The 2018 Honda Civic offers something for nearly any car shopper. Here’s everything you need to know before buying.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
2018 Honda Civic Super-Review
For the better part of 50 years, the Honda Civic has been a staple in the compact car market. The Civic has kept this winning streak alive by being known for its practicality and bulletproof dependability. Throughout its nearly five decades of production, the Civic has seen 11 generations with each building on the successes of the last.
Honda offers the Civic in multiple body styles including a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a four-door hatchback. Each variation has its strengths and some models come with exclusive equipment. If you are in the market for a compact car, we are here to tell you everything you need to know about the 2018 Honda Civic.
Civic: Then vs. Now
When Honda first released the Civic in 1972, the Japanese automaker discovered a winning formula of a compact car with a peppy front-wheel-drive engine and enough space to carry a couple friends along for the ride. Even then, the Civic had features that were above the standards in its class, like front disk brakes, reclining vinyl seats, and even optional air conditioning. With each passing generation, the Civic has grown larger and more packed with technology.
The 2018 Honda Civic is part of the tenth generation that debuted in 2016. If you want to know more about the changes made in 2016, we have a great in-depth review of the 2016 Honda Civic right here on Vehicle History. The following year, in 2017, Honda made some additions to the Civic lineup with the introduction of a turbocharged 1.5L engine and a new six-speed manual transmission. This year also marketed the rebirth of the sporty Si trim level and the top-tier Type R model.
These improvements were so well received that in 2018 Honda decided not to change anything from the previous year. That’s right – they changed absolutely nothing, that means no new options, no new equipment, and not even a single new paint color. This, “If it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it” approach is not necessarily a bad thing. So, let’s take a look at all the variants of the 2018 Honda Civic.
Pros from Owners
It is good on gas, it is very fast. The trunk space is pretty good. The only bad thing is the wheels on the rims have to switch out tires often. It is a low maintenance car. It is good on gas and mileage.
The Pros of my car are that this car comes with a lot of features both inside and out. From a nice screen display to having a camera on the right hand camera to see when making a lane change. It also drives very nice and gets good gas mileage.
The backup camera is amazing and has great detail. The Apple CarPlay is super cool and very easy to use and feels much safer and the sound system is very good. My car gets fabulous gas mileage and is very comfortable on long rides.
I love the gas mileage this car has as well as the interior features! Apple CarPlay is amazing. The only con I have for this vehicle is how low it is to the ground. It is not necessarily hard for me to get into the car, but it is hard for some of my taller friends to get in the car at times.
This car gets good gas mileage which is great when I drive across the country because it saves me money. It also has an eco mode that helps it be as efficient as possible. There's also a brake hold feature that allows the brake to remain pressed without having to use your foot. I also like the size of the car because it is easy to fit into and to get in and out of parking spots since it is a smaller car. Lastly, I like the quality of the speaker system.
The pros are the backup camera, and that the car has so many airbags. It drives nice and smooth even though you are low. Love that is a brake on there while u are in drive and you do not have to keep your foot on the brake while you are at a light.
This car gets great gas mileage, and feels very roomy on the inside, while still managing to drive like a small car. The hatchback provides lots of storage space. It also looks very sporty for a hatchback sedan.
Easy to drive and the sensory systems are excellent. Great gas mileage. Sporty looking yet comfortable and family friendly. The reliability of Honda products is remarkable. Plenty of truck storage. Technology is superb.
Cons from Owners
Since it was brand new it was expensive. The car has rims and the can easily get damaged so I have to be very on point with the tires and get them maintained often. The car runs so smooth you do not realize you are speeding at times.
There are not very many cons to this vehicle. The only con that they have fixed in the new cars is that when you are in reverse you cannot adjust the speed of the air coming out. This is not convenient when you are in reverse on a hot summer day and cannot blast the air. This is a small con but just something that came to mind.
I wish it had some of the safety features like braking assist and lane assist. Also, more USB ports would be super helpful when the car is full of people and technology for extended periods of time helpful. Other than that I really have no complaints about the car and adore it!
The fact that it is so low to the ground can make it uncomfortable for riders to get into the car as well as getting out of the car. What I can think about right now, I currently do not have any other complaints about the vehicle.
The size of the vehicle is a pro and a con. In the can sense, it could be hard to fit everything in the trunk when going on a trip. Also, there's times when I have to stop suddenly and then it does not want to go again right away when I am able to drive again. Finally, I would say I wish there was a tire pressure measurement display with the numbers for each tire. It lets you know when you have low pressure, but not what the levels are.
Cons on the car back when I had the 2011 Honda Civic there was a cover that slide from the under part of your armrest to cover your cup holders. And I also do not like that when you hold the unlock button on the key that the windows roll down.
