Honda Civic....any thoughts ??

[bosc]

Lew. The lastest Consumer Report Magazine is worth a look at. Civic are rated on the top of the list. Great car.

[Carp]

Wife had a 1990 2 door Civic hatchback from 1991 to 1999.

When I found out she was pregnant, I bought her a dual sliding door extended Chevy Venture minivan.

I loved driving that car. Very good handling. Smooth running engine.

Very economical too. Unfortunately, I we needed the room and convenience of a minivan, so out went the Civic.

 

My brother leased a Honda Pilot suv recently and has nothing but good things to say about it.

 

If Sherri gets the Civic, I'm sure she'll be happy with it Lew.

[SlowPoke]

Lew,

The only potentially negitive feedback I can offer about the Civic is insurance. It may be negligable but worth checking into. Liability and collision will probably be comparable to what she is/was driving but she may see a bump on the theft side of comprehensive coverage.

I would advise passing on the factory rustproofing and recommend a quality oiling every year... Civics have a few prone areas that don't seem to get coated with the factory rustproofing.

-Brian

 

p.s. I have finally found the best ever signature!

[lew]

Wow, that's incredible, so many resposes about the Civic and every single one is good !! I don't think I ever saw a post around here before where everybody agreed on the same thing

 

Maybe I should print this off and take it with me the next time I'm buying new GM.......could save me a few $$$$

 

Thanks folks !!

 

Luv the signature Brian !!

[JerseyDog]

Honda builds a solid engine that will outlast any GM IMO

 

We are planning on gettigna new car in a few months, its most likely gonna be a Civc. The Yaris and the Golf are the next choices, but I hear VW parts can be costly.

 

First off, check the Consumers Report - some might say Honda's quality is not as strong as it was in the 80's and early '90's when they were bulletproof.

 

The GM product these days is a lot better quality wise although they have been struggling with a bad rep left over from the 70-90's. Also, they now have 5 year, 160k warranties on powertain which can make a real difference. And they are almost always cheaper to repair and almost always have more HP and torque than a comparable foreign car.

 

And finally, to comment on the quote above, the V8 small block Chevy (and 3.8 V6's) will outlast any Honda, ever (although again, the late 80's Civics would give it a run for its money). Here's a motor that will last 300-400k with regular maintenance and I've been in cabs showing 750k or more on the odo.

 

I think the Honda is a fine car and the kids love them, but I find them too slow and mushy off the line for my taste. My '94 Z24 Cavalier will regularily smoke any Honda, Corolla, etc. which means I can make it through Toronto's downtown streets far faster. And yes, I am rushing to get ahead of you at the next red light, so I don't get stuck behind you chatting on your cell phone, or putting on make-up or most amazing of all reading a book.

 

And finally, remember what's good for the General is good for Ontario. I think a lot of folks forget that GM is a huge reason why we have a strong economy here (and yes I know they make Honda's in Alliston).

[Raf]

Ok there's far too much positivity in this thread.. (but they are all valid and good points, Honda makes a quality vehicle)

 

So I am just going to throw the only few negatives I can think of.

 

the motors are torqueless, gutless little hamster wheels

 

they are popular with thieves

 

there are far too many on the road.

 

I've owned 3 high mileage honda products (accord, civic and acura integra) in my life and they all need a turbocharger. LOL. no, they never broke down and were very reliable.

[pikehunter]

I picked up an old 1993 2 door civic coupe with an automatic in October for my wife to drive to work. I asked my mechanic if he knew of anything reasonable and reliable around. Turned out a guy working for him picked this Civic up and did the usual exhaust, brakes, tune up tires, valve adjustment and so on. He even saftied it and etested it all for $2200. Figured I couldn't go wrong (knock on wood) and if she didn't want it after a few months I could get my money back and more because the young guys love them! Only reason the mechanic had to sell it was his insurance rates were astronomical and after he fixed it up for himself couldn't afford to insure it.

 

Anyway go for the civic, she will be happy with it. Oh yeah I was leary on buying one too. After all I have driven Ford or GM for years. Not only that but this little Civic has 300,000 KMs on it!!! but it ticks over like a clock and has plenty of pep uses no oil and cheap to run, I wouldn't be surprised to hit 400,000 with it. My 16 year old and my wife both love it.

 

Honda engines are said to be great. Now I beleive it and I want a Honda outboard now!!

[Mike the Pike]

First off, check the Consumers Report - some might say Honda's quality is not as strong as it was in the 80's and early '90's when they were bulletproof.

 

The GM product these days is a lot better quality wise although they have been struggling with a bad rep left over from the 70-90's. Also, they now have 5 year, 160k warranties on powertain which can make a real difference. And they are almost always cheaper to repair and almost always have more HP and torque than a comparable foreign car.

