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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  Spend the extra money - 2009 Honda Civic
  By driverdan - January 10 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased a 2009 EX loaded with leather and Nav. Spending the extra money on this package is worth it! Your not just getting a navigation system but Wireless blue tooth for hands free driving, CD, various ways to listen to music either by using the XM radio, USB port to plug in to a memory stick or using whatever MP3 device you have? And yes it also has hand free navigation. Just tell it where you want to go and it will plot the course. Bottom line if you’re a techno junky you will love this system. Mileage is around 30-32 MPG combined. Good pickup and go on the freeway and car is quite at freeway speed. You should be able to buy this cad loaded for under $22,000.00!!

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  Nothing but problems! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Do not buy! - January 10 - 6:03 pm

  Well bought my civic used and with 65,000 miles. At 77,000 miles the steering rack started leaking and needed to be replaced. All 4 struts blown at 90k miles. Headliner just coming apart and dome lights holding up material. Now at 140,000 miles mainshaft bearing in manual trans and second gear syncro. Had to replace transmission. I have been very gentle to this car and it has just turned into a money pit.

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  Methuselahmobile - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Steve B. - January 9 - 6:50 am

  I drove my Civic DX away from the dealer in March, 1999 and there are now 156K miles on the odometer. Although carefully maintained, this car has never been garaged and has spent her entire life in the frozen north (Michigan & Upstate New York). My daily commute runs between 70-80 miles. Except for a slightly leaky water pump at 70k and the odd rusty muffler/tailpipe, there have been no repair issues outside the normal service schedule. (The clutch is original.) My Civic still delivers 35- 40 mpg if driven rationally expect a little less with 4 snow tires.

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  I want to like it... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Lauren - January 8 - 5:20 pm

  I got this car from my Mom, and when she had it she had 0 problems with it. Now that I inherited it, I am having all sorts of problems. Car idles VERY roughly at start, bucks and shudders sometimes while accelerating particularly between 50-60 mph, sometimes hard to accelerate. This problem is intermittent so its been hard to diagnose and so far no one has been able to fix it. It makes driving the car a huge pain when its happening. Check engine light has been on for a while now. Always took care of it and brought it in for routine care. Really, really disappointed.

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  Okay - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Aaron - January 8 - 1:31 pm

  Car has moderate road noise seems poorly insulated. Bluetooth calls can easily be heard outside of vehicle. The ride is pretty rough can feel every road imperfection. Take corners at posted speed otherwise car feels like it is slipping. The auto tranny is awful. If you dont make complete stops, the tranny will jerk into gear when you push the throttle. Downshifts are not subtle, either. Build quality is less than expected. Rear bumper fitment was off, paint scratches very easily, several plastic interior components replaced under warranty already

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  The Civic continues to deliver - 2008 Honda Civic
  By misttertee - January 7 - 8:53 pm

  Ive had this car for almost two years now and I do not regret my decision. It consistently delivers better gas mileage than the sticker (36-37 mpg) and is still fun to drive. The build quality and refinement are top notch and the manual transmission provides smooth, short throw shifts. In my opinion, the Civic is a much better design both inside and out than other cars in the segment. Ive put 40k miles on this car in just 21 months and it continues to perform like it did when I drove it off the dealers lot.

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  Not up to the mark - 2008 Honda Civic
  By greg - January 7 - 7:46 pm

  The mileage is not that good. On average it gives only 35 and in winter its worse. Its only around 30 or some times less. Even Honda sent out a settlement notice for the poor mileage. Initially the mileage was good when u drive on hwy, but within city is not that good. Also the auto stop feature doesnt work always. And when u are in a slope the vehicle goes back even when the transmission is in drive. Overall very dissatisfied with the the price I paid for, i.e. almost 24k for a small car.

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  Good small car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kathy - January 7 - 2:46 pm

  I have owned this Civic for 2 years. I love the handling of this car. It hugs the road, the dash , but the seats are very uncomfortable. The complaint I have heard of others about Hondas is comfort only. It is reliable, is great on road & gas mileage, but if you like comfort the seats wont do it for you. Too bad Honda cant figure out how the torso would be more comfy in their seats- the only drawback.

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  Satisfied - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Rusty - January 7 - 1:26 pm

  Bought the car for my high school son six years ago with 63000 miles. Hes put on another 119000 hard miles on it. During most of this time the only thing required was regular maintenance (fluids, filters, plugs, belts, blades and hoses). Did replace radiator last year(an easy self-install for $100). Just last month was first major problem - oil pump died and engine fried. Replaced it with a used moter that had 79K and while everything was apart replaced the clutch, water pump, belts and shes ready for the road again. I guess the A/C, CV joints and power windows are eventually due to fail, but so far so good.

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  Aweful Fuel Economy- 25 MPG average - 2009 Honda Civic
  By rich6139 - January 6 - 9:40 am

  Purchased Honda Civic LX sedan in September 2009. EPA mileage estimates were 25-36 MPG. I have had Honda Civics for the past 14 years and have averaged 36 MPG. This car has had awful fuel economy. My main reason for purchasing a Civic was for fuel economy. Contacted dealership- "nothing they can do" contacted Honda USA case manager- "cant make any promises they can do anything about it". 22-25 MPG is what I am getting with this car, not the average of 36 MPG on my previous Civics. If it cannot be corrected, I will have to get rid of the car.