The Bluetooth connectivity is fussy, and does not work consistently. The only other thing is the windshield wiper speed settings. They either go really slow, or really fast. There is no medium speed, which is unfortunately the one I most frequently find myself needing.
The onboard navigation is touchy and sometimes inaccurate. The Apple carplay device is complicated. Difficult to see out the back window for people who are not used to back up cameras. Gas tank is a little small.
2018 Honda Civic Trims
Honda offers the top-selling Civic in a total of 10 trim levels, each with more options at a different price. A good way to look at vehicle trim levels is to see them as a ladder. Each step on the ladder is a different trim level that builds on the options from the last, starting with the Civic LX and ending with the Type R at the top. To help you get more acquainted with the available equipment, here are all the trim levels for the 2018 Honda Civic and what they include.
Civic LX
The first rung on the 2018 Civic ladder is the LX (pictured above). Even though this is the entry-level model it still has enough equipment that you won’t feel like you’re driving around in a shed. The two-door coupe and four-door sedan are both only available with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine while the hatchback comes with a 1.5L turbo. All three body styles of the LX are available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual. The rest of the features are the same, so let’s check out the standard features on the 2018 Civic LX.
- Cruise control
- 16-in steel wheels with hubcaps
- Rear-view Camera
- 1.5L Turbocharged engine (hatchback model only)
- Electric power steering
- Power windows
Civic LX-P
A Civic LX-P (seen above) is the premium version of the LX with a few more creature comforts than the standard model. All of these options are on top of what is equipped with the standard LX.
- Remote engine start
- CVT transmission as standard
- Smart entry with push-button start
- One-touch power moonroof
Civic Sport
The Civic Sport (pictured above) is similar to the LX in terms of features but is only available in the hatchback body style. Just like the other trims, it has a few things to make it feel exclusive on top of the standard LX equipment.
- Unique exhaust system
- 18 in alloy wheels
- Fog lights
- Underbody spoilers for more aggressive styling.
- Only available in the hatchback
Civic EX
The next rung on the 2018 Civic ladder is the EX model (seen above). This is the first full step above the LX, offering another level of premium features. The EX is available in all three body styles with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission as standard but the manual is available as an option. Once again, all the equipment listed below stacks on top of or upgrades what is equipped to the LX.
- Honda Lane watch system
- 16 in alloy wheels
- 7.0 in touch screen infotainment center
- Electric moonroof
- Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay
Civic EX-T
Moving on to the next half step in the Civic lineup is the EX-T (pictured above). This model fits into a similar vein as the LX-P, offering small improvements from the standard EX for a few more coins.
- 17 in alloy wheels
- 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine standard
- Rear spoiler
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Dual-zone climate control
Civic EX-L
Apparently, the L in EX-L (pictured above) stands for leather because this trim ditches the standard cloth seats for electric-powered leather ones, and that’s about it. You also get a fancy auto-dimming rearview mirror but that is too many letters to put on the back of the car.
- Leather upholstery
- Four-way power-adjustable driver seat
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Civic Touring
One of the most well-equipped 2018 Honda Civics you can get your hands on is the Touring (seen above). This trim level is available in a 2-door coupe or a 4-door sedan with the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission as standard. With the Touring, Honda steps up the Civics safety game by making its suite of safety technology package standard equipment instead of an optional extra like the low-end models.
- 1.5L turbo engine standard
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency brakes
- Honda’s lane watch assist
Civic Sport Touring
The Sport Touring (pictured above) is the big brother of the normal Civic Sport as it is also only available in the hatchback body style. The Sport Touring keeps the exterior accents of the normal Civic Sport while adding the comfort features from the Touring coupe and sedan models. On top of what you get from the Touring, the Sport Touring has a few things to make it unique as well.
- 18 in alloy wheels
- Underbody spoilers
- Fog lights
- Unique exhaust system
- 540-watt premium stereo with 12 speakers
Civic Si
Honda’s Si trim level (seen above) has long been a fan-favorite in the motorsport community for its performance engines and sporty handling. The 2018 Civic Si keeps true to that tradition but is only available in the coupe or sedan layout.
For many years the Si trim was as high as the Civic ladder went in the United States. That is no longer the case with the Type R hitting our shores in 2017, but the Si still has plenty of performance to offer for people who need a little more interior space.
The Si has very similar equipment to the EX-T but with a more powerful 1.5L engine and a few things to set it apart. All of these features add to what the standard Civic EX-T is equipped with.
- Only available with a six-speed manual transmission
- More powerful 1.5L turbocharged engine
- Active suspension dampers
- Limited-slip differential
- Sport seat with fixed headrests
- Center-exit exhaust system
Civic Type R
If you’re looking for a real hot hatchback then the 2018 Civic Type R (pictured above) should be on your shortlist. The Type R is based on the Civic Touring, so it has most of the same equipment. However, it is missing the Honda safety suite package that gives you things like lane-keep assist and automatic brakes.
