2008 Honda Civic

Summary:

I'm disturbed about the light colored seat fabric that leaves dark marks when I sit on it.

Faults:

The car is only 2 months old and has the Ivory fabric car seat material. The fabric has an outline in a dark color on the seat, lower back area, and left and right side of seat. Auto detailers can't get the dark color out by using their stronger products. Has anyone else had this problem with this light colored fabric? I think it is a warranty defect in the fabric.

I have taken it back to the Honda Dealer and have spoken to their Sales & Service Managers. They say it must be a dye from my dress clothes, but nothing comes out on the white cloths when they try to clean it. I have never sat on the seats with wet clothes; the color from my clothes doesn't come off on my office chair seat fabric or livingroom sofa at home. They said I should wear light colored clothing when I sit on the seats. I told them it shouldn't make any difference what I wear when I get into my car. A car seat fabric should be able to withstand dress clothing when a person is sitting on it. I told them it is ridiculous that I have to now worry about whom rides in my car for fear the color on their clothing might come off onto the fabric. Thoughts or suggestions anyone?

I haven't even taken my car in for its first 3 month checkup. I've been going round and round with Honda over this. I noticed Honda no longer offers the Ivory colored cloth seats in their 2009 model. I would never buy this color again. How can this be solved?

General Comments:

The ride is fine. It's fairly economical on gas. The stereo is fine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th November, 2008

10th Nov 2008, 01:41

There are a few things you can do. I had the same problem with the charcoal colored fabric in my Nissan Sentra. When I applied stain removers, the spotting was only worse so I do not recommend doing that. If your Civic does not have side-impact airbags, you can put a seat cover on the front seats that matches the interior of the vehicle. If it does have the side airbags do not do this as it could affect this safety feature in the event of a side-impact crash. Also, you could put a matching seat cover over the backseat of the car. One other option would be to read the owner's manual and see what the manufacturer recommends as far as cleaning the fabric is concerned. I understand your concern that the material is so easy to stain that you always worry what will stain it. Good luck in solving the problem.

8th Sep 2009, 20:18

Seat fabric color should be the worst problem you will have with this car... You will be happy 15 years from now when in retrospect, it was the only problem you've had :)

2008 Honda Civic DX-A 1.8

Summary:

Reliability is not everything

Faults:

Not a thing.

General Comments:

Reliable but absolutely not comfortable.

My young sons love it as it is definitely made for them, if you take the look and the design of the body and digitalized dashboard.

This tiny car is only good for fuel economy and a good means of transportation, but if I want to go on vacation, I will definitely not in any way take this car. It's too hard on my old body and ears.

I wanted to do like many have told me. But after months of owning this car, I think I will sell it to one of my sons, who will enjoy this little tiny uncomfortable car, and I'll buy a big American car like I use to have, even knowing they are less reliable but enjoyable. I am a real car lover, not an user.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2008

4th Apr 2009, 06:35

Comfort is definitely in the eye of the beholder. I find these cars comfortable. They make you know about every bump they cross, but they are still more comfortable to ride in than an earlier Civic or it's competitors. No small car has the seagoing ride of a big American car, but they're not meant to. I found these cars to be comfortable.