Are Honda Civics Good Cars? The Honest Truth Revealed

For over five decades, the Honda Civic has been a staple on roads across America and around the globe. This compact car has won over millions of drivers with its blend of efficiency, affordability, and renowned reliability. Throughout its long history, the Civic has continued to evolve and innovate to keep up with changing times and consumer demands.

But are Honda Civics really good cars overall? Yes, the Honda Civic is an excellent compact car that delivers a well-rounded package of fuel efficiency, peppy performance (with upgraded engines), ample interior space, cutting-edge tech features, and class-leading safety ratings. This detailed guide will examine every key aspect of the Civic to provide an in-depth analysis of why it continues to be such a smart choice for so many buyers.

Table of Contents

Honda Civic Engine Options and Performance

One of the biggest strengths of the Honda Civic is its diverse array of engine options that allow you to pick your ideal blend of power and fuel economy. The base engine is a 2.0L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that produces 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for basic commuting duties, this base motor lacks the punch and responsiveness that some drivers crave.

For those wanting more vigor, Honda offers two upgraded turbocharged engine choices. The 1.5L turbo-four cranks out a stout 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which provides a 0-60 mph time in the low 7-second range according to test data. This is seriously quick performance for a compact car. The top dog is the 2.0L turbo-four found in the scorching Civic Type R, pumping out 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 mph time of around 5 seconds, it’s a legitimate pocket rocket.

Despite the robust power on tap from the turbo mills, the Civic doesn’t sacrifice efficiency. The 1.5L turbo achieves an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined, while the Type R still manages a respectable 28 mpg combined rating. During real-world driving, owners routinely report achieving or exceeding these government fuel economy numbers.

From a driving dynamics perspective, the Civic certainly lives up to Honda’s “fun to drive” philosophy – especially when equipped with one of the turbocharged engines. The firm but well-damped suspension soaks up bumps while keeping the chassis planted in corners. Steering is precise and nicely weighted, providing good road feel and crisp turn-in. The turbocharged engines deliver energetic acceleration accompanied by a muted growl that adds to the sportier ambiance.

Interior Space, Comfort and Technology

While the Honda Civic’s tidy exterior dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces, the cabin offers a surprisingly roomy experience. With 97.8 cu-ft of passenger volume, there’s plenty of head and legroom for four adult occupants to ride in comfort. The 15 cu-ft trunk is also quite generous for a compact car and enables practical cargo hauling.

Material quality and fit/finish throughout the Civic’s interior is a cut above what you might expect from this affordable class. Upper trim levels like the EX and Touring benefit from premium soft-touch surfaces, nicely-grained materials, and a cohesive design aesthetic that feels upscale. Lower trims use more hard plastics, but overall interior quality remains respectable.

Finding an ideal driving position is easy thanks to the highly adjustable seats and tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Visibility is quite good as well, aside from the somewhat compromised rear view due to the sloped roofline. Front and rear outboard riders will find the seating accommodations quite comfortable and supportive, even on long drives.

Honda loads the latest Civic with a full arsenal of desirable technology features. The infotainment system is snappy and user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and an available wireless hotspot. Upper trims come equipped with larger touchscreens, premium audio systems, wireless smartphone charging pads, and more. While some may find the touchscreen interface a bit buried within the dashboard, the menu systems are logically laid out.

Is the Honda Civic Fuel Efficient?

Another standout attribute for the Honda Civic is its exceptional fuel economy ratings across the entire model range. The base 2.0L engine leads the way with an EPA estimate of up to 33 mpg combined (31 city/40 highway) when equipped with the CVT automatic transmission. Opting for the 1.5L turbo drops those numbers only slightly to 33 mpg combined (32 city/42 highway).

During real-world driving, Civic owners consistently report meeting or exceeding these government fuel economy estimates. Several factors contribute to the Civic’s thrifty ways, including its aerodynamic body, lightweight construction, and slick transmissions.

For maximum mileage, the Civic is even available as a hybrid model that achieves up to 52 mpg combined according to EPA testing. While not a true performance leader, the hybrid makes an ideal choice for hyper-milers and those who spend most of their time driving in городских stop-and-go scenarios.

When it comes to compact cars and mpg numbers, the Honda Civic truly shines as one of the class leaders. Fuel costs will be minimal regardless of which powertrain you select.

Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance Features

In addition to its engaging driving dynamics and frugal fuel economy, the Honda Civic is also one of the safest picks in the compact car segment. The 2023 Civic earned top 5-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It performed exceptionally well in all six crash testing evaluations conducted by the agency.

The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was equally impressed, awarding the Civic its highest rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+. It scored the highest possible “Good” ratings across the board in all six crashworthiness tests. The Civic’s superior front crash prevention capabilities and excellent headlight performance contributed to this top tier distinction.

Standard driver assistance technology on all Civic models includes:

Forward Collision Warning
Automatic Emergency Braking
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control

Upper trims receive blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as well. Overall, the combination of smart engineering, robust construction, and advanced safety tech make the Civic an exceptionally safe choice – especially for families.