What sets the Civic Type R apart from all its siblings is the performance. The Type R is only available in a hatchback and is driven by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 306 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. This firecracker of an engine is mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission allowing the Type R to hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 mph.
In addition to the blistering performance, the Type R is adorned with all the tinsel of high-performance like fake air ducts and extra spoilers. This can be seen as a positive or a negative but is completely subjective. Many critics have praised the Civic Type R for maintaining a comfortable ride despite the track day aesthetic.
- 20 in alloy wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- Hardcore suspension set-up
- Fully functional aero body kit, and wing
- 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Engine Powertrain
When it comes to the drivetrain of the 2018 Civic you have a total of three engines to choose from and they are all front-wheel drive. The first is a 2.0L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder producing 158 hp and 138 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is available in coupe or sedan LX and EX models mated to either a six-speed manual or the CVT transmission.
The next engine is the 1.5L turbocharged I-4. It is the bread and butter of the whole Civic lineup. This engine is the standard equipment on most 2018 Civics including the Civic Sport, EX-T, Touring, Sport Touring, and the Si. There are three different power outputs for the 1.5L turbo that go as follows:
- Sport: 180 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque (six-speed), 162 lb.-ft. (CVT)
- EX-T: 174 hp and 167 lb.-ft. of torque (six-speed), 162 lb.-ft. (CVT)
- Touring:174 hp and 167 lb.-ft. of torque (six-speed), 162 lb.-ft. (CVT)
- Sport Touring: 174 hp and 167 lb.-ft. of torque (six-speed), 162 lb.-ft. (CVT)
- Si: 205 hp and 192 lb.-ft. (six-speed only)
The final and most powerful engine available for the 2018 Honda Civic is the turbocharged 2.0L I-4 equipped to the Type R. This four-pot powerhouse cranks out 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That power gives the Type R firm footing to go into battle against one of its main rivals: the Volkswagen Golf R.
Fuel Economy
The EPA fuel economy rating for the 2018 Honda Civic fluctuates depending on the engine, transmission, and body style you choose. A sedan equipped with the base 2.0L I-4 can expect 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with a manual transmission. If you opt for the CVT unit the city fuel mileage improves to an estimated 31 mpg but the highway efficiency stays at 40 mpg.
If you go for the optional 1.5L turbo engine in the 2018 Civic sedan the fuel mileage improves further to 31/42 mpg city/highway with the manual and 32/42 mpg with the CVT transmission. The coupe body is less slippery than the sedan so the 2.0L is less efficient and offers 28/39 mpg with the six-speed and 30/49 mpg with the CVT.
Once again, the 1.5L improves the fuel economy in the coupe as well with an estimated 30/41 mpg with a manual and 31/40 mpg with CVT. The hatchback body sees the miles per gallon fall even further to 29/38 with the manual and 31/40 with the CVT.
The Civic Sport and Sport Touring that are equipped with a CVT transmission get an EPA estimated 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, which is significantly lower than their sedan cousins. For being geared more towards performance than fuel efficiency, the 2018 Civic Si performs better than you might think with an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
As far as the Type R is concerned, performance takes priority over fuel efficiency. It gets an estimated 22 mpg in the city and just 28 mpg on the highway.
Performance
All 2018 Honda Civics other than the Si and Type R have the same 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and finish the quarter-mile from a standstill in 14.5 seconds.
Contrary to what you might think, according to Car Indigo, the 2018 Civic Si is slightly slower than its less powerful cousins. The Si has a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds.
As stated before, the 2018 Honda Civic Type R is by far the quickest of the bunch with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and races down the quarter-mile in just 13.6 seconds.
Cargo Space/Dimensions
The exterior dimensions of the 2018 Honda Civic hatchback (pictured above) are 177.9 inches (14.8 ft) long, 70.8 inches (5.9 ft) wide, and 56.5 inches (4.7 ft) tall. Sedan models are slightly longer and lower than the hatchback at 182.3 inches (15.1 ft) long and 55.7 inches (4.6 ft) tall. The width of the sedan remains the same at 70.8 inches (5.9 ft). The Civic Coupe is the shortest and the lowest at 176.9 inches (14.7 ft) long and 54.9 inches tall but the width remains at 70.8 inches (5.9 ft).
As far as cargo space goes, the hatchback has the rest of the range beat. With the rear seats up, the hatchback has 25.7 cubic feet of room and a massive 46.2 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. The Civic Sport and Sport Touring models have a little less cargo space at 22.6 cubic feet and it just gets smaller from here.
Civic sedans clock in at 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space on every trim level except the Touring and Si models, which have each have 14.7 cubic feet. The coupe body style has the least amount of cargo room at 12.1 cubic feet on the LX and a cramped 11.9 cubic inches on the EX-T, EX-L, Si, and the Touring.
