Honda Civic overall review
The Honda Civic is a great car for those who prioritize reliability, fuel efficiency, safety, performance, and versatility. Its sporty handling and performance, combined with advanced safety features and a range of standard and optional features, make it one of the most popular options on the market. It may not be the most luxurious car in its class, but it offers excellent value for the money, with a reputation for reliability and a low cost of ownership. With the Civic, drivers get a well-rounded and practical car that is fun to drive, efficient and safe, making it a smart choice for anyone in the market for a compact car.
Rating out of 5 stars
Walker’s rating 4.6 / 5 stars
Is Honda Civic a good car?
The Honda Civic is considered a good car due to its reliability, fuel efficiency, safety features, comfort, and driving enjoyment. It consistently ranks well in reliability studies, offers good gas mileage, comes equipped with standard safety features, provides a spacious and comfortable interior, and has agile handling that makes it fun to drive. While individual factors such as maintenance history and specific model and year can impact its overall quality, the Honda Civic is widely regarded as a well-rounded car that offers a balance of practicality and driving enjoyment.
Pros
- Reliability: well known for its reliability and easy repairs
- Fuel efficiency: ideal for frequent long distances drives
- Safety: provides a range of advanced safety features
- Performance: sporty handling makes it an enjoyable car to drive
Is it comfortable?
The Honda Civic is considered a comfortable car. The seats are supportive and provide ample legroom for both the driver and passengers. Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated, which helps to reduce road noise and create a quieter driving experience. However, some drivers may find the ride to be stiff due to the sporty suspension, especially on older models.
Is it fun to drive and have a decent engine?
Drivers find the Honda Civic to be a fun car to drive, thanks in part to its responsive handling and sporty suspension. The car's available turbocharged engine delivers plenty of power and acceleration, making it an enjoyable ride for those who appreciate performance. However, some drivers may find the continuously variable transmission (CVT) to be less engaging than a traditional automatic or manual transmission. Overall, the Civic's driving experience is often described as being both fun and practical, with a balance of sportiness and fuel efficiency.
Is it good value for money?
The Civic is often considered a good value for the money due to its combination of reliability, fuel efficiency, safety features, and driving enjoyment. The car's initial cost is generally reasonable for its class, and its excellent fuel economy can help drivers save money at the gas pump. Standard safety features such as a rearview camera and automatic emergency braking add value to the car as well.
Is it reliable?
The Honda Civic is known for its reliability. The car has a long-standing reputation for being well-built and durable, with few major issues reported by owners over the years. Honda is also known for its strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, which has helped to further solidify the Civic's reputation for reliability. This is further supported by high scores in reliability ratings from sources such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. Overall, the Honda Civic is a reliable car that is a popular choice among drivers who value longevity and dependability.
Is it safe?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2022 Honda Civic a five-star overall safety rating, which is the highest possible rating. The car has also received high scores in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the organization's top rating of "Good" in all categories. The Civic comes with a variety of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, which can help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision.
How does it perform against its next peer/category leader?
The Honda Civic is a popular choice in its class, competing with other compact cars like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Forte. Compared to these competitors, the Civic often stands out for its sporty handling, strong acceleration, and high-quality interior materials. It also has a reputation for reliability and good resale value. However, some competitors may offer a smoother or more comfortable ride, and some competitors may be more affordable, making them better choices for drivers on a tighter budget.
Why is it one step ahead or behind?
The Civic is on par with its competitors in terms of its features, performance, and overall value. While it may not necessarily be considered a step ahead or behind, it is often praised for its combination of reliability, fuel efficiency, safety features, and driving enjoyment. The Civic's sporty handling and strong acceleration can make it an attractive option for drivers who value performance, while its high-quality interior and standard safety features can appeal to those who prioritize comfort and safety. In terms of technology, the Civic receives mixed reviews for its infotainment system.
Does the Honda Civic have a lot of problems?
While the Honda Civic is considered a good car, there are some downsides to keep in mind. Some drivers find the road noise to be noticeable on the highway, and the sporty suspension can make the ride feel stiff, which may not be comfortable for everyone. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars can create blind spots and limit rear visibility, which could be a safety concern for some drivers. The infotainment system may also be a source of frustration for some, as it can be unintuitive at times. Lastly, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) can feel unengaging, which some drivers may find unpleasant.
Cons
- Road noise can be noticeable on the highway, especially on rougher roads.
- Sporty suspension can make the ride feel stiff.
- Some drivers find the infotainment system to be difficult to use.
- The continuously variable transmission (CVT) can feel unresponsive or "rubber-band-like" when accelerating.
Does it have known technical issues?
There have been a few known issues with some Civic models. For example, some 2016 and 2017 Civic models with the 1.5-litre turbo engine were recalled due to problems with the engine's software that could cause it to stall or not start at all, and some 2018 and 2019 Civic models were recalled due to problems with the car's fuel pump, which could cause the engine to stall while driving. However, these issues were addressed through recalls and repairs, and the overall reputation of the Civic for reliability remains good.
Does it come with a good manufacturer’s warranty?
Basic Warranty: Honda's basic warranty covers the car for 3 years or 60,000 km, whichever comes first. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship that occur during the warranty period.
Powertrain Warranty: Honda's powertrain warranty covers the car's engine, transmission, and other key components for 5 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship that occur during the warranty period.
Limited Warranty for Accessories: Honda's limited warranty for accessories covers any Honda accessories that are installed by the dealer at the time of purchase or within the first 3 years/ 60,000km miles of ownership, whichever comes first.
Who is the Honda Civic best for?
The Honda Civic can appeal to a wide range of drivers for various reasons. Commuters who frequently drive long distances or in city traffic will appreciate the Civic's fuel efficiency. Families can benefit from the Civic's spacious interior and seating for up to five passengers. It’s also a popular choice for first-time car buyers.
Why should I buy a Honda Civic?
If you’re looking for reliability, the Honda Civic provides you with peace of mind and saves you money on repairs. Additionally, it’s designed with fuel efficiency in mind, making it an affordable car to operate and an ideal option for those who frequently travel long distances or frequently within the city. The Honda Civic's versatility is its key selling point, as it can meet the needs of a wide range of drivers, from families to tech-savvy commuters. Bottom line; if you want an easy vehicle that won’t let you down, this is it!