 

And finally, to comment on the quote above, the V8 small block Chevy (and 3.8 V6's) will outlast any Honda, ever (although again, the late 80's Civics would give it a run for its money). Here's a motor that will last 300-400k with regular maintenance and I've been in cabs showing 750k or more on the odo.

 

I think the Honda is a fine car and the kids love them, but I find them too slow and mushy off the line for my taste. My '94 Z24 Cavalier will regularily smoke any Honda, Corolla, etc. which means I can make it through Toronto's downtown streets far faster. And yes, I am rushing to get ahead of you at the next red light, so I don't get stuck behind you chatting on your cell phone, or putting on make-up or most amazing of all reading a book.

 

And finally, remember what's good for the General is good for Ontario. I think a lot of folks forget that GM is a huge reason why we have a strong economy here (and yes I know they make Honda's in Alliston).

 

Well Jerseydog I think you are missing the point here.Lew is looking for an opinion here on a small car .He wants to know about reliability and safety.Good bang for the buck.Most of GM's compact cars these days are Korean which to do not compare to a Japanese compact.

 

I would agree with Brian you do have to shoot the cars with oil because Honda's are more proned to rust.

 

Forget about the high price of parts my 1989 civic had the cheapest parts of any car I ever owned and they don't break down.When I had a Ford Taurus the parts were way over priced.I agree a 3.8 litre V6 from GM is a good motor but what about all the problems on the rest of the vehicule.In the 90"s and until recently GM's just loved to eat breaks very rapidly in fact.Lets not forget the pending lawsuit for there head gasket that does not last long.I have a 2006 Malibu with 47 000kms on it and yes GM has gotten alot better I have not been to the garage yet and amazingly not had the breaks done.

 

I don't here you bragging about any GM four Cylinders!

 

As for power the standard Civic has 148hp but if speed is a concern for you a Honda Civic SER has 197hp which would quickly leave your 1994 Z-24 in the dust without having to deal with tork steer pulling the car to one side.There are alot 4 cylinder acuras that can out accelerate many GM 6 cylinders.And a V6 Acura will smoke a a GM V6.

 

You are comparing a V-6 sports car to a compact 4 door sedan.Apples to Oranges.

 

I don't think Lew's daughter is a speed Demon and the Twit that ran her off the road was in a hurry like you.Speed kills slow down.Save the racing for the drag strip.

 

The only car with a 3.8 V-6 these days is an Impala and A Grand Prix.Not the size his daughter is looking for.

 

|So when comparing apples to apples only the Corolla would compare to the Civic and its not as sharp looking as the Civic.

 

Enough said......Honda Civic

Edited March 9, 2007 by Mike the Pike

[TAH]

Lew check the consumers report, always in the top five for ratings, but be carefull because once you own a honda product you will be switching the Merc for a Honda also.

[lew]

but be carefull because once you own a honda product you will be switching the Merc for a Honda also.

 

proboat, lets not get too carried away here

[OhioFisherman]

Will a Civic pull your boat?

[Mike the Pike]

Ohiofisherman the Civic would be for his Daughter.

[OhioFisherman]

Rumor has it she catches skis, she might want to solo?

[Photoz]

I bought a Civic 'EX' new in '95, drove it 4 years, 116,000 klicks . . . a headlight, 2 tail light bulbs, a fuel filter, tune-up (including plugs) brakes all the way around, 4 tires & oil changes . . . could squeak 46 mpg outta it on the highway, 36 in the city . . . . and it would go like scat!! I bought an Si in '99, damn near killed myself with THAT l'il rocket . . . . drove it 65,000 klicks . . . . oil changes only . . . . went to a van. If I could figure out how to pack 13' rods & a bunch of other fishin' gear in a new Civic, the Caravan would be gone today!! What I like the most . . . . that 'sports-car feel! (5 gear) A GR R R R E A T lady's car . . . . but . . . . VERY bad crash ratings!

[lew]

Yup, the Civic is for my daughter, but that's not to say I won't borrow it the odd time when I'm feeling "sporty"

 

And as Mike the Pike says, as for her needing a car to race others away from traffic lights, that was never her style, she's looking for good reliable transportation, that's cheap to operate, but will give her good consistent performance and not need to be in the shop every 2nd week.

 

As for General Motors, I'm a big fan myself and I've owned General Motors vehicles nearly exclusively for 40 years and have NEVER had a bad one.

 

I've owned everything from Corvairs to Rivieras, some used, but many new ones, and have never had a lemon, nor have I ever had to pay out any large sums of money for repairs.

 

I'm currentely driving a 2005 Safari and luv it, and it's my 2nd new Safari in just a few years.

 

As for the Honda, I think it'll be an excellent car for my daughter and I certainly appreciate all the feedback from everyone.

 

Thanks boyz & girlz

[Cookslav]

Well,

Not to burst the bubble, but if we're giving first had expereince stories...

 

2 freinds of mine had 2001 + model Civics.

One retunred it at the end of his lease due to electiral issues, and a bad transmition.