Technology Features
As far as technology goes, the 2018 Civic has a lot to offer for its price. Every Civic comes equipped with HondaLink technology, which allows you to get news directly from the manufacturer about your car. It also offers roadside assistance, remote start, and mileage information about your car as well. HondaLink can keep you plugged into what your Civic needs and more.
Honda has also fully equipped the 2018 Civic with safety tech as well. It comes with a rearview camera, giving you a better view behind the car when you are reversing. Additionally, the Civic also comes with lane assist, which allows you to be aware of your surroundings when you are driving. Each car is fitted with cameras on the side mirrors to ensure that when you are making a lane change there are no cars or obstructions in your blind spot.
The tech only begins there though. There are also wireless charging and USB connectivity options in the car to keep you and your passengers connected while you’re on the go. The infotainment system also allows for a Pandora connection, so you’ll be able to listen to all of your favorite playlists on the road as well.
Unfortunately, the infotainment system does have a few hang-ups. Many people have noted that the system can be difficult to use and is not as responsive as they’d like it to be. We’ll talk more about that in the reviews section below.
Exterior Color Options
The 2018 Honda Civic comes with a choice of 11 exterior color options from Aegean Blue Metallic (seen above) to White Orchid Pearl. Available exterior color options may vary based on the trim level you choose.
Interior Color Options
There are five interior color combinations you can choose from for the 2018 Civic. Again, available options will vary depending on your trim level.
- Black Fabric (LX/EX/EX-T/EX-L/Touring Sedan, LX/EX/EX-L/Sport Touring Hatchback)
- Black/Gray Fabric (LX/LX-P/EX-T/EX-L/Touring Coupe)
- Black/Ivory Fabric (LX/LX-P/EX-T/EX-L/Touring Coupe, LX/EX/EX-L/Sport Touring Hatchback)
- Gray Fabric (LX/ EX/EX-T/EX-L/Touring Sedan)
- Ivory Fabric (LX/EX/EX-T/EX-L/Touring Sedan)
Safety Rating/Child Seats
The 2018 Honda Civic has a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the Civic is a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
NHTSA crash ratings for the vehicle were rated overall “good.” Each section of the car, including the driver’s side, passenger’s side, side barrier, and overall vehicle, received a five-star rating from the NHTSA in terms of crash safety. Honda’s overhead, side, and front impact airbags all help in making the Civic one of the safest cars to drive. Anti-lock brakes and stability control also lend a helping hand to the driver to prevent you from losing control of the vehicle.
If you are a parent, you may be wondering whether or not the 2018 Civic comes ready to clip your car seat into. Of course, because it is such a safe and reliable vehicle, it comes with the child seat attachment hardware equipped. This has been fairly standard among the latest generations of the Civic.
The tether anchor in the car used for securing the car seat in place is easy to find and easy to use. It was rate by the IIHS as “acceptable,” which is the second-highest rating the organization gives. However, if you are eyeing the Honda Civic coupe, you may want to double-check that the dimensions of the backseat will easily fit your car seat in a rear-facing position. This is a good practice any time you buy a vehicle though, used or new.
2018 Honda Civic Price Ranges
The price range of the 2018 Honda Civic varies based on the body style and options it is equipped with. According to Kelley Blue Book’s “fair market range”, prices for a 2018 Civic range from around $18,000 for LX models up to about $42,000 for the hot Type R. All prices listed below are for good condition cars with less than 50,000 miles.
2018 Civic Hatchback
- LX Hatchback: $19,138 – $22,573
- EX Hatchback: $21,485 – $25,336
- Sport Hatchback: $21,551 – $25,016
- EX-L Hatchback: $22,796 – $26-613
- Sport Touring: $23,970 – $28,131
2018 Civic Coupe
- LX Coupe: $18,116 – $21,577
- LX-P Coupe: $18,013 – $21,782
- EX-T Coupe: $19,412 – $22,730
- EX-L Coupe: $19,413 – $22,730
- Touring Coupe: $21,205 – $24,637
2018 Civic Sedan
- LX Sedan: $18,044 – $21,768
- EX Sedan: $19,606 – $23,891
- EX-T Sedan: $20,237 – $23,934
- EX-L Sedan: $21,806 – $25,283
- Touring Sedan: $22,736 – $26,351
2018 Civic Si
- Si Coupe: $22,925 – 26,556
- Si Sedan: $23,431 – $27,089
2018 Civic Type R
- Type R 4-door hatchback: $36,138 – $41,407
Retro Reviews: What Critics Thought Then
Back in 2018, when this model of the Honda Civic debuted, not many people were jumping to review the vehicle. As previously mentioned, not much changed between the 2017 and 2018 models other than a $200 price bump. However, that didn’t stop car enthusiasts and larger publications like Car and Driver from reviewing the “all-new” 2018 Honda Civic.
