2004 Honda Civic EX: Trim Detailed Up Close

Sandy B
Mar 8, 2021

A good car – that’s what you want – one that has ample room, a solid engine, and the ability to keep your budget in line. The 2004 Honda Civic EX could be that vehicle. After all, when you are driving to and from work or school, reliability and safety are the top things on your mind.

2004 Honda Civic - Photo by Honda

What does the 2004 Honda Civic EX have to offer?

The 2004 Honda Civic offered seven trim models. The EX was positioned at No. 5, right in the middle, for many reasons. This two-door coupe offered an engine that produces 127 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive, a five-speed manual transmission with overdrive, and a 1.7L engine. This car was roomy enough to hold five people, too. A secondary option, the EX four-door sedan, had the same specs.

Is it right for you? Before you drive off the lot with it, there are a few more things you need to consider about the 2004 Honda Civic EX. Take the time to check out the Vehicle History on it, too.

Check Out What the Honda Civic EX Has to Offer

This video offers a good review of the 2004 Civic EX model. It’s a good look at a vehicle that, in this vehicle, was well-used and 8 years old. That shows just how well this car can handle the road and last.

The video takes you through the interior of the vehicle – a nice gray fabric was the standard option. The vehicle has the normal characteristics when it comes to power features (remember; this is a 2004), so those were not always on every vehicle.

It’s roomy enough to offer ample legroom both upfront and in the backseat. The interior does offer a CD player as a standard feature. There are also a few storage areas upfront.

The exterior of the 2004 Civic EX is a good-looking setup with halogen headlamps. The rounded edges and features of this car give it a luxury look and feel. Some vehicles offered an available sunroof, though this was not standard.

2004 Honda Civic - Photo by Honda

What About the Engine?

The 2004 Civic EX vehicle features a 1.7-liter inline-four engine. It produced 127 horsepower. It also got 114 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s a good amount for a city-driving car like this. This particular engine is surprisingly good on gas for its age. It gets an EPA-estimated 31 city and 39 highway, or 34 combined miles per gallon.

The vehicle also offers a front-wheel-drive drivetrain and a five-speed manual transmission. It handles well and is very stable. One of the most common things people note about the Civic EX is that it is a comfortable car to ride in. This model year does not let you down in that area. There’s also an optional four-speed automatic transmission available for this vehicle.

The upgraded trims – such as the Si, offered a 2.0L, inline-four engine that gets 160 horsepower with front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission. Also, this year, drivers could choose the Hybrid u/ULEV model trim – the highest option. This vehicle offered a 1.3L inline-four engine that gets just 85 horsepower, but it did offer that hybrid engine.

When new, the 2005 Civic EX sold for a starting price of $16,850 for the coupe and $17,260 for the sedan model. While that’s not today’s selling price, of course, it still maintains a solid value because of the overall owner love for this car.

Here’s another vehicle, the coupe.

2004 Honda Civic - Photo by Honda

More Details to Consider

The vehicle offers 12 color choices with three interiors – black, gray, and ivory. The trendy exterior colors were vibrant and deep with a bit of metallic elegance to them.

The vehicle also offered ABS, dual front impact airbags, and a remote keyless entry. There is an optional security system available along with optional occupant sensing airbags (yes, this wasn’t standard back then).

One of the keys to remember about the 2004 Honda Civic EX is that it was a well-driven vehicle. Consumers report it was reliable under the hood with few complaints about overall driving quality or powertrain problems.

The vehicle did not receive an overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but received five stars on all areas except for the rollover rating.

At the same time, drivers should keep in mind that this model also had 15 recalls on it. These include recalls on the airbags, fuel system, seat belts, and exterior lighting. As noted, overall, the powertrain is noted as being highly reliable.

2004 Honda Civic - Photo by Honda

Should You Check out the 2004 Honda Civic EX?

As a mid-range trim option, this vehicle does offer a bit more than the base models. It is a solid mid-trim vehicle that provides a good amount of variability and nice features for its age. If you are thinking about buying the 2004 Honda Civic EX, it’s time to check out its Vehicle History for more insight.

