1996 Honda Civic LX 1.6

Summary:

Excellent commuter car

Faults:

At 109K, the PCV valve failed and caused a check engine light. Dealer was prompt with servicing.

My transmission now has a problem of sticking in second gear. I am thinking it is time to flush the system out, maybe that will cure it.

Nothing else major, just usual wear items. Very reliable vehicle.

General Comments:

The car handles suprisingly well for its price.

The interior is kind of blah, but functional nonetheless.

I put a lot of miles onto this car, and plan to put many more onto it. The Honda Civic ages very well (even my old 87 did). It has excellent gas mileage as well.

I am very pleased with the overall design and packaging. I would consider a Honda Civic for my next car, and to anyone else who is shopping for a compact.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th December, 2002

13th Nov 2003, 20:16

How is 2nd gear sticking if it's an automatic transmission?

1st Dec 2003, 18:44

I would suspect that when transmission is starting from a stop that it doesn't shift as quickly as it used to. Could be a sign that the trans needs a look at, wear and tear?

1996 Honda Civic EX 1.6L D16Y8

Summary:

Typical Honda - they run forever even with abuse

Faults:

Original engine threw a rod at 85,916 miles - attempted to drive through a flooded road and water was sucked into the engine (also had water damage to interior). Insurance replaced engine, carpet, and some wiring under flood damage (replacement engine was a 1998 with approx 50k miles).

Replaced original battery at 87k.

Replaced drivers side window regulator when window came off track at 90k (happened during below accident).

Replaced front right wheel bearing, lower control arm, steering knuckle, tie rod end, wheel, tire, brake line, fender, bumper, headlight, and front sway bar at 90k (lost control on ice and hit a high curb + tree).

Replaced primary oxygen sensor at 95k.

At 140k, manual transmission started whining and clutch was also starting to slip. Had transmission rebuilt and clutch replaced.

Had both drive axles replaced while transmission was out - outer CV joint boots were both split, and both CV joints had been knocking for some time.

Replaced lights for cruise control switch around 110k ($5 from dealer).

Replaced a couple of warning lights on dash at 110k (seat belt, trunk open indicators).

Replaced split upper radiator hose at 130k (also replaced lower hose and thermostat at the same time).

Replaced rear defroster switch at 145k with junkyard item.

Been through 3 sets of front brakes since I've owned it (90% city driving), most recently at 147k - never had to touch rears except for adjustment.

General Comments:

I deliver pizza 20-30 hours a week in this car, and consider every "delivery mile" to be equal to at least 3 to 5 "normal" miles. I also admit to driving the car very, very hard, and it's held up very well to the abuse it's been put through.

The engine has started knocking for about 30 seconds after sitting overnight, and it's started burning a significant amount of oil (approx 1/2 quart every 800-1000 miles). The engine will be rebuilt in the spring by my normal mechanic.

Considering that the car is used for pizza delivery - I would consider it to have over 300,000 "real world" miles now.

The car still looks great inside and out, still drives great, and still consistently gets 28 mpg in the city and 32-35 on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th November, 2002

8th Aug 2009, 05:30

See? Hondas need care, but aren't bulletproof. If this was this was an American car... the same stuff would break... except you'd be angry about it.

8th Aug 2009, 19:49

The first engine obviously wasn't the cars fault. He said he drove it through high water, so that's his own fault.

1996 Honda Civic CX Hatchback 4 cylinder

Summary:

A totally reliable car for a minimum of 5 years

Faults:

Driver's window got stuck; left horn button is dead; and the check engine light has been on for 2 years; otherwise, it happily starts every morning.

General Comments:

This car was painless until year 5 (when the warranty wore out). After that, the car started to need the big ticket repairs. I spent >nothing< on repairs for the first 5 years. Not bad.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2002