Zach Doell, a reviewer for Cars U.S. News, took a look at the 2018 Civic and gave it a fairly good rating overall. He noted that there were no major changes to the car for the year it was released, but there is one major downfall: the touchscreen. It is used for Bluetooth and other bells and whistles for the vehicle. Doell called it clumsy, which seemed to be a common note among many auto reviewers the year the vehicle came out. It was also noted that the hatchback version of the 2018 Civic has less cargo space than many of its rivals. If the cargo space is something that is important to you, Doell recommends looking at the 2018 Kia Soul or the same year Volkswagen Golf.
With the touchscreen issues and hatchback cargo space set aside, Doell went on to dote on the Civic as a practical and reliable car. In fact, he said, “Few compact cars are this well-rounded.” Some of the perks he highlighted included comfortability, good safety features, and all-around decent fuel economy. Given he only noted a few drawbacks, it is easy to say the review was positive overall.
Tyler Heatley was yet another person to take to reviewing the 2018 Honda Civic. His review appeared on Motor1, the largely UK-based car website. As with Doell’s review, Heatley found the infotainment system to be lacking in many ways. In fact, the technology in the car received only five out of 10 stars from the publication. Other downfalls of the vehicle, according to Heatley’s review at the time, were the “controversial” styling and what he referred to as overly light steering, a problem that isn’t brought up in many other reviews.
Much of the rest of the car received above-average marks from Heatley though. Heatley’s review of the car focused quite a bit on the wide range of spec and trim levels available to car buyers interested in the 2018 Civic. Another perk was comfort which, according to the review, was rated at an eight out of 10. Compared to other reviews during the same year, this seems to be a common finding. The car was found to be comfortable and rather practical. Performance and handling were also rated highly for this model of the Civic. Heatley called the vehicle “a little gem.” Once the side curtain airbag was added to the car, the safety rating was also exemplary.
Stefan Ogbac of Motor Trend didn’t quote the same issues everyone else was seeing with the car. The major drawbacks for this reviewer were that there is no Si hatchback available and the car’s “attention-seeking” look may not be for everyone. He did note that the infotainment system could be “finicky to use,” but it didn’t seem to be a major hangup like it was for other people who reviewed the car.
Those small issues set aside, Ogbac was yet another reviewer that doted on some of the Civic’s high points, namely the good fuel economy and excellent handling on all of its models. He noted that this was especially true of the performance-minded Type R. Other key positive qualities of the 2018 Civic, according to Ogbac’s Motor Trend review, were the five-star safety rating, comfort, and overall driver engagement.
Of course, Car and Driver reviewed the 2018 model as well. One of the first lines in the review says that the 2018 Civic entered the lineup with exactly no changes, other than the slight markup from the previous year. Car and Driver referred to the Civic as a “jack-of-all-trades” that strikes what they considered to be the perfect balance between comfort and driver engagement. The auto magazine also said that the Civic was, and still is, “a joy to pilot in any driving situation.” It also has a large trunk for stowing away groceries or bags for your next trip.
Not surprisingly, Car and Driver picked out some of the same faults with the 2018 Civic as other reviews had. The publication called the backseat of the vehicle virtually useless, which is true for anyone above average height. Also, the touchscreen system in the car, according to the review, is messy and can be confusing. It would make using the car on a daily basis a bit of a pain.
These were just some of the first impressions of the 2018 Honda Civic. What are auto reviewers saying about this same model of car today?
Current Reviews: What Critics Think Now
As far as used cars go, the 2018 Honda Civic still comes fairly highly rated. Not much of what was initially said about the car three years ago has changed. Many people who review the car have the same comments about the style, comfort, and reliability of the vehicle. Overall, it has maintained its status. Here are what some of the current influencers and reviewers are saying now.
Kelley Blue Book is a place many people go to get information on cars, both new and used. Three years after the debut of the 218 Honda Civic, KBB is still calling this year’s model of the Civic a best-seller. As many other people noted in 2018 when the car was released, the KBB also notes it has a good fuel economy and relatively roomy for its compact class. The car-buying guide stated that the Civic is perfect for “anyone looking for a spacious, fuel-efficient and a reliable commuter car that’s fun to drive.”
The major downfalls of the 2018 Civic, according to the KBB, is that the Civic really isn’t made for everyone. Although many people have bought one and find they love it, it doesn’t have an all-wheel-drive or diesel option. It also doesn’t cater to the people who are trying to decrease their carbon footprint by not having a hybrid model. For these needs, the KBB suggests looking at the Subaru Impreza for all-wheel-drive, the Chevy Cruze for diesel, and the Toyota Prius for hybrid models.
