2003 Honda Civic Review: Built to Last, Fun to Drive, and Cheap to Refuel

Gilbert Smith
Dec 30, 2022

2003 Honda Civic Review: Built to Last, Fun to Drive, and Cheap to Refuel

The 2003 Honda Civic is simply one of the best used cars on the road today. If you can find one in great shape, you could easily put another 100,000 miles or more on the odometer.

Front angle view.
likeFilled The Good
Affordable, roomy, fuel-efficient, fun to drive, and one of the most reliable cars on the road today.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Basic safety features are exclusive to the higher trim levels, and cargo space is a bit tight.

Is the 2003 Honda Civic a Good Used Car?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – One of the best used cars on the market today, and maybe the best in this price range.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – You’ve got more than enough room for your passengers, but cargo space is limited, even in the hatchbacks.
  • Reliability 8/10 – It always depends on the previous owner, but proper maintenance can get a 2003 Civic well past a quarter million miles.
  • Safety 7/10 – Excellent crash test ratings are offset by Honda making the weird decision to make basic features like anti-lock brakes exclusive to the higher trim levels.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – At 32/38 miles to the gallon, city/highway, this was one of the most efficient cars on the road in 2003, and it can still run laps around most new sedans.
  • Value 9/10 – The only thing keeping this from being a 10/10: You need to shell out the extra cash for an EX if you want ABS and occupant-sensing airbags.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Payne M
Don't judge a book by It's cover. People see an old car but I know it's just I. The outside.
I like my car because it fits me, It's not flashy or boring. Just the right amount of style. I also like that it is dependable.
accountCircle Alexis K
My vehicle is pretty small but overall and amazing car.
I have never had a problem with my car. It's very reliable, a little scary in the winter because it is a small car. Other than snow it is an amazing car. I highly recommend it.
accountCircle Rachael A
Hondas are tough reliable cars.
Not a lot of problems a recent one was starter wire was loose and fixed it and no more problems great car good gas mileage not many problems.
accountCircle Melissa A
How to maintain a 2003 Honda Civic ex.
When I first received the car, it was in okay condition but after a month, many problems began to pop up and add on. I feel like the person who sold me the car, wasn't completely honest. I spent over $1, 000 on fixing the car. It took me about 6 months to a year to finally fix it up to somewhat brand new. Today, it has a few minor problems such as having to purchase new wheels, brakes, windshield, etc. But all in all, I take very good care of my car. I make sure that everything is filled such as oil change, coolant, and so on. So as long as you are up to date on maintenance, your car will run for a long time. Only thing I need to work on is saving up for a new paint job because I realized that throughout the 5 years I have had the car, the paint is beginning to fade or peel off.
accountCircle Pat R
My car is perfect for me will continue driving it for as long as I can.
No big problems, love the way it drives; the low cost of maintenance, and the miles I have put on this car and continues to run great. It is very comfortable and the seat fits me perfectly. The color has maintained its color with very fading or no rusting. I would buy another Honda as they are very reliable and fits my needs and wants for want I need a car for.
accountCircle jodie v
How my old cheap car got me everywhere I need to go. Don't need a new car with all the gadgets.
My vehicle is getting old and therefore it needs a lot of repairs. Most recently I had to get the AC fixed. My vehicle has also been in a car accident (before I bought it) so the hood doesn't close properly. But other than that it gets great mileage.
accountCircle Brandon S
It has an insanely low total mileage on it. The car only has 56000 miles.
My 2003 Civic is one of the most reliable cars I have ever driven. It has great gas mileage for Its age and has never had any major issues.
accountCircle Abhay D
It is the most reliable vehicle.
I like that it is very reliable, fuel efficient, very economic to maintain. I have no dislikes or complaints about it. I used to have another vehicle - a minivan - before I retired so, I am a little spoiled when it comes size and space.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Carmen O
It was the thought that counts, Scrappy the car had a short lived life with me.
The car was gifted to me from a friend a couple months ago and it ran for almost 3 weeks and the transmission went out.can't afford to fix it. So it's just there under a tree in the yard. I've been trying to have my spouse fix on it, but no luck. So we just walk.
accountCircle Charles D
I like the way it drives, but I've always enjoyed stick shift.
My car is a late model, I would really like a up to date vehicle, it has great performance, but I have many repair problems, it's good on gas it really rides nicely, it's a stick shift, I enjoy the feeling of the way it drives. I wish it was a different color.
accountCircle Chris K.
The 2003 Honda Civic EX - nonstop headache of a car.
I bought this car new in August 2003 and had nothing but problems with it - mostly squeaks and rattles, an automatic transmission that was sluggish to downshift and an engine that pinged and rattled on 87 octane regular (had to put 89 octane mid grade in it). The brace behind the back seat broke at 7500 miles; the dealer's repair: crimp the broken ends together. Not acceptable! It came from the factory welded together and that's how it should have been repaired. After bringing the car back to the dealer 13 times in less than 2 years, the last straw came when the service manager saw me and screamed THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT CAR! I traded the Honda in on a Mazda 3 that is infinitely better. Never again Honda, never again!
accountCircle Tori R
2003 Honda Civic in ok condition.
Well being it is an older model 2003 Honda Civic the upkeep and maintenance for this vehicle is a bit pricey. There is always something wrong with it I have all but exceeded the original price for the vehicle being that I am not able to get a newer vehicle at this time unfortunately I have to keep this car in a reasonable condition.
accountCircle keri n
The honda civic is very good on gas mileage per miles used.
The car is mileage efficient. It doesn't come with an upgraded stereo system. No aux cord insert. Very reliable.
accountCircle Sarah S
Great for first time car buyer
It worked well for the first few years I had it. I bought it used. The past few years it's had a lot of trouble with the engine. It's in its last leg.
accountCircle Juan C
It is a small car not recommended for families of 3 or more and is low to the ground
Great on gas gets about 40mpg, not a family car (coupe). So far I have had to get brakes, 4 tires, Cadillac converter, and muffler fixed or replaced
accountCircle Allan L
It is white and has four doors. I.
This car lacks any convenience. Manual windows, no radio or a working a/c. It does get great gas mileage 30 plus miles per gallon.

