Faults:

Replaced one axle myself ($70) at 170,000 miles. Not bad at all.

The cooling power of the A/C is not as good as a newer car.

General Comments:

To get the most out of the engine, especially the non-VTEC models, you should opt for a manual transmission if possible. It makes the car much more fun to drive. I have driven the 5 speed, non-VTEC version, and the mileage is fantastic.

Currently I have an EX model, auto. My maintenance costs have been low. I did experience some hard shifting, but I changed the transmission fluid (not a "flush") with Valvoline high mileage and the shift quality improved substantially, most noticeably when the engine is warm. To do this you drain and refill the transmission fluid 4 times (remember to clean the magnetic drain plug). 3 jugs of oil is exactly what you need for 4 changes. After each refill, drive the car around the block a few times, engaging every gear and reverse.

Faults:

Radiator.

Motor mount.

Engine MAP sensor.

Catalytic converter.

General Comments:

Inexpensive and dependable.

We got this as a commuter car, and run it on the highway everyday. Very dependable and cheap on gas. Roomy inside and all features work; A/C, heat etc. Cheap car and worth every penny.

All the repairs listed other than the engine sensor are from us driving the car hard after it has been used lightly from the previous owner. The MAP sensor was a 64 dollar part that took 5 minutes to replace (thanks to the local auto parts store).

Faults:

I bought the vehicle from a dealer with 240,000km on it.

At 300,000km I changed the timing belt and water pump, and did a tune-up (700$).

I also had to change 2 tires because they were worn out (200$).

Recently had to replace alternator (paid 400$).

General Comments:

Very reliable, starts every time.

At high speeds it becomes unstable on the highway, especially when the wind blows.

Not very spacious inside, but enough for short trips.

My longest trip with this car was Toronto-Montreal non-stop.

The car is doing what it is supposed to, but it's time for an upgrade :) I would have upgraded a long time ago if this car hadn't been so reliable.. simply can't let it go!!!

Faults:

Clutch started making a springy noise lately, still shifts beautifully though.

General Comments:

Love it, love it love it, love it.

Still has plenty of life in it.

In a time when I pay $80 to fill my truck, $25 fills the Honda, and lasts about 400 miles if I'm a good boy. But I'm not, so I get about 250.

1st gear takes me to about 20 mph, 2nd to about 45, 3rd to about 70, and 4th to close to 100. Top gear takes me to 116, but I get there quick.

Handles great, but it's a little small.

All in all, I love my Civic. And no matter how many people try to talk me into selling it, it's not going anywhere but on a long twisty road.

Faults:

Replaced transmission at 130,000. Previous owner wrecked it from reckless driving.

Imported new tranny from Japan with 60,000 miles on it for $350. Mechanic swapped it for an additional $300.

A/C broke at 150,000, not worth the $800 estimate to fix.

General Comments:

I absolutely loved this car (was totaled yesterday because a deer ran into me). I am looking for a new one.

This car never once left me going "uh oh, what's that noise".

This car is very fun to drive, but it is not a sports car, so don't drive like you are in a Corvette.

Would get 42 mpg on road trips, and regularly 35 around town.

Easy to maintain, and very reliable as long as you take care of it.