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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  Buy one for reliability - 2003 Honda Civic
  By carterpuma - June 18 - 8:40 pm

  I struggled with constant repairs on domestic cars for years before purchasing this car. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Bought at 47K miles in 2007 and now have 120K. In that time only ONE thing has ever gone wrong and that was a sensor that only cost $150. It just blows my mind how reliable this thing is. This car is such a smart choice and can be found for under $5K atm. Will be one of the best vehicle investments you ever make.

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  Good gas savings - 2001 Honda Civic
  By x_danger_x - June 18 - 2:57 pm

  Awesome gas mileage but definitely no race car. Worth the money you save on gas. I accelerate and brake hard a lot and average 33 mpg. I havent had any major repairs. I highly suggest this car to anyone

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  I got a lemon but still love Honda - 1995 Honda Civic
  By iadara - June 15 - 4:52 pm

  I purchased my Civic about 2 years ago from a college kid whod lost his license and was really happy with the car initially. However, I think mainly due to very, very bad mechanics (took mine to a national chain that shall remain nameless) Im pretty sure theyre the reason why my head gasket went after only owning the car 1.5 yrs. I paid 2k for the car and put over another 2k into it for repairs. Horrible experience but I still love Honda. I was trying to buy another Civic albeit a newer model, but ended up with a Corolla instead-the price was right and Ive owned a Corolla before. Id still buy a Honda in a heartbeat as this was a solid vehicle until it was mistreated by idiots.

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  Lowest cost per mile, lowest carbon foot print outside of an EV. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By genegenre - June 11 - 8:04 am

  The car is quiet, comfortable, lots of leg and rear seat leg room. Trunk is shallow but tall and will fit two small suit cases. Very areodynamic and does well in strong cross winds, is light weight (2848lbs. for the CNG) yet steering is a little heavy but not that bad! Few minor quirks the radio volume isnt loud enough to hear clearly (on max) when playing classical music, miles til zero range indicator fluctuates and settles esp the first half tank, trunk squeaks, car sputters when you first start it and hesitates when initially pressing the gas. As well it frequently acts like its in neutral when you come to a stop so will roll backwards slightly on a hill. No coolant temp guage!

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  Decent Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By dendo1 - May 29 - 11:52 pm

  Ive owned for 13 months have driven it 23,000 miles. Gas mileage is awesome, usually 35-37. Visibility is pretty good. Stereo sounds like a more expensive car. I like the funky dash also. The car rides fairly well for a small car but you do feel some bumps. Is very light, which isnt so good in the snow or on windy days. Build quality isnt bad overall. My biggest gripe is that Honda apparently leaves out desirable features to keep costs down. My car has only two cup holders and I cant adjust the intermittent wipers. It appears to be a good choice, but the competition probably gives you more features at a lower price.

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  Honda Civic Sedan EX-L w/Nav - 2013 Honda Civic
  By maringa - May 20 - 1:09 pm

  Bought this car last week. Previous owner of a 2002 Honda Civic EX. Initially struggled with the thought of buying another Civic. Was hesitant until I went to dealership and sat inside, and test drove. What a difference 11 years makes! Did get all of the bells and whistles (Nav). There is no comparison between this car and my 2002 model (not that it was bad - served me well for 11 years). Drives much quieter and smoother. Highway gas mileage much nicer (41-42 mpg vs. 33 on my older unit). In town mileage about 2 mpg better (33 mpg vs 31 mpg). Decent stereo..great Nav system!

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  Excellent car but overhyped with Honda quality - 2005 Honda Civic
  By ahtoh1 - May 19 - 11:41 am

  Excellent car. I got is second hand in pritty good shape. A/C took $800 from me in repairs. Few other repairs that are normal for older car. Drives very good, fuel economy is excellent for old car. If you get one in good shape and the right price, it defenetely worth it.

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  Overall, a happy owner...minus a few complaints. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By kruizer - May 14 - 8:57 am

  We purchased our 2012 Civic LX Sedan in Dec. 2011 as a commuter car and have put about 17K miles on it. Like most have mentioned, the road noise is present and the sound system is not up to par. My biggest complaint is the shifter/transmission (auto) tends to vibrate while accelerating quickly. Pulling out in traffic can be a bit dangerous too, if you forget the ECON button is on. That being said, overall, my wife and I are very satisfied with our Civic. The legroom is plentiful for this size car. The fuel economy is great (~32 in City). And the displays are very easily read.

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  Canadian SE Special Edition model - 2003 Honda Civic
  By duke_wa - May 2 - 10:06 pm

  Just bought this Civic 5-speed manual transmission SE model. It seems very practical and comfortable. Everything works and the car is 10 years old. Seating is comfortable, driving view is excellent, power is adequate with the manual transmission. This one was in excellent condition and I hope to keep it for the next 5 years. I really like the biege and brown interior. The dash is a nice quality, it doesnt look cheap. Also easy to park and the rear seats fold flat. The clutch is very intuitive as well.

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  Good Value - 2013 Honda Civic
  By agedsage - April 30 - 3:45 pm

  This sedan has enough hi-tech features to wow. Interior is comfortable but feels confined (I replaced a 2008 Camry hybrid) but reasonably comfortable for medium distance trips. I only have the car for two weeks and filled the tanks twice. In town I was averaging 23-24 mpg. I took a 10-hour round trip mostly at 55-60 mph I was getting close to 39-40 mpg. On acceleration the car has a tendency to be jerky if the gas pedal is released. After driving the round trip for close to 9 hrs my back started to get stiff. A lower back support may be the next item I should try. The trunk is small but acceptable it could accommodate 2 sets of golf clubs with room for overnight luggage.