The 2016 Honda Civic is a compact car with a price range of $16,070 to $22,435, making it more expensive than some of its competitors. It’s the first model year of the 10th generation, and has more issues than later models.
2016 Honda Civic: Quick Overview
- The 2016 Honda Civic is the first model year for the 10th generation and has all-new styling, engines, and technology.
- Reliability ratings are average, according to J.D. Power. It has more problems than other model years.
- Two engines are available. Both are 4-cylinders, and the upgraded engine is more efficient and powerful.
- Fuel efficiency is good and the Civic ties for 3rd place out of 38 compact cars. It gets a combined rating of up to 35 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are better than average, earning 5-stars in government crash tests. It also gets the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest award of Top Safety Pick+.
- The 2016 Civic ranks high in the compact car class based on owner reviews. It does what a small car should with a comfortable interior and good tech for the money.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2016 Honda Civic Have?
The 2016 Honda Civic has more problems than the 2015 or 2017 model years, primarily because it was a complete redesign. It has an average number of complaints compared to other compact cars. The 2016 Honda Civic problems and recalls include parking brake malfunctions and power steering failure.
Infotainment system problems are the most frequent issue reported by owners, including Bluetooth disconnecting. Rebooting the stereo system usually fixes the problems, and there’s a new software update to help prevent disconnects.
Air conditioning issues are also very common. Owners report the A/C system will not cool the vehicle, replacing the compressor or condenser fixes the problem. Honda has extended the condenser warranty to 10 years to replace them as they fail.
Engine problems are not very common, but owners mention the engine stalls while driving in some cases. One owner reports the parking brake recall fixes the problem since it includes new software for the ECU.
There are 3 recalls affecting the 2016 Civic, better than average for a car its age. The recalls include the piston wrist pin, side marker lights, and parking brake. Most serious is the parking brake, since it can cause the car to roll away.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2016 Honda Civic is more expensive than other compact cars with a price range of $16,070 to $22,435, depending on the model and mileage. When new, it had a retail price of $18,640 to $26,500. In current market conditions depreciation is very slow, only losing about 15% of its value in the first 5 years.
- LX is the entry-level model and has 16-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 5-inch infotainment screen.
- EX is above it in the lineup with 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch infotainment screen, a power moonroof, heated side mirrors, push button start, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- EX-T is in the middle and has the same features as the EX, but upgrades to the 1.5L turbocharged engine. It also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats.
- EX-L adds luxury with leather seats, an 8-way adjustable power driver’s seat, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror.
- Touring is the flagship model and has Honda Sensing Safety features, LED headlights, and a more powerful stereo system.
How Long Will the 2016 Honda Civic Last?
A 2016 Honda Civic has a reputation for being a long-lasting car and will last over 250,000 miles, above average for its class. Maintenance costs are more affordable than average, Repair Pal estimates them to be $340 per year.
Yes. I have never had any problems. I get my oil changes routinely. And I take good care of it. The car has not let me down so far.
It is a reliable car. We've had issues with the air conditioning... Hopefully we'll get it fixed before next summer. Other than that everything has been running smoothly.
I have owned my Honda for 3 months and have yet to have any difficulties. I have owned a Honda in the past and have found that their vehicles are always reliable.
Yes, it is reliable. It has zero problems. There's only been one recall on the car. I have only replaced one part of the car.
It is very reliable, it always gets me where I need to go. I have never experienced any problems with my car.
It is very reliable. Other than the size and space of the car being limiting at some times it is a perfect car.
Yes it's reliable I don't have any problems with it other than the heat is flakey sometimes. It will take a long time for my car to heat up.
Have not had any problems. Service vehicle when maintenance reminder tells me. As with most newer cars oil changes require premium grades, so oil changes more expensive, but for me it seems to last longer.
2016 Honda Civic EX Walkaround Video
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology in the 2016 Honda Civic is better than other compact cars since it’s the first year of a new generation.
- Base technology includes a 5-inch infotainment screen, and a 4-speaker stereo system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
- Upgrades include a larger 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a more powerful stereo system.
- For safety, the Civic comes standard with traction and stability control, a rearview camera, antilock brakes, and airbags. Upgrades include the Honda Sensing package, which adds automatic braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2016 Honda Civic’s engine options include a 2.0L i-VTEC I-4 and a more powerful turbocharged 1.5L I-4. Performance in the 2016 Honda Civic is average for a compact car. It goes from 0 to 60 in 7.2 seconds with the more powerful engine.
- The base engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder and produces 158 horsepower.
- A more efficient and powerful 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder is available with 174 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Civic?
The 2016 Civic is a compact car, and is available as either a sedan or coupe. Passenger room is good for its class in the back seats of the sedan, but cramped in the coupe. It has more cargo space than other compact cars, with 15.1 cubic feet of room in the sedan and 12.1 in the coupe.
How Does the 2016 Honda Civic Compare to Other Cars?
The 2016 Honda Civic ranks 11th out of 38 compact cars based on owner reviews.
At the top of the lineup is the Volkswagen Beetle, which has a lower starting price. The Beetle is a more unique car than the Civic, but it loses out to it in almost every way. Reliability, passenger room, technology, and safety are all better in the Honda. The VW targets a specific group of buyers, and the Civic is a much better all-around car for everyone else.
Another rival is the more affordable Toyota Corolla. Toyota and Honda have very similar reliability ratings, and performance specs. Technology is better in the Honda, since the Corolla is more outdated. Ultimately, if you are looking for a compact car, they’re both great choices, but the refreshed Honda is a better value for your money.
Final Verdict: Is the 2016 Honda Civic a Good Car?
Based on our research of 17 automotive and government websites, along with 1389 owner reviews, yes, the 2016 Civic is a good car. It has good reliability, a comfortable interior, and up-to-date technology. Where it falls short is the entry-level models are missing the latest safety tech, and it’s noisy to drive. Overall it’s a good car to get, but if you can afford to get a 2017 there are fewer complaints from owners.
Photos: Honda
