2004 Honda Civic VT-X 1.7 VTEC from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Reliable, practical fun car, more than just an econo-box

Faults:

Nothing, but the clutch may be on its way, as it needs a double pump to get into reverse.

General Comments:

I find this car remarkable for filling so many requirements at once. We needed a larger interior for a growing family, and the space in the rear, especially legroom, is surprisingly large. I'm 182 cm, and with the driver's seat set for me, there is still good leg room behind me. The hatch space is large too, not as big as what we had on the 406 though. With the rear seats down, there is plenty of course.

Fitted up with 17 inch wheels, the handling is quite good, and the 5 speed manual has a slightly notchy yet precise feel to it. Spirited runs without the kids are still possible, and the car feels a bit sportier to drive than it appears to the eye.

The 1.7 VTEC engine is not a screamer, but has a reasonable mid range and excellent fuel economy. The brakes are well suited to the performance of the vehicle. Interior noise is far less than in a similar sedan version I've driven; not sure as to why that is.

Being the face lift hatch, it is well appointed from the factory, with ABS brakes, air conditioning, dual air bags, remote immobilizer, rear spoiler and body kit as standard. I discarded the original steel wheel and trim package upon purchase, as it really did look bland.

Would definitely buy a Civic again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2015

15th Aug 2015, 01:52

The car needed new reverse/5th syncro. Had the clutch done at the same time. Like new now. Gearbox may be a weak point.

15th Aug 2015, 18:21

Clutch issue sounds more like the slave cylinder, or perhaps the system needs to be bled.

2004 Honda Civic from North America

Summary:

Worth every penny

Faults:

Ignition needed to be replaced at 90,000.

Belts needed to be replaced twice.

Air conditioning stopped working well at 50,000.

General Comments:

Bought my car brand new off the lot and have been the only owner. This car has lasted me 11 years, and the most expensive problem to fix was replacing the ignition, which was approximately $650 besides the normal upkeep.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2015

2004 Honda Civic EX from North America

Summary:

Great performance; fair reliability

Faults:

Radiator replacement at 85,000 miles.

Hood latch assembly at 85,000.

Seat belt sensor at 80,000.

Leaking sunroof at 80,000.

Coolant system temperature gauge/thermostat at 80,000.

Wheel hub assembly at 75,000.

Gas door assembly broke at 40,000.

Airbag replaced at 18,000 (caveat: the car was in an accident

before I purchased it... probably associated with a defect).

General Comments:

The car is surprisingly quick in acceleration.

The car gets great gas mileage, of course.

Had hoped for better reliability. Most items that have been replaced are kind of frustrating, when comparing to my dad's 2001 Toyota Camry, which has had almost no issues in 155,000.

The car handles excellently in snow. Have never spun out, and blows past poor performing SUVs.

The car has decent hauling capacity for a coupe. However, the shape of trunk opening to the back seat makes it difficult to add large, long items.

Audio system is good but not great. Speakers sound pretty good, but the stereo has limited options for control and the CD player gets hot sometimes.

Interior comfort is nothing that amazing, but I've driven multiple whole day drives without feeling bad afterwards.

Gotta love the sunroof, even if it has been leaking as of late.

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

Review Date: 22nd January, 2014

24th Jan 2014, 00:11

Jeez, and only 85k on it?? My mid-90's Hondas didn't have that many little problems even at 200,000+ miles. Tells you something about the quality of late-model cars nowadays... I bet they don't even make them in Japan any more.

24th Jan 2014, 00:35

A bum radiator and a failed hood latch aren't just little problems, they can leave you stranded or worse. If that's how their top-shelf EX trimline holds up before 90k miles, I'd hate to see how much $$$ it'll take to keep it going past 190k. "They don't make 'em like they used to".

25th Jun 2015, 11:40

A damaged radiator and hood latch could have been directly associated with the accident you mentioned. Even if replaced, there can be alignment issues.