Crazy Honda Chris is a YouTube channel that reviews different cars he has for sale on the lot where he works. In the video below, Chris details some of the main features of the 2018 Civic. First and foremost, he dotes on the remote start, which is nice to have if it is snowing as it appears to have been in his video. Looking at the car, many people, including Chris, can’t deny that it is a good-looking car.
As many of the other reviews noted, the trunk and cargo space are large for a compact car, which Chris shows you in the review video. He also shows off a neat feature that protects you from locking your keys in the trunk accidentally. Walking around the car, there are plenty of features like Honda lane assist, remote locking, and unlocking.
Once in the car, you can see all the controls and buttons available in the Civic. He references the touchscreen, which most reviewers have been fairly harsh about. Chris, however, strays away from saying anything bad about the car altogether.
WhyBuy is another YouTube channel that took a look at the Honda Civic. More specifically, the individual featured in the video reviewed the EX-T version of the car. Unlike many of the other reviews out there, the reviewer on WhyBuy actually purchased the vehicle. Why? Well, according to him, he was looking for something reliable that gave him the “best bang for his buck.” The Civic checked all the boxes.
One of the key perks of buying a used Honda, according to the video, is that the Honda warranty can be transferred from one owner to the next. As long as you are still under the powertrain warranty, most of the things that could go wrong with the car are covered.
You may have to do some searching online to find a Civic with the specific trim you want because it is a few years old. Thankfully, most dealers have the ability to have a car shipped to them directly. Then you can give it a test drive, like the reviewer on WhyBuy did, and decide if it is the right buy for you.
The good fuel economy and lower insurance costs make it a good buy for many people as well. If you are looking for a daily commuter car to get your groceries, head to work, go to the gym, and get things done, you can’t really go wrong with a Civic, according to this review. Even a few years after its release, it is holding its value.
What Car reviewed how the 10th generation of the Honda Civic is aging as well. The publication noted that, while the Civic is still impeccably reliable, the vehicle isn’t without its faults. Surprisingly, the touchscreen isn’t really mentioned, but there are several other faults you may want to keep in mind if you’re going to buy a 2018 Civic today.
First, some Civic owners have complained about squealing brakes. The manufacturer said that they are aware of this issue and working to fix it. However, if you test drive a Civic with loud brakes, beware. The problem may not be all that easy to fix as Honda itself hasn’t been able to resolve the issue. Other common problems with this model include the fuel pump and the engine’s emissions software. All in all though, the 2018 Civic is still a wildly reliable car and a great buy for your money.
Maintenance and Reliability
In general, the Honda nameplate is synonymous with reliability. Every model the manufacturer releases strikes a unique balance between comfort, practicality, fuel economy, and power. As the many reviews of the 2018 Civic stated, it is no different. The vehicle is extremely reliable and a great buy if you are looking for a compact car.
According to Car Indigo, when compared to its rivals, such as the Volkswagen Golf, it does come up a bit short on overall reliability. However, its price tag comes in at much less than the Golf. It can also be noted that its J.D. Power rating is 82/100 which, with all things considered, isn’t all that impressive. That being said, many owners still find it to be a relatively reliable car for the money you’ll pay for a used 2018 Honda Civic today.
When purchased, the Honda Civic has a three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. That means that most 2018 models that can be purchased today are still under warranty for many of the problems that may arise. Much of the consumer complaints that have been filed about the car center around the vehicle’s electrical system.
Maintenance costs on the Honda Civic aren’t very high. Annually, you will spend about $311 total to maintain your Civic. As Repair Pal points out, this will vary slightly based on your location and where you bring your vehicle to be serviced. The average repair costs for a 2018 Honda Civic are between $280 and $343, depending on what needs to be fixed.
A pre-purchase inspection, which is always recommended when you’re buying a used car, can run you $132 to $167 for the Civic. Regular maintenance items, like replacing a headlight, will cost up to $57. Another common repair that won’t necessarily be covered under warranties is a drive belt tensioner replacement, which will cost up to $464. Other common repairs prices that have been reported include:
- Battery cable replacement: $70 – $83
- Heater core replacement: $830 – $980
- Water pump replacement: $330 – $381
- Electrical system diagnosis: $88 – $111
- OBDII Drive Cycle Test: $44 – $56
- Brake wheel cylinder replacement: $128 – $148
- Vehicle speed sensor replacement: $204 – $222
As you can see, many of the issues that have been in need of repair on the 2018 Honda Civic are related to the car’s electrical system. Many of the reviews and consumer reports have noted that electrical errors are a common problem. Thankfully, the repair costs on the Civic don’t run very high.
Generally speaking, the cost to maintain and repair your Civic will be low all around, especially if it is still under warranty. Most major repairs current owners have reported needing are still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. For instance, many people have reported issues with their air conditioning systems. Honda has repaired these issues under warranty without any problem. In the next section, we will delve into some of the recalls and other well-known issues with the 2018 model Honda Civic that may impact your wallet or at least your idea of how reliable the car is.