Photos: Honda

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jill P on August 13, 2021
04 Honda ex coupe still riding smoothly w/ over 170k miles!
My 2004 Honda civic ex is currently 14 yrs old with 172,000 miles and is in fair condition. It has pretty good handling, great gas mileage and takes regular gas. Due to it being an older model it does not include a navigation system or heated seats but does have rear window defrost & a CD player. Honda's are dependable cars that can perform well over 200,000 miles if maintained properly. Competitively priced compared to other 2 door coupe models!
accountCircle Joseph N on July 9, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EXs are the most reliable and cost effective cars.
I am the proud owner of a 2004 Honda civic. I love my Honda civic, it is such a great cat. I like Honda s because the are reliable. Hondas run forever you can get 300k on a Honda, they rarely break down. They are fuel efficient, 30 miles to the gallon! If something does go wrong parts/labor are inexpensive. The are reasonably priced and cool looking. With a Honda you get the most for your money... A good sturdy reliable car.
accountCircle Lisa D on June 6, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX savings due to low cost on basic maintenance and fuel economy.
Few serious mechanical problems, great every day vehicle, super reliable, great on gas, low cost maintenance, poor clear coat and paint and plastics door handles break off over years in Florida, automatic transmission failed under 100,000, abs became defective when drivers seat bolt same loose and extremely expensive to repair, seat belt recalled.
accountCircle Sandy G on April 9, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX: BEST PERFORMANCE
Gas mileage is great! Car is great overall. Everything is great. Comfort is good. Everything about the Honda Civic is good. I recommend to get a Honda. The reliability of the car is awesome. You can rely on the car to take you anywhere. Performance is really good as well, it allows to drive comfortably and better than your average car.
accountCircle Mitchell J on August 13, 2021
Just your average 2004 Honda Civic EX review.
There is no aux port. It is a bit low to the ground and I have taken off the front bumper on a curb trying to park. The manual transmission has issues going into 1st and reverse like it gets caught in a 'false set' or something. The car has a number of rattles from interior panels working loose over the years.
accountCircle Timothy S on August 9, 2021
Very reliable 2004 Honda Civic EX with no mechanical issues and over 188k miles.
This is a very reliable car. It currently has 188k miles and no I have had no mechanical issues. I have only changed the oil, replaced shocks and struts , and changed rotors and tires. This is my commuting car and I wish the ride was a little quieter and smoother. This car should last me several more years.
accountCircle James T on March 11, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX electric blue color.
Currently my vehicle runs well and performs well with current mileage. Car is strong and durable and is great when it comes to gas. Although, age of vehicle has began to cause maintenance troubles. Overheating, brakes, radiator, etc. Vehicle is expected to continue to run for long continued duration.
accountCircle Amanda S on August 7, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX having problems.
If it is not one thing it is another. I have put more into changing everything under the hood than the actual car. I merely got the car to spend less money trying to make it nice and functional but I was wrong. Everything is literally wrong with this car. Inside and out. It needs to be replaced.
accountCircle Trish L on April 30, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX: Dependable in the long term
Dependable and with routine maintenance has held up well over the years, although several similar, minor issues are springing up recently, door handle broke off, trunk latch no longer catches, hood lever broke off, etc. These may be just wearing out due to the age of the car, now 15 years old.
accountCircle Keegan H on May 27, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX
Performance and reliability of this vehicle are starting to get worse with age but for the most part are fine compared to other options. Comfort and features are definitely lacking compared to new cars but are par for the cars age. It would be nice to have better but it gets me around well.
accountCircle Rodolfo L on March 19, 2021
2004 Honda Civic Ex Car Review
It's a good overall car. It's really good on gas. The car is small though and could be a bit roomier. Overall though I like and enjoy driving my vehicle around. The only issue that I have had with the car is that the clutch went and I had to replace it but since then it's been great.
accountCircle America E on March 22, 2021
Reliable and safe 2004 Honda Civic EX with good interior condition.
Stable car. Has some ac/heating problems. Reliable. Interior still looks brand new. No major damages to the outside interior, minus a few little scratches. Bought new tires. Might have to change the brakes soon. But all the parts for this car are not that expensive, very doable.