What Do Critics Say About the 2003 Honda Civic?

Consumer Reports had nothing but praise for the 2003 Honda Civic, giving special notice to the car’s handling, design, and crash test ratings.

Kelley Blue Book users found the car to be reliable and easy to maneuver, parallel parking with ease even if that’s not your strong suit. But, road noise and meager acceleration lost the car a few points with some drivers.

Edmunds loved the efficient, environmentally-friendly engines and the roomy interior, but criticized Honda’s decision to not include anti-lock brakes in the lower trims.

What Common Problems Does the 2003 Honda Civic Have?

If you check the recall list, the 2003 Civic’s biggest recurring issue has been a series of headlight problems. Most recently there was a problem with terminal ends melting in the low-beam lights. Before that, the car was hit with a whopping 11 recalls for missing reflectors.

Airbag problems lead the complaints department, with reports as recently as Spring, 2022 of drivers waiting on replacement inflators. There are 142 airbag complaints on file in total.

Transmission issues will tend to pop up in a twenty year old car sooner or later, and, as reliable as the Civic may be, it’s no exception to the rule. A complaint in 2020 reports the car popping into neutral at random, while a report from 2014 states that the car jerked and failed to accelerate with a failure mileage of 300,000.

In total there are 24 recalls on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which sounds like a lot, but more than half of those are for the above-mentioned issues with the car’s headlights. There are barely over 100 transmission reports on file, which is remarkable for such an old car.

How Long Will the 2003 Honda Civic Last?

RepairPal suggest putting aside at least $368 a year for regular maintenance costs. The most expensive common repair being a new alternator, which starts at around $578 and can go up to $906.

As reported in the NHTSA complaints list, a Civic can easily reach 300,000 miles before you have any problems with it, and there’s more than one out there with seven figures on the odometer. But, since you can’t be sure how well the previous owner maintained the car, a fair estimate for life expectancy would be 250,000 miles.

accountCircle Toni T

No problems, I feel very safe in it. I keep it maintained by my Mechanic and I keep it in my garage. It's black and looks very beautiful when I wash it.

accountCircle Kimberly R

I have not had any problems with mine. As long as u do regular maintenance on them I think they will last a very long time.

accountCircle Amanda R

No the only problems with the car are with the license plate light in the back and that I cannot get it replaced anywhere for a low sum of money.

accountCircle Heath M

My Honda Civic is really reliable, I drive it everyday, at least 50 miles a day and it gives me no problems.