Known Issues
While many owners of the 2018 Honda Civic have praised the car for being reliable, it does have its faults. There is a slew of known issues and complaints about the vehicle. On top of that, there have been four recalls in the three years the car has been on the market.
The very first recall was made in June 2018. Honda announced that there were random characters on the certification labels. This can make it difficult to verify whether or not the car has been involved in a recall, leading to serious injury or accident. Only about 13 cars were involved in this recall though.
In September 2018, there was a recall involving the steering of the Civic. According to reports, a magnet became dislodged and reduces the steering ability. Of course, anything that impacts the steering of a car can lead to an accident. This issue only impacted about 54 vehicles in total. Another recall was made in November 2018 involving the owner’s manual. There was missing or bad information in the manual, which Honda stated could increase the risk of injury. This recall involved over 7,000 vehicles.
The largest recall involving the 2018 Honda Civic came in May of 2020. Honda sent out a recall for the car’s fuel pump, which had begun failing. If the fuel pump stalled out while driving, it could lead to a crash and possible injury. This recall impacted 135,995 Civics on the road.
According to Car Complaints, there have been 165 complaints about the car involving different parts of the vehicle. Known engine issues that have been reported include oil mixing with gas or fuel being found in engine oil. There have also been a number of complaints about the air conditioning suddenly not working due to the AC condenser being punctured. Having this fixed typically runs the owner around $750 and can be a real pain.
As mentioned a few times above, the car is known to have some electrical issues as well. The wiring in the car seems to need some work within the first couple of years of owning the vehicle. In some cases, it has been found that the soy-based wiring attracts the attention of rodents as well, which leads to chewed electrical wires. So, if you buy a 2018 Civic, be prepared for potential electrical issues at some point.
It has also been said that the windshield on the 2018 Honda Civic cracks and scratches easily. Other common exterior complaints have focused on the windshield wipers not working the best. According to many reports, they don’t help improve visibility in the rain and don’t always work intermittently.
Owners have also filed complaints about the airbags. Evidently, the airbags have deployed for no reason at all in some cars. The brakes are another common issue owners have seen in the 2018 Honda Civic. As previously mentioned, some people have complained about squealing in the brakes after purchasing the vehicle. There have also been some issues with the emergency brake engaging while stopped as well.
Thankfully, many of these issues are still under warranty in the 2018 models. Even if you buy the car used, you will be able to get certain things fixed under the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2018 Civic Top Competitors
If you are considering buying a 2018 Honda Civic you have a plethora of information after reading through this article, but you may be wondering what the other options are. The Civic’s average used car price lands around $20,400 with price tags for the different trim levels ranging from $16,400 and $42,000, depending on the car’s condition, location, mileage, etc. This makes it fairly comparable to many of its direct competitors, as you’ll see below.
As the KBB pointed out, there are some things the Civic just simply cannot provide like all-wheel-drive, diesel options, and a hybrid model. Beyond that, the direct competitors for the 2018 Civic may have something you’re looking for that the old reliable Honda does not. So, here’s how the Civic compares.
Toyota Corolla
For a long time, the Toyota Corolla has been a direct competitor of the Civic. The 2018 Corolla is certainly in need of a facelift. It starts at $13,000 used and prices go up to $18,000 depending on the condition. The Corolla also suffers to keep up with Honda’s fuel economy and is generally a bit slower. It just isn’t sporty at all. So, if you are juggling between the two, the Civic is still probably the better option.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen’s Golf has also been considered a direct competitor for the Civic for some time now. The 2018 model comes in at a slightly higher price tag than most at $23,600. Prices range from $17,500 to $37,200 for a used model. While the fuel economy only offers 29 mpg, and the base model Golf is a bit slower than the Civic, there are some perks that come with the VW. You get a more roomy interior that feels a bit more sophisticated than the Civic. The handling of the Golf is also better than what Honda has to offer. If you’re looking for something with a bit more power, the GTI, and Golf R are direct competitors of the Si and Type R Civic.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Ford Focus
The next competitor of the 2018 Honda Civic is the Ford Focus of the same year. Like the Corolla, it could really use some upgrades of its own and it comes in at an average price of $14,500 that competes with the base model Civic. The fuel economy just can’t keep up with what Honda is offering though. The Focus boasts a 31 mpg with the automatic. That being said, Ford does have the Focus ST and the Focus RS to compete with the Si and Type R. The Focus RS is all-wheel-drive, which the Civic doesn’t offer with any of its trim levels.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Subaru Impreza
Another all-wheel-drive option that is a direct competitor of the 2018 Civic is the Subaru Impreza. The average list price for the Impreza comes in at $21,000 but, again, the fuel economy just can’t quite match what Honda is offering. It gets about 32 mpg. Subaru also offers the WRX and STI models of the Impreza which are offered to directly compete with the Si and Type R Civic models.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Kia Forte
