The 2013 Honda Civic is a compact car offered as both a coupe and sedan, with a price range of $8,238 to $18,528. No serious mechanical problems, and dependable engines make the Civic a car we recommend.
2013 Honda Civic: Quick Overview
- There is a mid-cycle refresh on the 2013 Honda Civic, with new styling, suspension, and technology upgrades.
- Reliability ratings are better than average, with fewer problems than the 2012 model.
- Two engine choices are available, and the upgraded 2.4L has good power for the class.
- Fuel economy is great and ranks 4th out of 38 compact cars with a combined rating of up to 32 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are excellent, getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests, and earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest award of Top Safety Pick+.
- The 2013 Honda Civic ranks 13th out of 39 compact cars, based on owner reviews. A combination of great reliability and a fun driving experience make the Civic a great choice for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2013 Honda Civic Have?
The 2013 Honda Civic is better than other compact cars with a lower number of owner complaints. Although the 2013 model is good, there are fewer problems with the 2014 version, and only costs about $1,000 more.
Uncomfortable seats are the number one complaint from owners. The Civic is an economy car and doesn’t have the same level of cushioning as more expensive vehicles. For some owners, the seats are unsupportive and uncomfortable.
Engine problems, including the motor shutting off while driving are also mentioned. There are several reasons the engine can shut off while driving, and determining the source requires using an OBD-II scan tool. Frequently, sensor issues cause the engine to shut off, and cost about $200 to replace.
Weak paint which scratches easily is also brought up by owners. When paint scratches easily, the clear coat usually hasn’t cured properly. Repainting the affected panels is the only solution, costing over $500.
There are no recalls, which is better than other compact cars. Air bags are being investigated and may have a recall in the future.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2013 Honda Civic is more expensive than other compact cars, with a price range of $8,238 to $18,528, depending on the model and mileage. When new, the price range was $17,965 to $27,965. Depreciation is average, dropping about 40% in value over the first 5 years of ownership.
- LX is the entry-level model and comes with 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, air conditioning, cruise control, and a 5-inch infotainment system with a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4-speaker stereo system.
- EX is a step up and has 16-inch alloy wheels, improved cloth seating, rear disc brakes, and a 6-speaker stereo system.
- EX-L adds luxury with leather seating, automatic headlights, heated front seats, and heated exterior mirrors.
- Si is the sport-focused model with a larger engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, limited slip front differential, sport seats, an improved suspension, and rear spoiler.
How Long Will the 2013 Honda Civic Last?
A properly cared for 2013 Honda Civic will last about 300,000 miles, which is great for a budget-friendly compact car. Regular annual maintenance is more affordable than the competition. Repair Pal estimates the costs to be $387 per year.
It is super reliable. I have had the car for almost 5 years now and have not had any issues with it thus far.
Yes. I had a problem with the air conditioner. It was pricy to fix because of new type of freon. Then they had to fix a valve on my tire. Otherwise I have had no problems with this vehicle.
Very reliable - no problems. I have never had a repair on this car other than normal maintenance of oil changes.
I have not had any problems other than the battery and tires. The ac cools well. No engine or transmission problems. Overall a car I would recommend.
No problems. All maintenance and oil changes are done on time. The car lets me know when it is time for maintenance and what is due.
It is very reliable, no issues in my vehicle in the last 4 years I have owned it. There were only minor issues, like new wipers and such, I believe the air on the tire sensor too.
I have not had any problems. It has only needed oil changes, transmission flush, and brake pads. It gets 28-30 mpg for only city driving.
It is reliable. I haven't had any problems with my vehicle except for regular maintenance, oil changes etc.
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Technology features are excellent in the 2013 Honda Civic compared to other compact cars, with some updates from the earlier models.
- Base technology includes a 5-inch infotainment system, a 4-speaker stereo system, as well as USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Upgrades include navigation, and 6 or 7 speaker stereo systems depending on the model.
- Standard safety features include antilock brakes, air bags, stability control, and a rearview camera. Forward collision and lane departure warning systems are optional.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2013 Honda Civic’s inline-four engine options include hybrid, 1.8L gas & natural gas configurations, and a 2.4L for the Civic Si. Performance in the 2013 Civic is pretty good for a compact car. The Si model goes from 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds, which is quicker than most competitors.
- The base engine is a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 140 horsepower.
- A 2.4L 4-cylinder is used in the Si model and has 201 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Civic?
The 2013 Honda Civic is a compact car offered as a coupe and sedan, and is similar in size to the competition. Passenger room is very good in the sedan, but rear legroom in the coupe is very cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space is average for the class, with 12.5 cubic feet of room in the sedan and 11.7 in the coupe. There’s enough space to fit 3 suitcases.
How Does the 2013 Honda Civic Compare to Other Cars?
Ranking 13th out of 39 compact cars, based on owner reviews, the 2013 Honda Civic is in the upper half of the class.
A close competitor is the Toyota Corolla, which has a higher starting price. Long-term reliability ratings and passenger room are very similar between the two cars. Where the Civic stands out is with a sportier engine, and better standard technology. Overall, both are fantastic compact cars and the choice comes down to personal preference.
Another rival is the more affordable Hyundai Elantra. Interior materials are nicer in the Elantra, and the suspension is smoother. The Honda has better reliability ratings, more powerful engine options, and a superior infotainment system. Overall, the Honda is the winner and the higher purchase price is worth the money since there are fewer mechanical problems.
Final Verdict: Is the 2013 Honda Civic a Good Car?
Yes, the 2013 Honda Civic is a good car based on information from 1,293 verified owner reviews, and 20 government and automotive websites. The positives include excellent reliability for a compact car, and sporty engines. Downsides are less cargo space than some competitors, and the suspension is stiff. Overall, the 2013 Civic is a fantastic choice for shoppers, but the upgraded 2014 model is worth the additional $1,000 since there are fewer complaints.