8th Jun 2008, 23:11
Brands like Honda and Toyota are known for reliability, but cars are complex machines with thousands of parts and they all develop problems eventually.
I've owned Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, GMs (Oldsmobile, Chevy), Plymouth, Jeep and Mercedes (prob the worst of them all). Cars are not invincible, parts fail. IMHO, the most important thing is that the drivetrain holds up and the car goes as long as possible before leaking or burning engine oil.
As for the comment about the EX, higher trim levels are never more reliable. In my experience, they are usually less reliable because they have much more gizmos and electronics that can go bad. Honestly the most reliable models are usually the bottom of the line, inexpensive models with the least amount of switchgear and electronics.
7th Sep 2008, 18:07
Basically 7th Gen. (01-05) civics are just bad, and my 1999 Civic Si is PERFECT, not one thing wrong with it and nothing major has every happened. I would recommend the 6th Gen. (96-00) Civic to anyone.
13th Aug 2009, 10:10
Dude, my 2000 Honda Civic EX has 182,152 miles on it. only time its been in a shop was for two timing belt changes at 80,000 and 160,000; oil changes every 3000 miles; new tires every 60,000 miles, and regular 3-month quarterly tune ups. This civic is the most reliable car I've ever driven. I've had it since it was new and it has never seemed to fail me. I live in Arlington Texas and I've taken it to Tampa, San Diego, Salem - Oregon. It's a beast on the highway.
20th Mar 2008, 16:58
Yep, I'm also going to have to agree with the last 2 comments. I've had my civic ex coupe for about a year now. Problem after problem, its unbelievable. Within the year I've had to replace some bushings, replace the old brakes, and get a new alignment because of it. So that already set me back quite a bit there. From there... a head gasket, my right tail light was short circuiting, the motor in the passenger window was dead and the struts need to be replaced (can hear creaking whenever I drive and am going over uneven surfaces, turning sometimes). Gosh... this car has been nothing but a headache to me with too much money put into it. Honda = reliable... HA try owning one of these for even a few months and I promise you'll be more aggravated than ever.