5 Star Reviews for 2008 Honda Civic

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.45/5 Average
578 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A new Mugen Si trim level debuts for the 2008 Honda Civic sedan. It's similar to the regular Si sedan but comes with more aggressive suspension tuning, special wheels and exterior body enhancements. The only other change for the Civic line this year is the new availability of leather seating for the new EX-L trim level.

Pros:
  • Engine lineup that offers both fuel-efficiency and performance, roomy and refined interior, high crash test scores, available as a sedan or coupe.
Cons:
  • Controversial gauge cluster design, slow acceleration times of Hybrid and GX models.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 578.00
  • Just bought a 2008 Civic LX - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    Bought a used Civic last week for my daughter. Got a good deal at 113000 miles and wanted to post for others that might be lookng at this car to let you know how it has held up. Body was in great shape - a few minor dings and what not but no paint chipping, fade, or peeling. No rust. Interior, which has been critized, has held up well. No scratches or anything detracting from the interior. Cruise control, A/C, displays, radio, etc., all working with no issues. Also, Im 62" and have zero issues sitting in the front seats...back seats might be an issue but driving it Im very comfortable. Engine still runs strong, no leaks, and the transmission shifts very smoothly even under full acceleration onto the interstate. Plus, these vehicles have a timing chain vice belt, so you dont have to concern yourself with the inevitable 100,000 mile, $1000, timing belt replacement. Power steering works great with no noise from the power steering pump. Car tracks straight and true down the road and handlng is solid. You definitely feel the bumps in the road but this isnt a luxury car with the associated suspension. Engine does vibrate and you can feel it sitting at a stop light esp with the A/C on. But, again, its a 4 cyl and it isnt really distracting. Road noise is definitely there on the highway but I dont sense there are any leaks through the weather stripping...its just an economy car. Couple of issues that are to be expected with this cars history. The passenger side visor had failed...a quick fix through Amazon at $50. Also, the starter, no kidding, quit the same day we bought it. Dont naively send your wife off to the store to get the battery replaced because the car wont start without a jump...youll wind up replacing a perfectly good battery when its really the starter. Ive always done minor maintenance like this on my vehicles but after seeing what was involved (starter placed above the front axle and exhaust) I took it to a shop to get replaced. Getting lazy in my old age. Also, and this is unique to my car Im sure, what I thought might be a simple alignment to fix an off-center steering wheel resulted in the removal and adjustment of the steering column...all told, about $450 to get everything fixed. Drivers side power steering boot is leaking and there is a minor rattling, knocking sound when we turn all the way to the right...will probably have to replace that sometime but not today. Flushed the power steering fluid...helped somewhat but not totally. So, am I pleased with the car? Yes...with a whole week with my daughter driving it. But the engine works well, transmission shifts very well, the A/C and everything else is holding up well (knock on wood). Believe it will be a good car for my daughter as she finishes H.S. and moves onto college. So, if you are wondering about this car with over 7 years on it, I think its held up very well. Definitely one to check out for a new driver.

  • Happy Owner - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    I am all about economy and reliability. This car has both. I like that it is easy to park. It can gain speed quickly on the interstate. I feel that the car is substantially build. The cloth on the seats has held up very well and looks almost new. I have taken my car to the dealer for all recommended maintenance and have been very satisfied. I feel that my money was well spent when I purchased this vehicle.

  • I love it ! buy one but understand this technology first. - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    The build quality is awesome, interiors look kinda luxury especially with the blue cloth color, I like the futuristic dashboard.The only thing I dont like is the location of the gas pedal (its like coming off the floor). A very dependable car.People who complaint about the MPG, they need to understand how to drive a hybrid car first, cruise before red lights, drive on 55-65 speed, dont floor the gas pedal etc. I am at 80K miles and the IMA battery is working properly (this is my second Hybrid and I never got any IMA issues). People need to understand that the IMA technology has been matured enough that they dont need to get scared from the IMA because they are cheap to replace now.

  • The Best car you could ever have if you needed one made in 2008 - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    I want to write this with tears because this is the most reliable car that I have owned and yesterday I found out that it will be loss. A week ago my car was sandwiched between two other vehicles. It provided the best protection one could ask for. My back is gone and my front is damaged, but I have remained completely safe. If you choose this car it is reliable, safe and will protect you well. *though my car is gone, I want you to know how safe this car is & that it will protect you.

  • 104k miles, 4 years later.... - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    I have just rolled over to 104k. This was a certified pre-owned 20k car from the dealership when I purchased it 4 years ago. Overall, this car has been reliable, affordable, and relatively roomy. Ive averaged 29-30mpg in the city/35 highway. This car is my daily driver. Longest drive was 16 hours one way (at 90k) and no problems. Next service appointment is for the water pump/belt- hopefully this goes smoothly.

  • Only minor issues - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    I bought this car in December of 2008, it now has 75,000 miles 5 years later. The only "repair" has been to add 2 strong clips to fix the broken sun visor hinges that melt in the southern sun here in NC. And the paint job is of poor quality, but still good enough after 5 years. I had to have the AC charged this year. And brakes after 60k miles. Normal maintenance really. The passenger side front electric window motor is wearing out but still working. The factory tires were loud and hard riding. Do yourself a favor (and this goes for any car), buy the best tires you can afford. I like Goodyear ComforTred. They are quiet and give a softer ride, worth the extra money. Drives like new.

  • Mugen SI - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    With just only 2 weeks with the Mugen SI Im completely in love with this car. Not only does it get attention from everyone but its a blast to drive. If your a Honda enthusiast, this is definitely the car to own. It drives like a dream with a stiff cornering when you want it but comfortable enough to drive in long trips.

  • Very Please With My Honda Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    My car just hit 81,000 miles no problems I drive her daily and my teen drives her also. Only maintenance have needed to do is oil changes and air filters. The gas mileage is excellent. Tires replaced every 2 years. Never have had an issue. She handles great, takes corners tight.Very pleased no complaints I have owned 9 different types of cars before purchasing my Honda I will never buy another brand of car again. For a car in this purchase price area your not going to receive all the bells and whistles. For the money I do believe it is the best car in its class. Yes the a/c tweaks with the speed The inside cabin does have noise You can feel anything you run over The radio is not the best

  • Wish I still had it. - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    2nd worst automotive decision Ive made was to sell my 2008 Si (worst was buying a 2000 Mercedes E-class for the wife). In 3 years and 75,000 miles of ownership, it was gas, oil, go. Thats it. Never once did it darken the dealer service bay for anything. Window sticker says 29mpg highway and that is WAY underrated. I easily got 34-35 with the cruise set on 70, and that was with 10% ethanol fuel. Real gas gave me as high as 37mpg once. With the HFP suspension and Michelin Pilot Sports, this was the best handling car Ive ever owned. Other cars may be faster (GTI, WRX, Mazdaspeed 3), but the Si is absolutely THE BEST blend of comfort, performance, reliability and economy.

  • Thank God for this car!!! - 2008 Honda Civic
    By -

    Im not trying to knock anyone down because your opinion is your opinion, but im not complaining. I went from a 87 Chrysler 5th avenue to this car, it was a God send. I was getting 17 hwy on that thing and i put 50 dollars in 3 days later, im putting in 50 more. I guess when you come up with nothing and finally have something you appreciate it more...So buy one youll love it!

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