2009 Honda Civic Review: A Small Car Still Suffering From Mechanical Defects

More expensive than other compact cars ranging from $5,811 to $11,334, the 2009 model is a bad year with more complaints than rivals. Cracked engines and worn-out oil pumps give the Civic a lower long-term reliability rating, shortening its lifespan to around 200,000 miles.

2009 Honda Civic: Quick Overview

• We rate the 2009 Honda Civic’s reliability as poor, even though J.D. Power gave it a great rating when the car was new. This lowered rating is based on engine problems, and general build quality issues developing as the car ages.
• Two engine options are available. Both choices are 4 cylinders and offer a good combination of fuel economy and power for the class.
• Fuel efficiency is excellent ranking 2^nd out of 30 compact cars from 2009 with a combined rating of up to 29 miles per gallon.
• Safety ratings are better than the competition getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests and earning a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• The 2009 Honda Civic ranks 14^th out of 30 compact cars based on owner reviews. Numerous mechanical problems make 2009 a bad year for the Civic, and one buyers should avoid.

What Problems Does the 2009 Honda Civic Have?

There are more problems with the 2009 Honda Civic than with many other compact cars built the same year. The newer 2010 model is a much better choice with fewer complaints, and only costs around $200 dollars more on the used market.

Failing clear coats is the number one complaint from owners, happening around 65,000 miles. The paint tends to wear out as the car is exposed to a lot of sunlight. When the clear coat fails the only solution is to repaint the affected areas, costing about $1,000 per panel.

Premature brake pad wear is another common issue affecting cars about every 32,000 miles. The brake pads and rotors tend to wear out faster than other compact cars. Replacing the pads costs about $300, and the rotors are an additional $400.

Cracked engine blocks are still a problem happening around 50,000 miles. Engine failures are a common problem on models from 2006 through 2009, but the failure rate decreased over time. There was a class action suit over the engines to extend the warranty on some vehicles. Out of warranty, a new engine costs about $3,000.

There are 8 recalls, which is more than some other compact cars from the same year. One of the recalls is for the fuel hose connector bracket, which can cause gasoline to leak. The other seven are for airbags, and once they have been replaced are not a concern.

How Much is the 2009 Honda Civic Worth?

Ranging in price from $5,811 to $11,334, depending on the model and mileage, the 2009 Civic is more expensive than other compact cars including the Elantra and Focus. When new, the price range was $15,305 to $24,305. Depreciation is average for the class, losing about 12% of its value each year on the used market.

What Are the Models & Specs?

DX is the entry-level model and comes standard with:

• 15-Inch Steel Wheels
• Cloth Seating
• Manual Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• Air Conditioning
• 4-Speaker Stereo System

LX is next in the lineup, adding:

• 16-Inch Steel Wheels
• Power Windows and Locks
• Keyless Entry
• Cruise Control

EX is near the middle including:

• 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Improved Cloth Seating
• 6-Speaker Stereo System
• USB Connectivity

EX-L is a luxurious version adding:

• 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Leather Seating
• Heated Front Seats
• Interior Trim Improvements

Si is a sport-focused model and changes include:

• A Larger 4-Cylinder Engine
• 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Sportier Suspension
• Fog Lights
• Sport Seats with Cloth Centers

How Long Will the 2009 Honda Civic Last?

A 2009 Honda Civic will last about 200,000 miles when properly cared for, but there are some engine problems on the 2006 through 2009 models. According to Repair Pal, regular annual maintenance costs are average for the class similar to the Corolla, at $375 per year.

As a Civic ages and crosses 100,000 miles, there are a few components which may wear out and need to be replaced. These include oil pumps for about $900, exhaust gas recirculation valves for $300, and power steering control modules costing around $625.

What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?

Technology in the 2009 Honda Civic is similar to other compact cars from 2009, but is basic compared to what is found in newer cars.

• Standard technology is an AM/FM/CD stereo system with a 3.5mm AUX jack, and 4-speakers.
• Optional upgrades include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation, and a 6-speaker stereo system.
• Safety features include air bags, and antilock brakes. On the EX and Si models there are 4-wheel disc brakes, and stability control.

What Engine Options are Available?

Performance in the 2009 Honda Civic is average on the base models, but very good for a compact car when you upgrade to the Si model. The more powerful engine in the Si model takes the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds.

• The base engine is a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 140 horsepower.
• A larger 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is found in the Si model, which produces 197 horsepower.

What Color Options are Available?

How Big is the Civic?

The 2009 Honda Civic is a compact car, available as both a coupe and sedan. Space in the cabin of the sedan is adequate, with decent legroom in the back seats for adults. On the other hand, the back seats in the coupe are very cramped, only fitting children. Cargo space is average for the class with 12 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which is enough for 3 suitcases.

How Does the 2009 Honda Civic Compare to Other Cars?

Ranking 14^th out of 30 compact cars based on owner reviews, the 2009 Honda Civic is in the middle of the class.

A more expensive competitor is the Toyota Corolla. Where Toyota comes out ahead is with a smoother ride, and more technology available. The Civic is sportier to drive, and has a higher-quality interior. 2009 is a bad year for both cars, though, with more complaints than other years, and we don’t recommend either.

Another close rival is the Mazda3, which is in the same price range. The Mazda has better reliability ratings with fewer problems, and a more upscale interior. Where the Civic stands out is with more passenger room, and better infotainment technology. Overall, between the two cars, the Mazda3 is a better choice with a lower number of complaints for the 2009 model year.

Final Verdict: Is the 2009 Honda Civic a Good Car?

No, the 2009 Honda Civic is not a good car. We reached our conclusion after considering 449 verified owner reviews, with a combined rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. The positives include good performance compared to other compact cars, and better fuel economy than most competitors. Negatives include serious engine problems, and less technology than some rivals. Overall 2009 is a model year buyers should skip with serious improvements for 2010, only costing only about $200 more.