1997 Honda Civic HX D16Y5 from North America

Summary:

Good high mileage car, but requires much maintenance

Faults:

Power windows, alternator, air conditioning compressor (2), clutch master cylinder, wiper motor.

General Comments:

Overall it's been a good car, but many American cars out there that I think would do as well or better.

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

Review Date: 15th September, 2009

1997 Honda Civic VTI Saloon 1.6 VTI from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I am converted, bring on VTEC

Faults:

Nothing yet so far.

The car came with no service history, but being a Honda I didn't hesitate, and all I did was change the cam belt.

And a quick service. They are right when they say that Honda's last forever.

General Comments:

This car is one of the best 1.6 cars ever built, in fact it's more powerful than cars twice its size. It's fast, very reliable and still returns around 30 mpg.

Mine is a 4 door saloon, so it's practical, with a decent sized boot and comes with all the creature comforts like AC, power steering, ABS, dual airbags, Discs all round, ABS etc. Handles really well too, wet or dry.

This car is definitely a future classic, nothing exists in its class that's so good fun to drive, well equipped or is this good value for money.

For a 12 year old car to be still this good, it's a real achievement.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2009

9th Jun 2009, 02:17

I've had a few of these Civics, they are brilliant cars, the engine will last forever if looked after properly, but watch out for rust on the body.

8th Oct 2022, 18:06

They are pretty much the perfect daily driver car, even a 1990s Civic today I could gladly use.

1997 Honda Civic VTI 1.8 from Poland

Summary:

Very very good

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Engine first. You wouldn't believe how rapidly mere 1.8 could fly if you didn't spend days or hours driving it. There is astonishing response both in terms of speed and sound when you fully open throttle ex 1,2, 3rd gears. Drive it along the wall or in the tunnel, push hard and what happens around 5800 rpm and higher will smash you. The sound brings to mind subaru`s boxers along with highly vibrating string. LSD is good addition, lets corner bends effortlessly with steady control and power transmitted more to outward wheel. It ensures lack of under steer. Entire lack! as long as you enter corner with proper revs and feet on the pedal.

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

Review Date: 24th August, 2008

1997 Honda Civic 1.4i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Most reliable car I have ever owned

Faults:

Rear suspension bushes were replaced at 60000 miles at a cost of £200 to pass MOT. (I couldn't tell they were faulty)

Exhaust system replaced at 105000 miles (£90) and again at 115000 miles (free of charge as still under manufacturers warranty)

Two front tyre's at 80000 miles.

General Comments:

We purchased this car 3 years ago for £1500 (US$3000) with 50000 mile on it. Apart from the above suspension bushes being replaced the car has been fault free in the 72000 miles we have owned it. The rear tyre's are still the ones on it when we purchased the car and I would not be surprised if they were the originals (123000 miles!).

This is by far the most reliable car we have ever owned and have only sold it as we now need a five door car as we have a child on the way. The service and repair bills for the last 72000 miles were less than £1000 and we sold the car for £900 so £1600 for 72000 miles is good value for money.

I have owned over 50 cars and this has to be one of the best!

We have purchased a 2002 1.4i Civic with 19000 miles on it, I just hope it will be as reliable as this one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2008

1997 Honda Civic HX 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Great car!!

Faults:

I had the manual transmission replaced because it was noisy. The noise was getting louder even though it ran fine for about 60,000 miles until I had it replaced when my original clutch went bad at 240,000 miles.

I had the famous cracked exhaust manifold problem along with primary O2 sensor failure.

Head gasket is about to fail, at this many miles you sort of expect it.

General Comments:

I still get around 40 mpg on combined driving.

If I knew parts were more expensive on the HX, I would have bought either a LX or EX.

I probably swap in a new motor to keep it going, the exterior and interior is in very good shape.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2008