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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  Spaceship Civic... - 2015 Honda Civic
  By gregrnel - April 19 - 8:09 pm

  So, when reviewing a vehicle, I believe you need to put it in the context of the car before it. Well, here it is kids, I am one of the very, very, very few that went from an S197 Mustang GT to a Civic. Yes, you read that right...a Mustang GT. Ive owned Hondas in the past, but not for a while. This car is an absolute thrill to drive, why? Its slow, it gets 38MPG on the highway, It has all the cams, moonroof, its comfy, very smooth ride and the tech is outstanding. Basically, this makes the Stang seem Flintstone-ish. Sure the Stang is fast as hell, but the Civic is way more advanced. Wish I could keep them both, but my old back is not going to miss that Mustang clutch.

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  My baby and shes a fixer - 1995 Honda Civic
  By onimpulse - April 4 - 3:14 am

  Well to everyone who has problems with this car: The engine in this car craps out anytime after 200,000 miles. A few years ago, that happened to me, and I purchased another engine in LA that was shipped from Japan. Cars in Japan are not allowed to have more than, I think, 60,000 miles on their car. After this, its technically illegal to drive. So they ship their old, perfectly great engines over here. My Dad gave me this car a few months ago after owning it for 12 years.The most reliable car ever. My Dad now owns the new Civic and a new Accord. I wouldnt trade my 95 Civic for any other new model Honda, Toyota, or any Japanese brand. I get GREAT gas mileage city or highway. up to 36.

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  good ride - 2009 Honda Civic
  By adel6 - March 31 - 8:38 am

  I have owned a 2009 Honda from repokar auto auction. Overall, good ride. Great for a larger family or for when the grandparents want to take all the kids to the zoo! Comfortable ride and roomy. I like it))

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  This might anger the 8th gen fans - 2012 Honda Civic
  By co_luv - March 16 - 9:50 am

  Sorry guys but in terms of factory performance and day to day driving. This takes the cake. Yes its a tight race on the streets (From a dig, though honda kids dont know anything but roll starts), but in the SCCA events I have used the 9th gen in, it blows my times from the 8th Gen I traded to get it. It is still more oriented to day to day driving so I get the pain. It doesnt feel Raw like the 8th Gen. Then again I said that when I traded my GSR for the 8th gen. This car is solid, has proven me well both on the track and on the streets.

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  Wouldnt trade it for the world. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Andrew Kusterer - March 14 - 8:50 am

  I bought my Civic back in 2005 with roughly 55,000 miles on it. It currently has 165,000 miles. Up until 150,000 there were rarely any problems aside from the general maintenance and the airbag/seatbelt recalls. Around 150,000 I had to change the driver side CV axle assembly as the boots were leaking lubricant. The worst thing about the interior is that the headliner is drooping which started about four years ago. The car is currently running well and I look forward to the next 100,000 miles.

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  Just keeps going - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Amy La - March 2 - 2:18 pm

  Bought my second manual Civic HB in the summer of 1999 with 43,000. Its now 2015, it has 221k, and its still going. The major repair costs Ive had are exhaust systems and suspension, I blame both on living in a city with terrible roads and the car being so low. Its on its second timing belt, original clutch, and second radiator (the first rusted out around 5 or so years ago). Im about to buy a new(er) car because this one needs a lot of repairs that will add up, but I plan on listing it as-is to see if someone will buy it and give it the love it deserves. Friends bugged me for years about getting a new car, but why give up this one before its time?

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  great car,hands down - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Austin Airs - February 26 - 9:03 pm

  My first car was a 94 civic lx non vtec.lI loved it so much i Didnt want an american car.unfortunatly brakes wore out alot,cv joint,innner and outer tie Rods and the allignment was very Fragile.but the style and handling when in.good.condition was terrific.long story short i wrecked it and bought a 2000 toyota corolla ,,girly and cheap interior but drove amazing then traded for a 97 nissan maxima which is v6 way more fun then a.4cyl but bad on gas and expensive repairs.so i sold and went back to honda and got a 95 civic ex 2dr for $1400 172k miles ive had no mechicals issues at.all and its my daily driver for the past 8 months i even have raced it on all stock at 123mph no problem

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  Dead Reliable, just not an enthusasts car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By 68oramac1 - February 13 - 3:14 pm

  I bought my 08 LX in June of 2012 with just under 92,000 miles on the clock. Now, it has 134,000 miles and is still going strong. I have had only minor issues with the Civic overall eg. visors and clutch master cylinder. The car is very spacious compared to others in the class, which was helpful being 62". The only exception is the placement of the e-brake being where you rest your leg, which you get used to rather quickly. I hardly ever drop below 30mpg even in mixed driving. But it does come at a cost, below 4000 rpm, you are lucky to have as much torque as a mid 80s Mazda Rotary engine at idle! The lack of torque can make it a chore to drive around town/city.

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  My Two Cents - 2006 Honda Civic
  By gkh3 - January 30 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my 2006 Civic LX coupe new in July 2006. After nearly 9 years and 85,000 miles this car has been just about problem free... averaging over 30 mpg consistently. Yes, the ride is bouncy and yes it can be loud but I knew that going in. If you want super quiet and cushy... get a Cadillac. My only regret is not getting the ex version.

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  Nice auto (2011 Civic EX) with some issues - 2011 Honda Civic
  By honkytonkman - January 8 - 11:44 am

  Performance is above average for a 4 cylinder engine. Comfort graded a 4 based on small-compact size car as seats are okay but room space is adequately better than other cars of same size. Value well above average and does not depreciate quickly due to Hondas quality and reliability. Fun to drive especially with Moon Roof. Interior design - depends on the person. Exterior design is nice .. does not look like a space ship or a box but has its own distinctive appearance or sporty flare. Build ... noisy in winter climate which is caused by cold and snow. Needs a better sound proofing under carriage and wheel well area or just keep turning up the Radio till you hear nothing. Reliable - yes!