The other sold it, after haveing...you guessed it

Electircal Issues, and having the Tranny done.

 

Both guys were commuters...K-town to Toronto.

Not sure if they both got lemons or what?

 

For the record though....one of the two owned a 90's model Before buying his last one. (1990 I think?)

That older one lasted him till he bought new, and he had no major issues to speak of.

(He got rid of it because the Body Rusted out.)

 

I'm a GM guy myself but "if" I was going to choose an import....it would be a Civic or a Corolla

[wuchikubo]

Hi Lew,

 

I've got no concerns over the engine and fuel efficiency for the small car but the fact that I lost two friends as passengers in Hondas will always be on my mind when considering Hondas. I've been to Japan, (my wife is Japanese), the average speed limit in most cases is 40-50 Km/hr thus the reasoning I think they don't worry as much about the crash ratings in Jp. It's not the same here where everyone is pushing 120 km on the highways. Toyotas have been more conservative with their engine / fuel technology but have been more likely to put money towords safety as opposed to Honda.

 

I guess when I was going up, everyone was raving about how fast the civic would go but none ever spoke about how they might have saved their lives (I remembered more injured and dead from their accidents). IMPO Toyota and the newer GM would be my considerations.

 

Stan

[ccmtcanada]

I've had lots of friends with Hondas and with regular maintenance they'll run forever! As mentioned everywhere else, they are a top rated car. I have a Honda CRV (1998) with well over 250,000kms on it and it's been awesome. The salesman said that the engine in it is basically the civic engine. We've had to replace belts and of course regular oil changes, but it's been very reliable. I went in to have my brakes looked at at around 130,000 kms....not because I was having problems, but because of the mileage. The guy said that they were fine....85% front, 90% rear. Now that I think of it, I haven't replaced ANY of the exhaust system either...original pipes and muffler on that thing.

[jughead]

My sister in law has been driving her honda daily since 1991 and outside of routine maintanence has never had an issue. I had a 1989 Tercel that I drove until 2000 and sold to a friend who is still driving it. It has over 500,000 K on it and again, just routine maintainence. I have owned 2 fords - an expedition and a leased Focus for work. Both were bad on gas and rife with problems. The Focus had 16 recalls in 13 months, some quite major. I would never go near a Ford again, especially a new line.

 

I now have a 2003 Corolla. Runs like a charm, never a problem and it gets great mileage. I commute from Ottawa to Toronto about twice a month and it takes just over 3/4 of a tank.

 

For value, resale, fuel economy, etc. go with a Honda or a toyota. Both great cars so pick whicever one has the style you like.

[Golfisher]

This might interest those concerned about safety issues.

 

 

The article itself, as well as the full study, can be found here:

 

Berkeley Lab Report

 

You are almost twice more likely to die in a Cavalier and Escort than in a Civic or Corolla. In fact, Civic's fatality rate is actually lower than most SUVs and trucks. I have to admit that I was a bit surprised to find this out myself. I guess bigger doesn't necessary mean safer.

[ecmilley]

well Lew I'll chime in on this, as the japanese have increased hp in many of there engine's they have run into the same problem as the big 3 these last couple of years and thats transmission issues, odd electrical issues but all cars on the road built the last 4-5 years are extremley reliable compared to even 1990, the only real issues i have seen with Honda the last couple years is power window's acting up (no one builds trouble free windows anyway) daytime running light issues (90% time burned bulb) the odd one with oil consumption issues, nissan, toyota and honda have seem to developed a problem with brake longevity as well, changing out alot of pads now ar 30-40k when the older versions were 70-90k .

The only thing you may want to look into is insurance rates for vehicles they can vary widly from model to model. the civic was in the top 5 for stolen cars.

[lovetofish]

Hey Lew, i'm a licensed mechanic and work on Honda's all the time. Everyone you talk too is always more then happy with there cars. I even convinced my grandma to buy one.

 

lovetofish

[kemper]

My buddy drives one, great car from a great company. As long as you know that it IS a small car.

 

I can tell you what not to buy, a pontiac!

 

2003 Pontiac Aztec List of Broken CRAP

1) Rad

2) Air Con

3) Heat system just went yesterday

4) Seatbelts (2)

5) Transmission is about to go

 

 

Yep, 130 000 klicks and its a hunk of junk already.

[fishless]

lew

my wife drives a 94 civic cx and still loves it.the body is starting to show it's age but the engine is in great shape after all the tips to the cottage.[kearney ont] with regular maintenence and so on the car will last a good long time.jamie

[fishinfool]

Lew

I bought the wife a brand new 05 Civic and was a little ticked that Honda failed to tell me at the time that the new body style was coming in 06.

Anyway we love the civic, it's a great little car for getting around town.

I looked at the Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic at the time and was told the Honda had the best resale value for the longest time, that's why I ended up going for the Honda.

You can't go wrong with Honda.

Your daughter will love it.

 

Stan