Faults:

One of the rear speakers had a "short", and was replaced by the dealer, under warranty.

At about 94,000km, the ABS Light started coming on. It was diagnosed by the dealer and the front right ABS sensor was replaced. Total cost for the repair, with tax, was $320.00.

General Comments:

This car has only adequate power, for accelerating, but cruises nicely when up to highway speed. The 5-speed is a beautiful transmission.

The ride is very stiff; particularly the rear suspension. It rides nicer with some passengers in the back. The steering is less precise than my 1989 Prelude. Comparatively, the Civic wanders a bit on uneven pavements, despite having new tires and a 4-wheel alignment. The car is very solid, and even after having it for four years, there are no squeaks or rattles.

It's very roomy and headroom is excellent. I'm 6ft. 2in. and I have lots of head room up front.

It's also very economical. I get about 40 MPG (average), and about 45 MPG on the highway.

Very reliable, and has never let us down.

Faults:

Driver side power window no longer worked around 40000 miles. Motor still kicks on when button is pressed, but window does not move. Have not yet fixed.

Had to have headlight switch replaced due to the part being recalled. Dealer fixed for free.

Cloth trim on the inside of the doors has started coming off in a couple places.

A couple of the bolts that hold air filter cover on stripped. Metal bolts, but the cover is plastic. Luckily the ones that stripped don't prevent the cover from being removed after removing all the other bolts.

Dome light quit working recently, have yet to check bulb or fuses.

Couple other little things, but nothing major or expensive.

General Comments:

Great gas mileage: around 28 in town and 35 highway.

Very comfortable, even in the back seat. No hump on the back floor either.

Very large and deep trunk.

Apparently the smoker's package is an option, because no lighter or ashtray in mine.

Good handling and decent acceleration. By no means a performance car, but not real slow either. Has yet to let me down, very reliable.

Great Honda quality, style and reliability.

Faults:

Absolutely Nothing.

General Comments:

This car is quick and handles like it's on rails.

The 4 cylinder engine is the smoothest in the business, nothing comes close to this type of refinement.

The rally shifter is flawless and completely ergonomic. It is in a completely natural performance driving position.

The quality/reputation of Honda speaks for itself.

The interior is really cool, and much better than that of it's competitors.

Faults:

Negligible rattles in headliner and dashboard at 25,000 miles.

General Comments:

This is my first car and I could not ask for any better.

It feels solid and well built, much like a more expensive model.

Small size and short turning radius makes for easy parking and emergency maneuvering.

Gas mileage is phenomenal; sometimes as much as 38 Miles Per Gallon. Average around 32.

Very practical. Surprisingly large trunk and rear seat for a car of its size.

Handling is almost BMW-esque. I drive frequently on winding roads and steep hills, and it turns corners quite smoothly, but the standard tires squeal easily during hard cornering.

Standard 1.7 Liter 4 Cylinder with Automatic transmission feels very lively around town, but requires a heavier throttle foot at freeway speeds and on steep hills. This car won't win the Le Mans, but it has plenty of get-up-and-go for nearly any driving circumstance, given that you are used to driving small 4 cylinder engines.

Automatic transmission shifts fairly smoothly, but feels odd at first and takes getting used to. It downshifts fairly promptly for passing, unlike most automatics in 4 cylinder economy cars. Unfortunately, It cannot be shifted into first gear. It only has shift positions for D3 (Locks out 4th gear), and 2nd. A disadvantage when driving on steep downgrades.

As in all recent Civics, the seats are very firm. They provide good support, but can get tiring on long road trips.

Controls and displays; generally clear and logical. The air conditioner is adequate, but could be better. Front and rear defoggers work efficiently. Low fuel warning light does not come on until the last gallon or so.

Engine noise is low to moderate and is louder during cold weather or hard acceleration.

Road feel is excellent and the ride is firm, but not overly so.

Steering wheel feels somewhat loose, but steering is crisp and responsive regardless.

A practical, affordable, reliable, and exciting car, if such a combination ever existed. This car is a joy to drive and is inexpensive to buy and maintain.

As a paycheck-to-paycheck college student, I find that this car meets all my transportation needs and is practical and low maintenance. A fun and sensible alternative to a sports car or SUV. Ideal for the student, new driver, senior, commuter, single, or childless couple seeking reliable and inexpensive transportation with driving fun, and low ecological impact.

I have driven this car in urban rush hour traffic, on winding mountain roads and everywhere in between at all times of day in all weather conditions. The car drives well no matter where you are.

I plan to own this car for as long as I am financially capable of keeping it running. When I do replace it, which won't be anytime soon, the replacement will most definitely be another Honda.