Faults:

Electronic fan switch went out around 65000 miles.

Exhaust Manifold cracked around 65000 miles, probably due to fan switch failure, replaced under warranty.

Brakes started to fade around 70000, replaced around 75000.

Noticed racked CV boot around 75000.

General Comments:

Despite the faults, its not a bad car. The basic maintenance is cheap and its fairly easy to work on.

Very basic interior, nothing fancy. Seats could be more comfortable. My only real gripe about the interior is the location of the CD player, right behind of the cup holder. And the cup holder isn't good for anything larger than a 12oz soda can.

It handles fairly well for a FWD car, but only with a set of good tires. I got a set of Yokohama AS430's and I am quite satisfied with them. I don't recommend taking corners too fast in this car because it does have its limit. After 80000 miles, the shocks are still good.

The 1.6L motor puts out about 105hp, or at least that's what I've been told. At 2600lbs, its not a fast car. Top speed is 117mph. People thinking of tuning this car should probably buy something else. The motor can take some punishment, but in the end, leaves you wanting more. More power, more fuel economy.

Fuel efficiency isn't what I would like out of an underpowered 1.6L motor, around 30mpg. But I get the feeling that it could and should be better.

Faults:

Needed a new engine at 110,000 miles, although perhaps my slack oil changes contributed to the problem.

Having trouble with the boots/cv joints needing to replaced often.

Tires always wear unevenly no matter what.

Ignition coil had to be replaced after the car died on the interstate.

Catalytic converter had to be replaced.

Brakes and rotors have had to replaced multiple times, although I lived in a mountainous area most of the time I have owned the car.

General Comments:

I really do love this car. It has been through a lot with me, but has needed some costly repairs.

It is very comfortable and easy to drive in less than ideal conditions.

Great first car owning experience.

Car has great personality too.

Faults:

A/C compressor went AFTER it was serviced (90,000 miles). It was working fine before I brought it in for a "free AC check" and topped off as recommended.

General Comments:

I have never had a car that was so trouble free. 106K miles and no stoppages (breakdowns). Just the A/C issue, but it didn't effect me since it was January in FL. Original alternator and starter. Runs like a top!

If you want reliable, durable and economical transportation get a Civic.

Faults:

Hand-brake needed adjusting twice.

General Comments:

Very reliable. Nothing ever went wrong with it. In that aspect, the car was perfect.

Having said that, I could not wait to sell it. Many of the issues I describe below were addressed in the 2001 Civic which was a vastly improved version in all aspects.

Brakes are very weak and unsafe.

Car was very "light" on the highway. It would be blown by crosswinds, and lacked stability.

Interior was very cheaply made with hard-plastic materials, thin steering wheel and thin stalks.

Mirrors undersized.

A/C too weak to cool occupants in the rear.

Seat fabric was a dull-gray fabric, and seats offered very little support for long-distance driving, especially the rear.