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:

• 

  Reliable, Solid Transportation. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By richssss - February 15 - 8:07 am

  I really just wanted something that got great gas mileage and was a car that will last me for years. I HATE car shopping! My reason for selecting a Honda was my last car was a CR-V that had 324,000 when I traded it in.

• 

  Update after a Year... - 2013 Honda Civic
  By rick4924 - February 12 - 11:18 am

  I have now owned my 2013 Civic EX sedan for about a year. I initially had issues with seat comfort due to the aggressively tilted headrest but have fixed that by modifying it somewhat. I must say the car has performed flawlessly for the year I have owned it. It delivers a quiet, solid-feeling drive each day to work. Honda knows how to build a solid, easy to drive car unlike any other manufacturer. The "connected" feel of the driving experience is something only Honda really does well in this price range.

• 

  Will keep it for life! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By monkeybomb - January 21 - 11:40 am

  I bought my 1996 civic 3 years ago. Ive put the work into it that it needed replacing cv axles, ball joints, control arms etc... I attribute these things to previous owner errors. This has been the best car! Its small but not cramped. I have 3 kids and we all fit. Mine is a 5 speed standard transmission and I routinely get 37-39 combined MPG! I HAVE ~240,000 miles on this car with the original transmission, clutch and engine. Shes still running strong and is well worth every penny I have into her. If taken care of properly, this car will go forever! Buying seals from auto parts stores will not fix any leakage problem buy direct from dealer.

• 

  Solid Honda Engineering - 2014 Honda Civic
  By scottywood - January 18 - 11:08 pm

  We got a great deal on a lease and traded in a Prius that needed a new hybrid battery pack. Honda has always been my wifes favorite. This is our third new Honda. All you do is change the oil and put in gas. You cant kill it. It just keeps going. We have the base LX, but it is still a beautiful car with excellent fit and finish. It doesnt lack any features that we miss. The interior is pretty with hard ugly plastics mostly banished and replaced with soft colorful materials. Gas mileage is great and we achieved the E.P.A. estimate of 39 m.p.g.on a long highway trip.

• 

  Great Car (dependable) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mmeyering - January 18 - 8:36 pm

  Bought this car in an auction never had a honda because of the price to but one, but really glad I bought it. It handles like a sports car. I hear a lot of complaints about power really?? its a 1.8L but it really go good! The gas milage I cant complain like so of the others I get 38 most all the time. I have had no trouble at all for 2 years now bought it with 95k now have 140K. I have Good Year tires and this thing is like a snowmobile in the snow, never been stuck!

• 

  Bitter sweet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By msalp80 - January 14 - 12:38 pm

  Ive owned my 2006 Civic brand new. There were a few issues within the 1st 26000 miles. The battery and the engine had to be replaced right at 26k. Ive read that this was a common problem with this model. The car was still under warranty during that time, so it wasnt a big deal. Then at around 80k miles or so my CD player went out. My warranty was up, so I opted not to get it fixed and just used my AUX input, to listen to my MP3. Other than that I hadnt had any mechanical problems until now, besides regular maintenance and my civic has 268k miles. I think shes about ready to quit on me. I havent had it diagnosed yet but I think Im going to retire her and get an Accord. $17k well spent.

• 

  WISH I DIDNT TOTAL IT - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kaebuena96_ - January 11 - 2:41 am

  This car was passed down to me from my dad and my brother. When I got it it already had 150K miles and when I got it was the first time the check engine light has ever came on and the only issue was my coolant level which was an easy fix. Loved this car so much and was so devastated when I totaled it running into a pole. It was totalled because of frame damage. Thankfully I was okay but my car was done for. Great commuter car and would have to fill up every two weeks. GAS IS AMAZING. GREAT FIRST CAR I LOVE IT.

• 

  Fantastic Commuter!!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By honda_life - January 6 - 1:41 am

  My 02 Civic LX Sedan is the most reliable car I have had. Got it for free from my father with 145,XXX miles, since my other car broke down. It does FANTASTIC on gas mileage. I can go to eastern Washington and back on less than 1/2 a tank. I have had no needed repairs. I wish I would have gotten this as my first car.

• 

  my best yet - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mfriesenborg - December 21 - 10:26 pm

  coming from a 2000 civic ex, i was impressed with the upgrades done in the 07 model. it has been the textbook example of reliability for 120,000 miles. i have had an engine oil leak fixed under warranty, and had to replace the rear control arms (on my own) recently. mileage is always 35-40, and i have gotten up to 42 on long interstate cruises. the interior is harder to keep clean compared to the 2000, mainly due to different texture of the plastic used on door and kick panels. i feel sorry for people who have had worse experiences than i, but the worst part of owning a civic is using the dealership for service.

• 

  Outstanding reliability, fun to drive. - 2013 Honda Civic
  By madmaxooohhh - November 20 - 8:35 am

  Great vehicle for a commuter car that is also fun to drive. It has decent styling and boring reliability. Has needed nothing for the year I have owned it so far, besides oil changes, and tire rotations every 5000 miles. I should have purchased a domestic car so I could learn how to fix them.