accountCircle Beverly L

It's pretty reliable but it does have a few physical problems once in a while like the airbags don't work and after they're fixed they still don't work...

accountCircle Angie S

Very reliable. Has had few problems. Good gas mileage. Parts aren't too expensive. Timing belt most expensive.

accountCircle Kristen G

Yes it is reliable. The radio doesn't work but that was man made. a child played with it when I was younger around 14. I chose not to get the radio fixed but I have an iPhone and it can connect to music apps

accountCircle Mark J

My 2003 Honda Civic is somewhat reliable the air conditioner has stopped working and its alarm system malfunctioned

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is is pretty basic, even for 2003. THe top trim level gets you a CD player, and that’s about as fancy as it gets.

Safety technology is adequate. The car’s crash test ratings are excellent, but features like anti-lock brakes and occupant detection for the airbags are optional, or exclusive to higher trim levels. This is probably the biggest mark against the car.

Is the 2003 Honda Civic a Good Value?

There are cheaper cars on the market right now, but the 2003 Honda Civic is one of the best overall values you’re going to find. Fair market pricing for an LX with around 150,000 miles will starts in the $2,753 range, and, with proper maintenance, you can easily get another 100,000 miles out of that, or even double it if you’re lucky.

  • DX $3,164
  • HX $3,193
  • LX $3,580
  • EX $3,069

What are the Different Models of the 2003 Honda Civic?

The standard 2003 Honda Civic is available in four trim levels, with the Si sports car, the Hybrid, and the natural gas powered GX being marketed and sold as separate cars by Honda. If you’re shopping the used market for a daily driver, you’re looking for an entry level DX, a mid-range HX or LX, or a top-class EX.

The DX is your starter Civic, featuring:

  • AM/FM stereo
  • Maintenance interval indicator
  • Remote fuel door and trunk release
  • Front reclining bucket seats

The LX and HX are the next step up, adding:

  • CD player
  • Power door locks and windows
  • Power exterior mirrors
  • Cruise control

The difference between the LX and the HX is in the engine choice, with the HX carrying the VTEC.

Finally, the top-of-the-line EX adds:

  • Four-wheel anti-lock brakes
  • Fifteen inch wheels
  • Power moonroof

What Engines Come In the 2003 Honda Civic?

  • The standard engine in the 2003 Honda Civic is a 1.7L inline-4 paired with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. This will deliver 115 horsepower and 110 lb.-ft. of torque.
  • Next up is a VTEC version of the 1.7L, delivering 117 horsepower and 111 lb.-ft. of torque. In more Civics than not this engine will be paired to a one-speed CVT, but if you shop around you might find one with a 5-speed manual transmission.

What Colors Does the 2003 Honda Civic Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2003 Honda Civic?

The 2003 Civic looks like compact from the outside, but feels like a mid-size when you get in. Hiproom is just a few inches short of full-size cars like the Taurus, so you should have no problem seating four or five adults at a time.

When the car first debuted, reviewers generally agreed that it delivered a smooth, comfortable ride. So the question is whether or not the suspension has held up over the years. With only twelve NHTSA complaints filed under suspension the consensus seems to be that it has, but as always, test drive. You never know if the previous owner was using their compact car as an off-roader.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 Honda Civic Have?

You’re not going to be helping your friends haul furniture in the 2003 Civic, even with a hatchback. Cargo space in the hatchback tops out at 15.7 cubic feet with the seats up, or 35.7 with the seats down. Plenty of room for four or five suitcases and maybe a cooler, but it’s not built for hauling. The sedan only goes up to 12.9 cubic feet.

On the other hand, you have plenty of pockets and cupholders and slots inside the cabin, so you’re not going to be looking for places to put your phone and your drink.

Centered wide dash shot

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2003 Honda Civic is the third iteration of the car’s 7th Generation, which launched with the 2001 model year, coming to a close with the 2004 edition.

2001: Honda gave the Civic a total overhaul in 2001 with modern, sporty stylin and improved performance thanks to the new 122 horsepower D17A1 engines under the hood.

2002: Behind the scenes, Honda moved all hatchback production to their plant in Swindon, England for 2002. You’ll also notice some new chrome accents and interior design improvements in this model year.

2003: The Civic saw a lot of little improvements for 2003 with higher-quality seat fabrics, adjustable headrests in the back, and redesigned bumpers, grilles, and side skirts.

