1998 Honda Civic DX 1.6L

Summary:

Point A to Point B every time with ability to modify easily

Faults:

Door and trunk seals started falling off at 43kmi.

Radio display had started to haze from inside at 45kmi.

Passenger front window would open a crack due to road vibrations, causing irritating whistling at speeds 45+mph, at 50kmi.

Loose, but not falling apart, driver front door handle at 60kmi.

General Comments:

Incredibly easy to regularly maintain every 3kmi with oil changes, fluid checks, rotating tyres, installing new brakes. A wonderful car upon which to learn and/or modify, being a Honda.

Not much power, but being stock and the DX model it is not known for performance, mainly reliability. Acceleration was OK, would have liked to put in an after market air intake for a little extra 'oomph'.

Reliability was amazing. Every single time I turned the key, it started. Never had any major defects, only routine fluid flushes and visual inspections at 60kmi checkup.

Survived driving around a primitive campground for 3 weeks without needing an alignment.

Great gas mileage, 32mpg highway (once got 38mpg) on regular unleaded and Techron every 3kmi.

Speed on 25mph exit ramps was average. In snow handled better than average.

Trunk with fold-down back seats made transporting items even as long as skis a breeze.

Shifter was at awkward distance, too far, while driving. Remedied with custom built shifter knob.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2004

1998 Honda Civic EX Coupe 1.6L SOHC

Summary:

My second Civic after having a 1997 EX!

Faults:

The paint was a little pink from oxidation underneath the windows. This was nothing that a quick self-done detailing couldn't fix.

Someone has chipped off the clear enamel from the hazard button.

The headrests of the rear seats are faded to a purplish color from the sun.

Changing the timing belt is a real pain on this car. We had to take it apart twice after first discovering that you definitely can't take it apart by hand.

General Comments:

The tires were mismatched when I went to buy it. The dealer replaced them with brand new tires at my request.

The car has way too much body roll. I'll need to purchase sways and struts.

I wish that this car had more power from the factory. Perhaps if the Civic Type R was available in the US perhaps I would feel differently.

I love the Milano Red paint. I love the color so much that I bought both of my Civics in this color!

I have had three friends drive my car and decide to buy Civics because they liked it so much. Two of these people were previously interested in Firebird (and Euro cars) and Jeeps.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th November, 2003

1998 Honda Civic LX 1.7 4 Cylinder

Summary:

A waste of money that hasn't lasted 5 years

Faults:

The A/C blew up at 39,500 miles. American Honda paid for half of the repair.. not good enough I say. The car was sold to me as having Honda Keyless, and it was instead equiped with an after market alarm/keyless entry system that was *horrible*.

General Comments:

The car has very thin metal on the side panels and it dings way too easily.

The paint isn't good quality paint and it wears out way faster than it should.

The seats are really uncomfortable for anyone over 6 feet tall.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th September, 2003

24th Feb 2004, 13:49

I just purchased a '98 Civic DX. You're right about dinging and paint, just a manufacturer oversight I guess. They have a high resale value, which may explain why you felt so cheated about the price you paid. While the A/C dying so young is a disappointment, I would suggest that your powertrain will be much more reliable. This is why these cars re-sell for such a high price. My last car was an '83 Honda Accord. It was still running fine on its first engine and transmission at 210,000 miles when I sold it.

-AM, California.

28th Jan 2010, 17:55

I'm 6'3 and have never been uncomfortable?

1998 Honda Civic CX 1.5

Faults:

Oxygen sensor at 80 000 KM - $350 CAD.

Trunk gasket preventing rain water from getting into the trunk - 30 000 KM - Replaced under the warranty. I heard it is typical problem for a hatchback.

General Comments:

Good and affordable commuter. Seat is little harsh on my back (could be just me).

Great engine and transmission, sporty suspension. Handling is crisp and predictable.

Gas consumption is really nice, good bonus with today's gas prices.

Interior materials are OK for the price - not the best, but also there is no cheap feel inside..

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2003

27th Oct 2005, 14:23

1, primary oxygen sensor was replaced at 173,000 KM, part price = CAD 235.00, labor fee = CAD 140.00 (excl. TAX)

2, 2 weeks later, the engine check light turns up again, checked again, say: catalator-convert shall be replaced, quote = CAD 1,000.00, very expensive, but I suppose the secondary oxygen sensor is out of work. Since the only the sensoe will make the engine check lights up.