Faults:

The heater hose broke which caused it to leak coolant, engine overheated and head gasket blew, unfortunately it being an aluminum head on an iron block, the head warped severely and cracked from MINOR overheating, installed a new motor at a cost of $590.00.

Front suspension bushings went out at 105,200 miles, also needed alignment and axle, $700.00.

Car is notorious for going through passenger side front axles, been through 5 since I purchased the car.

Exhaust has a tendency to rattle even when everything is tightened down and clearance is good.

Car has problems with fuel pumps, too, sometimes it will start normal then shut off, will not start back up unless it sits for about an hour.

Car has the infamous "civic seat tear" on the outer side of the drivers side seat.

General Comments:

For having 70 horsepower, this car really does fly. I have done some modifications such as:

A custom cold air induction system.

Upgraded the exhaust manifold and downpipe to DX units (downpipe is 1 inch larger in circumference, and manifold is a header-style instead of the pre-cat style), to a 2.25 inch exhaust system and a performance Tsudo muffler.

NGK Blue spark plug wires.

All in all, the little things add up, now the car breathes MUCH easier and it feels like the horsepower rating is closer to 100 than 70.

Faults:

2002 - Replaced timing belt, water pump, and drive belts. Replaced A/C compressor and distributor base all at 88k. Front wheel alignment.

2003 - New oxygen sensor at 101k.

General Comments:

My dad originally bought this car because of the good gas mileage to use for his 60 mile commute. When I turned 16 he bought a new car and let me use this car. I love this car even though it has its little design flaws. This car has been a very low maintenance car and barely ever needs repairing or fluids added. I feel that this car is very well built and no trim pieces ever snap off or break. It corners really well and is fun to drive even though I would appreciate more horsepower that 102. The biggest design flaw is probably the climate control system. It is not powerful enough and the fans click on the highest speed. I have also had a lot of problems with the window squirter's getting clogged from build up. The automatic transmission also has some flaws when shifting and sometimes jerks, but this could be from wear. The fabric in the interior could also be a bit more durable because now mine is stretched out and there are some small holes in it. I would recommend a new sound system because the factory one is not powerful at all. You can't really listen to the radio on the freeway because the road is so loud. Even with these few quirks I would still recommend this car to anyone who needs a very dependable car for a commute or a student. I feel very lucky to have this car and it would make a great street racer conversion because there are many parts available for it out there.