Long-Term Reliability – The Good and Bad Years

Few compact cars can match the Honda Civic’s hard-earned reputation for reliable, worry-free operation. Reliability ratings from leading sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports consistently place the Civic at or very near the top of its class.

The data analysis firm iSeeCars examined over 15.8 million vehicles to determine the longest-lasting models on the road. Based on cars that exceeded 200,000 miles, Honda cracked the top three brands – and the Honda Civic was the second most frequent model to hit this impressive longevity milestone.

That said, not every single Civic model year has been perfect. According to extensive research and owner feedback, some of the potentially problematic model years to be aware of include:

2001 – Plagued by transmission failures and other issues, leading to significant recalls
2003-2005 – Hybrid battery degradation issues in these early hybrid Civic models
2006-2009 – Widespread cracked engine block problems that could lead to coolant leaks and engine failure
2016 – Bluetooth connectivity and air conditioning system problems were common pain points

On the flip side, the Civic models considered to be among the most bulletproof and reliable tend to be the more recent generations, including:

2017-2023 Tenth Generation
2012-2016 Ninth Generation
2010-2011 Eighth Generation

When considering a used Civic, sticking to lower mileage examples from these rock-solid model years is highly advisable if long-term reliability is the top priority.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Honda Civic?

Every vehicle has its own set of pros and cons to weigh – the Honda Civic is no different. To summarize the key strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

Efficient with great MPG ratings across the lineup
Lively acceleration and fun driving dynamics with turbo engines
Roomy cabin with impressive cargo versatility for the class
Comfortable ride quality that strikes a nice balance
Simple, user-friendly tech interface with desirable connectivity
Reputation for reliability and low maintenance/repair costs
High resale and residual values compared to other compact cars

Cons:

Base engine lacks power and feels sluggish at times
Road noise can intrude into the cabin, especially on rough surfaces
Rear visibility is compromised due to the sloped roofline design *Lower trim levels have a decent but not premium-feeling interior

Even with those few cons in mind, the Honda Civic has far more positive attributes that make it such an easy car to recommend for most buyers.

How Does the Civic Compare to Other Compact Cars?

To get a true measure of just how good the Honda Civic is, it’s helpful to look at how it stacks up against other popular compact cars on the market. Here’s a quick head-to-head comparison:

Toyota Corolla: The Corolla is the Civic’s longest-running rival, and it counters with an equally impressive reputation for reliability and high resale values. However, it falls behind the Civic when it comes to rear seat space, cargo versatility, and overall driving enjoyment.

Mazda3: The stylish Mazda3 gives the Civic a strong run for its money in the areas of premium cabin materials and rewarding driving dynamics. But it can’t quite match the Honda for impressive fuel economy numbers and best-in-class rear legroom.

Hyundai Elantra: Fresh off a full redesign, the latest Elantra represents a incredible value with its lengthy warranty coverage and abundant tech features. That said, the Civic beats it in most objective areas – it’s more fuel-efficient, has better safety scores, and enjoys higher resale value projections.

Subaru Impreza: For those who prioritize all-wheel drive traction, the Impreza is one of the only compact cars to offer it as standard equipment. But the Civic overshadows the Subaru in almost every other key area – superior fuel economy, roomier cabin, more modern tech, and better predicted reliability.

When you consolidate all the data and professional reviews, it’s clear the Honda Civic emerges as one of the best overall compact car choices. It provides a more compelling blend of virtues like efficiency, performance, interior packaging, safety ratings, and proven reliability over the long haul.

Who Should Buy a Honda Civic?

Based on its diverse strengths and relatively affordable pricing, the Honda Civic makes a great choice for a wide range of buyers. It works exceptionally well for:

Commuters/City Drivers: With its compact dimensions, agile handling, and excellent visibility, the Civic shines as an urban runabout. The hybrid model is ideal for heavy city use.
Small Families: While not a large midsize offering, the Civic delivers respectable passenger and cargo space that makes it a viable pick for small families. Safety ratings are top-notch as well.
Value-Conscious Buyers: With its competitive pricing, low operating costs, strong reliability, and high resale values, the Civic provides outstanding long-term ownership value.

The only buyers who may want to look elsewhere are hardcore driving enthusiasts seeking maximum thrills behind the wheel. Only the ultra high-performance Civic Type R truly caters to that crowd. For everyone else, the standard Civic hits an incredibly sweet spot of mass appeal.

Final Checkpoint

After this thorough examination, it’s clear the Honda Civic more than lives up to its reputation as one of the top compact cars you can buy. It simply excels in all the areas that matter most to drivers in this segment – efficiency, driving enjoyment, safety, interior accommodations, technology, and long-term dependability.

With a wide range of trim levels and powertrains available, there’s a Civic configuration suited for almost every need and budget. The well-equipped mid-grade Sport and EX models hit a sweet spot of features, performance, and value that is hard to beat.

While not without a few minor drawbacks like elevated road noise and compromised rear visibility, the latest Civic continues Honda’s stellar track record in this class. For smart shoppers seeking an affordable, reliable, and fun-to-drive compact car, the Honda Civic has to be at the very top of your consideration list.