt ask for more.

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  I. LOVE. THIS. CAR. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By teajai - February 6 - 12:12 am

  Prior to my Civic Coupe EX, I owned two Accords and two CR-Vs. I got a little tired of all the money I was putting out in gas and on a whim I purchased my current 2004 Civic Coupe EX and began my journey. This is an excellent car! I was really scared when I was faced with driving it in the snow after being in a CR-V for 11 years...but the car is amazing. She plows through anything and climbs hills that have left other cars in the ditch. Ive owned this car for just shy of 2 years now and I love it more and more each day. I get an average of 36-38 mpg--no matter the driving conditions. I cant praise this car enough. Get yourself one and begin your own inexpensively reliable journey!