2001 Honda Civic LX: A Comfortable Step Up

Gilbert Smith
Mar 6, 2021

Green 2001 Honda Civic LX With Driver Door Open

Supposedly, you can expect a 2001 Honda Civic LX to last about 200,000 miles. And yet, you often see Civics going up for sale with three, four hundred thousand miles on the odometer and still in decent condition. One Civic even hit the million-mile mark with the original drivetrain.

Now, what does 2001 Honda Civic LX mean, exactly?

LX means something different from carmaker to carmaker. On the Civic, you could say that it’s short for luxury. But the luxury features in the Civic LX are fairly modest. The biggest difference would probably be the cruise control, exclusive to the LX trim level.

The important thing with a Civic is that it attracts the kind of driver who’s trying to join the high mileage club. Civics are sensible, safe cars that attract sensible, safe drivers. Let’s get into this, and what sets the LX apart from the DX, below.

The 2001 DX

The 2001 Civic DX holds a 1.7L SOHC 16 engine delivering 115 horsepower and 110 ft. lbs. of torque. It comes with front-wheel drive and a four-speed electronic transmission ensuring smooth up and down-shifts, which ensures a longer life expectancy.

The 2001 Civic lineup won the Japan Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference’s Car of the Year award in its model year, and a number of awards from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

It should come as no big surprise that both of these organizations are focused on efficiency. You may find drivers who consider the Civic to be a boring family car. But the incredible fuel efficiency and dependability put it in a class of its own.

As a family car, the DX is adequately packed with frills. You have an AM/FM stereo with four speakers, comfortable bucket seats up front with a fold-down 60/50 three-seat bench in the back. Everything you need, if not much else.

The 2001 LX

As mentioned, when you hear “LX” you think “That must be the luxury model.” In this case, “luxury” might be a little generous. But “comfortable” works. This is the “comfortable” trim level.

The mechanical specs are identical, 115 horsepower, 110 ft. lbs. of torque, 32/39 city/highway. It’s the same car with a few extra features. Like a cassette player, cruise control, and seatback pockets for the kids to put their coloring books.

But, if you’re looking for a Civic to compete with a Lexus, you might be missing the point of driving a Civic. The cool thing about a 2001 Civic is that if you bought one new when your first kid was born, they’ll be able to drive it to college.

Not every 2001 Honda Civic is going to hit a half-million miles, but it’s actually hard to run a Civic into the ground before it breaks 250,000. With regular maintenance and safe driving, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy decades of loyal service out of your LX.

