1997 Honda Civic Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.55/5 Average
141 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Honda deletes the Civic EX Coupe five-speed with ABS model. DX models receive new wheel covers, all 1997 Honda Civic trims get 14-inch wheels, and the LX Sedan gets air conditioning.

Pros:
  • Fun, affordable, and good looking.
Cons:
  • Why are anti-lock brakes only offered on models with an automatic transmission?

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 141.00
  • 97 Honda Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I bought this car as my first car from a private seller for $1400 with 146K on it only 3 months ago. When I first bought it, it needed a new oil distributor and radiator. I replaced them both thinking I had gotten away with an awesome deal. Then one of my tires went flat, spent a pretty penny on that too. Shortly after, on a long trip to my favorite state park, the transmission gives out in the middle of the road when I was almost at my destination. I had invested too much money on repairing this car for it not to last and I would never buy it used again. For the short while it lasted though, gas mileage was AMAZING.

  • Reliable, simple, no frills - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    My car now has 165000 miles on it without having any major difficulties. The car has never left me stranded.

  • Does not live up to its name - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I purchased this Honda to replace my Turbo Eclipse because i needed a daily driver car for my commute to Nashville. Car has been riddled with problems. 139k transmission went out, spark plugs were seized in head. Now my electrical system is malfunctioning. The headlights Dim i am throwing codes for oxygen sensor, speed sensor, and ELD. cannot figure out what is wrong with it. I will never buy a Honda again, i must have been one of the few that purchased a true lemon. i have had the car for 6 months drove it 6000 miles and have had to invest 3500 on top of the 3000 cost. Horrible design why did i get such a lemon?

  • Love Honda - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I think buying a honda you will never go wrong. I bought mine in 1998 and trade it in 2005 just because i wanted something bigger living in the north. I wish I would have kept my civic ex

  • Great commuter car - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    Besides looking like grandmas car, this is one dependable vehicle. No major problems in 13 years - new brakes, rotors, tires, 3 new mufflers, and 1 new tailpipe. My friends beg me to sell it to them for commuting. Avg 27 mpg. No sports car but re-li-a-ble. Ive had 2 Chrysler vans since 03 for my wife and am about to find a 3rd. Switching to a Honda van due to the reliability of this car and the junk from Chrysler!

  • Great first car! - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    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.

  • I LOVE MY HONDA! - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I have driven this car for 200,000 miles and still love it. This car has been reliable and efficient all the way! And so much fun to drive! None of the extra bells and whistles on the DX means nothing breaks. Solid car all around. Also handles very well in the snow, this car has never left me in a ditch even through years of nasty winters in upstate NY. I have had numerous exhaust pipes/mufflers put in, but that has been it other than the scheduled maintenance. I love my Honda and the fact that it was built in Ohio (how many of the so-called American cars can say that anymore?). Still has another 100K left in her! My 8 rating for comfort was due to the fact that the car doesnt have AC.

  • Excellent Car - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    I purchased my 1997 Honda Civic LX Sedan 6 months ago after my 1994 Honda Accord EX-L Sport Couple was totaled by someone pulling out in front of me. I love this civic it is my 3rd Honda it had 209000 miles on it when I bought it and just rolled over 218000 miles in 6 months. The car had one previous owner, needs a paint job but other than that it has original engine and clutch and transmission still drives as its brand new. get around 320 miles per tank. Just regular maint done since I have bought it, oil changes and brake pads. I LOVE THIS CIVIC! as excellent as my dads 95 Acura integra with original motor and power train (automatic) that has 670,000 on it and still drives like new!

  • A decent car - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    Not a bad little car. My commute is 100 mi/day, and I bought it for commuting and hauling. Im familiar with Hondas, so when the 5-spd failed I wasnt surprised. Gets 40-43 MPG consistently. Like the hatch and fold-down seats to haul ladders, furniture, trees, tools, wood, etc. Theres a lot of cheapness inside, but not the hollow cheap you get with GM or Ford. Handling isnt great, but not terrible. I dont know why ppl race these so much when its only a commuter at best.

  • Best car for drivin around - 1997 Honda Civic
    By -

    Got this car a while ago. Still please with it today with 247,000 miles and purr like a cat. I got a good deal with it and decide to use it as a work car since I live 30 miles from work. Guarantee u will never find a better car than this.

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