accountCircle Amber B on June 23, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX one heck of a machine.
I love the car since it's fuel efficient, but being so low to the ground makes every bump on the road seem that much worse. On the positive side, it's a great size, sleek interior and exterior! Love that it has the ability to connect to my phone so I'm able to play my music.
accountCircle Christine V on July 16, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX is reliable and has been through my 160+ mile drive to and from college.
The vehicle drives and handles very well. It is comfortable and spacious, with great gas mileage. I know this car will last me a long time. There are some minor issues with the door handles periodically falling off and the visors falling off, but otherwise the car is great!
accountCircle Jade V on August 11, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX is a pretty decent car.
I wish it had an ashtray and the cruise control only works half the time. Parts are pretty easy to find though. I don't like the fact that you can't lock the doors while the door is open. And I don't like that they don't lock automatically after a certain speed is reached.
accountCircle Joanna De Los Santos J on June 14, 2021
The inside of the 2004 Honda Civic EX is very elegant, headlights are nicely formed.
I really love the comfortable seats, easy maintenance, requires low gas which means less money spent. Reliable car and worth it is price. It runs very smooth and I would not change it for another. I would not like to purchase a different model, Honda is very trustworthy.
accountCircle Hannah Z on August 4, 2021
Long lasting 2004 Honda Civic EX. Worth the initial cost and occasional maintenance
Very reliable. Has lasted us years and we plan to drive it to the ground. This car has rarely needed any major repairs and is definitely a brand I'd look at again! The car isn't cute as it is a 2004 but so worth the fact that it cost 5,000 7 years ago when we bought it.
accountCircle Linda D on June 12, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX. Reliable auto that usually yields a good trade-in value.
Vehicle is not used much. No problems. Performance is good. Could improve on acceleration. Reliable and adequately comfortable. There is not much more that I can contribute at this time. Would be helpful if cars came with a mounted standard tire instead of a doughnut.
accountCircle Wendy P on April 4, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX consumes little gas and its reliable.
The car is very comfortable, its compacted and reliable even if it's some years old, it works very well, it saves a lot of gas, and the parts aren't too expensive but it used to heat up a lot, and the bumper is make up of a plastic like material that cracks easily.
accountCircle Lauren L on April 8, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX is a very reliable vehicle to choose.
This vehicle is very reliable based on my experience. It runs very well and so far no issues. I'm very happy with its condition over time. It fits 5 people total and everyone fits comfortably in the back row. It helps with the long drives we do to Vegas sometimes.
accountCircle Mina H on August 7, 2021
Honda Civic 2004 Ex sedan
This car is really good and heavy duty, I like to drive this car most of the day, it has a great motor that provide power and stability to the car on the road. The driving wheel is more than stable on the freeway that can give you safe feeling. I really love it
accountCircle Audra E on June 25, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX has great zip.
I have had no problems with this car. Drives smooth and good on gas. Very comfortable for travel. I like the heated seats and sunroof with it. Great car in all. No issues. I have done regular schedule changes. Brakes are a great thing with the airlock.
accountCircle Kim S on July 7, 2021
Love the 2004 Honda Civic EX Bluetooth, GPS, and great gas mileage.
It has GPS, Bluetooth, moonroof, good on gas, sporty rims and steering wheel. The car is good and reliable. It also has a maintenance minder that lets me know when maintenance is required. Even though it is compact, it holds a lot of stuff and people.
accountCircle Robert C on August 1, 2021
2004 Honda Civic EX with Sunroof.
Highly reliable, great fuel mileage, smooth transmission, wonderful sunroof, and good visibility. Sun visor had an issue with spring clip and headliner has sagged after 10 years, A/C not as cold as I would want it to be, otherwise great reliability.
accountCircle Frank C on March 30, 2021
2004 Honda Civic reliability it can't be beat.
The Honda civic is one of the best cars on the market. It will last forever and give you nearly no problems except for regular maintenance. Mine has 240,000 on it and it runs like new. I would recommend as Honda to anyone that wants a reliable car.
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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