2004: This was a “facelift” year for the Civic, with a revamped front end. New headlights, bumper, and grille.

How Does the 2003 Honda Civic Compare to the Competition?

Comparing the 2003 Civic to that year’s Focus, the Ford comes out ahead if you’re looking for horsepower, delivering up to 145 hp with the 2.3L engine, a full twenty horses more than a base Civic. But, that comes at the cost of around five miles fewer to the gallon.

It’s pretty much the same story with that year’s Elantra. The Hyundai delivers 135 horsepower at 24/33 miles to the gallon, city/highway, while the Civic delivers 115 horsepower at 32/38 mpg.

When it comes to reliability, the Civic has a stronger reputation than just about anything else on the market today. But, you can buy a Focus for as low as $1,676 in some markets, and the Elantra starts at about a hundred dollars more, so if you just want a cheap car that doesn’t need to last another 100,000 miles, you could do worse.

Ranks #11 Small Cars by Owners

1
car
4.5
2
car
4.35
11
car
4.16

Do Owners Recommend the 2003 Honda Civic?

accountCircle Maggie B

Yes, I would recommend it to anyone. It runs smoothly and I have not had any problems with it since I purchased it.

accountCircle Crystal M

Yes I enjoy long trips in my car isn't very good on gas and has plenty of room for everything I need.

accountCircle Ashley S

It's a reliable vehicle and hasn't ever given me problems. It is good on gas also. One con about my Honda though is it is too small or me and it does not have enough ventilation in the car and smells stay in the car easily

accountCircle Lewis L

My Honda Civic is a great vehicle, Do your oil changes and tire rotation on the regular this vehicle will last for many years.

accountCircle Colt D

Yes, the 2003 Honda civic is a really good vehicle and I recommend that everyone should buy it if they haven't already.

accountCircle Bertha H

Yes, very reliable. Minimal trips to the mechanic. Good gas mileage. Easy ride. I would buy it again.

accountCircle Shannon F

Yes there is trunk space and runs well. It rarely breaks down. There is a lot of storage space. And is small and convenient

accountCircle Hector S

Yes my 2003 Honda Civic is a good car because it gets good gas mileage and it has had very few mechanical problems

