1980 Honda Civic Base from North America

Summary:

Hats off to Honda

Faults:

Nothing wrong; just needs annual tune ups, and valve adjustments are crucial for smooth running Civics. Brakes and oil changes.

General Comments:

I purchased this car from a man moving out of the country, and it always ran perfectly with just normal maintenance.

Then there was the day it got broadsided by a bus in downtown Los Angeles, The passenger side was V'd in and the glass broken the doors no longer met the sills of the car, and was now open to the elements. Luckily no one was in the passenger seat when the accident occurred, nor was I injured either.

So what does this have to do with my comments? As bad as this car was hit, it kept driving without a hitch. I kept it two years longer, and never had the damage repaired.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2010

1980 Honda Civic 1300 DXCC 1.3 CVCC from North America

Summary:

Fun drive for very cheap, and reliable

Faults:

Had to rebuild carburetor - $70 kit from dealer and an hour of time. Had to put new front brake pads on it, then the rotors warped because of the extra heat caused by the non-asbestos pads. So, had to replace the rotors with new ones. Can't blame that on Honda, the pad material change was required by US law.

No other repairs required, to nearly 190,000 miles.

General Comments:

I had sold my '82 Audi 4000S and got this car because I had changed to a lower-paying job and wanted out of the loan I had on the Audi. I expected the Honda to be a disappointment, but it surprised me. On the down side, the Honda was noisier than the Audi and the seats not as supportive. But that's all. Even though the Honda had a smaller engine than the Audi, it also weighed less, so it was every bit as fast. And, the Honda routinly got 45 miles per gallon on my mostly-highway commute. It handled GOBS better than the Audi - Audis in general are decent handling, but they try to isolate the driver from the road too much. The Honda was far more nimble. The manual steering on the Honda gave the driver a lot more useful road feel than the Audi's over-boosted power steering. The little 12" tires only lasted 20,000 miles, but then it was only $125 to get an all new set, and they never needed to be balanced, either.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2006

14th Feb 2006, 21:55

Please keep the car in good condition. They have become nearly non-existant in many parts of the country. Blame rust.Whatever, theyre a dying breed. Youre fortunate to have found one.

1980 Honda Civic CVCC 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Fun fun fun

Faults:

Carb is like a 80 year old smoker; even with the manual choke, she still hacks and coughs, regardless of climate or elevation.

Seats are shot, as is the heater. Aftermarket toggle switch installed to blow hot. Works like a charm.

Doors don't lock, and plastic clips in the back for the rear windows are also broken.

Timing belt. 150 bucks.

General Comments:

Best car I have ever owned, behind a 80 Corolla.

Bought for 500 bucks at a pawn shop. The car is rusty brown with yellow pinstripes. Rare auto tranny. Yes, it's a two speed. With the choke out and her in 1st, she will roast more than you might think. Goes about 150 k/ an hour too!

Been from Vancouver to Calgary many times, and still ticks. Rally car for sure; it loves gravel and getting sideways.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2004

1980 Honda Civic 5 speed base model 1.5 from North America

Summary:

I love my 1980 Honda Civic Wagon, wish I owned 5 of them!

Faults:

General wear and tear for a 24 year old car. Things replaced in the 4 years I've owned it. Both front axles, water pump, radiator hoses, front and rear brakes. Things that need to be done, seats replaced or re-furbished. I can't really say "things that have gone wrong" it really has been nothing major.

General Comments:

This little car with it's little engine, has get up and go like an old dog being taught some new tricks. I paid $1000 for it in 1-2000 and have spent maybe $1000 towards parts and whatnot. I could not ask for a better used car. I would buy another "Japanese Honda" in a heartbeat!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2004

22nd Dec 2007, 19:03

I drove one of these little cars back in 1985, it was a killer lil' car, great on gas, $3 would ride all day!!! Good doughnut in reverse on the dirt roads, man o man good times!!!

29th May 2009, 20:52

I inherited one of these from my folks, and drove it for over 5 years. What a dog! Reliable, gas efficient, yes. But tiny, uncomfortable, and ZERO performance. Even with a 5-speed stick it could barely do 80 downhill with a tailwind. And good luck hitting anything over 65mph going uphill. It was the happiest day of my life when I finally graduated from this TOY to a "real" car.