As far as price is concerned, the Kia Forte is a top competitor with the 2018 Civic. Average prices for a used Forte are around $14,300 for the 2018 models. However, many people find the handling of the Forte a bit too harsh, unlike the smooth handling of the Civic. It is also styled in a way that greatly reduces headroom in the back of the car. On top of that, the Forte only provides around 28 mpg and can only get up to 32 mpg on its best day. While it does come at a lower price, you may pay for it at the pump.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Hyundai Elantra
Next up on the list of competitors is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. It is another extremely affordable car, coming in at an average of $15,000. The base model Elantra doesn’t beat the Civic’s fuel economy at 33 mpg, but Hyundai does offer an eco model, which Honda does not. Even then, the fuel economy barely exceeds the Civic’s numbers at 35 mpg. It is comparable to the Civic in many ways, but people just don’t find it as fun to drive. For many people, the real downfall of the Elantra when comparing it to the 2018 Honda Civic is the interior, which feels a tad bit cheap.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
Car buyers who are looking for more eco-friendly cars may be searching for a hybrid competitor. That’s where the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid comes in. With an average price of $23,300 for the 2018 model, it does come in a bit higher than many of the other competitors on the list. That price tag comes with a jaw-dropping 58 mpg though. There are hybrid versions that you can plugin and fully electric models available as well. It isn’t a particularly fun car to drive and is fairly slow when compared to the Civic, but if you want to reduce your carbon footprint it is definitely the best 2018 option.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Chevrolet Cruze
Those looking for a comparative diesel car may consider looking at the Chevy Cruze. The 2018 Cruze is affordable at an average price of $15,500 and has a bit of pep in its step. While it still can’t match the Civic in the corners, it does come pretty close to matching Honda’s fuel economy at 33 mpg. It also stands out with its diesel option, which is the reason most people choose it over the 2018 Civic.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Honda Fit
If you are focused on saving money when buying your used car and want something comparable to the 2018 Civic, the Honda Fit is a good option. It is technically a subcompact, so it is a bit smaller than the Civic of its year but it is a healthy chunk of change cheaper at an average price of $17,800 with prices as low as $14,900. The Fit is also much slower than the Civic but has an amazing 40 mpg. So, if savings is a top priority for you, this is a great alternative.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Honda Civic Value and Depreciation
Honda Civics hold their value fairly well all things considered. The original MSRP for the 2018 Honda Civic was between $18,940 and $34,700, depending on the trim level and model you picked out. Compared to the current used car prices (between $16,400 and $26,000), you will see that the overall average value of the Civic has depreciated by about $5,620.
Now that the 2018 models are right around three years old they average a price of about $17,879. After owning the vehicle for five years, you can expect a depreciation of about 37%, landing the resale value at around $15,122. These figures assume an average of 12,000 annual miles. Of course, all of this will depend on how often you drive the vehicle, the condition of the car, and your location.
Even after 10 years, according to Car Edge, your 2018 Civic will likely still be worth more than $8,000. The first year is when it depreciated the most with about $3,000 knocked off its value. After that, the Civic only depreciates around $1,000 per year. So, if you are looking for a car that will hold its value, the Civic is certainly a winner.
The Verdict
When all is said and done, the 2018 Honda Civic is a good, dependable car for the money you will spend. Even after being on the market for three years, it holds its value and legendary Honda reliability. When compared to its competitors, the Civic still typically gets a higher fuel economy and, in general, is more fun to drive than most other vehicles in its class.
Not to mention, it also comes in a wide range of trim levels to choose from. You can get a two-door, four-door, or hatchback with all the bells-and-whistles Honda provides. While you may not be able to get an all-wheel-drive option or diesel engine, you can get higher performance with the Si and Type R trim levels. So, there is no shortage of options available to you when it comes to choosing the best 2018 Civic for your needs.
On top of that, you also get the perks of owning a safe and reliable car. As mentioned above, the five-star safety rating ensures that you and your passengers will get where you are going safely without a doubt. Although the car has had a few recalls and known issues, none of them have been so great as to damage the reputation of the car completely.
So, if you are looking for a used compact car that is good on gas, safe, and reliable, the 2018 Honda Civic is definitely a good option to consider.
Why You Should Trust Us
The Honda Civic evolves with each new generation. To be sure we covered the 2018 Honda Civic to the best of our ability, we read, watched, and listened to a number of reviews about the car. We took into account what owners of the vehicle had to say as well as car dealers and expert guides, such as the Kelley Blue Book.
More than 20 hours were put into researching the 2018 Civic and its competitors to give you the best overall view of the car. We hope our guide has helped you in gaining more information about its reliability, value, and performance.
Photos: Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, and Ford