Owner Reviews

accountCircle William on April 11, 2023
02 civic bad exhaust
Weird had exhaust issue flex tube and pipe not to $$ to fix it was loud and slow once it got up to speed now exhaust is fixed running not so good like 1st gear automatic or something though it runs better with loud exhaust
accountCircle Sian on January 10, 2022
2003 Civic Coupe Ex
Bought this car new. Currently has 142,000 miles. Head gasket just went and hoping no further damage was done. Be aware that this is a know issue that can happen around the 150K mark. Cost is about $2400 if going to a dealer but depends on where you live. My car looks new in and out. She’s been a great car and I have no complaints. I hope The repair keeps her running for a couple more years.
accountCircle David H on April 3, 2021
Reliable and low maintenance.
This car works like an appliance. You get in and turn the key. Everything always works. You never doubt that the car will perform all they way to your destination. This car is incredibly cheap and easy to fix. The spark plugs are right on top and accessible. The cam sensors are easily replaced. Air filters are a breeze. This is a car that can easily go 250k or more miles hassle free.
accountCircle Isabella N on April 2, 2021
Honda civic is meant to service with a unique experience.
It comes is cool colors, small but spacy inside. Seats are very much adaptable, it is high enough with enhanced stability, good quality, durable, exciting to drive and ride in. Inexpensive and cost effective to manage. Spare parts are common, can efficiently use any lane size.
accountCircle Laura R on March 25, 2021
Great gas mileage and very comfortable.
It gets great gas mileage and is reliable. A small car to park anywhere. It is comfortable to ride in and hardly anything breaks down. The seats are comfortable that steering wheel is a good size. A/c works great and it is easy to keep clean and maintenance.
accountCircle Valdemar N on March 25, 2021
The ride is a little bumpy because of some aftermarket suspension.
I enjoy this car because it's good on gas. Apart from this it's has been really reliable. I just would like it to be a little bigger.
accountCircle Zoe B on March 24, 2021
2003 Honda Civic ex sedan.
I drive a 2003 Honda Civic ex sedan. Last year I put a brand new motor in that car and since I have done this it has been running terrifically. The motor was the only problem I have ever had out of the car. It is very comfortable and drives very smoothly. Very good on gas which is convenient because I have a long drive to work everyday. I would very much recoup Honda to anyone looking for their first car it is a great vehicle to start off with because it is very dependable.
accountCircle Charlotte K on March 22, 2021
Reliable car with nice design.
Very reliable car. Have not had any real repair issues. Mostly it is just needs routine maintenance. The dealership was great for warranty follow up.
accountCircle Megan M on March 18, 2021
It's old, but it's reliable and dependable and very low maintenance.
It's very dependable despite its age. It doesn't have any new features like a backup camera or a GPS though, so I wish my car had those things.
accountCircle Rach B on March 17, 2021
It is a two door Civic. It only has a little over 110,000 miles was driven across the country and still runs great.
All features on the car work. The car comes with a sunroof and two key fob lock buttons for a keychain. Honda are basic, but run well and without much repair.
accountCircle Hunter B on March 17, 2021
Do leave without a jug of coolant.
It is a great car, I am just pretty hard on it so it has overheating issues due to a blown head gasket. When it was stock it is ride quality was superb. Also a very safe car to drive.
accountCircle Carmen O on March 16, 2021
It was the thought that counts, Scrappy the car had a short lived life with me.
The car was gifted to me from a friend a couple months ago and it ran for almost 3 weeks and the transmission went out.can't afford to fix it. So it's just there under a tree in the yard. I've been trying to have my spouse fix on it, but no luck. So we just walk.
accountCircle Charlotte B on March 10, 2021
The 2003 Honda Civic has stood up for 15 years with few issues.
It is reliable.My car gets very good gas mileage. Since it has gotten older the window tint is peeling and the interior has a few stains.
accountCircle Hannah P on March 10, 2021
2003 Civic with 265,000 miles and still running!
My car has been very reliable, currently still running with 265,000 miles. However, during ownership, most often it is a number of small things that add up to large bills; exhaust replaced multiple times, brakes, tires and alignments (all standard), but then the timing belt, head gasket, air conditioning compressor and multiple alternator replacements have proven very costly. Honda's typically have the most reliable longevity, and most parts can be replaced easily and with aftermarket parts, however when a Honda reaches it is end, it let's you know.
accountCircle Heather S on March 7, 2021
Simple, easy to use, affordable
It is compact and easy to park. Has not had many maintainable problems and doesn't not have a loud engine
accountCircle Daniel B on February 28, 2021
It gets 30 mpg which is really good for an early 00's car.
I like the gas mileage and cheaper maintenance costs. I also like that it is a manual. I dislike the overall aged appearance of it.
accountCircle Laura R on February 24, 2021
Honda Civic 2003 Classical
This vehicle is such a great vehicle comfort level is decent, runs great, does need to have regular maintenance, only problem was over heating but fixed with new radiator and thermostat.
accountCircle Allan L on February 19, 2021
It is white and has four doors. I.
