Faults:

Nothing has ever gone wrong with this car or my previous Civic.

General Comments:

What can I say about this car other than fantastic. The best looking hatchback of it's generation with legendary reliability. This is the second Civic in this shape I have owned and only got rid of my last one because this one was such a bargain (also with special edition air conditioning). I've lowered mine by 40mm and put 16" alloys on it, but that's all it needs and it looks fantastic in silver. The handling is superb and the engine loves being taken past 4000RPM and higher, don't worry about thrashing it because as I've said this is my second Civic and they've never ever let me down in any way. The one and only regret I have is not trying to get hold of an ESI or VTI (both with the 1.6 VTEC powerplant) as I'd have liked to experience this fine car with a little more power. Though being honest the 1.5 is quick enough, but it's always good to go faster.

Problems if I'm being picky are front tyres wearing quite quickly though they do bed into a lovely groove which helps the car corner like a go-cart. Some people complain about the front seats being uncomfortable though I never found this, they are a bucket seat style that some people might not like. A few rattles, but nothing major that I've fixed with a little fettling and it's now as quiet as a church inside the cabin. The insurance group in the UK is too high for the performance so it's probably worth checking this out before you buy.

I'm now looking to buy an Alfa Romeo 147GTA, I hope this decision to leave the Honda brand and go for a notoriously unreliable brand doesn't come back to haunt me. I cannot recommend this car enough, have fun.

Faults:

When accelerating out of a gravel car park, a stone chip went through the air dam and cracked into the radiator. Other than that, I have had no major faults.

General Comments:

This is one fantastic car. Having not been treated with the highest of care, this car has carried on regardless. It was left unused for one year and started first time in winter when brought out from under the cover - and with very little petrol.

Not the fastest car around, but definitely punchy for what it is. V-TEC kicks in at 4500 revs although Honda say this model doesnt have it, but there is a definite punch. The manual gearshift is pleasant and forgiving.

Faults:

The major problem with the Honda Civics is the air conditioning. Mine broke in the second year that I owned it, so the repair was covered by warranty, and it broke a second time in its 9th year. I forget actually which part of the air conditioner does fail, but the warranty repairs were $1100 and I am expecting something comparable now.

General Comments:

Other than the air conditioning, I have had no problems with this car. I would certainly buy another Honda - they hold their value and are exceptionally reliable.

There are no faults with the interior - seats are in perfect condition, e.g. It is not the quickest car by any means, but the gas mileage is also exceptional, which is important for everyone in this economy I think!