1999 Honda Civic LX 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Not as good as they are rated

Faults:

The radiator cracked at about 80k miles.

The cooling fan has had to be replaced. And then had to be fixed a second time.

The rotors started having problems at 60k mile area.

The oxygen sensor had to be replaced.

The drivers seat is defective and moves on stops.

The automatic door locks, stopped working within a few years. And the struts went bad at 70k.

General Comments:

I'm not very happy with Honda's quality. Aside from the major things like the radiator, struts, rotors, the car has too many annoying problems. It's a bit too rough on the freeway, and too noisy.

Also, the drivers seat should not slide on stops. I've heard this is a common problem on some Civics. The same with the automatic door locks breaking. Just not what you would expect from Honda.

I think Toyota has Honda beat on quality. I would not buy another Honda.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th January, 2010

1st Jul 2014, 05:51

I've owned both the 1999 Toyota Corolla and 1999 Honda Civic, and I can tell you that they each have their own problems. I purchased my Civic with 120K miles on it, and I have since driven it into the ground, only basic maintenance done. I am sure all of my struts are shot and original, with 240,000 miles on it currently. Everything you have replaced is original on my Civic; I have done the ignition control module, distributor o-ring, VTEC solenoid gaskets, crank and cam seals. I also change my automatic transmission fluid every other oil change (6,000 miles) because it's $8 a quart for Honda fluid and it only takes 2 1/2 quarts every change (it also only takes 15 minutes). I normally pour the used transmission fluid into the fuel tank 1/4 of a quart per full tank.

Civics are rough if you're used to driving a Lincoln, but compared to my Jeep it's a luxury sedan. They are a bit noisy on the highway too. You have to remember they were designed to be economy cars for people with a budget. Cry about door lock actuators that fail (they really fail in all modern cars). Just wait until you're in your Corolla and the door handle snaps off; yeah I had that happen multiple times, inside and outside.

1999 Honda Civic EX 1.6 VTEC from North America

Summary:

Good commuter car without any frills

Faults:

The Good:

Good MPG, VTEC, smooth manual shifter, shifts are effortless, but getting into reverse takes some skill and time. Cheap parts and very simple car to work on.

Bad:

Rattles, good amount of wind noise, interior can use a touch up.

The following are for my car, not in general:

The CEL (check engine light) came ON after 2 weeks of ownership, granted I bought the car used and should have done a more detailed check. Haven't figured out the problem, but it seems I am going to need a tune with new distributor cap, wires and plugs. Relatively cheap fix, but still money and time need to be spent. The car is leaking transmission oil, not a lot, but a cause for concern.

General Comments:

I like the car and would keep for a while as my primary work-home commuting car. I expect it to last a few year, and still have very good resale value.

Overall I am happy with my Civic and would definitely buy another.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2009

1999 Honda Civic EX 2 Door Coupe from North America

Summary:

This is a reliable and economical car

Faults:

Within the first 2-3 months of buying the car, the check engine light went on.

The dealership said it was a sensor issue.

#-4 months later I heard a rattling noise in the roof, but the service dept fixed the problem.

10 years later and it run like a charm. I have no worries. Trading because I need 4 door car that is larger to haul the kids around.

General Comments:

The car handles quite well.

Its braking is superior.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2009