This car lacks any convenience. Manual windows, no radio or a working a/c. It does get great gas mileage 30 plus miles per gallon.
accountCircle Leonardo S on February 17, 2021
Great Gas Mileage Seats 5 Always passes smog not new but runs like new
Great car doesn't fail me the gas mileage is great i drive it everywhere and it has never left me in the middle of the road great car
accountCircle Joshua B on February 15, 2021
Honda Civic 5 speed review
This car is awesome on gas it's 40 miles to work one way and I only fill up once a week careful about the immobilizer unit in the ignition the wear out quick and are expensive to replace
accountCircle Tori R on February 15, 2021
2003 Honda Civic in ok condition.
Well being it is an older model 2003 Honda Civic the upkeep and maintenance for this vehicle is a bit pricey. There is always something wrong with it I have all but exceeded the original price for the vehicle being that I am not able to get a newer vehicle at this time unfortunately I have to keep this car in a reasonable condition.
accountCircle Abhay D on February 14, 2021
It is the most reliable vehicle.
I like that it is very reliable, fuel efficient, very economic to maintain. I have no dislikes or complaints about it. I used to have another vehicle - a minivan - before I retired so, I am a little spoiled when it comes size and space.
accountCircle Amy I on February 12, 2021
It is hybrid so uses less gas and creates less air pollution.
I like the color, 5-speed, hybrid. Has low emissions so less pollution.
accountCircle Amanda D on February 10, 2021
My car is great. With proper maintenance this car will last.
I love my car. My car has been good to me. Compared to most cars my car is great on gas, everything works how its supposed to, only issue I can think of at the moment is that the fabric on the car seats are easily faded by the sun.
accountCircle Leah L on February 4, 2021
2003 Honda Civic Comfort Review
I bought my car at 15 (currently 23) and have absolutely loved it up until Fall of 2018. However, since then there are constant issues. Including a broken driver's side door, constant overheating (even after fixing the radiator + several other issues).The car is just old and not as comfortable or reliable as some of my friends' newer card. I have no way to play music from my phone which is also an inconvenience.
accountCircle Alyssa J on January 31, 2021
Reliable, safe, start vehicle.
It is been reliable, the perfect size and has lasted a long time. It is an older model, so the electronic are very outdated and the paint is going. One of the features is a sunroof, which is really nice when it is warm out. The radio went haywire after a while and wasn't easy to replace.
accountCircle Pat R on January 29, 2021
My car is perfect for me will continue driving it for as long as I can.
No big problems, love the way it drives; the low cost of maintenance, and the miles I have put on this car and continues to run great. It is very comfortable and the seat fits me perfectly. The color has maintained its color with very fading or no rusting. I would buy another Honda as they are very reliable and fits my needs and wants for want I need a car for.
accountCircle Scottland T on January 27, 2021
Changing parts is easy no need to pay an expensive mechanic anyone can do it.
My Vehicle is very reliable, I have had it for 3 years paid cash! Minor problems that I fix myself alternator, radiator fan, brakes, oil changes, thermostat, fuses, speakers, adding touch screen, etc. All parts are cheap and easy to access yourself no need for a shop. A/c still works like a charm and the car is over 10 years old. Drives amazingly.
accountCircle Jennifer A on January 24, 2021
Honda 2003 Civic runs on magic, Honda made to last.
Honda is a great car that is build to last for a long time. My boyfriend has had our current car for over 7 years, and it was bought used with 100k miles on it. He has put 150k miles on it since buying it, and the car has lasted a long time through regular maintenance and care. The care is comfortable, compact, and has an extremely long shelf life.
accountCircle Ashlee E on January 24, 2021
It is a great car, great especially if you travel.
I love my car it is just not what I wanted for a vehicle. It gets me were I need to be. Although I wish it was 4 wheel drive.
accountCircle Craig S on January 20, 2021
Awesome car. Love it. Very dependable. Good gas mileage.
Love it. Very dependable. Good gas mileage. Will be my last owned car.
accountCircle Cavan F on January 15, 2021
It has been a very good car for us, and the hybrid system is reliable.
I like saving money on gas by driving a hybrid. The car has been reliable and comfortable to drive, and it is much quieter than our previous car. It does bother me that the miles-per-gallon on the display reads about 10% too high, and there is a rattle in the dashboard. But I hope to keep driving this car for at least another five years.
accountCircle Beth A on January 15, 2021
Super fuel efficient and low emissions, so low impact on the environment and less time at the pump.
It's a CVT hybrid and judders from a stop, but other than that, it's been incredibly dependable. Very fuel efficient. Allowed me to receive tax breaks, discounts on parking, and drive solo in carpool lanes.
accountCircle Em B on January 12, 2021
My old (but functional) Honda Civic lx.
My car has been very reliable, but recently failed its emissions test. It still runs, but the engine makes strange noises. It has over 160, 000 miles on it, and I know it could last even longer. Although it does not look as nice as it used to look, it still gets me from point A to point B effectively and efficiently.
accountCircle Renee S on January 9, 2021
I get regular oil changes more often now that I have 217,000 miles on my car.