Built To Last

The 2001 Honda Civic might be the most enduring car of its model year. But it’s not the only candidate for the high mileage club. Check out Vehicle History and find out how many miles you can hope to get out of whatever it is you’re looking for.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Kelsey V on June 11, 2021
Manual 4 door 2001 Honda Civic LX
It's a great car! It was my first car and it hasn't had any major issues. One major fix I had to do was the radiator had a leak so I just had to replace it which was like $50. It's a very reliable car. The speakers are all broken but the back one but it was that way when I bought it used. Fabric seats are nice. The windows are all automatic. Wish it had a key fob so I didn't have to manually unlock my door every time. My civic is manual and I've never had any issues with the shifter or clutch.
accountCircle Morgan R on March 23, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX gas mileage on this car is excellent.
There was a recall on the airbags. Some of the airbags had debris, possible metal, inside that when deployed could injure of kill you. This must be replaced if you have this car. This car is very good on gas. Excellent gas mileage. This model does not have a CD player but with an adapter you can make your cassette player hook up to your phones auxiliary and play music. My car has around 100k miles on it and I had to replace the transmission. It's a manual.
accountCircle Katie D on July 3, 2021
My purple reliable 2001 Honda Civic LX
My Honda is a very reliable car and it did not cost me a bunch of money either. When I have to fix my car, the parts do not cost much either. It is a stick shift sedan and drives smooth. I haven't figured out how the radio works because I think the person who had it before me replaced the radio with a different one. It is four door so it has a good bit of room in it. I do need to fix the air conditioning, but I need a new compressor in it my mechanic said.
accountCircle Jean W on August 26, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX is a great ride.
This car is dependable, which is important when there's no=-one around to cadge a ride from. It rarely needs repairs. Even with lots of short trips I am quite happy to get 26-28 mpg with the heater/air and the radio going. Despite new England's well-salted roads, and never having a garage, I just this year I had to get body work done on the rear wheels. I have well over a 100,000 miles on it and it still runs well. Thank you, Honda!
accountCircle Sierra S on March 19, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX is a good car
A 2001 Honda civic lx sedan is get on gas. $20 to $25 fills up my tank. I never have no problems with my car as long as you keep a oil change. My car is beige basically tan. It has a great motor and engine. My car goes real fast and have great trunk space also. I never had problems with my air conditions either. My air comes out really cool or cold. My heat comes out really hot and warm. Everything is just awesome.
accountCircle Amanda K on June 8, 2021
2001 Honda civic lx in great running condition.
I have a silver 2001 Honda civic lx. It has grey interior and a cloth like interior. The transmission was replaced about a year ago so it's got a good motor in it. Although it does leak radiator fluid and I cannot figure out where the leak is coming from. Also has power windows and power locks and also has cruise control. Rims are not factory made they are an expensive special type of rims.
accountCircle Antonio G on April 17, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX has not given me any issues
Overall it is a very reliable vehicle mechanically never had any major issues, just normal wear and tear, very economical on fuel, makes a good transportation become for work or school, only issues I really had where the door lock actuators going out but was an inexpensive fix. Would recommend vehicle to any person looking for an economical transportation vehicle.
accountCircle Ali M on March 18, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX is a good car it has good sounding stock speakers.
This cars liability is very long last this is a tuff car. The car I own is up to 350,000 miles and still drives great. This is a good lasting car its not fancy but it get you where you are going the car I have has gone through many family members and still driving. It has never had the motor replaced either. Very minor mechanical issues with this car as well.
accountCircle Ashley M on May 2, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX: Great Car but with minor issues
As long as I've owned my car, I haven't had many mechanical issues with it. The ac has stopped working before. We were able to recharge it to get it working again. Some of the interior has fallen apart rather quickly, like the door cover has fallen off, but it was easily put back on. And the roof fabric has come down. It has been a very reliable car so far.
accountCircle Chris H on April 5, 2021
2001 Honda Civic DX a great piece of machinery.
The Honda civic is very good on gas. It is also very reliable. I only had to put money into it when tires, brakes, and the battery needed to be changed. It is easy to drive and very comfortable. I would recommend this car and would get another if this one ever dies. I got over 120000 miles on her and she is still going strong. It is also very affordable.
accountCircle Jordan D on May 18, 2021
2001 Honda Civic DX has 190,000 miles on it and still going strong. It's a great car!
Great car! It has close to 200,000 miles on it and going strong! The air conditioner had to be replaced last year but other than that and needing to buy new tires, it is awesome vehicle. The car is great on gas, I can fill my tank for $30 dollars. The headlight covers needed to be professionally cleaned as they we fogged over, but that was an easy fix!
accountCircle Leslie L on March 28, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX seats are comfortable.
My car is great the only problem is that at one point my battery automatically stopped working. Another thing is that the interior/ dashboard kept falling apart at times but so far my car still runs I just believe I need a new one. And it had lasted me a few years I just wish it could last longer but overall it's smooth.
accountCircle Jackie L on August 9, 2021
2001 Honda Civic DX That I Love So Much
It is good on gas, is very reliable and a wonderful car. The sound system is amazing, and is very comfortable to drive and the car fits my needs perfectly. It has a few dings and is getting old but still keeps going! I have used it for long commutes over the years and really appreciate my car being dependable.
accountCircle James G on March 10, 2021
2001 Honda Civic DX that keeps on ticking!
I am thoroughly impressed with the durability of this car. I purchased it used from a private person with 290,000 miles on it. It uses about a quart of oil weekly, other than that it drives smooth and handles excellent. Aesthetically it has a lot to be desired. But dependability is what I value.
accountCircle Nick R on July 7, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX: A lot of miles on it and it still lasts runs.
Very comfortable and reliable has about 150,000 miles on it and haven't had to change timing belt. It has been wrecked twice and rebuilt both times and still runs fine. It is a great car to buy and will last longer than most cars they make a great investment that will make you happy.
accountCircle Taylor M on June 9, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX: Reliable commuter vehicle
This is a great car. I have almost 200,000 miles on it and it keeps on going. It is extremely reliable, I have never had it fail on me. It is small, and gets great gas mileage. It's the perfect commuter car. I have not had any major problems with it, other than general maintenance.
accountCircle Mary N on June 3, 2021
I love my 2001 Honda Civic LX
This car is great on gas and the repairs are cheap, It has great performance and it has also reliability and Comfort for my whole family. We can take long trips in my car because it doesn't take much gas. I love my car and this car is the best car I ever had. Honda's run forever.
accountCircle Jeanette F on May 28, 2021
2001 Honda Civic DX gets good gas mileage and is reliable.
This car is reliable. It does not require a lot of maintenance. The civic is a bit small for our family but good on gas. Recall was notified and fixed immediately. It is a good car to travel to and from work. The seats are comfortable and are adjustable to fit any size or height.
accountCircle Dee B on March 31, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX stick shift
No problems - has 250,000 miles - just starting to use oil some - only had problem with normal upkeep - would buy this car again. The car has been from Idaho to Iowa. Would like to see more cars on the road with this much longevity. If I could find another one I would get it.
accountCircle Dolores A on August 7, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX is a good running car just take care of it.
I bought it used I had a few problems with it, but I bought new parts and now it runs good. It's a really good car. I even bought new tires, a sensor, spark plugs, it has some rust on front and sides which I'm getting fixed so it will look good and run good. I love this car.
accountCircle Erica B on May 21, 2021
I'm a proud owner of a 2001 Honda Civic LX. Wouldn't own any other car.
I love my Honda. It's good on gas. Cheap on parts. Just all around good car. Reliability is great. Very good traveling car great highway miles. I could have bought a better more safe and reliable car. I won't own anything other than a Honda now that I have owned this car.
accountCircle Hannah B on June 18, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX is reliable
I overall am very pleased with my Honda Civic. It's been reliable, has good gas mileage and never seems to give me issues. It's pretty great! I don't like the fabric of the seats, but I do really enjoy the rest of my car. Would totally buy a Honda again.
accountCircle Sarah P on March 18, 2021
2001 Honda Civic LX - High mileage still means a great car
Extremely reliable. Paint lasts forever. High miles still means you have a good and reliable vehicle. Ceiling rips a bit due to the glue peeling off. A lot of older cars are tough to change the radio system. I had one transmission breakdown.
accountCircle Jeffswiney65@gmail.com on March 11, 2023
495 thousand miles
2001 civic has 495 thousand miles an stil runs like a new car, honestly true
avatar Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.
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