2009 Honda Civic 1.3 hybrid

Summary:

Hi tech car, but not so reliable and high cost of ownership

General Comments:

Good and hi tech. Major equipment failed only after 5 years of ownership.

1) IMA battery failed, but Honda Malaysia refuse to accept the warranty claim.

2) Brake master pump leak - outside warranty period; Costly to replace.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2014

2nd Sep 2014, 16:32

Consumer Reports said that the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid is having a 1 in every 5 failure rate on that car's hybrid batteries... and the 2010 is having a 1 in 3 failure rate on their hybrid batteries... or about 30 percent. And the out of warranty Civic Hybrid batteries cost about $3000.00 plus installation. While the Toyota Prius failure rate for 12 and 11 year old Prius is running about 4 or 5 percent for their hybrid batteries. Looks like car buyers should stay away from the 09/10 Honda Civic Hybrids... unless the seller can show proof of a recent hybrid battery purchase.

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid 1.3 IMA

Summary:

A good car with headache from the IMA battery

Faults:

The battery for IMA system is damaged after 4 years of ownership. This battery is expensive to replace. The warranty in Malaysia is 3 years for pre 2012 models.

General Comments:

1. Fuel consumption is good compared to non hybrid models of similar engine displacement, but it's not up to the manufacturer's claims in their advertisements.

2. Handling is good, and the ride is good in quality.

3. The cabin is good in quality and roomy. The flat floor design for rear passengers is fantastic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th May, 2013

2008 Honda Civic FD2 2.0 IVTEC petrol

Summary:

Most all-rounded + desirable C-segment car..

Faults:

Upon delivery, front A-pillar dashboard cover keeps popping out; especially when parked for a long time under sunlight today...

Second problem: Steering emits a soft "TUCK TUCK" sound when turn FULL LOCK. Till now still remains unsolved.

Lastly, I suspect a wiper arm defect? Changed new wiper blade at 10,000km...

NO OTHER PROBLEM so far...

General Comments:

The Bad:

1) POOR SOUNDPROOFING... Heavy rain, can hear "tak..tak...taktaktak..." (ala. Rain on Zinc Roof) also LOUD noise driving over freshly tarred roads...

2) Soft-side suspension. Noticeable body roll in hard corners.

3) Expensive COAT of paint. Mine's Sparkling Grey PEARL (pearl effect). Costs TWICE the normal metallic paint.

The GOOD:

1) Comfortable ride... (EXCEPT for heavy rain)

2) Good handling (NOT AS GOOD AS my other car, a Ford Telstar)

3) High-speed stability + smooth engine (180 km/h feels like 110 km/h).

4) Lots of goodies and toys... Fully automatic climate control, steering mounted audio control + cruise control, leather seats, 6-disc in-dash CD-changer + 6 speakers. Paddle shift 5-speed auto, 60:40 split/fold rear seats. 17" Honda alloy rims + factory fitted 215/45 R17 Michelin Pilot Preceda tires.

Safety front: 4x SRS Airbags (Driver, front passenger and side airbags). VSA (Vehicle stability assist) which consists of ABS+EBD+BA+Traction Control.

LASTLY: The 8th generation Civic has one of the BEST RESALE VALUES in Malaysia. 80% retained value in 3 years!

That's all folks! Thanks for having the time and patience to read this review...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th December, 2009

2006 Honda Civic VTEC 1.8

Summary:

This model is a low quality car

Faults:

Design fault of wiper arms. Until today, has a problem with the wipers. Windscreen cannot be wiped effectively during rain.

Steering column changed at 40,000 km due to a creaking noise. Reported the problem at 20,000 km.

Driver side window, the rubber needs greasing almost every month.

Last week, engine mounting changed at 94,000 km.

General Comments:

Performance of the car is good. Acceleration is quick, but the handling is only average. I don't like taking bends and corners with this car.

I find the quality is bad. Many faulty parts to be replaced within the 100,000 km warranty.

Worst of all, I needed to have the engine mountings changed even before the car reached 3 years and below 100,000 km. This is not covered under the warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th September, 2009

1992 Honda Civic EX 1.5 16v SOHC carb

Summary:

It's an OK car

Faults:

Usual wear and tear items. Warranty claims were made on the airconditioning system and there were build quality issues (the car was assembled in Malaysia, not Japan).

General Comments:

Reasonably nippy and economical.

It is by and large a reliable car.

Handles and steers well, but mediocre ride quality.

5 speed manual gearbox is a joy to use.

Average refinement.

Beautifully designed exterior and interior. I think it is still the most beautiful Civic in the Civic's illustrious history.

Spacious.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2006

10th Jun 2006, 10:18

I agree with this writer. This Civic was and still continues to be one of the most beautiful shapes in the entire Civic family. Sure, the new one (2006 model) that's just out looks stunning. But you know, the previous two Civics just didn't have the kind of jaw-dropping effect compared to this 1992 model and the new 2006 release.

It's a real silent runner. Mine's metallic grey and the original paint today is still in very, very good condition; still glossy, still shines, still in showroom condition. The seat fabric has aged well without much wear and tear. And the drive is very well-mannered. No sudden gear change jerks, always a continuously smooth drive right up to 4,000rpms.

And you know what, here in Malaysia the price of a second hand 1992 Civic is almost at par with a 1992 Mercedes W124 model!

1981 Honda Civic Standard, 5-speed 1.3

Summary:

Likeable

Faults:

Usual wear and tear items. Nothing extraordinary. Interior trim and exterior parts showing their age.

General Comments:

Nippy, economical and reliable 5-door hatchback.

Engine is unburstable! Good low-end torque, but runs out of steam at high rpms.

Slick-shifting 5 speed manual gearbox.

Unassisted rack and pinion steering a bit heavy at parking speeds.

Decent ride and handling.

Generally good build quality.

Small boot.

Headlights are barely bright enough.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2006

1984 Honda Civic SB 1.5

Summary:

Durable, but need lots of attention

Faults:

Ball joint that hold the left front wheel gave way during the tight U-turn. next 500km later, the right ball joint started to squeak, forcing me to replace it before it give way.

Piston ring worn out so fast, at only 50000km.

Small center console, unable to fit the 2-DIN size stereo.

Low quality plastics fitted on the dashboard, and these were easily broken into pieces.

Rear axle produce metal-being-hit sound when being driven on undulating roads.

Consume engine oil at the rate of 1 liter per 3000KM!

Engine temperature may rise dramatically, especially when stuck in the gridlock, with the air condition is on.

Confusing twist-to-activate front wiper switch.

General Comments:

In general, it is not a gas guzzler. With the air condition being set at off, a 24mpg seems realistic. Still economic, considering its age.

Engine power is adequate for daily motoring.

Plenty of headroom both front and rear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th December, 2004

1995 Honda Civic EX 1.6 Fuel Injection SOHC (Without Vtec)

Summary:

Car of a year

Faults:

Can't always stay in 1st gear.

Corner lens glass is orange. Better look if changed into clear glass.

General Comments:

Very good acceleration compare to other 1600cc SOHC cars.

Top speed is great (Can hit 220km/h at flat road) after upgraded spark plug wires and split fire spark plug, and also modified the ECU.

Easily attract girls.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th January, 2004