Only bad thing, I live in the northeast and potholes damage your car. The gas mileage is awesome, parking is awesome. I have coupe so car too small for long trips and for family of more than 2 children. CD player, sunroof, AC, manual 5 speed and cruise control.
accountCircle Stephanie H on January 2, 2021
It is stick shift and runs like a champ.
This car is super reliable. It is great on gas and very comfortable. It is not as new however it is a good car that will get you from point A to point B. It is great for people who commute and do not want to spend as much on gas and want to drive comfortably.
accountCircle Kayla G on December 31, 2020
In summary, my Honda Civic looks nice and runs well.
Its old, so has some cosmetic issues: paint chips, scratches, etc.. Slightly noisy but runs well and reliably. I have only had it for a year and have really enjoyed driving it as well as fixing the car up and making it look nice. Hondas are known for reliability as long as you take care of them. I plan to drive this car for a long time!
accountCircle Adam W on December 28, 2020
It is not a reflection of me, it just gets me where I'm going.
It basically gets me from A to B. It is starting to feel like it's falling apart. I feel like it will die in the next year.
accountCircle Jacob Z on December 26, 2020
Mellow performance under the hood.
There are very few problems with my car. It is an older car so the automatic transmission timing is not as up to speed as I would like it to be. Also, being a 4-cylinder, it is acceleration is a bit slower than what I would like. It also does not come with an aux cord. Other than that, I love this car in every way!
accountCircle Marilyn S on December 19, 2020
Very Reliable, Very Safe and Very Efficient.
My Honda civic LX, is really reliable and great on gas, it is a great looking car. The maintenance is very small, if you do your 3000 miles oil change and tire rotations on a regular, you can drive your car for many years. My Honda civic LX is a family car and very safe,
accountCircle Alexandra S on December 14, 2020
Honda Civic - Great, Reliable Car!
Very reliable car, has needed little no maintenance besides regular oil changes and yearly inspections. Love the passenger side camera, helps see around blind spots when switching lanes. Backseat is spacious for a compact car and the trunk holds more than expected. Handles well in the city and on the highway but the engine does tend to rev higher than expected when having to speed up quickly, usually when needing to merge onto a highway.
accountCircle PaulJohn E on December 14, 2020
Mud guard needs to be change, the performance on it is great, it saves gas and saves money.it is a good car to get to from one place to the other.
Reliability, good working engine, good gas mileage.
accountCircle DEB S on December 12, 2020
It gets extremely good mileage in town and on highways in all seasons.
I love the high gas mileage. It is low maintenance. It is not as comfortable as a BMW, but suitable. But no complaints.
accountCircle Mike S on December 6, 2020
The fuel mileage is great and Honda air conditioning is super cold
This vehicle has been very reliable have had a few small problems starting with the charcoal emissions canister had to replace it because it was making check engine light come on and the top cap of fuel tank cracked had to repair that too not expensive just a little work besides that it has been a great car for 12 years
accountCircle Rachael A on November 24, 2020
Hondas are tough reliable cars.
Not a lot of problems a recent one was starter wire was loose and fixed it and no more problems great car good gas mileage not many problems.
accountCircle Kris K on November 23, 2020
It is an old car and has one wheel out the door.
The brakes concern me even after replacement. The car is not as spacious as it could be, the design is poor, I wish there was more space between the two seats up front as well as for the console to store more. It does not do well on hills and feels generally unsafe in any inclement weather. This may be due to the sheer age of the car but I think there is much room for improvement
accountCircle Caitlin O on November 21, 2020
Sage green Honda Civic with beat up bumpers
Being that my car is a bit older the air doesn't work properly, and the paint has started to peel. I purchased the car off an elderly woman a year ago, and at the time it only had 40,000 miles on it. Aside from the exterior and the air it is running perfectly. I intend to drive it until it dies. A real plus is that it is pretty cheap to fill up. I have never paid more than $30 to fill up the tank. It may not be much to look at, but my next car will hopefully be a Honda as well.
accountCircle Christine R on November 21, 2020
Car review. I enjoy driving a small car.
Being an older car, I am having to replace several things. It is a standard transmission which I like.
accountCircle Daniel O on November 17, 2020
Others should know that this car is very reliable and will safely get you from point A to point B
I love the reliability of my vehicle. I also love the gas mileage. I dislike the sound it makes when off the highway.
accountCircle k on November 10, 2020
Great car
The absolute best and most reliable car you could ever own. Got it from my dad and stepmom with only 110k miles on it. I only got it to 121k before a rod threw and went through the block because the oil burnt up cause of Take5, but it still lasted for about 2,000 miles after recommended oil change. It could still run even with a hole in it.
accountCircle C B on November 9, 2020
It has a history of transmission issues and it's about $3000 to fix
It gets great gas mileage. The automatic transmission slips when cold and needs repairs. It could have a quieter ride going down the highway, it's loud inside.
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.