The 2021 Honda Civic lasts around 250,000 miles with some relatively minor Bluetooth and trunk alignment issues. At $23,250 to $49,800, it’s a good value for a compact car with a sporty driving experience.
Is the 2021 Honda Civic a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is a fantastic year for the Honda Civic since it offers a sporty driving experience at an affordable price. Owner reviews praise the efficient engines, low ownership costs, along with the standard safety tech.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a small car, the seats offer good support on long trips, cargo space is also very good.
- Reliability 9/10 – There are no serious problems reported on the 2021 Civic. Models from 2010–2022 are all reliable small cars with no major issues.
- Performance 9/10 – The base Civic models offer reasonable power for the car’s size, while the Type R is the fastest front-wheel-drive car on the Nürburgring.
- Safety 10/10 – The 2021 Civic is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, along with adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring is an optional upgrade.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 36 MPG, giving 446 miles of range from the 12.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $41 cheaper than average at $180 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Honda Civic is more expensive than some other small cars, but slow depreciation makes it a great long-term value.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda Civic?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Honda Civic is a substantial compact car with some elegant touches while also earning high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Civic at 4.5/5, enjoying the excellent fuel economy for a small car, but doesn’t like the slow adaptive cruise control system.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Civic a 4.7/5, praising the standard advanced safety features, but owners don’t like the lack of a hybrid version.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Honda Civic Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Honda Civic include Bluetooth connectivity issues, the trunk opening on its own, along with vibrations while braking. Overall, these problems are similar to other small cars on the market, leading to average repair bills as a Civic ages.
Bluetooth connectivity issues are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Civic owners, showing up in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improves the reliability of the Bluetooth connection. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others may charge around $50.
The trunk opening on its own is another problem mentioned by some Civic owners at around 1,000 miles. Usually, the problem is simply caused by a misaligned latch which prevents the trunk from closing properly. Re-aligning the latch is covered under warranty when the car is very new.
Vibrations while braking have also been reported on some 2021 Civic models at roughly 15,000 miles. The issue is most commonly caused by worn out brake pads which lead to metal on metal contact which vibrates. Replacing the brake pads costs around $200, and rotors are an additional $375 if they are damaged.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Honda Civic, which is better than some other compact cars on the market. Having no recalls simply means that none of the issues have been mechanically serious or related to safety.
How Long Will the 2021 Honda Civic Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Honda Civic can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than other cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $318 per year.
As a used 2021 Honda Civic reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the coolant temperature sensor for $280, evaporative canister costing $325, along with the voltage regulator which costs $400.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good, offering a standard 5-inch central display screen. Optional upgrades found on the Sport and higher models include a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety technology is excellent for a compact car offering:
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Road departure mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Collision mitigation braking
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Is the 2021 Honda Civic a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Honda Civic is a good value since it offers a nice mix of reliability with a sporty driving experience. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,250 to $49,800, making it more than a Hyundai Elantra or Nissan Versa. When new, the price range was $21,250 to $43,995. Depreciation is non-existent in current market conditions, although in normal times we expect it to lose about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda Civic?
There are six models in the Civic lineup offered in 2021 from the base Civic LX, the luxurious Civic Touring, along with the very sporty Civic Type R hatchback model. All Civic models come standard with front-wheel drive.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Automatic Climate Control
- Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 5-Inch Central Display Screen
- Four-Speaker Audio System
- Single USB Port
Sport is a step up, adding:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Gloss Black Spoiler
- Center Exhaust
- Paddle Shifters
- Remote Engine Start
- Fog Lights
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Eight-Speaker Audio System
EX offers more upgrades such as:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Heated Mirrors
- Body-Colored Decklid Spoiler
- Sunroof
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Rear Armrest
- Satellite Radio
EX-L is a popular choice with:
- Leather Upholstery
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Touring is the most upscale model with:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Automatic Windshield Wipers
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- Heated Rear Seats
- 10-Speaker Audio System
Type R is the high-performance model which has:
- 20-Inch Wheels
- High Performance Summer Tires
- Rear Spoiler
- Brembo Brakes
- Adaptive Suspension Dampers
- 12-Speaker Audio System
- Optional BBS Forged Alloy Wheels
What Engines Come In the Honda Civic?
- The base engine is an average 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower, offering a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg. This engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- Another option is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 174 horsepower, delivering a combined fuel economy of 36 mpg. This engine also uses a CVT and boasts a quicker 0-60 mph time of around 6.7 seconds.
- The Civic Type R features a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 306 horsepower. It offers a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. With its performance-oriented setup, the Civic Type R is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just about 5.0 seconds.
What Colors Does the Honda Civic Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Honda Civic?
The 2021 Honda Civic is renowned for its comfort, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The interior design boasts high-quality materials and ample space, making sure that occupants feel relaxed even during long drives. The front seats offer excellent support and comfort, while the rear seats have enough legroom and headroom to accommodate taller passengers.
Additionally, the Civic’s suspension system is well-tuned, effectively absorbing road imperfections and delivering a composed ride. The cabin is well-insulated, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, which further enhances overall comfort. Furthermore, the user-friendly infotainment system and intuitive controls make it easy to stay connected and entertained on the go. In summary, the 2021 Honda Civic offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, making it a top choice in the compact car segment.
How Much Storage Space Does the Honda Civic Have?
The 2021 Honda Civic offers impressive storage space for a compact car, providing both functionality and versatility for various needs. Its trunk space measures at 15.1 cubic feet, giving you ample room to store a variety of items such as luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. For example, you can easily fit a couple of large suitcases or multiple grocery bags without any hassle.
Furthermore, the rear seats have a 60/40 split-folding feature, allowing you to expand the cargo area when needed. This additional flexibility enables you to accommodate larger items like a bicycle or even a small piece of furniture. Overall, the 2021 Honda Civic’s storage capacity is both practical and convenient, making it an excellent choice for everyday use.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The tenth generation of the Honda Civic was introduced for the 2016 model year and replaced by the eleventh generation for 2022.
2015: SE model introduced which falls in between the LX and EX models.
2016: Fully redesigned for the tenth generation with new engines, styling, and technology.
2017: New Type R and Si models added to the lineup, along with a hatchback.
2018: No major changes.
2019: Larger 2.0L 4-cylinder engine available on the Sport model, minor exterior styling changes.
2020: Upgraded brakes on the Type R model, bumper redesigned on the Si.
2021: Si model removed from the lineup, Type R model has more paint color choices.
How Does the Honda Civic Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Honda Civic is a fantastic compact car offering the latest technology paired with a sportier and more fun driving experience than a lot of the competition on the market.
The Honda Accord is a larger sedan available from Honda which costs around $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Honda Accord, while the Honda Civic offers a more engaging driving experience. We recommend the Honda Accord for most shoppers since it’s more practical, but both are great sedans.
The Toyota Corolla is another small sedan which is available in the same price range. Ownership costs are slightly lower on the Toyota Corolla, while the Honda Civic offers sportier handling. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since it’s slightly cheaper to own, but both are also excellent cars.
