2006 Honda Civic LX 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Major MPG issues

Faults:

Battery stopped holding a charge after only two years old. Dealer replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

A tad expensive, but decent ride. Overall what you would expect from an average economy car. Accelerates and handles nicely, and generally comfortable.

Unfortunately, the car gets absolutely atrocious MPG, anywhere between 22-28 MPG. Yes, my tires are properly inflated. No, I don't drive like a maniac. I've contacted the dealer about this problem and they've assured me that this is normal. When I inquired about it being frighteningly off-course of the advertised 30 city, 40 highway mpg claims, I was told that was under "ideal conditions." As previously stated, my tires are inflated, my trunk is empty, and I'm driving with MPG in mind. How much more ideal can you get?

I mentioned that my first car was an 87 Porsche 944 with 180k miles, a 2.5 liter engine, and in desperate need of a tune up, and it got around 23-25 mpg, to which he said "huh." This doesn't seem to be a normal problem, as I've gone through forums trying to find possible answers from people with a similar problem, and almost everyone has come up with the same answer: the dealer says it's normal. I call BS, a little insignificant 1.8 liter engine getting 22-28 mpg is NOT normal.

If I decide to buy another Honda, or really any car from now on, it'll be after a 300-400 mile test ride to see how far off base the stupid EPA estimates really are. The only explanation I've seen is the ethanol blend in gasolines. Either way, still not happy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th April, 2009

27th Apr 2009, 20:40

You have my sympathy. Our Honda Civic was nothing but trouble from day one. It not only got much worse than advertised mileage, but it was the most shoddily built car I ever saw. At 40,000 miles the CV joints were clattering and oil consumption was a quart every 3 weeks. The brakes were horribly under-engineered and the car never even made it to 100,000 miles.

We will NEVER own another Japanese car... EVER. None of our domestics has ever had a single problem before 100,000 miles.

2006 Honda Civic EX from North America

Summary:

Great reliable fuel efficient car

Faults:

Absolutely nothing!!!

I have had the car a few months, and the only thing is when I purchased the car, the front speakers in the doors were not working, but not a problem, it was covered under the warranty with no problem since I just purchased the car :)

General Comments:

This is my first Honda car. My last car was a Dodge Stratus and that car had every problem in the book. I was constantly in the repair shop every month, so I desperately needed another car. I went ahead and purchased my Civic because of Honda's great reputation as being reliable.

This car drives like a dream, I get compliments on it everywhere I go, and I'm in love with the digital display on the dash.

The car handles great and is very fuel efficient, especially on the highway I get 35 mpg. I purchased the EX version, which comes with the sunroof and 16 inch alloy wheels.

My only complaint is that the visibility is a little poor and the car is underpowered, but other than that I love my little Honda Civic and I plan to keep it for a very long time.

The car handles great and the steering wheel is smaller than other cars, but I have no problem with it. The brakes are perfect; they stop on a dime when I need them to.

It has a good suspension body, and the interior is spacious and can hold 5 people comfortably.

Overall the Honda Civic is the way to go for its reliability, fuel efficiency, good looks, and its resale value, and I would recommend it to anybody and everybody :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2009